Article Review #5- How to Use Technology in Education

Article Review #5- How to Use Technology in Education

By: Frederick M. Hess & Bror Saxberg

            In ‘How to Use Technology in Education’, Frederick M. Hess and Bror Saxberg both mention that when books were first introduced it helped many students, even when the teacher was not available because it gave the students a wide reach of knowledge. However, they are arguing that books are fixed because they have old information and technology is something that can be updated therefore all educators should use technology as their main source of teaching. They also mention that virtual instruction makes it possible for students to access real, live teachers, which sometimes is unavailable in schools. This is one point in the article that I disagree with. The mere fact that both Hess and Saxberg are stating that live teacher are not available in schools is irrelevant and false. Teachers are available in school; in fact it is one place in which they are available in almost all of the time. The logic that these authors are using behind this statement is false because teachers are always available to help the student body. Although teachers may not always have the answers to some questions, which would have been a better argument to make in this article, teachers still are able to guide students in the right direction. Some students need a human teacher to show them the right path, which is something that the computer will not be able to do. The compassion that a teacher can give students, a computer will not be able to give, not even in a million years.

            Nevertheless, something I do agree with in this article is that the authors mention that the books never hurt anyone nor did it work miracles however, the same goes for technology. Moreover, they state that they hope technology can reimagine teaching and learning just as books did, the difference is that this time they hope that the ‘hope’ part, turns into reality. I am also hoping that technology brings a better future for all.

How to Use Technology in Education 

Article Review #4- Students Technology in the Classroom

Article Review #4- Students Technology in the Classroom

By: Wes Rodgers

            In ‘Students Technology in the Classroom’ Wes Rodgers, states that technology in the classroom is no longer a new idea. He states that instead of complaining about this idea, we can actually look at the positive side and understand the importance of having it in our classrooms. He also states that computers can be used a means of communication which is something I completely agree with. Sometimes students are better off communicating with one another via the Internet about academics than not communicating at all with one another. Rodgers states that there are three advantages with technology in the classroom, the first one being the wide range of uses that has the potential to reach students of all learning styles. The second one being that there is a lot of interest/motivation involved with using technology. This is something I completely agree with. Living in the 21^st century, students are mostly motivated by the Internet and using such advantage can be proven to be very beneficial for both students and teachers. And the third advantage of why technology should be involved in the classroom setting is because technology helps better prepare educators for future lesson plans. I also agree with this because I cannot imagine having to write 100 sheets of lesson plans without a computer or Internet access; it would be too chaotic. Technology in the classroom definitely helps teachers in numerous ways and it should be implemented.

            Furthermore, Rodgers mentions the many important skills students gain by using technology in the classroom. He mentions that students improve on their attitudes, confidence, writing skills and math skills. Auto-correct helps students visually see their mistakes and they improve on them, which helps their writing skills tremendously. Students also watch less television and they improve their problem-solving/critical thinking skills by doing so. This article was very important for me because as an educator, it made me understand the importance and benefits of implementing technology in my classroom setting.

Students Technology in the Classroom

Article Review #3- Study: Emerging Technology Has Positive Impact in Classroom

Article Review #3- Study: Emerging Technology Has Positive Impact in Classroom

By: Ryan Lytle

            In ‘Study: Emerging Technology Has Positive Impact in Classroom’ Ryan Lytle, interviews Stacey Roshan. Roshan is an advanced placement calculus teacher at Bullis School in Potomac, M.D for grades three through twelve. Roshan states that students were ‘stupefied’ and left the classroom with more questions than answers when she would teach in the traditional classroom lecture method. After Roshan noticed that her students were not exceeding on the AP exams, she decided to change her teaching method.

            Roshan used Camtasia Studio, a screen recording and video-editing program to upload her lectures on iTunes and assigned the students homework using this method. She found that this method was much more effective than the traditional classroom lecture method. She calculated the data of her students’ exams comparing the two methods and she found that teaching with video gave students an average of 4.11 on their AP exam versus the 3.59 average before the video method. She also stated that approximately one-third of her students scored a five, the highest score you can receive on an advanced placement exam after she adapted to the video method. Lytle also stated that 78% of teachers have said that technology has a positive impact in the classroom because it makes students more productive.

            I believe that the spread of technology in the classrooms is inevitable. As children grow, technology will also grow and having it implemented in your classroom will not even be a question. Technology does have a positive impact in the classroom and I agree with Lytle because technology is not something you can stop from growing. Sooner or later, educators are going to have to implement technology in their classrooms because that will be the only way to accommodate students from this century. Not only will implementing technology in the classroom benefit students, it will also benefit teachers by making their lessons flow smoothly and promptly. 

Study: Emerging Technology Has Positive Impact in Classroom 

Digital Project- The Water Cycle- Jeopardy Game

Water Cycle- Jeopardy Time

The Water Cycle :)

The Lost Ring ;(

Beans Experiment- The Movie

After four tries, I finally got my time lapse video to be perfect. This was a great opportunity for me to learn how to make a time lapse movie. ENJOY :)

Beans Experiment DAY 30, LAST DAY :(

This is day 30 and last day of my beans experiment. The plant looks as if it is dying out since the bean is no longer attached. This was an interesting experiment to do and as a future teacher, I will consider using this experiment in my classroom.

Beans Experiment DAY 29

This is day 29 of my beans experiment. The small kidney bean is now officially detached from its root. Poor bean :( however, the plant itself is green as ever!

Beans Experiment DAY 28

This is day 28 of my beans experiment. The now black bean looks as if it is almost detached from the plant. My guess was right, it is dying. :(

Beans Experiment DAY 27

This is day 27 of my beans experiment. There is no changes in the color or height of the small kidney bean.

Beans Experiment DAY 26

This is day 26 of my beans experiment. Besides the small kidney bean turning really dark in color, there are no significant changes in the height of the bean growth.

Beans Experiment DAY 25

This is day 25 of my beans experiment. The small kidney bean looks a little brown that usual. Maybe its dying out, I don't know. 

The Water Cycle WebQuest

Please click on the link and check out my WebQuest on the water cycle . 

The Water Cycle WebQuest

Beans Experiment DAY 24

On day 24 of my bean experiment, I am left with only one bean. The small kidney bean seems to still be growing and the leaves are getting bigger! Also, QUARTER DOWN! 

Beans Experiment DAY 23

On day 23 of my beans experiment, I have completely given up on the pinto bean (1) and therefore I am taking it out of the bag! The bean is totally crushed and it seems to be making the paper towel turn into a brownish-yellowish color! PINTO BEAN OFFICIALLY DOWN! 

Beans Experiment DAY 22

On day 22 of my beans experiment, there seems to be no changes to both the pinto bean (1) and the small kidney bean (2). 

Beans Experiment DAY 21

On day 21 of my bean experiment, there seems to be no changes to the pinto bean (1) and the small kidney bean (2) is continuing to grow. The roots and leaves are bother getting much bigger. However, the bean has split in half, I hope that doesn't mean that this bean is also dying. :( 

Beans Experiment DAY 20

On day 20 of my beans experiment. The pinto bean (1) is still crushed. I decided to wait a couple of more days and see if grows anything. The small kidney bean (2) is showing great growth. I know that it is unclear from this picture but the roots are really long. Yay small kidney bean (2)! 

Beans Experiment DAY 19

On day 19 of my bean experiment, you can see that the pinto bean (1) has crushed and looks super ugly! I guess it is, PINTO BEAN DOWN!

Beans Experiment DAY 18

On day 18, it is clear that the small kidney bean (2) has grown a bit more than day 17. The pinto bean shows no changes. 

Beans Experiment DAY 17

On day 17 of my beans experiment, it is clear that there are no changes that took place after day 16. 

Beans Experiment DAY 16

On day 16 of my bean experiment, the pinto bean (1) has now lost its skin!!!! oh god! and the small kidney bean (2) is doing what its supposed to, growing beautifully! 

Beans Experiment DAY 15

On day 15 of my bean experiment, the pinto bean (1) seems a little swollen to me. Also, the small kidney bean (2) is continuing to grow. 

Beans Experiment DAY 14

On day 14 of my bean experiment, I CAN SEE LEAVES! The small kidney bean (2) is growing very nicely! 

Beans Experiment DAY 13

On day 13 of my bean experiment, it is visible that the small kidney bean (2) is continuing to grow. YAY! as for the pinto bean (1), I have given up on it! :(

Beans Experiment DAY 12

On day 12 of my beans experiment, i no longer have the butter bean in my bag. Also, you can see that the small kidney bean (2) is growing roots!!! The pinto bean (1) is forever 

Beans Experiment DAY 11

On day eleven of my bean experiment, you can see that the butter bean (3) is completely demolished. It actually started leaking when I pressed on it through the bag. I am going to remove it because it is obviously dead and it is just going to rot if I keep it there. So yup, BUTTER BEAN DOWN! 

My First Form

Digital Citizenship in Schools

Article Review # 2

Digital Citizenship in Schools

By: Mike Ribble

            

             In “Digital Citizenship in Schools” Mike Ribble mentions the nine elements of digital citizenship. He states the importance of following the rules of the digital world and being good digital citizens. This article made me realize the significance of teaching students about being good digital citizens. There are many youngsters who are exposed to our digital world who are not realizing that there are many rules and responsibilities that come along with using the Internet. As parents and teachers, we need to educate our children because you never know when your child or student will be using the Internet inappropriately and they are not even aware of it.

            Although there are nine elements to being good digital citizens, the three elements that struck me as most important are digital access, digital communication and digital health and wellness. It is too often when teachers ask students to type their homework up. However, the teacher should realize that he/she is leaving out those students who do not have access to a computer/Internet. I understand that we live in a society where Internet/computer access is available to mostly everyone yet; this does not mean that everyone has access.

            Furthermore, even if schools were able to provide each student with a laptop, who’s to say that these students will absolutely, make appropriate use of this advantage? As a future teacher, before I can introduce any type of online space, I will make sure my students understand the importance of digital communication. There have been many cases around the world in which students/young ones have lost their lives over the misuses of the Internet. I will make sure to teach my students why it is so important to respect one another on the internet and not promote cyber-bullying.

            Additionally, I remember in High School when I would abbreviate all my words because I was subsequently used to using the texting language. This had a negative toll on me because when I was taking my SAT exam, I had to sit there and remember how to spell again. Who knows, maybe I could have gotten a higher grade if it weren’t for my inappropriate use of digital communications. Also, I know for a fact that everyone of my peers was once a MySpace/Facebook addict. I personally would spend around 14-18 hours a day on the Internet and this also had vast negative bearings on my life. I had to get glasses because my vision was being affected by staring at the computer screen all day long. Plus, I was slouching my back more than ever. I had severe back pain for months because all I would do is sit on a chair and surf the Internet. Ribble states that computer ergonomics has tremendous negative consequences on our health and I wholeheartedly agree with him. Computer ergonomics had its effects on many of my peers and myself as well. Therefore, I will make sure to educate my students about the importance of digital health and wellness. 

            Children are very susceptible to the dangers of our digital world and it is our job as educators to educate them on the appropriate and inappropriate uses of it. We have to make sure that they are fully aware of what is really going on around them. They also need to be aware of the fact that there are many predators that surround their daily digital lives hence, they need to be cautious of what type information they are releasing on the internet. Further, if educators took a step and taught these nine elements to all of their students then those students will implement these elements to their outside lives, causing them to become good digital citizens forever.

Digital Citizenship in Schools, Mike Ribble

Beans Experiment DAY 10

This is day 10 of my beans experiment. So all my hopes for the pinto bean (1) has gone out the window. As for the small kidney bean (2), look, do you see green?!!! what does that mean?!! HOPEFULLY it still has some hope. The butter bean (3) has also joined its buddy the pinto bean (2), out the window.

Beans Experiment DAY 9

This is day 9 of my bean experiment. SAD SAD BEANS PLEASEEEEE GROWWWW!!!! You know how some people have "green thumbs", Yeah, I DON'T have it, its official!

Beans Experiment DAY 8

This is day 8 of my beans experiment. Sadly, no changes to any of the beans.

Beans Experiment DAY 7

On this day of my beans experiment, there were no changes to the pinto bean (1). The small kidney bean (2) really looks like its growing so I'm happy to say that I haven't killed that bean. Although, I see a little root growing out, I am officially convinced that my butter bean (3) has died. There was no water added and it is still sitting at the window sill taking in all the sunlight this winter weather has to give. Speaking of winter, I really think my beans aren't growing as fast as everyone else's because the beans are freezing since it is by the window sill. Maybe they would have grown faster in a warmer environment! Or maybe it is the sun, maybe they would have grown faster without the sunlight!

Beans Experiment DAY 6

This is day 6 of my beans experiment. OMG look at the small kidney bean (2) I see that it has bursted and it if you look closely you will see two small roots growing out of it. And, if you look really really closely at the butter bean (3) then you will see the tiny root growing from the middle of it. I think, not watering the beans helped a lot because you can actually start to see the little roots from two of the beans! Come on beans, YOU CAN DO IT!

Beans Experiment DAY 5

This is day 5 of my beans experiment. The pinto bean (1) has grown almost to the size of the quarter. The small kidney bean (2) shows no change since day 4 and the butter bean seems to have grown a little bit more. On day 5, I did not add anymore water because I thought maybe the beans were not growing due to there being a lot of water.

Beans Experiment DAY 4

This is day 4 of my beans experiment. The pinto bean (1) hasn't changed since day 3. The small kidney bean (2) has grown a little bit more than day 3 and the butter bean (3) has not changed since day 2. I added another 7oz of water on day 4 and then placed the bag of beans on my window sill. At this point, I believe I am doing something wrong because I am not seeing any green stems! Am I watering it too much?!!

Beans Experiment DAY 3

This is day 3 of my beans experiment. The pinto bean (1) has grown a little bit and so has the small kidney bean (2). The butter bean (3) is still the same as day 2. On day 3, I added another 7oz of water and placed the bag of beans on my window sill.

Beans Experiment DAY 2

This is Day 2 of my beans experiment. As you can see, The butter bean (3) has grown much large in size. The butter bean is almost the size of the quarter. The pinto bean (1) and small kidney bean (2) show no changes. I added another 7oz of water on Day 2 and then placed it on my window sill.

Beans Experiment DAY 1

The beans I am using for this experiment are 1. Pinto Bean 2. Small Kidney Bean 3. Butter Bean. Since I am using three beans, I decided to place two quarters instead of one, so that we are able to see the scaling of each bean. On Day 1 of the beans experiment, I added 7oz of water and I placed the bag of beans on my window sill since I wanted the beans to receive sun light.

Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants

Article Review #1

Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants

By Marc Prensky

As I first began to read Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants by Marc Prensky, I

remembered my dad complaining to my siblings and I last night about how much TV we watch.

He was highly upset at the fact that we haven’t seen the face of a library for over seven years.

After reading Prensky’s article, he truly has made me realize how far we've come into the future.

I believe that the digital divide has taken a huge toll on educators and learners. I agree when

Prensky states that students don’t want to learn from their educators merely because their

teachers are not up to date with their students. As a future teacher, I want to make sure that I am

able to accommodate all my students in the new “languages” that will come forth.

I would not consider myself as a “Digital Immigrant” only because when technology

really started to kick in, I was in elementary school. Moreover, I was able to learn and pick up

the new language as it was being created. However, I was exposed to the “pre-digital” period. I

remember having a typewriter in my house when I was about five years old. The digital period

however grew rather fast; it spurred in the course of five to six years. It wasn't until High School

when my teachers were trying new methods of teaching through the use of online space. It is said

that children learn much faster than adults because their minds are constantly working to the

world around them which is why I believe that I learned the language of the digital period much

faster than my parents who still were confused at the fact that there is something called an

internet.

I am sure that as time progress’, I will become the “immigrant” of something new,

therefore I want to make sure that I am constantly learning the new ways of teaching for my

students. I agree with Prensky when he states that teachers should follow the Nike model and

“just do it” instead of complaining about the past and how it was a better lifestyle. Time will

continue to fade away and as time progresses; everyone should begin to develop the new ideas

and ways of their era. However, it will be hard for some teachers to learn the new ways of

teaching but that does not mean that they shouldn't try. As teachers, we should always try to

keep up with the technology advances and techniques so that we can not only be better teachers

but also produce better learners for they are the next generation. When you really start to

imagine about the future it can prove to be a scary place because we are not prepared. The

teachers now who are “digital immigrants” have students in their classrooms that will one day

own a business or be a doctor and we need to prepare them for it is their generation not ours. If

the teachers of today continue to teach the way that they were learned then we are preparing our

students of the future for utter failure and nothing else.

Prensky states, "The presents that we live in, are the futures that our pasts have

imagined.” This is a very strong statement not because of the way it is worded but because of the

amount of truth it holds. We always imagine what our future would turn out to be like however,

we fail to see that our future is the present moment we live in because we've imagined it all in

the past. Furthermore, if we are going to imagine the future then we have to be prepared for the

future and be able to utilize what the future provides us.

Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants