This week you read Chapter Four: “The Technology Upgrade”
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are some great tips in this chapter, including: start with the
familiar; assessment on content is a high priority; and if you are
really courageous, explore some PBL!
This week in the Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide I was reading Chapter Four: The Technology Upgrade. This quote according to Doug Johnson gives a perfect overview of the chapter. “The activities that require originality and creativity and the use of technology in order to solve a problem are just plain fun for both students and teachers” (page 111). The chapter gives an overall view on why it is important to use upgraded technology as well as how to do that. According to Doug Johnson, “as a teacher, you can ease your way into integrating technology into your instructional practice by taking something you already do and adding a technology upgrade. The easiest way for a teacher to make sure this occurs is when the student is writing. Instead of having the child write on a paper with a pencil the student can use technology by typing out the writing. With using technology in the classroom there are different types of benefits. The students are able to use their creativity while learning and participating. A big part of this chapter is that the teachers need to assess technology enhanced student work. This is done through a multiple step process. The first part is describing what you would like the student to focus on, such as concrete terms. The second is to create different lists for both the content being shared and how the content is being shown whether it a PowerPoint, video, or movie. The third is to show the students how the assignment is done by showing them high quality past assignments. Forth is giving the children step-by-step detailed instructions in order to fulfill the project correctly. Fifth the students nee to use a tool that assesses what they are doing correctly and what they need to work on. The sixth step is making sure that the students are having a lot of eyes look at their work, so that they get different opinions on their work. Lastly the students should become familiar with the tools that they are using, which is the technology being used. Another big part is that with technology growing throughout the year’s children need to catch up on the basic skills. These skills can include knowing how to use word processing, spreadsheet use and graphing, presentation software and digital image handling, email, and Internet enabled research. If the students do not know what the basics are they will need to have a overall teaching lesson that gives them information on how to use technology. Last big point of the technology upgrade is the information jungle. According to Doug Johnson, “one technology upgrade that is common, practical, and, well, inevitable is employing technology to find and use information to complete research projects” (page 104). It is important that the students learn from the teachers what research information is meaningful to use and how to use it. It is important to gain some knowledge as a teacher and a student on the technology upgrade.
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
I like how you started your post with that quote from Johnson, and I couldnt agree with it more. Although integration of technology can be stressful and scary for some teachers to learn new materials, I think it is important that we accept the technologically advanced world we live in and start thinking about how we can use these technologies to enhance our teaching and student learning. Great Post and summary this week. Thanks for sharing your thoughts I enjoyed reading it.
I think it is important to begin to introduce technology in classrooms. This is a very technology driven world and these skills will benefit children once they enter the workforce. Even if teachers are afraid of technology they can begin to slowly work it in to lessons. Just as you suggested, typing an assignment instead of writing it. Not all classrooms have computers accessible but if a teacher has computer lab time this assignment can be done then.
Hey Stephanie, Technology is a huge part of our lives and society. My two year old students can work an iPod and iPad better than me lol. But I do agree classrooms should be using technology more. And I know some teachers can be afraid of it, especially the teachers who aren't familiar with it. If schools want technology integrated into the classroom do you think they should properly train theirs on how to use technology and how to use it in the classroom or is it on the teacher to learn those things on their own?
The way technology is increasing it does seem like it is a jungle. When I think I am finally getting the hang of it there is something else to master. I am trying to grasp one thing at a time so that I can be successful at the present challenges. New technology is being introduced at lightening speed.
Stephanie, In today's society there is no way we can get away from technology. Even the children that we teach are very tech savvy. Adding technology as an up-grade in the classroom is much needed. I agree with the tech is you add up-grades to things you already do in classroom it will make it much easier.
As I read Chapter 4 "The technology Upgrade", I see the importance and benefits of technology. According to Doug Johnson, " A lack of technology resources, including computers,bandwidth,and staff development, may be an important cause of teachers' lack of enthusiasm, but familiarity with teaching using technology is too-often-overlooked factor in determining whether a teacher uses technology for purpose instruction." This point has given me life to be open and willing to want to learn more about technology and using it during the instructional planning time. Technology is and can be used just for fun, without learning anything that will help the children Socially/Emotionally, Cognitively, language and literacy, Math, and fine motor skills.The other points are very much valid to enhance the children academic and developmental growth for the growth of their future.
Integrating technology into my planning would start with the families, I believe that giving them an interactive scavenger hunt to accomplish with their children will help not just the child, but the families as well. Parents are their children's first teachers and the root to our success. I would send a letter home asking the families to set aside 20 minutes a day to really have fun with the children, allowing them to explore a tablet or Desk top. Documenting what the children know and their progress will give me some knowledge of what needs are needed to be met to gain understanding of Technology and Technology Upgrade.
To integrate technology into my classroom instruction plan for the children, I would make it fun so that I would keep the children interest by using ABC Mouse.com, Sesame Street learning.com, that would help the children with the instructional plan that is being implemented. There are educational songs, videos games and stories that children can watch on the desk top, laptop or tablet. Again Music can play major part of technology upgrade and that ties into the hands on teaching tools of other devices which the children can learn to operate themselves to become familiar with Technology of the world today.
Tanesha, I am not that technologically skillful, which I have learned more and more through the upgrades. you made a great point the students will have enhanced academic and development growth when using technology in the classroom. Families are a great starting point and the way that I know to integrate them is through communication. This includes websites and email. Another way is communicating about specific grades, weaknesses, and strengths. Integrating students into technology will mostly need interactive activities for the students.
Tanesha, I like how you mention starting with the family as a way to integrate technology in the classroom. Building a relationship with Families is the foundation to a successful classroom and education for our students. You also mention keeping it fun in the classroom for students by adding fun games. ABC mouse is a great one! I know many students who use this site and I have seen many students progress in reading and phonics.
Hi Tanesha! I enjoyed your idea about having the families work together with their children to explore the Internet. If the families in your classroom have access to computers at home, then this would be a great activity for parents to do with their children. It would also ensure that the children would know how to use a computer at school. This makes using computers less demanding on the teacher.
Have you ever used ABC mouse? If I am not mistaken they charge, but ABCya is free and very similar to ABC mouse. I think that most games and websites help children in some way, because even if it isn’t considered an educational site it is still helping the child with fine motor skills since they have to control their hands and fingers to navigate the tablet/phone. How would you do a scavenger hunt online or with a tablet?
Hi Tanesha, I too agree with the lack of technology integration due to the scarcity of resources as Johnson mentioned in the text. Last year we had our Smartboard fail us a handful of times and it left us scrambling on what to do next. As teachers it can be frustrating to plan for lessons and in the end not go through with them. We had to come up with other activities or move onto the next one and try and come back to it later if it was just a glitch. Majority of the time my teacher didn't bother and would just keep moving forward until IT came to look at it. Like you mentioned, we have to be willing and open to welcome technology into our classrooms. Not because we have to, but because we want to give our students the best learning experience. Good post.
I really enjoyed your post, and reading your idea of including families in the process of integrating technology into children's learning. It is true that parents are their children's first teachers, and working with them to guide the students learning will help the student and the teaching process in the long run.
Tanesha, I agree with the text if you don't have computers and the technology that you need how can you be excited about integrating it into their classroom. Lack of resources will make anyone unenthused about learning new things especially when it comes to technology. I know at one job I used to work at the computers would barely work and the wireless internet was always going out or slow. so this made the teachers not want to up-grade technology in the classroom due to the poor resources.
Hello, Tanesha I think that your post went straight to the point. I believe that the lack of enthusiasm for trying technology doesn’t only come because teachers are unaware of the many benefits, but also because most teachers are afraid of providing students with a distraction tool. However, I think that with the correct instruction, we can eliminate the insecurities that we may have about technology and actually start taking advantage of the many benefits it offers. Something that I liked about the reading is that it clarifies how we don’t have to incorporate complicated technologies in our classrooms in order to provide students with a non-conventional lecture. For example, the textbook describes how making use of “easy-to-use software, such as graphics and spreadsheets” we are actually steps ahead in technology, without making it too complicated that even teachers will have to take an intense training. Johnson, D. (2012). The classroom teachers technology survival guide. Hoboken, NJ: Jossey-Bass.
According to Doug Johnson, “as a teacher, you can ease your way into integrating technology into your instructional practice by taking something you already do and adding a technology upgrade.” However, teachers have to learn how to use latest new educational technology so that they also simplify the way they are teaching in the the output of how the students are learning. Consequently, technology provides educators many effective ways to teach and reach different types of students. Technology can also bond the relationship between teachers and their students through active and fun engagement amongst learning something new. Because teachers will have to interact and guide students on how to use this technology, and it will also bring teachers closer to students, since these students can use technology in this present time. The modern way of developing the students fun filled creative atmosphere incorporates the deliverance of what the curriculum provides.
Moreover, the activities that require originality and creativity and the use of technology in order to solve a problem are just plain fun for both students and teachers” (page 111).Sometimes learning from one place can be boring, so technology makes it flexible. A student can simply access through different forms of technology computer,ipad,audio device etc. This changes the dynamics of students participation. You will have full participation when you engage students in a more formal way of strategies to adhere to the curriculum piece in technolgy piece. Consequently, technology is creating many opportunities for students, from learning more to having fun in class. With technology, students are able to learn so much more than if they were learning from a single textbook. Technology allows students to learn from many sources all over the world. An endless supply of information is at the tips of students’ fingers (typing anything in a search engine will allow students to learn about that subject). Also, students are able to learn in their own way at their own pace on specialized internet devices. This allows students to learn in the way that benefits them the most.
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
Michellena, Technology is helpful to guide relationships with students and teachers. First off some teachers will need help with specific systems. It does help to have a colleague to go to in that time of need, also it is a way for teachers to bond. Next way is that it can guide student relationships. This is because the teacher is spending a lot of time getting to know what each child needs help on adjusting to learn with technology in a classroom environment.
Michellena, I didn't even think to include that technology can have a effect on teacher student relationship. Teachers can engage their classroom by integrating technology. Technology also has all the components one needs to learn as you mention. What are some educational sites you might include in your classroom?
Hi Michellena, You are absolutely right about how boring it can be to learn from one approach. I worked in middle school for 3 years and my first helping out in Social Studies was brutal. I felt that way about the class, can you imagine the students? It was a lot of note taking and filling in blank maps and the kids weren't interested at all. The following year it got a little better as she would pull up an interactive map here and there, but I feel like more needed to be done with this generation of kids. My final year, she did PowerPoints that included small clips of the time period they were studying. Way better! They still had to do do the maps but each year it got better and better. So getting back to the point I wanted to make, like you mentioned, we have to try and hit multiple ways of teaching a subject to spark that willingness to learn from our students. Good post!
Hello, Michellena I agree with your opinion of that “sometimes learning just from one place may be boring”. I think that having students to explore things that they don’t know is a good way to help them develop a good sense of curiosity and actually discover ways to do other things of their own interest. According to Johnson, “a clever way of helping students narrow the focus of their research is by helping them find a question, preferably of their own interest, about the broader topic”.(Johnson, 2012) I also think that if we work as a team, technology could not only be incorporated in our classrooms, but also improved. I believe that if we put our efforts, working with “technologists and library media specialists” (Johnson, 2012), we could be able to discover new needs and provide answers that were not there before.
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
While reading chapter four of Dough Johnson’s The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide, I gained knowledge of how children can use technology at a higher level. I am a preschool teacher, so some of the concepts in this chapter didn’t directly relate to what I would be using technology for in my classroom. However, I was able to apply some of the concepts to different ideas that I will be use. This chapter addressed the idea that teachers need to be specific when giving students directions. They need to identify exactly what they want, and the requirements should be presented to the student (Johnson, 2012). I can relate to this because my program is currently implementing an assessment that is done by the children online. The program reads the questions to the children, adapts according to their academic level, and records the results. This is a completely new idea for assessing preschoolers. Therefore, I feel it is important to tell the children exactly what they will be doing, during this assessment. I also feel it is important to show the children how to us the mouse and computer before they are expected to take this assessment. If I didn’t show them how to use these things, then the children who have never used a computer would have a major disadvantage. I need to take Johnson’s advice, and make sure the expectations are understood before I evaluate the children. Another topic that stuck out to me was how much was expect of students. For example, the book expected all of the students to know how to use a word processor and access the Internet (Johnson, 2012). This is understandable for older students, but it shouldn’t be expected of young students unless the school offers a program for the students to learn these skills. Many schools do have some sort of computer training for younger students. However if the school doesn’t offer this, the students shouldn’t be expected to learn these skills at home. I know we live in a society where computers are everywhere, and almost anyone can gain access to a computer, but there are special circumstances that sometimes make it difficult for students to access a computer. I think it is important that teachers keep this in mind. Lastly, I loved that Johnson touched on how important it is for teachers to use technology and scaffold students to learn on their own through the use of technology (Johnson, 2012). Some of the most important skills that students can gain are how to solve problems and be creative. Asking students open-ended questions and giving them the opportunity to find an answer on their own can build both of these skills upon. This can be done through the use of the Internet. It also allows students to back up their own answers with evidence the supports these answers. References Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
I also teach in a preschool classroom and did not feel this pertain to children that young. We do have access to Ipad’s but this does not teach them computer skills that they will use later in other classes. You made a good point about assuming student already have computer skills. The same thing can be applied to a pre-k classroom. Teachers sometimes assume children already know how to play, share, follow directions, listen or sit still. Short and precise directions are helpful.
This is exactly how I feel. Not everyone is technically inclined and it does take time to learn new technology. Now that I am taking this course I have sympathy for students and teachers who are faced with many challenges concerning technology. I am not so quick to make judgement on this issue. There should be more resources given to students before they are expected to be skillful.
As an educator, it is important that I myself learn to “integrate technology” into my lesson plans for my student. Chapter 4 of our weekly reading is about how we as educators can and should upgrade technology into our classrooms. For me being a new teacher, I understand the need to update and apply technology to my student lessons plans. However, I have come across some teachers that do not understand the reason why we need the update and integrate. Our weekly reading states, “Too many educational leaders look at technology only as a means of transforming”, (P.83). When we use technology in the classroom it helps to engage our students in the learning that is taking place in the classroom. Using tablets, laptops, or PC's help in teaching our student in lessons. Also, it helps the students learn to become independent in their learning skills. One thing that I have learned is that all children learn differently, so offering them technology is encourages our students in their personal growth and learning. Finding ways to use and integrate just takes time and a new way of looking at teaching and technology. “Look for simple, basic, technologies, such as spreadsheets software and presentation software, with which you and your student are already comfortable that can replace or enhance traditional activities and assignments”, (P.84). Learning to use technology for us as educators help us with communication with our parents, organizing our lesson plans, schedules, and grades. There are so many positive influences of technology on student development, growing, and learning. Engaging students in their day to day learning is important and how the world is advancing every day and so is how we will teach our students in our classroom. Technology offers students and teachers learning capabilities that will allow the students to retain learning on a different level. Having the opportunities upgrade of classroom and school with technology is an opportunity to provide our students with new ways of learning. “Even if things don’t go exactly as planned, you won’t be destroying already-effective methods if you start by upgrading the least-effective areas of your curriculum”, (P.86). We have to look to technology as learning tools not just for our student but for us too. Embracing change is the most important tool as a teacher. As an ECE teacher, most students are entering into the classroom with a knowledge of how to use iPads, phones, and tablets. It is our jobs as the teacher to model the use of technology in the classroom.
References Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Hi Crystal, You bring up great points in your post. I have experienced some teachers that do not understand the reasons why we need to update and integrate. They suggest that children get too much tablet time. What are our thoughts about the time children are on these mobile devices? I find the student learn so much when they are on the right application or activities. And the use of the tablet is different skills that using the desk computer. I agree with you so much about the importance of teachers modeling the use of technology in the classroom.
Crystal, Students today have more knowledge of technology than when I was in school and that is one advantage they have. It is essential that we as teachers educate ourselves to ensure that we are providing the appropriate and correct way to use it in collaboration with lesson/curriculum. For the reasons that you mentioned in your post as to learning to use technology, I agree because using it can be beneficial. It is not just for students, but for teachers as well upgrading the classroom so that it reflects that we are equipped to teach in current society that involves using technology is crucial.
When I observed children age 3 through 5 in the classroom. Is it important to show children the basics to computers, and applications on mobile phones? And I believe the answer is they already know how to navigate through the mobile phones, tablets, and need help with computers. They are familiar with these devices that are part of their environment. I believe adding technology “upgrade” my instructional practice when I return to the classroom is important. And one idea I have is for the children, at the end of the day, letting the children turn on the computer, navigate the mouse, and use technology terms to give them meaning to computers this is to improve their computer knowledge. This is my plan to add more hands on activities for the children.
One way I remember, was we upgraded in our classroom by researching “tornado drills” on YouTube, giving the children an idea about what we we’re practicing. We upgraded instructions by letting the children type their names. We as teachers are looking to find a tablet we can use in our room for the children to use educational applications; drawings, and games (Johnson, 2012).
In this week reading in Chapter 4, “The Technology Upgrade” I found the descriptions of some of the sample assignments for students, far to advance for preschool, but I did use my grandchild as to learn how a child of kindergarten would receive the idea of learning about technology. She was very interested and I found myself surprise at how much she really wanted to learn. While I was happy to learn, she really knows more than I expected about technology. We worked on the searching information on the Internet and talked about the search bar. She was receptive and seems happy to look up information.
References Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher's Technology Survival Guide. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Hi Justina! I couldn't agree more that young children already know how to use phones and tablets. I also agree that many young children need help when it comes to using an actual computer. I think this is because young children have access to tablets and phones all of the time. I also believe that being able to touch the screen helps young children. It is much easier to learn that you touch something on a screen, than it is to learn to use a mouse.
I completely agree that some of the things were too advanced for preschool, and to a point even kindergarten. I think children now are used to using phones and tablets but that computers are not part of their everyday life, because the others are more convenient. My daughter, who is going into fourth grade, is able to use a computer and laptop because she uses them at least a couple times a week, if not daily. My son, who is starting kindergarten, is able to use everything except computers and I limit how often he is on a tablet or something to once a week max. What kind of things did you do with your granddaughter?
I really like how he is suggesting that teachers slowly upgrade technology into the classroom. Slowly introducing technology into the classroom to make the adjustment easier for teachers. One of the things he suggest is letting the students use a word processor to do their writing assignments. I worked in a junior high class that worked in this past year, but first I must give a little back-story. When I was in junior high we had a journal and we would get a prompt and would write in the journal for a certain amount of time everyday for language arts class, mind you language arts was a two period class and that hasn’t changed. When I was in junior high we use journals and a pencil, but now the children use chrome books. The children all have their own log in information and they are able to log on, write their journal entry, and then save it to a program that is shared with the teacher. At the end of the month, when I was a child, we had to put a giant star in the corner of three prompts we wanted the teacher to read and grade, and she would pick a random on to make four entries total, now the children change the fount and make it bold, and occasionally highlight it so the teacher knows which entries they want graded. He also suggest researching things online. I worked with a teacher in Aug. that would have the children look things up online but would also provide material for the children to look things up so they were exposed to multiple ways to do research. When teachers use technology they are able to use a variety of teaching styles that will reach all of the children. I really like that he provided a list for teachers to use for assessments that use technology. Things like this can be given to the children so they understand what they will be graded on. Passing out and reviewing assessment for any assignment is always helpful when working with children, but seeing how you have to include things like how many slides a presentation is important. I haven’t really done an assessment that requires the use of technology so it is nice to see an example that I will need to include things like that when I make assessments and things like that later on. Resources Johnson, D. (2012). The classroom teachers technology survival guide. Hoboken, NJ: Jossey_Bass.
Hi Amanda, I agree slowly adding technology to classroom will made it easier for some teachers. However, today kids are coming into our classroom technology ready. So we have to have some flexibility in our personal learning of new technology products. We want to model for our student at all times, and being open too new ways of learning and how to learn is important. In today’s school systems everything is done by computers so we have to learn how to use the schools technology based systems too. I know some teacher are used to doing attendance and grades by hand but we have to embrace what is new and will help us update our learning. Crystal
Hi Amanda, I am a teacher that is happy to integrate technology in to the classroom and really believe children need to do more on the personal computer verse the tablets and phones. I like to test out on my granddaughter (she will be technology smart), what I have noticed is she is not always sure what to do next and she is easily distracted. I have found the more I let her on the computer the better skills she gets, but I sit next to her during the computer time. I could see this being an issue for parents if I make this a homework assignment.
Task 1,2, and 3 helped me learn how to use the advanced search correctly in order to deepen my searches creating less links. Making the advanced search more detailed will help me find answers as well as finding a reliable source. In task one I was able to learn what a domain is, which is .com and .html, etc. Before I began Task 2 I wanted to learn how to search specifically. Gaining that practice I am able to search host sites, domains, and more. Researching sources for math and reading was easy due to the fact that I was able to search any type of activity that would be considered interactive to children. Before I explain any further I wanted to talk about what I added into my spreadsheet. First I have a topic used and how I was able to search sources, then I wrote the URL. For each I displayed the activity that was done and the description of the webpage. The hardest part for me was the science and social studies search. For science I focused on chemical reactions and social studies the world. Interactive activities was the easiest to search. Finding print outs and teacher resources was hard because I had to add those words to the search in order to find a source.
Reading chapter four “The Technology Upgrade” is an enlightening and honest view about technology and why some teachers are apprehensive about using it. Johnson states in the textbook, “Studies have shown that although a high percentage of teachers are using technology for administration tasks, still only about half integrate computers into their daily curriculum” (Johnson 2012). Many teachers do not want to fully embrace technology due to some of the issues listed in the text; issues such as not having enough computers or devices in the classroom, inadequate bandwidth are just a few of the negative experiences (p.83). When there are not enough resources it is very disheartening and difficult to embrace technology. Regardless of these issues, Johnson challenges the reader to view technology upgrade from a different perspective. Children can be taken to a greater level of learning when technology upgrade is incorporated into lesson plans. With the use of word processors and other electronic devices learning in the classroom can be fun as children learn different skills. I know my writing has improved because of the upgrade in technology. When children are given writing assignments their writing can be enhanced as they utilize word processors and various programs like spell-check to help improve grammar. As teachers allow children to interact and engage in technology children can acquire knowledge about many different subjects through the Internet as they collect data and information for assignments. Assessing children through technology upgrade is also beneficial. A child’s growth can be monitored through tools that can assess their needs as well as their strengths. This is a great way for assessing students work, they can look at the progression of work and learn from their mistakes through the different assessment tools. I think these are all good tools to help students stay on task, many children need to be able to see their work from beginning to end, when they are able to incorporate the skills they have developed they will more likely achieve greater goals. They will become more proficient and more skillful with the use of technology. Technology upgrade can be mastered as children are given opportunities to learn from the Internet. When children interact and engage with technology they can become better readers, they can become more skillful in math, they learn to gather proper content for papers. I think it is worthwhile to help children develop skills so that they can adapt to what will be the norm in society. There may be some trepidation about technology upgrade and the use of it in schools; I understand why these fears are prevalent but technology is being incorporated in every facet of life and training children to use them will help prepare them for the future.
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
Chapter 4 of our text talks about “The Technology Upgrade”. In the beginning of the chapter Johnson (2012) mentions that the integration of technology is something that “causes confusion and fear that come with doing something new.” (Johnson, 2012, p.83). I think that the integration of technology shouldn’t be something that should be new to teaching. Because we live in such a technological society and technology is constantly getting more and more advanced by the day, teachers and schools should be accepting and willing to learn these new technologies and not be afraid of learning with the students about integrating them into the classroom. Johnson mentions that teachers can face this fear by taking something you already do in your classroom and adding a technology upgrade to it, for example; adding a computer to your lectures in the classroom, or using interactive smart boards to engage students in math/reading. Johnson mentions the benefits of technology upgrades which are: 1. Helping the teachers address multiple learning styles by allowing extensive use of multimedia in lessons, 2. Motivating reluctant students and students who are excited about technology, 3. Allowing students to add elements of creativity, especially visual components to their work, 4. Allowing anytime, anyplace, learning and access to information, 5. Allowing student performance to be reviewed and critiqued more easily, both by teacher and by the students themselves, 6. Increasing the audience for student work, and 7. Increasing classroom participation by reticent students. (Johnson, 2012, p.87). Technology integration allows teachers to modernize their ways of teaching and learning for themselves and students that keeps the students engaged and interested in the learning process and experience. I remember going to school and learning from strictly lectures, PowerPoints, and text books. If I had the technology integration that some schools and teachers use nowadays, I would have been more focused and interested in learning using the technology that can meet my needs and help me understand. Technology also allows teachers to meet the many needs of the students in the class since there is only one teacher and 20+ students.
References Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
In reading chapter 4 “The Technology Upgrade” Getting started with technology in the classroom stuck out to me. When introducing technology in the classroom you must have a starting point. You must know where to begin on this journey of integrating technology in the classroom. According to the text “ As a teacher, you can ease our way into integrating technology into your instructional practice by taking something you already do and adding a technology ” upgrade”(p.83). This will also make technology much easier when you add what you know and do to upgrade technology in your instructional planning. You begin to take your everyday activities and put them to technology. Teacher’s lectures will be enhance with technology by making a computer presentation. This will make it easier for students to take notes and heighten the student’s interest. Student’s writing will be type on a computer. This will help children with spell-check, peer review and editing. Student research will go beyond going to library and reading books. Students will use technology to research on-line resources instead. Using technology this way will help student’s access information quicker. They can create multimedia reports, have access to a larger number of resources and notes will be able to be copied and paste. I know when I was growing up I spent countless hours in the library doing research by looking up different books. Having technology helps to alleviate the countless hours with a push of a button on a computer. Though many teachers enjoy doing things the old fashion way upgrading to technology will be the best decision they ever made. It is so time consuming to do everything manually. Being able to teach with a push of a button is a game changer in the classroom. Book reports can be done on the computer with different fields to be filled out about the story. Math problems become clearer with formulas and operations when put on the computer. Technology up-grade id the way to go to enhance your daily instructional planning in your classroom. Technology is making it more convenience for teachers and student. In today’s society there is no way of getting away from technology. So by using what you already do and know while using technology can make instructional teaching more interesting and fun. I look at technology in such a different way now. I once viewed technology as being difficult at one time. I didn’t want to scan and email paperwork at my job. I was use to sending documentation only by faxing. Technology up-grade is very beneficial in enhancing classroom productivity and interest.
Reference: Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
Natasha, you make a good point when you stated, “When introducing technology in the classroom you must have a starting point. You must know where to begin on this journey of integrating technology in the classroom.” As the teacher we are modeling for the students in our classroom, so having some knowledge is important. By having a basic understanding of technology makes learning how to integrate technology into the classrooms. As an ECE teacher my students come into my classroom with a knowledge of some technology. Therefore learning how to use technology and using it in the classroom is a must.
In Chapter 4 of the Classrooms Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide the author discusses the importance of using technology to teach our lessons and activities in the classroom. According to Johnson we as teachers can ease our way into integrating technology into our instructional practices by taking something we already do and adding a technology upgrade. By using technology, it helps heighten students interest in learning. So, if you are working on a math worksheet why not use the smartboard and have the lesson become interactive for the students. If the worksheet is adding single digits, the students can draw the amounts and discuss how to add them. Websites are available that help teach math lessons and you can use the “pen” to move objects from one place to another. Students like writing on the smartboards because they feel like they are a teacher 😊. You can also design graphs and make them interactive as well. Students can also use computers to make a graph to meet your specific requirements. Johnson talked about how students can create posters as well. Teachers can give directions on how many symbols to use, include visuals, or include facts about famous people. Students could even use power point and make it into a presentation. By using technology, you can also motivate reluctant students who are interested in technology. I feel like most of this chapter was directed towards older students but teachers can still begin to use technology with younger grades as well. Introducing email to younger students would be a simple process. This helps them recognize letters and get a feel for the layout of the keyboard. Students can email each other, the teacher, or even parents can get involved. I have worked in special education classrooms where we have used the smartboard for several reasons. One reason is to develop fine motor skills by grasping the pen needed. Another reason is for gross motor development. This physically got the student up out of their seat and helps them learn to use their muscles to walk or even just standing for some. Using the smartboard for visual tracking was an asset as well. Technology for all classes helps make learning fun and exciting. Children need to be up a moving to release energy. Several professionals urge teachers to use brain breaks to help children focus better. Brain breaks can be found online or teachers can make them up. An example would be having a 3-5 minutes dance party allowing students to let their minds rest from learning and this helps them to focus when necessary. I think technology is good to use in the classroom and teachers can begin to introduce it slowly.
Summary: Chapter 4 “The Teacher Upgrade” After reading chapter four in Doug Johnson’s, The Classroom Teacher’s Technology. He discusses how to increase and improve classroom activities and lessons with technology. Furthermore, he explains how to get started in the classroom using technology and offers current activities, the technology upgrade and its benefits. (p.83-86) Some of the games, and educational movie clips Johnson (2012) suggest are implemented into the classroom, are what we do in our classroom for the children. Moving on, Johnson (2012) discusses ways to integrate technology into the classroom that are both fun and educationally effective. (p.87). He mentions digital cameras, kid pix, student google, video cameras, and writing tools are some ways we can use technology. The next section of chapter four is my favorite. Johnson (2012) describes how educators should be clear about what is expected of different learners when assessing students. He goes into depth about describing what is wanted, creating strands for content and container, examples of past good work, give specific directions, use different assessors, use assessment tools, etc. I like this because there has been so many times that teachers are not clear in what they want out of students, and it becomes frustrating. I have had moments where teachers don’t show examples and it is difficult especially taking online classes in school as an adult. As educators, we especially cannot forget that there are many different learners out there. Johnson (2012) goes on to discuss the expectations of a student’s basic technology skills before entering high school. Some of them are knowing word processing, spreadsheet use and graphing, software and digital image handling, email use, and internet-enabled research. These expectations are realistic, because most kids by the age of 6 know how to search the web, watch you tube videos, and have some type of technical device. Reference Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology: Survival Guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Hey Jessica, I to have had teacher's who expected an assignment but didn't give an example of how they wanted it done and when asked for help they told us to just follow directions. To me that's hard it's easier when I have an example of an assignment I can look at to make sure that I am doing the assignment correctly. Do you think that schools should be teaching students how to use the web in a safe and appropriate manner at an earlier age? Seeing as how technologically advanced kids are now a days.
Chapter 4 “The Technology Upgrade” starts off by discussing the integration of technology into classrooms. For some this may be scary, especially for older teachers who are not that comfortable and familiar with technology. Johnson states that the integration of technology “causes confusion and fear that come with doing something new.” (Johnson,p.83). I understand that with the teachers who have been teaching for twenty plus years that it is scary integrating something new into your classroom that you’re not familiar or comfortable with is completely normal. But how technologically advanced our society is now and how much we need and depend on technology in our everyday life should make schools see that for teachers who aren’t familiar with technology be trained and offered all the help they can get so they can feel comfortable with integrating technology into the classroom. It doesn’t have to be something crazy, maybe as your giving a lecture have a PowerPoint showing examples and pictures of the topic you are discussing. I don’t technology in my classroom when it comes to teaching my students. For one it’s not allowed and for two they are only two and three so it probably wouldn’t help much, but I am always using my tablet and laptop to look up fun tracing or letter identification worksheet or fun art or science activities we can do throughout the day. I also my iPod to play music when we are having a game of freeze dance or for our Friday dance party. It’s not much use of technology but it’s something. Johnson mentions seven benefits of technology upgrades. One is helping the teachers address multiple learning styles by allowing extensive use of multimedia in lessons. Two is motivating reluctant students and students who are excited about technology. Three is allowing students to add elements of creativity, especially visual components to their work. Four is allowing anytime, anyplace, learning and access to information. Five is allowing student performance to be reviewed and critiqued more easily, both by teacher and by the students themselves. Six is increasing the audience for student work and seven is increasing classroom participation by reticent students. (Johnson, p.87). Technology integration is a great way not only for teachers but for students. Teachers can find different way to engage their students and let them interact with the learning practices in different ways. It also allows teachers to keep records how just how each student learns and let’s them see the best way each student learns and takes in information. I remember in high school I had one teacher who would just talk and talk when it came to teaching. And random scribbles on the chalkboard. He noticed that a lot of us weren’t paying attention and lacked interest. So, he started making games out of lesson. Creating PowerPoints and even internet workshops. He used technology to make learning fun. It was great and from that day on I always thought that teaching and learning should be like that.
References Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Jessica, Integration of technology can be fearful for older teachers and their students if they are not familiar and comfortable with using it. It sometimes brings fear out of me when I have to use or learn something new. When I was going to school we did not have all of the technology that is available now for teaching and learning. I can see how it would have been helpful within classroom if it was, as it would draw more attention to lesson being taught by those students showing boredom or difficulty with certain lessons or subjects. Technology upgrade helps to teach on the bases of the different learning styles of students within the classroom.
In chapter four, Johnson discusses the many ways technology can upgrade everyday teacher and student tasks. There are still those who oppose its integration in the classroom, studies show that only about half of teachers integrate computers into their daily curriculum (Johnson, 2012, p. 83). When technology can be successfully integrated into the classroom, we enhance the learning process for our students. Johnson goes on to list common activities that can be enhanced by technology they include, adding visuals and sounds to teacher lectures, having students type their work out before handing in work to ensure they spell-check their work, students using online resources for research, using spreadsheets for book reports or math problems, video recording presentations and speeches, and so much more. Not only does technology enhance activities, they bring great benefits to all. Key benefits that Johnson (2012) lists are the ability for teachers to address multiple learning styles due to use of multimedia in lessons, motivate students to learn through technology, allow for students to be creative in their work, allow continuous access to information, allow for work to be easily critiqued and reviewed by teacher and students, allow for others to join in on student work, and increase classroom participation by those students who are quiet (p. 86-87). These benefits will bring about great change in my opinion and allow for students to be better prepared in todays on demand job market that requires the usage of technology more than ever. In the reading, Johnson brings a very important question up, how can we expect quality work from students when we don’t give them the guidelines that will have them turn in a successful product? He includes a few tips on how technology can add on to assessments: use a checklist to cover as much as possible on what is expected of students, provide two separate assessments for projects that use technology, one for the content and one for what tool they used to present that content, provide examples of what quality work looks like, give criteria at the time the project is being work on and not after the fact, assessments should be used as a tool for revisions to encourage improvements, use other assessors other than the teacher to provide quality feedback, and for teachers to revise assessment tools each time they are used (Johnson, 2012, p. 89-91). He was also able to provide us readers with sample assessments to review that can be used for slideshows, graphs, technology skills evaluations, word processing, spreadsheets, Internet skills, email skills, multimedia presentations, and short paper assignments. All the necessary skills that in my opinion, will be useful for students entering middle school, high school and college. The better feedback and assessments we are able to provide our students, the better the chance they have in improving their skills as they go on in their education.
***** CONTINUED He ends his chapter with the last few pages focusing on how teachers must have the ability to get students to navigate through technology and find reliable sources, when back then there was a scarcity of them, we now have too many to consider, he calls this an “Information Jungle”. In order for students to develop information literacy skills (the ability to solve a problem, identify information that is needed, use those sources, organize information, communicate findings, and evaluate final product), one must use the problem-based learning approach so that students may find a genuine connection with what they are learning and find true meaning as to why they are learning what they are learning. He provides skills to ensure that we are navigating the Information Jungle to get to the desired result. I feel like I may use these skills for my own benefit. I want to make sure that I am headed in the right direction when it comes to questioning on what I want to learn about a certain topic and avoid being vague. I want to make sure that I am not wasting my time when it comes to searching for what I want. I want to be able to tell the difference between a good and a bad resource. I want to be able to use technology to report my findings through various tools. And lastly, I want to be provided with assessments and rubrics that point me in the right direction. All of my wants listed are what I would also want my students to have when it comes time to learning in my classroom. Technology is a wonderful tool that can expand how we learn in more way than one.
Reference: Johnson, D. (2012). The classroom teacher’s technology survival guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
The Technology Upgrade Technology is an advanced tool within the classroom that helps promote educational experience for students as it allows access to the World Wide Web. Using technology for many forms of resources and reasons for teaching through its different browsers, websites, and operating systems as these things can be beneficial to the teacher and students. In computers, an upgrade is a new version of or addition to a hardware or, more often, a software product that is already installed or in use. Upgrades may be sold as specially labeled, less expensive "upgrade" packages (as, for example, Microsoft's Office suite products) to existing users alongside versions of the product that are made for sale to first-time users. In other models of software distribution, an upgrade may also be available for free or for-charge downloading from the product maker's site (TechTarget, 2017). According to Mr. Johnson, “ As a teacher, you can ease your way into integrating technology into your instructional practice by taking something you already do and adding a technology “upgrade.” Upgrading technology is essential as it replaces and enhances traditional activities and assignments for teachers and students use that they are already comfortable using. Activities such as teacher’s lectures can add a presentation program like PowerPoint to add graphics to heighten their students’ interest and better note taking. As we are sharing through blogs, it can create an atmosphere for class discussion in which colleagues can share their thoughts, ideas, and opinions. I am fairly new at blogging, but the more it is done the more comfortable I become. It is also a great means for communicating for shy students to contribute and participate in a conversation about a topic, etc. There are key benefits to technology upgrade such as it helps the teacher to address different learning styles for their lessons, motivate students, allows addition for creativity, access to information at anytime or anyplace, and reviewing and critiquing performances of others by teacher and students. I thought this was a great saying by an old adage suggesting that the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time in reference to technology upgrade as it can be that first nibble to take to successfully integrate technology into your classroom in a positive way (Johnson, 2012, p. 87). As technology is advancing, instructional support through teaching has to evolve as well in order to be current with today’s society. Technology upgrading will assist with the digital learning in the classroom to connect students with the real world, prepare them for the workplace, encourage collaboration, and support different learners. Reference: Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher's Technology Survival Guide. Hoboken, NJ: Jossey-Bass. What is upgrade? - Definition from WhatIs.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/upgrade
When I first started my assignment, I could not get my video to play in either location. I had to email the professor and she sent me a separate link and it finally worked. The first task worksheet was easy to follow the instructions and answer the questions. The second task was not hard it was just time consuming because of having to copy and paste everything. I had never used google advanced before so I found it very interesting to be able to narrow down searches. I found some great education sites that I bookmarked on my own computer so I can use in the classroom. I think by using google advanced, it will be helpful with lesson planning or finding activities needed for certain situations. Teachers that have older students could also teach their students how to use it as well. They might find it helpful in completing assignments. I think it is good to begin to introduce technology in the classrooms. Teachers can slowly apply it to already prepared lessons. Even videos on YouTube are helpful to give students a visual of what you are talking about. We had students who did not know what an armadillo was so we looked up a video so they could see.
Reflection I found assignment four kind of challenging. I had never used, or heard of, an advanced search until this assignment. However, I really liked using this kind of search. I felt like it made my searches more to the point. I really liked that there were so many different ways to search. I will definitely be using this method of searching again. The part I found the most challenging, was finding games that were appropriate for young children and met the academic requirement. Many times I found that the games were directed towards older children. I also found that much of the results focused on games that could be played in the classroom instead of on the computer. I tried many different search methods to eliminate these results, but it continued to happen throughout the entire assignment. Finally, I liked being able to play around with the screenshot function on my computer. I had never used this function on my Mac computer. Therefore, I didn’t know how to do it until after watching the video provided. I think I will use this function more often when printing things for my classroom. I’m excited to use the new things I learned to save time.
The assignment for this week was really interesting. I have never heard of or done an advanced Google search before this assignment. I will have to keep it in mind for the future. I typically have the issue that I want one certain thing and it will only pick up on certain words and I waste my time going through things that do not relate to anything that I am doing. It took a minute or two to catch on to how to do each individual type of search, but once I was able to figure that out it made things much easier. I was surprised how easy it was to use and how much of a difference it could make in the amount of results that you get. I really liked the fact that once I was able to narrow done my searches how easy it was to find what I actually wanted and was looking for.
Final: No matter how we feel about technology it is a part of today’s classrooms. Children as young as age six have cellphones and use tablets daily. Our schools now use technology to do attendance, grades and registration. So as educators learning to incorporate technology into our teaching and our classrooms is important. Therefore embracing and exploring how technology will help us in our day to day teaching is where we should look to as we open up to technology. This week reading was eye opening for me as an ECE teacher, I did not really think how important having technology would be in my classroom or for my students. But as I read and I started to understand I have to model for my students, and that includes where technology is concerned.
Final Reflection: This assignment what very challenging. It took me forever to figure out how to coordinate and make sure I had the correct sites. I got confused and had to back and make some corrections. I feel as though I did much better on the spreadsheet. The last time I did that assignment I was very confused.I do have more clarity on how to do searches and the importance of doing spreadsheets. It does appear to organize subjects better as you use them for resources to teach students or as information for parents.This was challenging but I think I know more now than a few weeks ago.I also had a hard time finding the site for scholastic.
Final Reflection, I too found this assignment challenging again. I also found that the more do these assignments the better I get, so practice is an important key. I have found some great sites to share with my students in doing this assignment.
Reflection In reflecting in this week’s 4 assignments I learned somethings I never knew about until I took this class. Well I knew about them but didn’t know what there were called until I did task1. So many times I have looked up so many websites and never really paid attention to what .edu, .net, .org, .com and other websites endings were called domain suffixes. Taking this class was the first time I ever heard of Domain suffixes or even knew what it meant. I just thought they were websites endings but I didn’t know what they were called. This was very informative because now I have a better understanding of what domain suffixes are and can identify them. In task Two it was my first time learning how to do screenshot from the computer. Of course I know how on my phone but I never knew how to do it from the computer. I can say that each week I am learning new things as I do each assignment. This makes the class very interesting. I also learned how to do an advanced google search which I have never done before. I use to just type in the words in the search engine to look up different topics I was looking for. I can honestly say that this week assignments have definitely been a learning experience.
REFLECTION: I have to say that this week's assignments were not my best work. I have to admit that I got a little dizzy from just searching and my Word crashed a couple of times for some reason during this assignment. I found it hard to use Google advanced search as it gave me limited results so I had to play around with words. But I do have to say that it is a great resource to have as the results are not as abundant as they can sometimes be, but it did make this task a little difficult for me. I found the PREZI presentation to be very informative. I was able to visually distinguish the differences between each search and use them for this week's task. I never knew there were so many ways to limit searches rather than search through countless sites that have nothing to do with what we are looking for.
Reflection of assignment: Even though I didn't get to submit my full assignment on time, I did learn some things just by developing some of the parts. From this assignment I learned how entering the values and playing around the exact the words in Goggle Advanced Search is actually a pretty good way to reduce the amount of results that we may get. I also found out how to take advantage of snipping tool. It was a good thing to discover how to use this tool to be more selective on what we want to cut from the screen, whereas I used to just take the screenshot using the keyboard and then use paint to cut out the things that I wanted. Another thing that I learned from using Google Advanced Search is that you can change the language that you want to get the results from and many other filters in order get closer to the information that you want to get.
This week was great! I loved learning how to use google advanced. I honestly never knew that google advanced existed. I was so used to just going to google and searching for what I needed to and I would have to go through all the pages to find out what I needed. Some times I couldn't find what I was looking for. And I would just give up. So learning out how to search for websites and links that have what your looking for was awesome. I found myself kind of confused with the URL search. I would put in a website and then put in a phrase of what I was looking for and it would show that I had no results but a few links showed up, but didn't have what I was looking for. But it's something that I have to work on. Screenshotting was cool. It's super simple and now I don't have to use my phone to take a picture. I'm excited to use google advanced more to look for activities and art projects for my lesson plans.
Final Reflection: This week was a great experience learning all about Google Advanced. I will admit it was a little frustrating at times when I felt I could not find anything, no matter how short I narrowed my search. I did appreciate the practice and growth I gained during the tasks. I have always been the one to type in long sentences in my searches, and I have learned to condense using phrases "" and title and URL in my searches. Screen shooting the pages was pretty easy and putting what we searched into the spreadsheet was fine. My struggle was getting good sources and finding interactive games for children that connected with science and social studies. I will definitely be using google advanced more often from now on. I actually used it the other day when I was searching for things to do kid friendly in my area for my daughter. I still think I need more practice with the words I choose to search for something, but that is a work in progress.
Reflection Technology upgrade is necessary to assist with the learning process within the classroom as it provides an addition to activities that will promote the advancement of students. There are benefits to having knowledge of how to incorporate the changes. The use of the Internet has its advantages and disadvantages; therefore it is important that the teachers educate themselves before attempting to use it in their class. There are different search strategies that I found to be helpful this week in a video, for example, using quotation mark for narrowing down search to obtain a specific inquiry about a topic. Also using the minus sign before a word will make it easier to distinguish a particular word that has more than one meaning. I was enlightened to find out how the Web search strategies work through the demographical illustration using the large body of water and droplet. I better understand the importance of how to use keywords when searching by blending words or with more than one word to describe what I am searching for. By having technology within a classroom a teacher can use it with curriculum through the use of different tools; therefore, upgrading needs to be current in order for it to have validity.
This week in the Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide I was reading Chapter Four: The Technology Upgrade. This quote according to Doug Johnson gives a perfect overview of the chapter. “The activities that require originality and creativity and the use of technology in order to solve a problem are just plain fun for both students and teachers” (page 111). The chapter gives an overall view on why it is important to use upgraded technology as well as how to do that.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Doug Johnson, “as a teacher, you can ease your way into integrating technology into your instructional practice by taking something you already do and adding a technology upgrade. The easiest way for a teacher to make sure this occurs is when the student is writing. Instead of having the child write on a paper with a pencil the student can use technology by typing out the writing. With using technology in the classroom there are different types of benefits. The students are able to use their creativity while learning and participating.
A big part of this chapter is that the teachers need to assess technology enhanced student work. This is done through a multiple step process. The first part is describing what you would like the student to focus on, such as concrete terms. The second is to create different lists for both the content being shared and how the content is being shown whether it a PowerPoint, video, or movie. The third is to show the students how the assignment is done by showing them high quality past assignments. Forth is giving the children step-by-step detailed instructions in order to fulfill the project correctly. Fifth the students nee to use a tool that assesses what they are doing correctly and what they need to work on. The sixth step is making sure that the students are having a lot of eyes look at their work, so that they get different opinions on their work. Lastly the students should become familiar with the tools that they are using, which is the technology being used.
Another big part is that with technology growing throughout the year’s children need to catch up on the basic skills. These skills can include knowing how to use word processing, spreadsheet use and graphing, presentation software and digital image handling, email, and Internet enabled research. If the students do not know what the basics are they will need to have a overall teaching lesson that gives them information on how to use technology.
Last big point of the technology upgrade is the information jungle. According to Doug Johnson, “one technology upgrade that is common, practical, and, well, inevitable is employing technology to find and use information to complete research projects” (page 104). It is important that the students learn from the teachers what research information is meaningful to use and how to use it. It is important to gain some knowledge as a teacher and a student on the technology upgrade.
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
Stephanie,
DeleteI like how you started your post with that quote from Johnson, and I couldnt agree with it more. Although integration of technology can be stressful and scary for some teachers to learn new materials, I think it is important that we accept the technologically advanced world we live in and start thinking about how we can use these technologies to enhance our teaching and student learning. Great Post and summary this week. Thanks for sharing your thoughts I enjoyed reading it.
I think it is important to begin to introduce technology in classrooms. This is a very technology driven world and these skills will benefit children once they enter the workforce. Even if teachers are afraid of technology they can begin to slowly work it in to lessons. Just as you suggested, typing an assignment instead of writing it. Not all classrooms have computers accessible but if a teacher has computer lab time this assignment can be done then.
DeleteHey Stephanie,
DeleteTechnology is a huge part of our lives and society. My two year old students can work an iPod and iPad better than me lol. But I do agree classrooms should be using technology more. And I know some teachers can be afraid of it, especially the teachers who aren't familiar with it. If schools want technology integrated into the classroom do you think they should properly train theirs on how to use technology and how to use it in the classroom or is it on the teacher to learn those things on their own?
The way technology is increasing it does seem like it is a jungle. When I think I am finally getting the hang of it there is something else to master. I am trying to grasp one thing at a time so that I can be successful at the present challenges. New technology is being introduced at lightening speed.
DeleteStephanie,
DeleteIn today's society there is no way we can get away from technology. Even the children that we teach are very tech savvy. Adding technology as an up-grade in the classroom is much needed. I agree with the tech is you add up-grades to things you already do in classroom it will make it much easier.
As I read Chapter 4 "The technology Upgrade", I see the importance and benefits of technology. According to Doug Johnson, " A lack of technology resources, including computers,bandwidth,and staff development, may be an important cause of teachers' lack of enthusiasm, but familiarity with teaching using technology is too-often-overlooked factor in determining whether a teacher uses technology for purpose instruction." This point has given me life to be open and willing to want to learn more about technology and using it during the instructional planning time. Technology is and can be used just for fun, without learning anything that will help the children Socially/Emotionally, Cognitively, language and literacy, Math, and fine motor skills.The other points are very much valid to enhance the children academic and developmental growth for the growth of their future.
ReplyDeleteIntegrating technology into my planning would start with the families, I believe that giving them an interactive scavenger hunt to accomplish with their children will help not just the child, but the families as well. Parents are their children's first teachers and the root to our success. I would send a letter home asking the families to set aside 20 minutes a day to really have fun with the children, allowing them to explore a tablet or Desk top. Documenting what the children know and their progress will give me some knowledge of what needs are needed to be met to gain understanding of Technology and Technology Upgrade.
To integrate technology into my classroom instruction plan for the children, I would make it fun so that I would keep the children interest by using ABC Mouse.com, Sesame Street learning.com, that would help the children with the instructional plan that is being implemented. There are educational songs, videos games and stories that children can watch on the desk top, laptop or tablet. Again Music can play major part of technology upgrade and that ties into the hands on teaching tools of other devices which the children can learn to operate themselves to become familiar with Technology of the world today.
Tanesha,
DeleteI am not that technologically skillful, which I have learned more and more through the upgrades. you made a great point the students will have enhanced academic and development growth when using technology in the classroom.
Families are a great starting point and the way that I know to integrate them is through communication. This includes websites and email. Another way is communicating about specific grades, weaknesses, and strengths. Integrating students into technology will mostly need interactive activities for the students.
Tanesha, I like how you mention starting with the family as a way to integrate technology in the classroom. Building a relationship with Families is the foundation to a successful classroom and education for our students. You also mention keeping it fun in the classroom for students by adding fun games. ABC mouse is a great one! I know many students who use this site and I have seen many students progress in reading and phonics.
DeleteHi Tanesha!
DeleteI enjoyed your idea about having the families work together with their children to explore the Internet. If the families in your classroom have access to computers at home, then this would be a great activity for parents to do with their children. It would also ensure that the children would know how to use a computer at school. This makes using computers less demanding on the teacher.
Have you ever used ABC mouse? If I am not mistaken they charge, but ABCya is free and very similar to ABC mouse. I think that most games and websites help children in some way, because even if it isn’t considered an educational site it is still helping the child with fine motor skills since they have to control their hands and fingers to navigate the tablet/phone. How would you do a scavenger hunt online or with a tablet?
DeleteHi Tanesha,
DeleteI too agree with the lack of technology integration due to the scarcity of resources as Johnson mentioned in the text. Last year we had our Smartboard fail us a handful of times and it left us scrambling on what to do next. As teachers it can be frustrating to plan for lessons and in the end not go through with them. We had to come up with other activities or move onto the next one and try and come back to it later if it was just a glitch. Majority of the time my teacher didn't bother and would just keep moving forward until IT came to look at it. Like you mentioned, we have to be willing and open to welcome technology into our classrooms. Not because we have to, but because we want to give our students the best learning experience. Good post.
Hello Tanesha,
DeleteI really enjoyed your post, and reading your idea of including families in the process of integrating technology into children's learning. It is true that parents are their children's first teachers, and working with them to guide the students learning will help the student and the teaching process in the long run.
Tanesha,
DeleteI agree with the text if you don't have computers and the technology that you need how can you be excited about integrating it into their classroom. Lack of resources will make anyone unenthused about learning new things especially when it comes to technology. I know at one job I used to work at the computers would barely work and the wireless internet was always going out or slow. so this made the teachers not want to up-grade technology in the classroom due to the poor resources.
Hello, Tanesha
DeleteI think that your post went straight to the point. I believe that the lack of enthusiasm for trying technology doesn’t only come because teachers are unaware of the many benefits, but also because most teachers are afraid of providing students with a distraction tool. However, I think that with the correct instruction, we can eliminate the insecurities that we may have about technology and actually start taking advantage of the many benefits it offers.
Something that I liked about the reading is that it clarifies how we don’t have to incorporate complicated technologies in our classrooms in order to provide students with a non-conventional lecture. For example, the textbook describes how making use of “easy-to-use software, such as graphics and spreadsheets” we are actually steps ahead in technology, without making it too complicated that even teachers will have to take an intense training.
Johnson, D. (2012). The classroom teachers technology survival guide. Hoboken, NJ: Jossey-Bass.
According to Doug Johnson, “as a teacher, you can ease your way into integrating technology into your instructional practice by taking something you already do and adding a technology upgrade.” However, teachers have to learn how to use latest new educational technology so that they also simplify the way they are teaching in the the output of how the students are learning. Consequently, technology provides educators many effective ways to teach and reach different types of students. Technology can also bond the relationship between teachers and their students through active and fun engagement amongst learning something new. Because teachers will have to interact and guide students on how to use this technology, and it will also bring teachers closer to students, since these students can use technology in this present time. The modern way of developing the students fun filled creative atmosphere incorporates the deliverance of what the curriculum provides.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, the activities that require originality and creativity and the use of technology in order to solve a problem are just plain fun for both students and teachers” (page 111).Sometimes learning from one place can be boring, so technology makes it flexible. A student can simply access through different forms of technology computer,ipad,audio device etc. This changes the dynamics of students participation. You will have full participation when you engage students in a more formal way of strategies to adhere to the curriculum piece in technolgy piece.
Consequently, technology is creating many opportunities for students, from learning more to having fun in class. With technology, students are able to learn so much more than if they were learning from a single textbook. Technology allows students to learn from many sources all over the world. An endless supply of information is at the tips of students’ fingers (typing anything in a search engine will allow students to learn about that subject). Also, students are able to learn in their own way at their own pace on specialized internet devices. This allows students to learn in the way that benefits them the most.
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
Michellena,
DeleteTechnology is helpful to guide relationships with students and teachers. First off some teachers will need help with specific systems. It does help to have a colleague to go to in that time of need, also it is a way for teachers to bond. Next way is that it can guide student relationships. This is because the teacher is spending a lot of time getting to know what each child needs help on adjusting to learn with technology in a classroom environment.
Michellena, I didn't even think to include that technology can have a effect on teacher student relationship. Teachers can engage their classroom by integrating technology. Technology also has all the components one needs to learn as you mention. What are some educational sites you might include in your classroom?
DeleteHi Michellena,
DeleteYou are absolutely right about how boring it can be to learn from one approach. I worked in middle school for 3 years and my first helping out in Social Studies was brutal. I felt that way about the class, can you imagine the students? It was a lot of note taking and filling in blank maps and the kids weren't interested at all. The following year it got a little better as she would pull up an interactive map here and there, but I feel like more needed to be done with this generation of kids. My final year, she did PowerPoints that included small clips of the time period they were studying. Way better! They still had to do do the maps but each year it got better and better. So getting back to the point I wanted to make, like you mentioned, we have to try and hit multiple ways of teaching a subject to spark that willingness to learn from our students.
Good post!
DeleteHello, Michellena
I agree with your opinion of that “sometimes learning just from one place may be boring”. I think that having students to explore things that they don’t know is a good way to help them develop a good sense of curiosity and actually discover ways to do other things of their own interest. According to Johnson, “a clever way of helping students narrow the focus of their research is by helping them find a question, preferably of their own interest, about the broader topic”.(Johnson, 2012)
I also think that if we work as a team, technology could not only be incorporated in our classrooms, but also improved. I believe that if we put our efforts, working with “technologists and library media specialists” (Johnson, 2012), we could be able to discover new needs and provide answers that were not there before.
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
While reading chapter four of Dough Johnson’s The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide, I gained knowledge of how children can use technology at a higher level. I am a preschool teacher, so some of the concepts in this chapter didn’t directly relate to what I would be using technology for in my classroom. However, I was able to apply some of the concepts to different ideas that I will be use.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter addressed the idea that teachers need to be specific when giving students directions. They need to identify exactly what they want, and the requirements should be presented to the student (Johnson, 2012). I can relate to this because my program is currently implementing an assessment that is done by the children online. The program reads the questions to the children, adapts according to their academic level, and records the results. This is a completely new idea for assessing preschoolers. Therefore, I feel it is important to tell the children exactly what they will be doing, during this assessment. I also feel it is important to show the children how to us the mouse and computer before they are expected to take this assessment. If I didn’t show them how to use these things, then the children who have never used a computer would have a major disadvantage. I need to take Johnson’s advice, and make sure the expectations are understood before I evaluate the children.
Another topic that stuck out to me was how much was expect of students. For example, the book expected all of the students to know how to use a word processor and access the Internet (Johnson, 2012). This is understandable for older students, but it shouldn’t be expected of young students unless the school offers a program for the students to learn these skills. Many schools do have some sort of computer training for younger students. However if the school doesn’t offer this, the students shouldn’t be expected to learn these skills at home. I know we live in a society where computers are everywhere, and almost anyone can gain access to a computer, but there are special circumstances that sometimes make it difficult for students to access a computer. I think it is important that teachers keep this in mind.
Lastly, I loved that Johnson touched on how important it is for teachers to use technology and scaffold students to learn on their own through the use of technology (Johnson, 2012). Some of the most important skills that students can gain are how to solve problems and be creative. Asking students open-ended questions and giving them the opportunity to find an answer on their own can build both of these skills upon. This can be done through the use of the Internet. It also allows students to back up their own answers with evidence the supports these answers.
References
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
I also teach in a preschool classroom and did not feel this pertain to children that young. We do have access to Ipad’s but this does not teach them computer skills that they will use later in other classes. You made a good point about assuming student already have computer skills. The same thing can be applied to a pre-k classroom. Teachers sometimes assume children already know how to play, share, follow directions, listen or sit still. Short and precise directions are helpful.
DeleteThis is exactly how I feel. Not everyone is technically inclined and it does take time to learn new technology. Now that I am taking this course I have sympathy for students and teachers who are faced with many challenges concerning technology. I am not so quick to make judgement on this issue. There should be more resources given to students before they are expected to be skillful.
DeleteAs an educator, it is important that I myself learn to “integrate technology” into my lesson plans for my student. Chapter 4 of our weekly reading is about how we as educators can and should upgrade technology into our classrooms. For me being a new teacher, I understand the need to update and apply technology to my student lessons plans. However, I have come across some teachers that do not understand the reason why we need the update and integrate. Our weekly reading states, “Too many educational leaders look at technology only as a means of transforming”, (P.83).
ReplyDeleteWhen we use technology in the classroom it helps to engage our students in the learning that is taking place in the classroom. Using tablets, laptops, or PC's help in teaching our student in lessons. Also, it helps the students learn to become independent in their learning skills. One thing that I have learned is that all children learn differently, so offering them technology is encourages our students in their personal growth and learning. Finding ways to use and integrate just takes time and a new way of looking at teaching and technology. “Look for simple, basic, technologies, such as spreadsheets software and presentation software, with which you and your student are already comfortable that can replace or enhance traditional activities and assignments”, (P.84).
Learning to use technology for us as educators help us with communication with our parents, organizing our lesson plans, schedules, and grades. There are so many positive influences of technology on student development, growing, and learning. Engaging students in their day to day learning is important and how the world is advancing every day and so is how we will teach our students in our classroom.
Technology offers students and teachers learning capabilities that will allow the students to retain learning on a different level. Having the opportunities upgrade of classroom and school with technology is an opportunity to provide our students with new ways of learning. “Even if things don’t go exactly as planned, you won’t be destroying already-effective methods if you start by upgrading the least-effective areas of your curriculum”, (P.86).
We have to look to technology as learning tools not just for our student but for us too. Embracing change is the most important tool as a teacher. As an ECE teacher, most students are entering into the classroom with a knowledge of how to use iPads, phones, and tablets. It is our jobs as the teacher to model the use of technology in the classroom.
References
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Hi Crystal,
DeleteYou bring up great points in your post. I have experienced some teachers that do not understand the reasons why we need to update and integrate. They suggest that children get too much tablet time. What are our thoughts about the time children are on these mobile devices? I find the student learn so much when they are on the right application or activities. And the use of the tablet is different skills that using the desk computer. I agree with you so much about the importance of teachers modeling the use of technology in the classroom.
Crystal,
DeleteStudents today have more knowledge of technology than when I was in school and that is one advantage they have. It is essential that we as teachers educate ourselves to ensure that we are providing the appropriate and correct way to use it in collaboration with lesson/curriculum. For the reasons that you mentioned in your post as to learning to use technology, I agree because using it can be beneficial. It is not just for students, but for teachers as well upgrading the classroom so that it reflects that we are equipped to teach in current society that involves using technology is crucial.
The Technology Upgrade
ReplyDeleteWhen I observed children age 3 through 5 in the classroom. Is it important to show children the basics to computers, and applications on mobile phones? And I believe the answer is they already know how to navigate through the mobile phones, tablets, and need help with computers. They are familiar with these devices that are part of their environment. I believe adding technology “upgrade” my instructional practice when I return to the classroom is important. And one idea I have is for the children, at the end of the day, letting the children turn on the computer, navigate the mouse, and use technology terms to give them meaning to computers this is to improve their computer knowledge. This is my plan to add more hands on activities for the children.
One way I remember, was we upgraded in our classroom by researching “tornado drills” on YouTube, giving the children an idea about what we we’re practicing. We upgraded instructions by letting the children type their names. We as teachers are looking to find a tablet we can use in our room for the children to use educational applications; drawings, and games (Johnson, 2012).
In this week reading in Chapter 4, “The Technology Upgrade” I found the descriptions of some of the sample assignments for students, far to advance for preschool, but I did use my grandchild as to learn how a child of kindergarten would receive the idea of learning about technology. She was very interested and I found myself surprise at how much she really wanted to learn. While I was happy to learn, she really knows more than I expected about technology. We worked on the searching information on the Internet and talked about the search bar. She was receptive and seems happy to look up information.
References
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher's Technology Survival Guide. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Hi Justina!
DeleteI couldn't agree more that young children already know how to use phones and tablets. I also agree that many young children need help when it comes to using an actual computer. I think this is because young children have access to tablets and phones all of the time. I also believe that being able to touch the screen helps young children. It is much easier to learn that you touch something on a screen, than it is to learn to use a mouse.
I completely agree that some of the things were too advanced for preschool, and to a point even kindergarten. I think children now are used to using phones and tablets but that computers are not part of their everyday life, because the others are more convenient. My daughter, who is going into fourth grade, is able to use a computer and laptop because she uses them at least a couple times a week, if not daily. My son, who is starting kindergarten, is able to use everything except computers and I limit how often he is on a tablet or something to once a week max. What kind of things did you do with your granddaughter?
DeleteI really like how he is suggesting that teachers slowly upgrade technology into the classroom. Slowly introducing technology into the classroom to make the adjustment easier for teachers. One of the things he suggest is letting the students use a word processor to do their writing assignments. I worked in a junior high class that worked in this past year, but first I must give a little back-story. When I was in junior high we had a journal and we would get a prompt and would write in the journal for a certain amount of time everyday for language arts class, mind you language arts was a two period class and that hasn’t changed. When I was in junior high we use journals and a pencil, but now the children use chrome books. The children all have their own log in information and they are able to log on, write their journal entry, and then save it to a program that is shared with the teacher. At the end of the month, when I was a child, we had to put a giant star in the corner of three prompts we wanted the teacher to read and grade, and she would pick a random on to make four entries total, now the children change the fount and make it bold, and occasionally highlight it so the teacher knows which entries they want graded. He also suggest researching things online. I worked with a teacher in Aug. that would have the children look things up online but would also provide material for the children to look things up so they were exposed to multiple ways to do research. When teachers use technology they are able to use a variety of teaching styles that will reach all of the children. I really like that he provided a list for teachers to use for assessments that use technology. Things like this can be given to the children so they understand what they will be graded on. Passing out and reviewing assessment for any assignment is always helpful when working with children, but seeing how you have to include things like how many slides a presentation is important. I haven’t really done an assessment that requires the use of technology so it is nice to see an example that I will need to include things like that when I make assessments and things like that later on.
ReplyDeleteResources
Johnson, D. (2012). The classroom teachers technology survival guide. Hoboken, NJ: Jossey_Bass.
Hi Amanda, I agree slowly adding technology to classroom will made it easier for some teachers. However, today kids are coming into our classroom technology ready. So we have to have some flexibility in our personal learning of new technology products. We want to model for our student at all times, and being open too new ways of learning and how to learn is important. In today’s school systems everything is done by computers so we have to learn how to use the schools technology based systems too. I know some teacher are used to doing attendance and grades by hand but we have to embrace what is new and will help us update our learning. Crystal
DeleteHi Amanda,
DeleteI am a teacher that is happy to integrate technology in to the classroom and really believe children need to do more on the personal computer verse the tablets and phones. I like to test out on my granddaughter (she will be technology smart), what I have noticed is she is not always sure what to do next and she is easily distracted. I have found the more I let her on the computer the better skills she gets, but I sit next to her during the computer time. I could see this being an issue for parents if I make this a homework assignment.
Task 1,2, and 3 helped me learn how to use the advanced search correctly in order to deepen my searches creating less links. Making the advanced search more detailed will help me find answers as well as finding a reliable source. In task one I was able to learn what a domain is, which is .com and .html, etc.
ReplyDeleteBefore I began Task 2 I wanted to learn how to search specifically. Gaining that practice I am able to search host sites, domains, and more. Researching sources for math and reading was easy due to the fact that I was able to search any type of activity that would be considered interactive to children. Before I explain any further I wanted to talk about what I added into my spreadsheet. First I have a topic used and how I was able to search sources, then I wrote the URL. For each I displayed the activity that was done and the description of the webpage. The hardest part for me was the science and social studies search. For science I focused on chemical reactions and social studies the world. Interactive activities was the easiest to search. Finding print outs and teacher resources was hard because I had to add those words to the search in order to find a source.
Reading chapter four “The Technology Upgrade” is an enlightening and honest view about technology and why some teachers are apprehensive about using it. Johnson states in the textbook, “Studies have shown that although a high percentage of teachers are using technology for administration tasks, still only about half integrate computers into their daily curriculum” (Johnson 2012). Many teachers do not want to fully embrace technology due to some of the issues listed in the text; issues such as not having enough computers or devices in the classroom, inadequate bandwidth are just a few of the negative experiences (p.83). When there are not enough resources it is very disheartening and difficult to embrace technology.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of these issues, Johnson challenges the reader to view technology upgrade from a different perspective. Children can be taken to a greater level of learning when technology upgrade is incorporated into lesson plans. With the use of word processors and other electronic devices learning in the classroom can be fun as children learn different skills. I know my writing has improved because of the upgrade in technology. When children are given writing assignments their writing can be enhanced as they utilize word processors and various programs like spell-check to help improve grammar. As teachers allow children to interact and engage in technology children can acquire knowledge about many different subjects through the Internet as they collect data and information for assignments.
Assessing children through technology upgrade is also beneficial. A child’s growth can be monitored through tools that can assess their needs as well as their strengths. This is a great way for assessing students work, they can look at the progression of work and learn from their mistakes through the different assessment tools. I think these are all good tools to help students stay on task, many children need to be able to see their work from beginning to end, when they are able to incorporate the skills they have developed they will more likely achieve greater goals. They will become more proficient and more skillful with the use of technology. Technology upgrade can be mastered as children are given opportunities to learn from the Internet. When children interact and engage with technology they can become better readers, they can become more skillful in math, they learn to gather proper content for papers.
I think it is worthwhile to help children develop skills so that they can adapt to what will be the norm in society. There may be some trepidation about technology upgrade and the use of it in schools; I understand why these fears are prevalent but technology is being incorporated in every facet of life and training children to use them will help prepare them for the future.
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
Chapter 4 of our text talks about “The Technology Upgrade”. In the beginning of the chapter Johnson (2012) mentions that the integration of technology is something that “causes confusion and fear that come with doing something new.” (Johnson, 2012, p.83). I think that the integration of technology shouldn’t be something that should be new to teaching. Because we live in such a technological society and technology is constantly getting more and more advanced by the day, teachers and schools should be accepting and willing to learn these new technologies and not be afraid of learning with the students about integrating them into the classroom. Johnson mentions that teachers can face this fear by taking something you already do in your classroom and adding a technology upgrade to it, for example; adding a computer to your lectures in the classroom, or using interactive smart boards to engage students in math/reading.
ReplyDeleteJohnson mentions the benefits of technology upgrades which are: 1. Helping the teachers address multiple learning styles by allowing extensive use of multimedia in lessons, 2. Motivating reluctant students and students who are excited about technology, 3. Allowing students to add elements of creativity, especially visual components to their work, 4. Allowing anytime, anyplace, learning and access to information, 5. Allowing student performance to be reviewed and critiqued more easily, both by teacher and by the students themselves, 6. Increasing the audience for student work, and 7. Increasing classroom participation by reticent students. (Johnson, 2012, p.87). Technology integration allows teachers to modernize their ways of teaching and learning for themselves and students that keeps the students engaged and interested in the learning process and experience. I remember going to school and learning from strictly lectures, PowerPoints, and text books. If I had the technology integration that some schools and teachers use nowadays, I would have been more focused and interested in learning using the technology that can meet my needs and help me understand. Technology also allows teachers to meet the many needs of the students in the class since there is only one teacher and 20+ students.
References
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
In reading chapter 4 “The Technology Upgrade” Getting started with technology in the classroom stuck out to me. When introducing technology in the classroom you must have a starting point. You must know where to begin on this journey of integrating technology in the classroom. According to the text “ As a teacher, you can ease our way into integrating technology into your instructional practice by taking something you already do and adding a technology ” upgrade”(p.83). This will also make technology much easier when you add what you know and do to upgrade technology in your instructional planning.
ReplyDeleteYou begin to take your everyday activities and put them to technology. Teacher’s lectures will be enhance with technology by making a computer presentation. This will make it easier for students to take notes and heighten the student’s interest. Student’s writing will be type on a computer. This will help children with spell-check, peer review and editing. Student research will go beyond going to library and reading books. Students will use technology to research on-line resources instead. Using technology this way will help student’s access information quicker. They can create multimedia reports, have access to a larger number of resources and notes will be able to be copied and paste.
I know when I was growing up I spent countless hours in the library doing research by looking up different books. Having technology helps to alleviate the countless hours with a push of a button on a computer. Though many teachers enjoy doing things the old fashion way upgrading to technology will be the best decision they ever made. It is so time consuming to do everything manually. Being able to teach with a push of a button is a game changer in the classroom. Book reports can be done on the computer with different fields to be filled out about the story. Math problems become clearer with formulas and operations when put on the computer. Technology up-grade id the way to go to enhance your daily instructional planning in your classroom. Technology is making it more convenience for teachers and student. In today’s society there is no way of getting away from technology. So by using what you already do and know while using technology can make instructional teaching more interesting and fun. I look at technology in such a different way now. I once viewed technology as being difficult at one time. I didn’t want to scan and email paperwork at my job. I was use to sending documentation only by faxing. Technology up-grade is very beneficial in enhancing classroom productivity and interest.
Reference:
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
DeleteNatasha, you make a good point when you stated, “When introducing technology in the classroom you must have a starting point. You must know where to begin on this journey of integrating technology in the classroom.” As the teacher we are modeling for the students in our classroom, so having some knowledge is important. By having a basic understanding of technology makes learning how to integrate technology into the classrooms. As an ECE teacher my students come into my classroom with a knowledge of some technology. Therefore learning how to use technology and using it in the classroom is a must.
In Chapter 4 of the Classrooms Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide the author discusses the importance of using technology to teach our lessons and activities in the classroom. According to Johnson we as teachers can ease our way into integrating technology into our instructional practices by taking something we already do and adding a technology upgrade. By using technology, it helps heighten students interest in learning. So, if you are working on a math worksheet why not use the smartboard and have the lesson become interactive for the students. If the worksheet is adding single digits, the students can draw the amounts and discuss how to add them. Websites are available that help teach math lessons and you can use the “pen” to move objects from one place to another. Students like writing on the smartboards because they feel like they are a teacher 😊. You can also design graphs and make them interactive as well. Students can also use computers to make a graph to meet your specific requirements. Johnson talked about how students can create posters as well. Teachers can give directions on how many symbols to use, include visuals, or include facts about famous people. Students could even use power point and make it into a presentation. By using technology, you can also motivate reluctant students who are interested in technology. I feel like most of this chapter was directed towards older students but teachers can still begin to use technology with younger grades as well. Introducing email to younger students would be a simple process. This helps them recognize letters and get a feel for the layout of the keyboard. Students can email each other, the teacher, or even parents can get involved. I have worked in special education classrooms where we have used the smartboard for several reasons. One reason is to develop fine motor skills by grasping the pen needed. Another reason is for gross motor development. This physically got the student up out of their seat and helps them learn to use their muscles to walk or even just standing for some. Using the smartboard for visual tracking was an asset as well. Technology for all classes helps make learning fun and exciting. Children need to be up a moving to release energy. Several professionals urge teachers to use brain breaks to help children focus better. Brain breaks can be found online or teachers can make them up. An example would be having a 3-5 minutes dance party allowing students to let their minds rest from learning and this helps them to focus when necessary. I think technology is good to use in the classroom and teachers can begin to introduce it slowly.
ReplyDeleteSummary:
ReplyDeleteChapter 4 “The Teacher Upgrade”
After reading chapter four in Doug Johnson’s, The Classroom Teacher’s Technology. He discusses how to increase and improve classroom activities and lessons with technology. Furthermore, he explains how to get started in the classroom using technology and offers current activities, the technology upgrade and its benefits. (p.83-86) Some of the games, and educational movie clips Johnson (2012) suggest are implemented into the classroom, are what we do in our classroom for the children. Moving on, Johnson (2012) discusses ways to integrate technology into the classroom that are both fun and educationally effective. (p.87). He mentions digital cameras, kid pix, student google, video cameras, and writing tools are some ways we can use technology.
The next section of chapter four is my favorite. Johnson (2012) describes how educators should be clear about what is expected of different learners when assessing students. He goes into depth about describing what is wanted, creating strands for content and container, examples of past good work, give specific directions, use different assessors, use assessment tools, etc. I like this because there has been so many times that teachers are not clear in what they want out of students, and it becomes frustrating. I have had moments where teachers don’t show examples and it is difficult especially taking online classes in school as an adult. As educators, we especially cannot forget that there are many different learners out there.
Johnson (2012) goes on to discuss the expectations of a student’s basic technology skills before entering high school. Some of them are knowing word processing, spreadsheet use and graphing, software and digital image handling, email use, and internet-enabled research. These expectations are realistic, because most kids by the age of 6 know how to search the web, watch you tube videos, and have some type of technical device.
Reference
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology: Survival Guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Hey Jessica,
DeleteI to have had teacher's who expected an assignment but didn't give an example of how they wanted it done and when asked for help they told us to just follow directions. To me that's hard it's easier when I have an example of an assignment I can look at to make sure that I am doing the assignment correctly. Do you think that schools should be teaching students how to use the web in a safe and appropriate manner at an earlier age? Seeing as how technologically advanced kids are now a days.
Chapter 4 “The Technology Upgrade” starts off by discussing the integration of technology into classrooms. For some this may be scary, especially for older teachers who are not that comfortable and familiar with technology. Johnson states that the integration of technology “causes confusion and fear that come with doing something new.” (Johnson,p.83). I understand that with the teachers who have been teaching for twenty plus years that it is scary integrating something new into your classroom that you’re not familiar or comfortable with is completely normal. But how technologically advanced our society is now and how much we need and depend on technology in our everyday life should make schools see that for teachers who aren’t familiar with technology be trained and offered all the help they can get so they can feel comfortable with integrating technology into the classroom. It doesn’t have to be something crazy, maybe as your giving a lecture have a PowerPoint showing examples and pictures of the topic you are discussing. I don’t technology in my classroom when it comes to teaching my students. For one it’s not allowed and for two they are only two and three so it probably wouldn’t help much, but I am always using my tablet and laptop to look up fun tracing or letter identification worksheet or fun art or science activities we can do throughout the day. I also my iPod to play music when we are having a game of freeze dance or for our Friday dance party. It’s not much use of technology but it’s something.
ReplyDeleteJohnson mentions seven benefits of technology upgrades. One is helping the teachers address multiple learning styles by allowing extensive use of multimedia in lessons. Two is motivating reluctant students and students who are excited about technology. Three is allowing students to add elements of creativity, especially visual components to their work. Four is allowing anytime, anyplace, learning and access to information. Five is allowing student performance to be reviewed and critiqued more easily, both by teacher and by the students themselves. Six is increasing the audience for student work and seven is increasing classroom participation by reticent students. (Johnson, p.87). Technology integration is a great way not only for teachers but for students. Teachers can find different way to engage their students and let them interact with the learning practices in different ways. It also allows teachers to keep records how just how each student learns and let’s them see the best way each student learns and takes in information. I remember in high school I had one teacher who would just talk and talk when it came to teaching. And random scribbles on the chalkboard. He noticed that a lot of us weren’t paying attention and lacked interest. So, he started making games out of lesson. Creating PowerPoints and even internet workshops. He used technology to make learning fun. It was great and from that day on I always thought that teaching and learning should be like that.
References
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Jessica,
DeleteIntegration of technology can be fearful for older teachers and their students if they are not familiar and comfortable with using it. It sometimes brings fear out of me when I have to use or learn something new. When I was going to school we did not have all of the technology that is available now for teaching and learning. I can see how it would have been helpful within classroom if it was, as it would draw more attention to lesson being taught by those students showing boredom or difficulty with certain lessons or subjects. Technology upgrade helps to teach on the bases of the different learning styles of students within the classroom.
In chapter four, Johnson discusses the many ways technology can upgrade everyday teacher and student tasks. There are still those who oppose its integration in the classroom, studies show that only about half of teachers integrate computers into their daily curriculum (Johnson, 2012, p. 83). When technology can be successfully integrated into the classroom, we enhance the learning process for our students.
ReplyDeleteJohnson goes on to list common activities that can be enhanced by technology they include, adding visuals and sounds to teacher lectures, having students type their work out before handing in work to ensure they spell-check their work, students using online resources for research, using spreadsheets for book reports or math problems, video recording presentations and speeches, and so much more. Not only does technology enhance activities, they bring great benefits to all. Key benefits that Johnson (2012) lists are the ability for teachers to address multiple learning styles due to use of multimedia in lessons, motivate students to learn through technology, allow for students to be creative in their work, allow continuous access to information, allow for work to be easily critiqued and reviewed by teacher and students, allow for others to join in on student work, and increase classroom participation by those students who are quiet (p. 86-87). These benefits will bring about great change in my opinion and allow for students to be better prepared in todays on demand job market that requires the usage of technology more than ever.
In the reading, Johnson brings a very important question up, how can we expect quality work from students when we don’t give them the guidelines that will have them turn in a successful product? He includes a few tips on how technology can add on to assessments: use a checklist to cover as much as possible on what is expected of students, provide two separate assessments for projects that use technology, one for the content and one for what tool they used to present that content, provide examples of what quality work looks like, give criteria at the time the project is being work on and not after the fact, assessments should be used as a tool for revisions to encourage improvements, use other assessors other than the teacher to provide quality feedback, and for teachers to revise assessment tools each time they are used (Johnson, 2012, p. 89-91). He was also able to provide us readers with sample assessments to review that can be used for slideshows, graphs, technology skills evaluations, word processing, spreadsheets, Internet skills, email skills, multimedia presentations, and short paper assignments. All the necessary skills that in my opinion, will be useful for students entering middle school, high school and college. The better feedback and assessments we are able to provide our students, the better the chance they have in improving their skills as they go on in their education.
***** CONTINUED
ReplyDeleteHe ends his chapter with the last few pages focusing on how teachers must have the ability to get students to navigate through technology and find reliable sources, when back then there was a scarcity of them, we now have too many to consider, he calls this an “Information Jungle”. In order for students to develop information literacy skills (the ability to solve a problem, identify information that is needed, use those sources, organize information, communicate findings, and evaluate final product), one must use the problem-based learning approach so that students may find a genuine connection with what they are learning and find true meaning as to why they are learning what they are learning. He provides skills to ensure that we are navigating the Information Jungle to get to the desired result. I feel like I may use these skills for my own benefit. I want to make sure that I am headed in the right direction when it comes to questioning on what I want to learn about a certain topic and avoid being vague. I want to make sure that I am not wasting my time when it comes to searching for what I want. I want to be able to tell the difference between a good and a bad resource. I want to be able to use technology to report my findings through various tools. And lastly, I want to be provided with assessments and rubrics that point me in the right direction. All of my wants listed are what I would also want my students to have when it comes time to learning in my classroom. Technology is a wonderful tool that can expand how we learn in more way than one.
Reference:
Johnson, D. (2012). The classroom teacher’s technology survival guide. San
Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
The Technology Upgrade
ReplyDeleteTechnology is an advanced tool within the classroom that helps promote educational experience for students as it allows access to the World Wide Web. Using technology for many forms of resources and reasons for teaching through its different browsers, websites, and operating systems as these things can be beneficial to the teacher and students. In computers, an upgrade is a new version of or addition to a hardware or, more often, a software product that is already installed or in use. Upgrades may be sold as specially labeled, less expensive "upgrade" packages (as, for example, Microsoft's Office suite products) to existing users alongside versions of the product that are made for sale to first-time users. In other models of software distribution, an upgrade may also be available for free or for-charge downloading from the product maker's site (TechTarget, 2017).
According to Mr. Johnson, “ As a teacher, you can ease your way into integrating technology into your instructional practice by taking something you already do and adding a technology “upgrade.” Upgrading technology is essential as it replaces and enhances traditional activities and assignments for teachers and students use that they are already comfortable using. Activities such as teacher’s lectures can add a presentation program like PowerPoint to add graphics to heighten their students’ interest and better note taking. As we are sharing through blogs, it can create an atmosphere for class discussion in which colleagues can share their thoughts, ideas, and opinions. I am fairly new at blogging, but the more it is done the more comfortable I become. It is also a great means for communicating for shy students to contribute and participate in a conversation about a topic, etc.
There are key benefits to technology upgrade such as it helps the teacher to address different learning styles for their lessons, motivate students, allows addition for creativity, access to information at anytime or anyplace, and reviewing and critiquing performances of others by teacher and students. I thought this was a great saying by an old adage suggesting that the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time in reference to technology upgrade as it can be that first nibble to take to successfully integrate technology into your classroom in a positive way (Johnson, 2012, p. 87).
As technology is advancing, instructional support through teaching has to evolve as well in order to be current with today’s society. Technology upgrading will assist with the digital learning in the classroom to connect students with the real world, prepare them for the workplace, encourage collaboration, and support different learners.
Reference:
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher's Technology Survival Guide. Hoboken, NJ: Jossey-Bass.
What is upgrade? - Definition from WhatIs.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/upgrade
Reflection
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started my assignment, I could not get my video to play in either location. I had to email the professor and she sent me a separate link and it finally worked. The first task worksheet was easy to follow the instructions and answer the questions. The second task was not hard it was just time consuming because of having to copy and paste everything. I had never used google advanced before so I found it very interesting to be able to narrow down searches. I found some great education sites that I bookmarked on my own computer so I can use in the classroom. I think by using google advanced, it will be helpful with lesson planning or finding activities needed for certain situations. Teachers that have older students could also teach their students how to use it as well. They might find it helpful in completing assignments. I think it is good to begin to introduce technology in the classrooms. Teachers can slowly apply it to already prepared lessons. Even videos on YouTube are helpful to give students a visual of what you are talking about. We had students who did not know what an armadillo was so we looked up a video so they could see.
Reflection
ReplyDeleteI found assignment four kind of challenging. I had never used, or heard of, an advanced search until this assignment. However, I really liked using this kind of search. I felt like it made my searches more to the point. I really liked that there were so many different ways to search. I will definitely be using this method of searching again.
The part I found the most challenging, was finding games that were appropriate for young children and met the academic requirement. Many times I found that the games were directed towards older children. I also found that much of the results focused on games that could be played in the classroom instead of on the computer. I tried many different search methods to eliminate these results, but it continued to happen throughout the entire assignment.
Finally, I liked being able to play around with the screenshot function on my computer. I had never used this function on my Mac computer. Therefore, I didn’t know how to do it until after watching the video provided. I think I will use this function more often when printing things for my classroom. I’m excited to use the new things I learned to save time.
The assignment for this week was really interesting. I have never heard of or done an advanced Google search before this assignment. I will have to keep it in mind for the future. I typically have the issue that I want one certain thing and it will only pick up on certain words and I waste my time going through things that do not relate to anything that I am doing. It took a minute or two to catch on to how to do each individual type of search, but once I was able to figure that out it made things much easier. I was surprised how easy it was to use and how much of a difference it could make in the amount of results that you get. I really liked the fact that once I was able to narrow done my searches how easy it was to find what I actually wanted and was looking for.
ReplyDeleteFinal:
ReplyDeleteNo matter how we feel about technology it is a part of today’s classrooms. Children as young as age six have cellphones and use tablets daily. Our schools now use technology to do attendance, grades and registration. So as educators learning to incorporate technology into our teaching and our classrooms is important. Therefore embracing and exploring how technology will help us in our day to day teaching is where we should look to as we open up to technology. This week reading was eye opening for me as an ECE teacher, I did not really think how important having technology would be in my classroom or for my students. But as I read and I started to understand I have to model for my students, and that includes where technology is concerned.
Final Reflection:
ReplyDeleteThis assignment what very challenging. It took me forever to figure out how to coordinate and make sure I had the correct sites. I got confused and had to back and make some corrections. I feel as though I did much better on the spreadsheet. The last time I did that assignment I was very confused.I do have more clarity on how to do searches and the importance of doing spreadsheets. It does appear to organize subjects better as you use them for resources to teach students or as information for parents.This was challenging but I think I know more now than a few weeks ago.I also had a hard time finding the site for scholastic.
Final Reflection,
ReplyDeleteI too found this assignment challenging again. I also found that the more do these assignments the better I get, so practice is an important key. I have found some great sites to share with my students in doing this assignment.
Reflection
ReplyDeleteIn reflecting in this week’s 4 assignments I learned somethings I never knew about until I took this class. Well I knew about them but didn’t know what there were called until I did task1. So many times I have looked up so many websites and never really paid attention to what .edu, .net, .org, .com and other websites endings were called domain suffixes. Taking this class was the first time I ever heard of Domain suffixes or even knew what it meant. I just thought they were websites endings but I didn’t know what they were called. This was very informative because now I have a better understanding of what domain suffixes are and can identify them.
In task Two it was my first time learning how to do screenshot from the computer. Of course I know how on my phone but I never knew how to do it from the computer. I can say that each week I am learning new things as I do each assignment. This makes the class very interesting. I also learned how to do an advanced google search which I have never done before. I use to just type in the words in the search engine to look up different topics I was looking for. I can honestly say that this week assignments have definitely been a learning experience.
REFLECTION:
ReplyDeleteI have to say that this week's assignments were not my best work. I have to admit that I got a little dizzy from just searching and my Word crashed a couple of times for some reason during this assignment. I found it hard to use Google advanced search as it gave me limited results so I had to play around with words. But I do have to say that it is a great resource to have as the results are not as abundant as they can sometimes be, but it did make this task a little difficult for me.
I found the PREZI presentation to be very informative. I was able to visually distinguish the differences between each search and use them for this week's task. I never knew there were so many ways to limit searches rather than search through countless sites that have nothing to do with what we are looking for.
Reflection of assignment:
ReplyDeleteEven though I didn't get to submit my full assignment on time, I did learn some things just by developing some of the parts. From this assignment I learned how entering the values and playing around the exact the words in Goggle Advanced Search is actually a pretty good way to reduce the amount of results that we may get.
I also found out how to take advantage of snipping tool. It was a good thing to discover how to use this tool to be more selective on what we want to cut from the screen, whereas I used to just take the screenshot using the keyboard and then use paint to cut out the things that I wanted. Another thing that I learned from using Google Advanced Search is that you can change the language that you want to get the results from and many other filters in order get closer to the information that you want to get.
This week was great! I loved learning how to use google advanced. I honestly never knew that google advanced existed. I was so used to just going to google and searching for what I needed to and I would have to go through all the pages to find out what I needed. Some times I couldn't find what I was looking for. And I would just give up. So learning out how to search for websites and links that have what your looking for was awesome. I found myself kind of confused with the URL search. I would put in a website and then put in a phrase of what I was looking for and it would show that I had no results but a few links showed up, but didn't have what I was looking for. But it's something that I have to work on. Screenshotting was cool. It's super simple and now I don't have to use my phone to take a picture. I'm excited to use google advanced more to look for activities and art projects for my lesson plans.
ReplyDeleteFinal Reflection:
ReplyDeleteThis week was a great experience learning all about Google Advanced. I will admit it was a little frustrating at times when I felt I could not find anything, no matter how short I narrowed my search. I did appreciate the practice and growth I gained during the tasks. I have always been the one to type in long sentences in my searches, and I have learned to condense using phrases "" and title and URL in my searches. Screen shooting the pages was pretty easy and putting what we searched into the spreadsheet was fine. My struggle was getting good sources and finding interactive games for children that connected with science and social studies. I will definitely be using google advanced more often from now on. I actually used it the other day when I was searching for things to do kid friendly in my area for my daughter. I still think I need more practice with the words I choose to search for something, but that is a work in progress.
Reflection
ReplyDeleteTechnology upgrade is necessary to assist with the learning process within the classroom as it provides an addition to activities that will promote the advancement of students. There are benefits to having knowledge of how to incorporate the changes. The use of the Internet has its advantages and disadvantages; therefore it is important that the teachers educate themselves before attempting to use it in their class. There are different search strategies that I found to be helpful this week in a video, for example, using quotation mark for narrowing down search to obtain a specific inquiry about a topic. Also using the minus sign before a word will make it easier to distinguish a particular word that has more than one meaning. I was enlightened to find out how the Web search strategies work through the demographical illustration using the large body of water and droplet. I better understand the importance of how to use keywords when searching by blending words or with more than one word to describe what I am searching for. By having technology within a classroom a teacher can use it with curriculum through the use of different tools; therefore, upgrading needs to be current in order for it to have validity.