Chapter 9 Reflection

Before reading this chapter, I had not considered the idea that the only output humans have for visual representation of ideas is mental images and dreams, and how this can be hard to share. Many of us are not skilled artists, like myself, so I like the idea of using digital cameras, phones, video production and video modeling with feedback. I had also never heard of interpretive and expressive tools. Interpretive seems to be great for explaining math concepts in a concrete fashion, whereas expressive visualization helps learners show their talents. As usual, I am realizing that technology can play a role in teaching and learning in even more ways. Technology can even be a form of allowing us to learn about ourselves, such as our strengths and weaknesses. For example, when I watch videos of myself in a dance performance, I can assess what I need to work on and get feedback from others. It is the best way to realize my weaknesses and strengths because I can actually see them. I am now convinced that virtually any type of technology can be incorporated into education.

As a future teacher, I am now open to having my students work with visualization programs more often. I could use geographic information systems to have them work on problem solving through real-life applications. I thought it was a great point that teachers “must be willing to let their students go” and that students need to understand there is not always one correct answer (p. 195). I have always struggled with tasks in which there are numerous ways to solve a problem because I was concerned that I was wrong. Therefore, I believe that using programs such as this could teach my students otherwise. This is something that would have likely helped me. I also believe that solving model real-world problems is extremely important. Related to this, I now think that I would use programs like Google Earth in the classroom in combination with SketchUp. I will definitely use other programs as well, such as TableTop. In MAE we read about the importance of students being able to collect, visually represent, and analyze data. Visualization is critical because it can really help learners (especially visual!) by allowing them to see abstract concepts in a concrete fashion. TableTop seems great because it allows students to predict and infer as well, and in SCE this semester, we learned that these are important skills for science. Also, I would have my older elementary students make digital documentaries and stories. I believe it is important for them to examine various issues in their worlds, as well as learn to cooperate and give feedback to others. Personal documentaries would be an enjoyable and engaging project as well because students would enjoy sharing with their classmates. I would like to do this at the beginning of the year to help the students become acquainted. If I teach primary grades, however, I am not sure how possible this would be. I do believe that they could create short movies, but it would require a lot of parents and teacher help. I would be interesting in doing some research on how to create videos and iMovies with young children.

Week 13 Exit Slip

Today I learned more about the different ways for students to design. I enjoyed learning about SketchUp and Musical Sketch Pad. Students would enjoy using these tools because they are hands-on and different. I also realized that each of us will likely use different technologies in our classroom due to personal preferences. I personally would like to incorporate design into my classroom, so now I am more aware of some programs used. I also learned about the many uses of Skype, TalkShoe, and Live Mocha. I would love to use Skype to take my students on a virtual field trip if we can't actually go somewhere or do not have the funds. Also, I could conference with parents or catch a sick child up with work if he or she cannot make it to class. TalkShoe also seems really great, and I could have my students collaborate with other students through videoconferencing to create podcasts, as well as use it to assist my ELLs. Last, I would love to use LiveMocha if I taught older students to expose them to new cultures/languages.

I also began to think about desktops versus laptops. My personal preference is a laptop due to its small, portable nature. However, I see that desktops may be less prone to damage or theft (plus they are cheaper) and therefore better in the classroom. However, a teacher may want a laptop so that she does not have to email herself work that she completed at work that needs to be finished at home. I do feel that desktops will become outdated soon because new technologies seem to be becoming smaller and more compact. I had also not realized about the financial concerns that stem from online dating. Someone tried to scam me on Facebook Marketplace before by saying that he would pay me $100 extra for a textbook. This was blatantly obvious, but unfortunately, many users may not realize this. I think older students should be aware of this.

Chapter 8 Reflection

I have not used technology to do much designing, except for starting my Scratch project this past week. Before reading this chapter, I had not considered designing with technologies are something that I would really use in my classroom. I think that is because I do not consider this to be something that I enjoy, but maybe it is because when I was a student, I was not exposed to designing with technology. It requires a lot of creativity and deep thinking in a way that I don’t believe is one of my better skills. However, the reading showed me that technology can and should be used for design. I think that it can be motivational for students because it would allow them to work hands-on in many subjects, such as music, math, and science. If students are designing their own things on topics they are interested in, they will be more invested in their work. I had also never thought about how designing is similar to problem solving. Now that I think about it, I think that the main difference is that in problem solving, the problem is already there, as well as many possible solutions. We usually just have to think of solutions and consider which are best. In designing, we in effect have to create a need/opportunity – the “problem” – and then create a whole new solution of our own, that may not work. I think this is the aspect of designing that makes it something that some people love and others find very challenging. This would be a great learning opportunity for real life as well as allow teachers to teach in a constructivist nature.

As a teacher, I think that I would have my students use Scratch to create their own games. I would only use it with older children though, because it seems too challenging for younger kids. Students could demonstrate creativity and expression as they selected topics and determined what would occur in the game. I could also have them use programs like Pro-Desktop to make sketches and drawings, as well as get feedback that I may not be able to provide (since I don’t consider myself to be an expert in this arena). I believe that programs like SketchUp would be for students to design a floorplan and 3-D model. I had to do this in the 6^th grade, but back then we had to hand-write our blueprints on graph paper and physically build our models. I also like the idea of using simulators to test ideas. Often, students will plan and build something, only to have it not work. Simulators could prevent this type of problem. I also made an animation in elementary school using technology that caused it to be very jumpy (I am not sure what we used). I remember it being a fun experience though, and so I would love to have my students use iStopMotion or similar software to create animations of their own that would be of higher quality. Last, GarageBand would be a great tool to use with my students. The other day we read an article for MAE 4310 about learning fractions through reading music. I think that composing music could also work to assist students in being creative and learning math concepts. I would like to learn more about the most recent design programs available for my classroom, especially ones for younger students.

Week 12 Exit Slip

Today I learned how students see learning as changing. Students wanted it to be social-based, which I believe will be beneficial because I enjoy incorporating social networking into my education. I realized the meaning of un-tethered learning – how we can learn everywhere and all the time – because we have so much technological access. Learning is also digitally rich because of this. I have realized how technology is shaping education more and more each week, but hadn’t thought about how kids viewed it.

I cannot believe how communicating with technologies has grown so rapidly! The video we watched in class surprised me with how big this is becoming. I am also now thinking more about how I am going to establish rules and guidelines for internet chat safety with my students. I would likely use EPals so that my students can have a great way to message each other and have discussions. I believe that these would be great to encourage shy students to socialize and respond more than they normally would. I also did not realize 6 people could speak at once on Skype. This would be great for my students who had internet access at home in order to complete projects when they are unable to meet physically. I also had never thought about using AIM as a game. I think it was enjoyable and students would like it. I also realized that using a fast-paced video keeps people engaged. Also, I have never thought about how podcasts have advantages because the user can stop/start it, etc. I think that this would make lectures more effective for students. However, students would not be able to ask questions. A discussion board could be added to help this problem.

I think that students need to learn about how to use technology, but not to the detriment of their health. I did not realize that virtual school enrollment was increasing so much. I feel that this could be negative because it makes school less personal, yet it could be positive because it does not have a set pace and can be focused on the individual student rather than the class. Last, I am shocked to hear about how video games control some people’s lives. I will encourage other things besides video games such as playing sports. Students need to know this is not reality.

As far as cool tools go, Woome.com is a site that I hope my students do not know about. It could be dangerous! It is another reason why they need to learn about internet safety. However, I think Ning.com would be fun for students to discuss their interests! We always talk about how kids will enjoy school more if they are interested, so I think they could benefit from this site. Additionally, DrawAnywhere.com seems great because it is online and free!

Chapter 7 Reflection

I realized even more so as I read this chapter how technology is such an integral part of students’ lives in and out of school. Teaching and learning and technology really do go hand-in-hand – socially and academically. The book said that kids were exposed to technology about 8.5 hours a day, and I think that number is probably increasing all the time. It amazes me how much students know about things like text messaging, iPods, etc. Many of my dance students, who are 7 and 8 years old, have their own cell phones and other gadgets. Today, one of my 5-year-old students even told me how she liked to play Wii bowling! Back when I was a kid, we would have just gone to the bowling alley or talked on our house phones. It amazes me how things have changed. This chapter basically served to explain to me even more ways that teachers can incorporate students’ use of technology into their education. The book states that, “technologies of various kinds can serve as bridges between school and students’ outside experiences if they are used in the right way within a supportive context” (p. 153). I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. It is our job to teach students how to make better use of the internet especially so that it becomes as asset rather than a distraction.

I think as a teacher, it is absolutely necessary to explain to students about the dangers of chat rooms and other online communication tools. Many young students are not aware of the fact that these types of technology can be dangerous. I think that students often do not realize how technology can take away from face-to-face interaction as well, so I think that we as teachers should model this. For example, texting during class when we should be talking with students would not be the best idea. However, things like computer conferencing over Skype would be a great way to communicate with parents if they cannot meet face to face. Also, we have used tools like threads and discussion boards for our education classes, and I find that they lead to more in-depth discussion. This is something I may use in my classroom to help those students who are shy or non-native speakers and also to make my students think on a deeper level because they have a chance to think about their response more before they make them. As the teacher, I could serve as a discussion moderator and hopefully lead students to develop more critical thinking skills. Additionally, the book said that this helps with the time constraints in schools, and I certainly agree. I also think that students should be encouraged to use cell phones, Skype, or Facebook chat-type programs to discuss homework or other assignments (depending on their age). I have found this to be so helpful to my own education. The only drawback is that it would require students to have internet and video capability, which they may not. Last, I think that I would love to incorporate videoconferencing into the classroom. Students would be able to have guest speakers without them having to make the trip that in the past would have prevented them from coming. I would even have students create and listen to podcasts.

Week 11 Exit Slip

Today I learned about the potential uses of Poll Everywhere, Flickr, and Slide Rocket. I think that any of these can be used in the classroom. I could poll students or parents about a variety of topics, organize, label, and share pictures, and create presentations for lessons or have students share presentations. I am continuously realizing how most technologies can be adapted for classroom use. I also had not considered before that job loss could be related to technology. This is definitely an issue that could affect my students and their families. I feel that students need to be aware of the fact that they need to work hard in school so that they will develop skills and be able to go to college. Our job is to do our best in teaching our students. I had also not really thought before about how easy technology makes it to cheat. I think that as a teacher, I need to be aware of student attempts to cheat and also encourage students to use technology in a positive and fun way. If students do not have a desire to learn something, they may choose to cheat. I feel that students would not want to cheat if they really enjoyed what they were learning.

Next, I learned that typical animation has 30 frames per second. I did not realize it was this high! The three phases of animation are pre-production (planning and organizing), production (filming - capturing images), and post-production (editing and sharing). I realized that animations can be used to share opinions and information, whereas before I had only thought of them as Disney movies, etc. I had crated an animation a long time ago, but the technology was very different. Animation would be something that I think students would enjoy, and I think I will also have fun doing this project with my group based on my past experiences. I learned that FrameThief can be used on Macs to make a stop-motion animation. This program offers a lot of unique features that make it simpler to see the changes between each shot. After this, iMovie allows you to put the pictures in and create a final product. This is definitely completely different than what I used in 4th grade and I'm sure it will continue to evolve.

Last, I learned about the many uses of Scratch, such as models, tutorials, simulations, games, or animations. I am starting to think about how I can make my project really engaging and interactive. I am going to explore topics and examples this week, and am thinking about what would be a good topic. I feel that almost any topic could be addressed.

Week 9 Exit Slip

Today I developed some new thinking in regards to students developing their own models, simulations, and concept maps. I feel that using mind tools would truly help them become engaged on a deeper cognitive level as compared to previous technologies we have learned about. I also realized that parents and teachers can use blogs to interact if they are not able to talk face-to-face. Blogs would also be helpful if students are absent or did not finish work in class. Teachers could even have students use blogs as a modern form of the traditional journal. It would be much more convenient and eliminate teachers having to carry around 25 journals to read and respond to. I also am continuing to see how many resources are available for teachers online.

I think that using the cool tools such as DropBox to backup files would be useful and convenient, as I have only used jump drives, email, and CDs before. I am also realizing that body image is something I will have to deal with in the classroom, even in the primary grades, so I need to make sure that I am paying attention to what images children believe to be real - and then explain/show them that they are not. Violence is also something that is even a part of children's educational games, so I will have to be aware that students may believe that violence is acceptable. Social networking is becoming popular with kids as well, and has possible dangers and social issues that can result. Therefore, it is crucial that we keep in contact with parents about these issues and talk with students ourselves.