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.