iPads in Local Elementary School

Image Source:  http://www2.wnct.com/news/2012/sep/28/4/lighting-torch-excellence-ipad-grad-ar-2647235/

I happened upon this article the other day when working on another assignment.  One school in Greenville, NC purchased iPads for every 3-5 grade student to use for the classroom.  I think this is a great step in the right direction for technology to be more incorporated into the classroom.  The video explains that the teachers worked over the summer to come up with lessons and ideas in using the iPads.  You can see that the students are very excited to be chosen to use the iPads, which in turn will motivate them to want to learn, using the iPads.  I think it is awesome that Pitt County Schools is able to do this and hope to see more of this.   How exciting!

http://www2.wnct.com/news/2012/sep/28/4/lighting-torch-excellence-ipad-grad-ar-2647235/

ISTE's NETS and NC Technology Standards

The ISTE NETS standards for teachers include the following:

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning
   and Creativity
2. Design and Develop Digital Age Learning
   Experiences and Assessments
3. Model Digital Age Work and Learning
4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship
   and Responsibility
5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

These standards must be met by all teachers. By aligning with the NETS standards, teachers will "engage students and improve learning; enrich professional practice; and provide positive models for students, colleagues, and the community." 

The NC Technology Standards for grades K-5 include the following:

• Sources of Information
• Informational Text
• Technology as a Tool
• Research Process
• Safety and Ethical Issues

As an upcoming teacher, all of the above standards are very helpful in knowing what is expected of teachers, in reference to incorporating technology into the classroom.  I love learning new technology (even though I still have a lot to learn) and look forward to sharing and utilizing technology with my students!

References:  http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/nets-t-standards.pdf?sfvrsn=2

; http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/docs/acre/standards/new-standards/info-technology/gradek.pdf

21st Century Learners

Thinking back to my classes in high school, most consisted of teacher lectures, some using overhead projectors, while students listened and took notes.  Technology was incorporated via keyboarding and computer application classes. {After thinking about this, I feel ancient, even though I've only been out of high school for 10 years...which goes to show how quickly technology changes}  When teaching 21st century learners, technology should be integrated into the content/curriculum and not taught as a separate topic.  21st century learners are typically familiar with technology.  As an upcoming teacher, it is exciting to think about all of the possible ways technology could be integrated into lessons! 
The TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) model shows how technology, pedagogy and content should all be integrated into lessons.  This is a very helpful quote I found regarding TPACK  "True technology integration is understanding and negotiating the relationships between these three components of knowledge. A teacher capable of negotiating these relationships represents a form of expertise different from, and greater than, the knowledge of a disciplinary expert (say a mathematician or a historian), a technology expert (a computer scientist) and a pedagogical expert (an experienced educator). Effective technology integration for pedagogy around specific subject matter requires developing sensitivity to the dynamic, [transactional] relationship between all three components."  ( http://tpack.org/tpck/index.php?title=TPCK_-_Technological_Pedagogical_Content_Knowledge)
I think that by incoporating TPACK into my classroom, although it may be challenging at some points, learning will be more exciting, engaging and meaningful.

http://www.edutopia.org/ikid-digital-learner-technology-2008

SMART Boards

Image Resource:  edcompassblog.smarttech.com

During my summer session 1 class, I completed my practicum in a local Kindergarten class.  Each morning the students would gather in the front of the room and take turns using the SMART board.  This was the first time that I had ever been exposed to a SMART board and I thought it was the coolest idea!  {If you have never seen or used a SMART board, I think it is also known as an interactive white board, it is similar to a regular white board; however, it is hooked up to the computer and what is on displayed on the computer, displays on the white board.  Objects can be moved on the white board (which moves the objects on the screen -- as seen in the first image below), the white board can be written on, etc.} The teacher had various activities that were used on the SMART board - some of these included the days of the week, the date (month, day and year) and the weather.  Students were called upon to come to the SMART board and either write in the correct answer or use a special pointer to move the correct objects around. 

Since it was the end of the school year when I did my practicum, the students were very familiar with the board and could use it with little or no assistance.  I can only imagine the excitement at the beginning of the year as a Kindergarten student getting to use this (I'm an adult and loved it!).

I think SMART boards are an excellent way to incorporate technology into the classroom.  Everyone can see the screen well, there are countless things that can be done with the SMART board and all of the students can take turns participating.  How fun!

This blog contains some interesting articles about SMART boards:

http://teacherslovesmartboards.com/2008/03/smart-board-art.html/

Image Resource:  teacherslovesmartboards.com

Image Resource:  appledistrict.com

Reflections - Module One

"Reflecting On What I Know" from Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom: Skills for the 21st Century by Gary R. Morrison and Deborah L. Lowther.  Boston: Pearson, 2010.

Chapter 1

1)  Must I use a inquiry-based learning approach in my classroom to use computers as a tool?  Inquiry-based learning approaches do not have to be used in the classroom to use computers.  If the approaches are chosen to be utilized, they can be adapted to the teacher's style . The three approaches in the text are:

• Inquiry-Based Learning:  start with a question and engage students in problem-solving activities
• Problem-Based Learning:  encourages the development of understanding tand skills through exploration and experimentation
• Project-Based Learning:  an active learning strategy that typically focuses on a problem

2)  Can I still use tutorials and drill-and practice software?  Yes, this software and tutorials can still be used; however, applicaitons and approaches should be chosen based upon the teacher's sttyle.

3)  Won't I have to spend a great deal of time to develop these units of instruction?  Developing these instructions to integrate technology into the classroom will take some time, like everything else.  By doing so, it will be worth your time and students will gain a lot from utilizing this technology.

4)  Won't every student need a computer to use it as a tool?  Although it would be nice if every student could have their own computer in a classroom, this is not always the case.  Integrating technology and computers into the classroom can be done effectively with only a few, or only one, computer in the classroom.  Being creative and ensuring to involve all students is the key to effectively using only one computer in the classroom.

Chapter 3

1)  Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing?  It is important to keep learning about changing technology because the students are always changing.  In order to reach your students in your instruction with technology, you need to understand your audience. 

2)  Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile devices, so why do teachers need to use both?  It is important for teachers to use both so that students will understand how to use both.  Mobile devices are nice; however, a lot of things are much easier to see on a computer or there may be more options offered on computers.  Also, in most workplaces, computers are used to complete work; however, with all of the new technology it is important to learn about it all.  Overall, students need to be exposed to multiple types of technology to understand their intended usage.

3)  How can the cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are often limited in number and scope?  The cost can be justified because specific digital devices perform the funcitons much better.  For instance, a digital camera can take much better pictures and offers many addiitonal options for better pictures, even though a mobile device takes pictures.  So even though some devices may perform mutltiple functions, it is also important to have certain digital devices that only perform limited functions.