I think it is good when different businesses try to work together with school to help provide different technologies and other products. These partnerships can be very beneficial to schools, especially ones that are in urban settings and can not afford different technology products. Before a school comes into partnership with a business, I think they should make sure that the business has the best interest of the students in mind. I know that many of these businesses are looking for some type of financial gain from these partnership but they should make sure that students are receiving an educational gain from it. As John Richards (2001) mentioned schools are places where students need to feel safe. Its up to the schools to ensure they are putting the students first when entering into different business partnerships and beware of the traps and land mines mentioned by Richards (2001).
I currently do not have my own classroom but I have noticed how the schools that I substitute in prepare their students for the SOLs. At one school they use the last 30 minutes of school for their SOL review time. During this time, teachers review concepts by reteaching, review sheets, games, and practice tests. The only technology that I have seen used for SOL review is the computer game “SOL to Go”.
Richards, J. (2001). Strategies for creating successful corporate partnerships. In
LeBaron, J.F. & Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology
infusion in schools. San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
LeBaron and Collier Chapter 5
I agree that many teachers may find it difficult to integrate technology into the classroom because they do not have a vision of technology in the learning process. Many teachers are having a hard time seeing exactly what they need to do with these new technologies. I believe that ongoing staff development is important when it comes to integrating technology. Technology is constantly changing and upgrading and teachers should be kept up to date with the current trends. There is so much that goes into integrating technology. Not only does teachers need to learn how to use technology, they also have to be able to teacher their students how to use it. There are also the issues of which technology to use for particular lesson and proper evaluation of new software programs. Maybe a few times throughout the school year there should be staff development sessions focus mainly on technology integration.
Of the 4 different approaches technology integration that was mentioned, I think I like the inquiry and action research for technology integration the best. This is because it seems with this approach the teachers are able to research the technology and other strategies that would work best with their curriculum and the learning of their students. The teachers know what is needed within their schools and would be able to work in study groups to try and meet some of their needs through the integration of technology.
Collier, C. (2001). Staff development for technology integration in the classroom. In
LeBaron, J.F. & Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology
infusion in schools. San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.
Of the 4 different approaches technology integration that was mentioned, I think I like the inquiry and action research for technology integration the best. This is because it seems with this approach the teachers are able to research the technology and other strategies that would work best with their curriculum and the learning of their students. The teachers know what is needed within their schools and would be able to work in study groups to try and meet some of their needs through the integration of technology.
Collier, C. (2001). Staff development for technology integration in the classroom. In
LeBaron, J.F. & Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology
infusion in schools. San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
I think it is sad to see the many differences among schools across the nation. I do not think that all schools should be exactly the same but I do feel that every child should have the same educational opportunities no matter their background or where they might live. But as Eileen Gallagher (2001) mentioned, technology is expensive. Because of this many urban schools children are missing out on a number of these opportunities. For children who attend urban schools that can not afford these technologies, they may eventually be left behind, the working environment, by those students who may have had these opportunities. The United States is one of the riches countries in the world so I do not see why any of our schools should have to struggle for money; but sadly it happens.
Before reading this chapter, I did not realize the different challenges many urban schools face when it comes to technology integration. I agree with Gallagher (2001) about we needing to find a way to provide technology to urban school and any other schools that may be in need. We are in the technology age and many businesses are going to require that their employees know something about technology. It is up to the schools to prepare our youth for the job force. But this can not be done in schools where the average of student per computer with Internet access is 20 to 1 or worse 67 to 1 (Gallagher, 2001).
References
Gallagher, E. (2001). Technology for urban schools: Gaps and challenges. In LeBaron, J.F. & Collier C. (eds.). Technology in its place: Successful technology infusion in schools. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Before reading this chapter, I did not realize the different challenges many urban schools face when it comes to technology integration. I agree with Gallagher (2001) about we needing to find a way to provide technology to urban school and any other schools that may be in need. We are in the technology age and many businesses are going to require that their employees know something about technology. It is up to the schools to prepare our youth for the job force. But this can not be done in schools where the average of student per computer with Internet access is 20 to 1 or worse 67 to 1 (Gallagher, 2001).
References
Gallagher, E. (2001). Technology for urban schools: Gaps and challenges. In LeBaron, J.F. & Collier C. (eds.). Technology in its place: Successful technology infusion in schools. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Technology in its Place Chapter 2 & 4
I think it is important to have a well detailed plan when it comes to integrating technology into the curriculum. Whenever you try something new in the classroom it is essential that schools make sure that it would benefit the students’ learning. To effectively plan technology integration in schools I think you first have to determine exactly what the technology is need for. You do not just want to buy different technologies and when they arrive you are wondering what to do with these new technologies. There should be some goals of what you want these technologies to accomplish within the curriculum. Once specific goals have been made, school administers and teachers can continue in the planning of integrating technology into the curriculum.
Properly used of technology in the classroom can result in successful technology-based learning environments that support higher-order thinking. This can also bring about enhancing student motivation in the classroom. To achieve some of these goals schools need to ensure that they are investing in the right technologies. I think that it is important for school administers and teachers to carefully research different technologies uses in the classroom to make sure that the technology will contribute to a positive learning environment.
LeBaron. J. (2001). Curriculum planning for technology-rich instruction. In LeBaron, J.F.
& Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology infusion in schools. San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.
Jarvela, S. (2001). Technology and learning: Getting the story out. In LeBaron, J.F. &
Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology infusion in school. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Properly used of technology in the classroom can result in successful technology-based learning environments that support higher-order thinking. This can also bring about enhancing student motivation in the classroom. To achieve some of these goals schools need to ensure that they are investing in the right technologies. I think that it is important for school administers and teachers to carefully research different technologies uses in the classroom to make sure that the technology will contribute to a positive learning environment.
LeBaron. J. (2001). Curriculum planning for technology-rich instruction. In LeBaron, J.F.
& Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology infusion in schools. San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.
Jarvela, S. (2001). Technology and learning: Getting the story out. In LeBaron, J.F. &
Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology infusion in school. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Wiske, et al. Chapter 3, 4, 5, & NCLB
Chapter 3
New technologies have brought about many new learning opportunities for students. These technologies allow for students to go beyond the textbook to get a better understanding of the topic and possible relate it to their own lives. Wiske, Franz, and Breit (2005) mentioned that different technologies, such as the Internet, expand the variety of curriculum materials and means for accessing information. I agree that these new technologies will help students to become more engaged in their learning. I also that that students learn better when they are able to connect what they are learning to past experiences and able to relate what they are leaning to other topics from other subjects.
Chapter 4
It is important that teacher make educational goals clear for student so that they students will fully understand what their teacher expects from them. Wiske, Franz, and Breit (2005) mentioned that the teacher’s goals should be explicit, clear, and coherent so that student can achieve. I think when it comes to technology many teachers do not fully know how to integrate it into their lessons so their goals are not clear about it use in the classroom. Once there are clear educational goals, teachers can think of ways to integrate technology to support and achieve these goals to help students learn for understanding.
Chapter 5
I agree with Wiske, Franz, and Breit (2005) about how it is important for students to be active in their learning and stretching their minds and not always passively receiving knowledge from their teachers. I think when student are more actively involved in their learning than they are more likely to understand what they are learning. Integrating technology into the lessons can help in active learning and teaching for understand. I like that idea of performances of understanding requiring students to go beyond what they have been told or what they read in a textbook. Technology can help student research these ideas more to learn different view points of a particular topic.
NCLB
For schools and teachers, NCLB brings about more accountability. More responsibility is place on schools and teachers for the learning and achievement of students. Also NCLB gives schools more funding for students’ educational needs. I think these are positive aspect of NCLB. All students should have the best educational possible for them regardless of their background. The negative side of these aspects is that there is a lot of pressure placed on schools and teacher to ensure that all students achieve. Because of this, many schools and teachers are more focused on their students passing particular tests and meeting certain goals instead of teaching for understanding.
NCLB allows for parents to be more involved in their child’s education. Parents are provided with report cards so they can see the progress of their child’s school. NCLB also allows parent the choice to have their child attend another public school at the schools school’s cost if their particular school is not reaching certain goals and needs improvement. I think the NCLB has the best interest of students in mind. But overall it seems to me that NCLB is frustrating a lot of teacher who are trying hard achieve these goal so that all of their students will achieve.
References:
Wiske, M., Franz, K., & Breit, L. (2005). Teaching for understanding with technology. Market Street, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
U.S. Department of Education (2005, September 19) No Child Left Behind. Retrieved
February 19, 2007, from http://www.nclb.gov
New technologies have brought about many new learning opportunities for students. These technologies allow for students to go beyond the textbook to get a better understanding of the topic and possible relate it to their own lives. Wiske, Franz, and Breit (2005) mentioned that different technologies, such as the Internet, expand the variety of curriculum materials and means for accessing information. I agree that these new technologies will help students to become more engaged in their learning. I also that that students learn better when they are able to connect what they are learning to past experiences and able to relate what they are leaning to other topics from other subjects.
Chapter 4
It is important that teacher make educational goals clear for student so that they students will fully understand what their teacher expects from them. Wiske, Franz, and Breit (2005) mentioned that the teacher’s goals should be explicit, clear, and coherent so that student can achieve. I think when it comes to technology many teachers do not fully know how to integrate it into their lessons so their goals are not clear about it use in the classroom. Once there are clear educational goals, teachers can think of ways to integrate technology to support and achieve these goals to help students learn for understanding.
Chapter 5
I agree with Wiske, Franz, and Breit (2005) about how it is important for students to be active in their learning and stretching their minds and not always passively receiving knowledge from their teachers. I think when student are more actively involved in their learning than they are more likely to understand what they are learning. Integrating technology into the lessons can help in active learning and teaching for understand. I like that idea of performances of understanding requiring students to go beyond what they have been told or what they read in a textbook. Technology can help student research these ideas more to learn different view points of a particular topic.
NCLB
For schools and teachers, NCLB brings about more accountability. More responsibility is place on schools and teachers for the learning and achievement of students. Also NCLB gives schools more funding for students’ educational needs. I think these are positive aspect of NCLB. All students should have the best educational possible for them regardless of their background. The negative side of these aspects is that there is a lot of pressure placed on schools and teacher to ensure that all students achieve. Because of this, many schools and teachers are more focused on their students passing particular tests and meeting certain goals instead of teaching for understanding.
NCLB allows for parents to be more involved in their child’s education. Parents are provided with report cards so they can see the progress of their child’s school. NCLB also allows parent the choice to have their child attend another public school at the schools school’s cost if their particular school is not reaching certain goals and needs improvement. I think the NCLB has the best interest of students in mind. But overall it seems to me that NCLB is frustrating a lot of teacher who are trying hard achieve these goal so that all of their students will achieve.
References:
Wiske, M., Franz, K., & Breit, L. (2005). Teaching for understanding with technology. Market Street, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
U.S. Department of Education (2005, September 19) No Child Left Behind. Retrieved
February 19, 2007, from http://www.nclb.gov
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Using Technology Appropriately
The chapter Using Technology Appropriately brought up very important issues that schools should be concern about when integrating technology with the educational environment. Schools can not just bring in any kind of technology and use any type of software and website and just assume that everything will be fine. Because technology is changing so rapidly it is important that schools carefully evaluate the material being presented to students through these new technologies. I agree that before new technology is brought into the classroom items such as policies, copy rights issues, and child safety should be researched and evaluated. This should be done periodically to ensure that they meet the current needs of the school (Friel, 2001).
Once this technology is brought into the classroom I feel it is the teachers and other library media specialist job to teach students the proper ways to assess and use information received. With the computer, it is very easy for a student to copy information found on a website and paste it into his or her report. As Friel (2001) mentioned there are websites that sells term papers to students. Because of this students should be taught how to find information on the Internet in how to cite it into their reports with out plagiarizing.
I think that when teacher assign students to research information on the Internet, they should first check out appropriate websites first. The ones that have been approved by the teacher will be the only websites that students can use. While students are using the Internet, teachers should closely monitor to ensure that the students are only using websites that have been approved.
Reference:
Friel, L. (2001). Using technology appropriately: Policy, leadership, and ethics. In
LeBaron, J.F. & Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology
infusion in schools. San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.
Once this technology is brought into the classroom I feel it is the teachers and other library media specialist job to teach students the proper ways to assess and use information received. With the computer, it is very easy for a student to copy information found on a website and paste it into his or her report. As Friel (2001) mentioned there are websites that sells term papers to students. Because of this students should be taught how to find information on the Internet in how to cite it into their reports with out plagiarizing.
I think that when teacher assign students to research information on the Internet, they should first check out appropriate websites first. The ones that have been approved by the teacher will be the only websites that students can use. While students are using the Internet, teachers should closely monitor to ensure that the students are only using websites that have been approved.
Reference:
Friel, L. (2001). Using technology appropriately: Policy, leadership, and ethics. In
LeBaron, J.F. & Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology
infusion in schools. San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Chapter 7 & 8 Technology in its Place
I think anytime a new idea or program is introduced within a school, it is essential that there is good leadership to ensure that it is a success. Also as mentioned by Perry and Areglado (2001), Leadership is necessary to help overcome obstacles. In this case it is the obstacles of integrating technology into instructional practice. I think good leaders in schools are always looking for ways to take the school to another level instead of waiting to do something when a problem arises. The leaders, usually the principal, will not have all of the answers but it is up to them to research resources available. I think it is important that the leaders stay caught up with current trends in education and the best was to use technology in the classroom.
When it comes to integrating technology, good leadership is needed to develop a plan that would best benefit the students and teachers. This plan will help in gaining support from the public. Zimmerman (2001) mentioned that to develop a good plan you must first have vision of what it will look like. It is also important to include data showing how technology will benefit student learning. Once the leaders have developed a plan it can be presented to the public. I feel that schools should get the public more involved in educational issues. If schools do not let the public know the real issues when it comes to technology and other educational concerns then they may end up losing a lot of money and support in areas where it is really needed.
Reference:
Perry, G., & Areglado, R. (2001). The computers are here! Now what does the principal
do? In LeBaron, J.F. & Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology infusion in schools. San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.
Zimmerman, I. (2001). Building public support: The politics of technology
transformation. In LeBaron, J.F. & Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology infusion in school. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
When it comes to integrating technology, good leadership is needed to develop a plan that would best benefit the students and teachers. This plan will help in gaining support from the public. Zimmerman (2001) mentioned that to develop a good plan you must first have vision of what it will look like. It is also important to include data showing how technology will benefit student learning. Once the leaders have developed a plan it can be presented to the public. I feel that schools should get the public more involved in educational issues. If schools do not let the public know the real issues when it comes to technology and other educational concerns then they may end up losing a lot of money and support in areas where it is really needed.
Reference:
Perry, G., & Areglado, R. (2001). The computers are here! Now what does the principal
do? In LeBaron, J.F. & Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology infusion in schools. San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.
Zimmerman, I. (2001). Building public support: The politics of technology
transformation. In LeBaron, J.F. & Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology infusion in school. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
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