This week you read Chapter Nine: "Looking into the Crystal Ball"
In
this final chapter the author talks about qualities of effective
technology trainers; but many of these are also qualities of effective
teachers. Although I do have a favorite and that is "refraining from
touching the learner's mouse." I always tell my students "you can help
your classmates, but you should not do for your classmates!"
In week nine I was reading Chapter Nine in The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide, which is called Looking into the Crystal Ball. According to Doug Johnson, “ As you can tell from the preceding examples, ‘technology in schools’ means different things to different people” (page 191). Every teacher and school will use technology differently, but it should help the child succeed. Through this chapter I learned about how to invent the future classroom with my own way through technology. Another point I learned is about the radical center of education.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Doug Johnson, “ Teachers who invent their own future take time to reflect, to formulate a personal vision of what education ought to look like, and to consider the role technology plays in that vision” (page 192). Every teacher will have a different vision of what education will teach the child and how to implement technology into it. It does have overall guidance from the school district principle, because they create the mission statement of the school. Such as some schools will focus more on passing standardized tests, and other schools might focus on interacting and engaging the students through technology. Depending on the school district it is key to experiment and share knowledge in order to find the ways technology can help your classroom succeed.
When talking about the radical center of education there are ten key points that I will summarize. As an educator it is important to have an mindset that helps the child succeed, such as looking at cause and effect. This would be creating an and, not an or mindset. The second point is to understand everyone’s point of view because they have a specific reason for it, not just shake that thought out of your mind. This collaborates with the third key and that is to respect the opinion of the individual that has that specific idea. The fourth point is important for every educator, because you might think that every child will learn in this one specific way. But that is not how it works every child and teacher learns differently. The fifth point is attending to attitudes, because this can encourage a teacher or student to make an action occur. The next couple points are focusing on making sure that technology is being used very slowly because it will be hard for the students and teachers to understand when to much information is being taught. Also going slow will keep us knowledgeable on who understands and how to teach the students having trouble. It is okay if some of the students are having a hard time understand because practice will help tremendously. In the end the radical center of education creates the same outcome of helping the teacher know how they want to educate their students and how to implement technology into the mix.
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
We can all agree that what technology brings to us as educators, is different for each of us. As you stated, “Every teacher and school will use technology differently, but it should help the child succeed.” As teachers we have to invest in what we are going to teacher our students and how we will use technology to help our student learn, understand, and apply what we are teaching and they are learning. As we continue to grow and educate ourselves we will have a blueprint to helping our students develop and grow in our classrooms. Thanks for sharing, Crystal.
DeleteI believe that implementing and engaging students to actively invest their time and present state of mind to learn something new in the form of technology. It creates an outcome for teachers in students to retain knowledge in gain more awareness about information being presented with knowledge to understand it. I think we all can agree that technology is key and very important piece to teaching. It not only helps us move through some critical pieces but plays a role into resources for specific topics or themes.
DeleteI know I have trouble concentrating when too much information is given, too much information is distracting.The learner can have an advantage as they learn from someone who is taking the time to make sure they are moving slow so that information given can be processed.
DeleteHey Stephanie,
DeleteI actually didn't know that teachers and schools use technology differently. I honestly thought that all teachers and schools used it the same. But I do agree that teachers shouldn't overload the students with information when they are learning about technology. Do you think that when teachers are teaching students about technology they should have blogs and websites that students can check out to get more information?
Stephanie, you are right. All teachers use technology differently in the classroom. I have been a TA (Teacher's Assistant) for some time now, and I have seen many teachers do different things in the classroom. This excites me, because I get to see how different teachers work in the classroom.
DeleteHi Stephanie!
DeleteThanks for sharing your post this week, you make some really great points. We are not all going to utilize technology in the same exact way but it is very important that we do use it to our advantage. Reflecting on what we do is an important part of growing and also an important part of being an educator, reflecting on how we utilize technology and finding ways to improve the ways we use it is very important.
While reading chapter nine of Doug Johnson’s The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide, I was able to gain new information about what other schools are using technology for. The one that stuck out the most to me was Skinner Elementary (Johnson, 2012). I found this one most intriguing because I am an early childhood major, so I will more than likely never teach a grade above sixth grade. I found this school so interesting because the programs being used made it possible for students to work at their own pace while being in school for less time (Johnson, 2012). All of these things sound fantastic. However, all of the children spend the entire day using a computer. This makes me question a few things. When do these children get any physical activity? Children at ordinary elementary schools receive a physical education class and recess. If children are spending their whole day at school on a computer, and they come home to play games on a computer, what kind of affects does this have physically on a child?
ReplyDeleteAnother question that comes to mind is when do these children develop social skills? They are on a computer doing an individual program for the entire four hours they are at school. The teacher doesn’t even interact with them unless a paraprofessional can’t answer one of their questions. Therefore, we are sending these children to junior high, and possibly beyond, without teaching them any social skills at school. Knowing how few social skills some of the children have entered my class with, I am genuinely concerned for the future wellbeing of the children attending this school.
Another part of the chapter I found interesting was how important it is to share how your classroom is using technology (Johnson, 2012). As I have mentioned before, my program had us start using another assessment program on top of our old one. When I first heard about this program, I was not happy about having to do yet another form of assessment. I liked the idea of what the program could do, but I felt it wasn’t time conscious to use both assessment programs. However, this program allows each child to take a test. The program adjusts by grade level, and it can go one grade above, and below, the child’s current grade. I have had to help some of the children use the mouse, but overall it seems to be a successful assessment tool. I find myself sharing children’s successes with their parents quiet frequently. Many parents like the idea of an online assessment program, and they often ask me questions about their child’s growth.
References
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Students are engaging with technology constantly outside of the classroom. Kids like to be interactive, and learning through technology has now become a part of their lifestyle.
DeleteKids know technology better than most adults. It has become the easiest way they learn, because it is such an integral part of their life. Engaging with technology in the classroom has not only helped them learn better, but they also acquire multi-tasking skills. At this day in age, they hardly know how to learn without it. This knowledge is important, because they would be way behind in the real world without it. However,We know from years of experience that kids learn at their own pace, but sometimes the traditional classroom makes it difficult to do so. With the integration of technology in education, children have the ability to slow down and go back over lessons and concepts, and more advanced kids can go ahead. It also frees up the teacher to help kids on a more one-on-one level. Consequently,technology has changed the learning environment so that learning is more hands-on. Schools throughout the nation are diverse in income, and often kids don’t always get the resources they need. The implementation of technology in schools helps close that gap.
Kaylie,
DeleteI also enjoyed the Skinner Elementary school because of the way education is focused on. It is not focused on how quickly the child will learn everything for standardized testing. It is to help the child work at their own pace in order to understand the material that they are learning each day. The bad part is that the children using the computer every single second of every day. I think they are leaving out physical activity. But should also let the child use both technology and physical paper or props learning.
Hey Kaylie,
DeleteI liked learning about how Skinner Elementary used technology to help students learn at their own pace. Every student learns differently so it was great to learn about that. Do you think learning about technology will take away from the importance of standardized test? Do you think there is a way to use technology to learn about standardized testing?
How we use technology in our classrooms and schools is up to us the teachers and administrators. When we select which type of technology we will use in the classroom we will make sure it fits what we want for our students. “The biggest mistake teachers can make in regards to technology use is to simple let the future happen to them rather than be a serious part of creating their own future”, (P.191). This chapter gives and insight on how we all use technology to fits the needs of our school, classrooms, and students. “Teachers who invent their own future take time to reflect, to formulate a personal vision of what education ought to look like, and to consider the role technology plays in that vision” (page 192). How we want our classroom to run and how we use technology to enhance our (educators) own personal learning as well as the educational need of our students is an important tool.
ReplyDeleteMost children already come to us with some personal knowledge of Technology use, so how we engage our student is important. As technology changes so mush we as educators. Technology makes our lives easier and it helps to make some transition in classroom smoother. The ease of school life with technology is most seen in upper grades: papers, research, and enrolment all benefit from technology. I am sure that a few teacher can remember when all this was done manually by hand. “Some of these technologies have indeed made it into K-12 schools, (P.187). How technology is used in the future of classrooms will help in simplifying how well schools and classrooms are ran, and how students learn.
How we integrate new and inventive technology into the future of our classroom will be the test of what type of educators we will be seen as by our student, families, and peers. When we take the time to learn what is new and how it will help to advance our students learners is imperative. If we are not sure looking for a people who can help us learn is always helpful. “Find someone in the building who is willing to teach you about new technologies. Oh, and consider that this might be a student, not an adult”, (P.196).
The influence technology bring to our lives is important and this is evident, by how it enhance our teaching styles on our students.
References:
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
Hi Crystal,
DeleteIf only more teachers and admin would see the benefits that technology can bring to schools. Like you mentioned, technology can simplify how schools and classrooms are run. We can get back the time we lose each time we have to manually do something. I remember taking down the attendance to the office every morning in elementary school, now its done with a click of a button. We have to resist the urge to think of technology as a burden to learn and see it for its true splendor, the greater future of classrooms that successfully integrate technology into the classroom and school.
Crystal,
DeleteYou are correct when you stated that some students already come to use with the knowledge of technology or the use of technology that they are exposed to at home. Such as in the modern day the technology is youtube, Instagram, Facebook, and more. With this knowledge of technology we are able to slowly introduce students to technology that will help in the classroom. It needs to be a process of easing the child in, not just throwing them into the mix.
This week in chapter 9, Johnson begins by discussing how different schools use technology to fulfill the purposes of education. I enjoyed reading the different school scenarios and found myself very interested in Skinner elementary. This elementary has some ways in which technology helps them enhance learning and teaching for example by using computers (limited amount of time), using computers to communicate. I also relate to this scenario because through observations and fieldwork in other courses I have seen how schools like skinner elementary, have a goal of making sure all students pass state and federal tests in reading. This is something that I have seen be so important to teachers, parents, and the students, and by incorporating technology tools to help students meet those goals will help. The only thing I did not like about skinner elementary, and as Johnson mentions is that it “ignores most child development needs and treats children like robots” (p.191). Children learn and develop at different levels, and if a teacher or school is not able to work and provide each child the tools and resources they need to help them meet goals at their learning level and needs, then the school and student will not meet their goals at the end of the year. Reading these scenarios really made me think about how I would want to incorporate technology to aid in teaching and learning in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteJohnson states that “teachers who invent their own future take time to reflect, to formulate a personal vision of what education ought to look like, and to consider the role technology plays in that vision.” (p.192). Every teacher needs to take the time to think about how technology is going to benefit the students in the classroom, and how to incorporate it into their curriculum. I think its important to learn not only from research, but discussing with other staff, attending workshops, and learning everything you can about teaching with technology to not only feel comfortable with it, but how it will help us grown and succeed as educators.
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
Great post and I like how you understood and related to how schools, “have a goal of making sure all students pass state and federal tests in reading.” Not that I do not think testing is not important however there are other key elements in their learning process too. Just as we as the teacher have to find ways to learn what is new and innovative in technology we have to ensure that we are finding ways to impact our student in technology learning too. Our administration is helpful in implementing what types of technology our schools and classroom will have to reach students. However, we as educators should be aware of what we need too, so that our students are ready for what is new and innovative. Thanks for sharing your post, Crystal.
DeleteThere are programs like Ready iReady and xtramath that allow the children to work at their own pace and will change as the children change. I think teachers do need to consider how to use technology in the classroom and grow and develop their skills as technology changes. There are lots of workshops and things available, and if you can't find them with the school there are always how to books and videos.
DeleteHi Stephanie!
DeleteThanks for sharing your post this week, you make some really great points. I also thought it was interesting to see how Doug Johnson shared the differences of the ways different schools used technology. I also enjoyed reading about how Skinner Elementary really put their best foot forward when trying to utilizer technology in their school. You also brought up a good point that Johnson pointed out about treating students like 'robots" school should never make a student feel that way, learning is not one size fits all.
Summary: Chapter 9 “Looking Into the Crystal Ball
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the required chapter for this week, Johnson (2012) discusses three important concepts that will help guide Educators to invent their future and take charge of their own technology environment, and change from radical center education. Furthermore, Johnson (2012) states “The biggest mistake teachers can make in regard to technology use is to simply let the future happen to them rather than be a serious part of creating their own future.” (pg. 191). He gives scenarios for different school use of technology with their ways and their ideas, but explains that technology in schools means different things to everyone. He explains that the rest of his chapter explores how to determine our own technology future and the six ways teachers can take charge today. Some of them include, having a vision of what education means to us and how we can incorporate technology in it, having a voice in technology policymaking and planning, experimenting with technology, looking around for mentors, sharing information, and supporting others using a team-teaching approach. I think first having our own vision of education is important, because teachers across the world might have a different philosophy on education and what it means to them. I work with a lot of teachers, and I know that we all have a different teaching beliefs and techniques; which is great because every child deserves their specific instructional needs. Having a voice in your classroom and advocating for how you want your day to look is something teachers should always practice with their students. Being able to decide what is blocked and what can be used can be frustrating for both teachers and students. Experimenting with technology in the classroom is greatly important, because it is a learning process for everyone. Just like this course we are taking, and learning new things form the instructor. We are experimenting with everything that is being taught to us and I am sure the instructor learns new things as they teach. Making sure that all teachers are on the same page is very important so that all students can have a fair education of what they are learning. Sharing our information with our co-workers is important because, we are teaching one another. We are going through this right now at work especially at the beginning of the year where all teachers discuss their lesson plans and all stick with the same approach. All teachers teach differently and something we will figure out along the way.
As Johnson (2012) gave scenarios of three different schools I found myself saying to each of them that I really liked the idea and then I found flaws with the thought of technology only being the main source of instruction. I really liked Skinner school, but I went to an alternative school where at first there were real teacher’s and slowly teachers disappeared and more computers were taking over. I must be honest here, I enjoyed school when it was all teachers. There is a special bond teachers create with students that technology cannot and that is what is most important.
Reference
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass
Hi Jessica,
DeleteI also wrote about teachers preparing for the future. The way technology is growing and changing everyday teachers have to prepare to integrate technology in the classroom. I feel that teachers should get training and take classes how to use technology effectively in their classrooms. Being well prepared will take out the fear of using technology and changing the old way of doing things.
In reading chapter 9 " Looking Into The Crystal Ball" one thing that I can really relate to especially after taken this class is "Don't be afraid to say, I don't know"(p.205). I had to call Professor Freeman about several assignments because I just didn't know how to do the homework. I needed clarity and guidance so I could get my assignments done correctly. Technology is not easy when you are not use to using certain programs. Teachers can't be afraid to ask for help and say I just don't know . Seeing that technology is always changing and it is not going anywhere teachers have to be able to get an understanding on how to use it. According to Johnson it states that" The biggest mistake teachers can make in regard to technology use is to simply let the future happen to them rather be a serious part of creating their own future"(p.191). By preparing for technology as a teacher you are able to formulate a personal vision of what education should look like and to consider the role technology will play in your classroom. The text gives an example of a personal prediction about technology in schools. Making sure policies and procedures are put in place for the safety of the children using websites. Being able to develop effective lesson plans that are interactive. Using technology to increase educational options for all students. Trainings for teachers and students on changes with technology. Making sure that funding is available and there is enough technology equipment for the students. All of things help in making preparation for technology in the future of a teacher's classroom. No matter how hard, how much it change or expensive it gets one thing is for sure technology is advancing and it will be integrated into every classroom . So, teachers have no other choice but to get on board and plan for future of technology in their classrooms.
ReplyDeleteJohnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
Hi Natasha,
DeleteI posted about that as well, the not knowing part that Johnson mentions in his text. I feel that is something that I struggle with a lot. I feel scared or ashamed to ask for help, but the older I've gotten the more I have gotten over my fear of asking for help. The closer I get to become a teacher, the more I realize that I have to be a role model to my students. I can't sit there and be afraid of not knowing something if I know I wouldn't want my students to feel the same way. I want them to be able to come ask me for help, just as much as I might as my mentor for help too. Technology is vast and the benefits make me more aware of how important it is to ask for help, for my sake and that of my students.
I subbed a couple times or I working in a class with a sub and had to get everything for the smart board going. I called another teacher so many times to ask how to do different things she ended up coming down and showing me everything. I felt bad because I pulled her away from her class, but at the same time after that one time I was able to do everything from that point on for the rest of the school year. It was taking the first step to call and say I need help. I think it is important for the children to realize that it is okay to ask for help and if they see their teachers ask then it can make it a little more normal and acceptable for them to ask for help.
DeleteHi natasha,
DeleteI think that not being afraid to say "I dont know" is something that teachers and all professionals need to be capable of and acccept at times. There is no way, even if you are the highest position in your field that you know everything there is to know about your job. Especially when it comes to teaching and curriculums, tests, standards, technology,etc. is always changing, admitting you dont know and may need help is ok, and that is why you have a support system of colleagues, administration, and resources like teacher workshops to help with what you may not know or be comfortable enough with. Teaching is a constant learning career.
There are 10 key factors in this chapter that stood out to me the most in regards to understanding what is being presented and represented in the technology forum. Having the ability to look at the effect and causes that acquires student’s abilities to either succeed or fail should be closely monitored. Having an open mind to declare the students learn technology at different paces, different ways and acquire different forms with methods to learn about technology. Secondly, understand everyone’s perspective in allow the creation of how technology or exposure can create a resource for the student and not overlook students opinions. Also, have respect for the student’s opinion and everyone in general. Attempting to conquer the opinions given with caution on how that may fell. As for, attitudes among how the student feels as well as the teacher. You have to take chances in be aware with an open mindset in ready to learn. Therefore, as a teacher you should possess the ability to teach students at many different paces in if they get it wrong to just be patient in try again. Letting them know everything doesn’t happen on the first try correctly sometimes is ok. Moreover, teaching technology step by step so that you do not rush through the teaching but taking it slow. Speeding through technology you will always miss something.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Doug Johnson, “ Teachers who invent their own future take time to reflect, to formulate a personal vision of what education ought to look like, and to consider the role technology plays in that vision” (page 192). Thus far, how we use technology in integrate technology in the classrooms are widely up to us and how wing the ability to teach it to the students. The major r key to reflecting on your vision in helping students should always have a goal which is making sure they succeed. Succeeding in having the ability to guide students through technology in which him their vision may seem so difficult. Consequently, some students may have prior knowledge within the technology. That is why how we engage n present specific topics on safety, how to guide through web pages in not share our personal incentives on our lives all over media such as passwords, address etc. Being current on the technology world in the features it comes with it not only helps in the classrooms but makes it less complicated within working effort sly on one project.
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
I think you pointed out some very good points in your post. It is important for teachers of technology to be patient with the students. Having an open mind allows students to all learn and learn at different paces. Like you said, Johnson even discussed how we might miss something if we rush through a lesson. Technology takes time but in the long run the knowledge will save us time when we learn how to do a task.
DeleteIn ‘The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide’, Chapter Nine ‘Looking into the Crystal Ball’, It discusses how each school and teacher uses technology differently. It was talks about how a teacher can invent his or her classroom how they will use technology in it. “As you can tell from the preceding examples, ‘technology in schools’ means different things to different people” (Johnson,2012,pg 191). I honestly had no idea that schools used technology differently. Before this course I thought technology was a computer, iPod or a printer. I have learned so much more about technology and the different ways you can use it. Johnson talks about Skinner Elementary School and how it uses technology to let students work at their own pace awhile being in school for less time. I would have never thought that different programs were related to technology. Another thing I learned about is the radical center of education. According Johnson, “Teachers who invent their own future take time to reflect, to formulate a personal vision of what education ought to look like, and to consider the role technology plays in that vision” (Johnson,2012,pg192). Not everyone is going to have the same vision for their schools and classrooms. Everyone has their different ideas and visions and that’s okay. Teachers and educators will use technology where they see is fit as long as it’s helping the child succeed. Johnson also discusses radical center of education. There are ten key points in radical center of education. But I believe the first five are important, because it talks about others and and how we should respect their opinions and their ideas. Point one, As an educator it is important to have an mindset that helps the child succeed, such as looking at cause and effect. Point two, is to understand everyone’s point of view because they have a specific reason for it, not just shake that thought out of your mind. Point three, is to respect the opinion of the individual that has that specific idea. Point four, is important for every educator, because you might think that every child will learn in this one specific way. But that is not how it works every child and teacher learns differently. Point five, is attending to attitudes, because this can encourage a teacher or student to make an action occur. To summarize the last five points are basically that you are understanding it and not overwhelming the students and the teachers with a lot of information. It also talks about making sure we understand and know about the technology so we are able to go slow with the technology so we can see who needs help and how to help those in trouble. It is basically tips on how and what to think about when we are implementing technology into the classroom. I enjoy learning about new technology and it makes me sad that I might possibly never get to implement it in my classroom, because I’m majoring in early childhood education in hopes of becoming a preschool teacher in the future. This course might possibly change my major.
ReplyDeleteJohnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. Jossey-Bass: CA.
Hello Jessica,
DeleteI liked how you mentioned you were unaware of how schools used techonology, and to be honest, I wasnt aware that schools used it differently either. I have done much of my fieldwork assignments in one school, and so while observing how the teachers within this school integrated technology into their curriculum I was sure this how every school worked. It was eye opening to read the different scenarios in Chapter 9 of our text, but I feel like I got a better sense of different ways to incorporate technology throughout this entire course. Technology can be scary, and if you are not familiar with it, it can be even scarier to teach to a classroom of students. But teachers should be aware that not only are they learning, but many of the students are learning as well, and to make it a learning experince for both of them. I have seen many instances in my field experience observations where teachers just "didnt know" how to do something within their curriculum or technology tools and made it a learning experience for the entire classroom. This is a great way to share the experience with your students while also learning new teaching methods to adopt into your career.
Chapter 9 is everything we would want the future to look like if we all truly were to embrace technology in classrooms. Johnson provided us with 3 scenarios at the beginning of the chapter of schools that are considered “high-tech”. I believe they went by levels of high proficiency to just getting away with using some technology. I would have to say that the type of school that I would love to work in is one that is modeled by Skinner Elementary School. In the scenario, students were given four hours each day at the computer, one-to-one ratio of computer workstations, progress summaries, and plenty of staff to help to name a few. This scenario in my opinion is perfect in everyway. To use computer to track and monitor student progress can greatly help teachers with instruction and pinpoint any concerns before they turn major. As for the other two schools, not the worst that I’ve personally seen or read but they could be better. Like the text says, “technology in schools” means different things to different people (Johnson, 2012, p. 191). This perhaps is the best they could do with the resources they are given.
ReplyDeleteJohnson provides us with 6 ways to take charge and determine our own technology future, they are: have a personal vision of education and technology, have a voice in school technology policymaking/planning, experiment, have a technology mentor, share information, and support others (p. 198). Easier said than done I feel like for at least one of these, the one that states to have a voice in making decisions on policymaking and planning. I feel that once administration or the school board has their mind or investment set on something, it can be hard for teachers to voice what they think. I’ve seen it before where it ends up with the teacher(s) don’t win and rather stay quiet from then on. It could be just one case, but it can happen. He ends his chapter with a few words of wisdom such as my favorite of not being afraid to say no. I feel that at times I get embarrassed because I may not have the answer to a particular question or know how to work/navigate something and Johnson encourages to embrace the I don’t know attitude and use it to find out the solution. As teachers we will be doing a lot of trail and errors to get to what we want and that’s okay. It’s okay to not know something and that’s what makes teachers excellent lifelong learners.
Reference:
Johnson, D. (2012). The classroom teacher’s technology survival guide. San
Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
I also liked how Johnson encourages the reader to not be embarrassed, I think this can help many people who do not necessarily have great technology skills. This is also beneficial for those who are new to technology as they train their students. I thought it was also encouraging when he talked about being patient with different learning styles.
DeleteHi Jennifer,
DeleteI glad that this book encourages teachers to admit we they don't know. It nothing wrong if you just don't know how to do something and need help. As teachers we are always learning especially when it comes to technology. In order to learn anything you have to know when to get help when you don't understand how do to do a particular task. I had to asked Professor Freeman about some of our assignments for help because I just didn't know . I was glad she was able to explain the assignment to so I could know.
Chapter nine, called “looking into the crystal ball” made me reflect in the way that I am regarding what’s coming up with technology. It made me think that having non-realistic ideas about technology in the classroom may be a drawback in learning what can be useful around me.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Johnson, “Most of their predictors have underestimated the time it has taken for new technologies to reach K-12 education and overestimated the technologies’ impact on how schooling has actually changed as a result” (Johnson, 2012). I believe that by being aware of what has been put in our classrooms (not only by directors, but what has been brought by students) is what is going to help us make a more realistic picture of the situation. I also understand that taking small steps everyday is what makes the big change.
By getting more involved with what it means to bring technology into the classroom, understand it and even create it, we need to get in contact with the needs of the classroom and try to match them with what we may find the technological word (and it doesn’t have to be something complicated). For example, for parents that work all day and may not have a lot of time to follow-up with school, an E-mail may be a very effective way to reach them, I would say that even better than a phone call, whereas everything remains written and parents may read the information and even save it for further concerns.
A statement from his chapter that called my attention is this one: “Teachers who invent their own future take time to reflect, to formulate a personal vision of what education ought to look like, and to consider the role technology plays in that vision” (Johnson, 2012). As I mentioned before, by recognizing the needs of the classroom, we could be able to find a technological path to resolve issues and to make significant changes. I also see now how the vision of each teacher may come closer if we take into account the resources that we might have in hand, but need of our time to be implemented.
According to Johnson, it is hard to be for or against technology. I say it would become impossible, whereas we make use of it everyday. However, I do have in mind that we tend to disregard resources just because we don’t understand what problems they could be solving in our classroom.
Resources
Johnson, Dough (2012) The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival guide (1st. ed.) Jossey-Bass Teacher, A Wiley Imprint.
This chapter made me think about how I would integrate technology into my classroom. There are certain ways I am comfortable with and then there are ways that I do not know much about so they make me more nervous. I think it is important to go slow and be patient with yourself and your students. Take technology from everyone around you if it will benefit your class. Technology is in our future and it can help make our classroom successful.
DeleteIn Chapter nine of The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide, Johnson discusses what technology might look like in the classroom in the future. He did give examples of three schools that used technology. Each school had different issues with the technology. Johnson also listed ideas of what he thought the future of technology in schools looked like. He thinks technology will be used to set and achieve goals for students. More training will need to be provided to teach safety, ethics, and civility. Schools will also need a greater source of funding to provide computers, laptops, I Pads, etc. Parents will desire more access to their child’s grades and information through the web. My daughter school now has access for parents online. I do like that I can check on her grades and if I see her struggling in a certain area then I can step in and help or find her help. The tools that administrators, building teams, and individual teachers use will need to be up to date and work properly for accurate use. Technology will also be integrated into content so that students meet state and national standards. This too will increase staff training. Classroom information will lean more towards digital formats like e-books, online databases, web based videoconferences, and video on demand. Johnson also believes there will be increased efforts to ensure data privacy, data security, and network reliability. Increased educational options will allow more options in a school choice, more online course choices, and more interactive videos. Some jobs may be blended together to eliminate unneeded staff. Johnson believes the use of student’s cellphones and laptops will increase as well. With budget cuts, certain programs will have to be cut like art and music. Johnson also discusses how people can effectively teach others about technology. These trainers need to have patience and make things relatable for the learners to understand. Trainers also need to provide clear and supportive materials. Trainers also need to provide the essentials and leave out what is confusing. Trainers also need to assure that “problems” are fixable and they cannot break the computer. It is important to share our knowledge of technology with others to help them incorporate technology in their own classrooms.
ReplyDeleteHello, Jenny
DeleteI agree with your point of view, as technology grows in our classrooms, staff will be required to train students in ethics and safety more than ever. In my personal experience, children from four years ago didn’t make the same questions as children from today make. An example of this is my little 10 year old cousin, whom is always asking to open her snapchat in my phone. My other 16 year old cousin never asked for stuff like that when she was her age.
It called my attention that you mentioned about the budget cut. I read in Johnson, speaking about a highschool, “The school saves money by not providing a hot lunch program; a library; art, music, or physical education classes; or a playground” (Johnson,2012) this statement concerned me from the first very moment, because all of the educational efforts that we make now sometimes may seem not enough, now imagine without all of the resources in hand.
Resources
Johnson, Dough (2012) The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival guide (1st. ed.) Jossey-Bass Teacher, A Wiley Imprint.
Chapter nine discusses how teachers can shape and determine their own technology future as they take the initiative to gain the skills needed to teach technology as well as help shape policies concerning attitudes and computer usage. The author states “Consider a range of training options that suit individual teacher learning styles. Although many people learn well in hands-on, face-to-face training sessions, others may prefer online or video instruction, well-written tutorials, or simply the time and peace needed to learn through experimentation” (Doug Johnson, 2012). The last sentence caught my attention as I consider this my learning style for learning how to use technology.
ReplyDeleteThe author believes those who are teaching computer skills to others should have a good attitude and be patient as they train others. There are many high effective qualities trainers must have when they are training others. The first quality is not to think the person learning is the problem but rather look at software or hardware as the problem, the second quality is not to touch the person’s mouse, the trainer should be patient as the learner is gaining new skills when learning how to use the computer or the internet. The third is teaching the learner how to create analogies and give the learner clear support materials as they undertake learning new tasks (p.197). The fourth quality is letting the learner know if they mess up the problem can be fixed, and providing a list of the skills the learner should master at the end of training (p. 197); and lastly trainers need to keep proper perspectives as they help others and remember what is was like when they learned about computers.
The author also discussed how the trainer can support learners by respecting individual perspectives, look for truth and value and don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” (p. 199). The author gave an analogy of how problems can be solved, solving one problem at a time can make a difference when dealing with giant problems in education (p. 207).
Having a positive attitude as you train someone will help the learner gain high quality effective skills; as they learn from someone who can be patient, the trainer can let the learner feel confident as they ensure learners things can be fixed as they master technology skills. Whether it is creating policies, or budgets or teaching learners how to use technology, having the correct attitude when training can produce powerful effective learners.
Reference
Johnson, D. (2012). The Teacher’s Technology Survival Guide. San Francisco, CA. Jossey-Bass.
Caprice,
DeleteBravo! for a great post. A trainer of technology needs to be patient and understanding of those they are instructed for it to be productive and effective. If the trainee feels overwhelmed or has a fear of technology, it will make it worse and inefficient. The trainer should not look at the trainee as if he or she is the problem because difficulties can arise from other areas to create a problem. Put yourself in that individual’s place and treat them the way you want to be treated if someone was training you. Every learner learns at their own pace…uniqueness.
Looking into the Crystal Ball
ReplyDeleteAs the year's pass, we notice technology becoming more and more a part of our society rather it is in schools, homes, or workplaces; it is ever present. Looking into this crystal ball to see what is in the future of technologies use make us take a glance at what teachers need and should be focusing on to be equipped to teach to the best of their abilities as they prepare their students for the future. Technology is a part of the K-12th grade in today’s school which has a limited impact on teaching and learning in the typical classroom (Johnson, 2012, p. 187).
The scenarios presented in the text about the three ”High Tech” schools of the future was interesting and provide a clear understanding of the how technology is an increase, it affects in schools, and importance of having knowledge of technologies. Each school had its advantages and disadvantages pertaining to technology. Skinner Elementary School had one mission, to ensure that it students were prepared to past state tests; and therefore, it was strictly about the use of technology forgetting about developmental needs. John Dewey High School allowed its students to collaborate to advance problem-solving skills, engage with others, and become independent learners while they were not doing satisfactory on tests or meeting standards. Duncan Middle School technology was used as an engagement tool that taught enhanced traditional teaching practices which had no quantifiable impact on the mission of the school or the success of the students (Johnson, 2012, p. 191).
According to Johnson, we should invent the future and take charge of our own technology environment by having a voice in the school’s technology policymaking. The teacher can eliminate placing the blame on those considered as “they” in reference to those in which an individual cannot be singly picked out. If a committee is formed the teacher may become a member and contribute to turning it to “we” for productivity (Johnson, 2012). Here are a few others ways discussed in the chapter:
• Have a personal vision of education and how technology should be used in it.
• Have a voice in school technology policymaking.
• Experiment
• Look for a mentor, coach, or guide.
• Share information.
• Support others and use team-teaching approach
Teachers and librarians make great partners for technologies, especially for first-time users. We can make a difference as changes occur, but remember that different does not mean right or wrong. It just means different (Johnson, 2012 p. 201). An individual must be mindful of his or her attitude about technology, like me. I have had experiences with technology that caused me to think negatively about it before actually trying, but after looking through this crystal ball, I understand that technology is here. I must not allow my attitude to prevent me from technology, and not to be afraid to say “I don’t know” in order to receive the assistance I need to accomplish and achieve technology skills.
Reference:
Johnson, D. (2012). The Classroom Teacher's Technology Survival Guide. Hoboken, NJ: Jossey-Bass.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter gave a lot of great advice about how to help teachers understand how to use technology better. I agree that it is better to walk somebody through how to use something or do something on the computer, rather than doing it for the other person. I really liked how Johnson talked about creating analogies for somebody who is new to all this. I liked that he referred to an email as a post office box, it is honestly something I have never thought about before, but if you are trying to teach technology to somebody who is unfamiliar with it then those analogies could be very useful. He also talks about a cheat sheet. I worked at a daycare center and the secretary retired and left a binder breaking it down with step by step instructions about how to post payments, log work hours, and so much more. She had everything organized in different folders so she wanted to make sure that everybody could access the information. One of the people that took over for her called it the bible and kept it on her desk. She did know that she had to keep it simple so that she didn’t confuse anybody either. The more I think about the seven qualities of highly effective technology trainers that more I start to think that this one teacher hit on all seven qualities. I was able to see the binder at one point and it was really simple and easy to follow, and she wasn’t doing the work for us, even when she came to visit to make sure her notes were clear.
Resource
Johnson, D.(2012). The classroom teachers technology survival guide. Hoboken, NJ:
Jossey-Bass.
Hello, Amanda
DeleteI think that what the secretary did in your daycare was a very smart thing to do. When I left the daycare center I used to work at, (I was a bookkeeper) I tried to train the person as better as I could, but it was a hard thing to do, whereas there was a lot of stuff involved there, so we kept calling each other in order to make sure everything was fine.
Something that truly called my attention from the textbook is that Johnson explains that: ““The reports have also missed a few technologies that are having an impact on schools: cloud-based productivity tools, online testing, data-mining applications, and parent portals to their children’s progress” (Johnson, 2012). I think that it connects to what you say about walking somebody in order to learn something, because with the parent portals, parents are actual witnesses of their children’s progress and everyone gets involved.
Resources
Johnson, Dough (2012) The Classroom Teacher’s Technology Survival guide (1st. ed.) Jossey-Bass Teacher, A Wiley Imprint.
Amanda,
DeleteThanks for sharing this inspiring post! You are so right in your statement about doing opposed to helping. When we do things instead of sharing the skills of technology use, we are not benefiting the users/learner. We are doing more harm than good. Question: “What is that person going to do when you are not there to assist?”
The retired secretary has set a good example for others by leaving the information behind for someone else as a guide to ensure that the job is continuously done properly. The retired secretary was training a person in technology even though she was not physical there.
This weeks assignment was to read chapter nine " Looking into the Crystal Ball" in The Classroom Teacher's Technology Survival Guide by Douglas Johnson. This chapter really helped give me insight on how school utilize technology. Johnson reviews very important points that encourage us to be a big part, he goes over the importance of being involved in the change that is occurring in the classroom. Doug Johnson says, “The biggest mistake teachers can make in regard to technology use is to simply let the future happen to them rather than be a serious part of creating their own future.” (pg. 191). When you hold such an important piece of a childs education process in your hands it is key that we use it to our full advantage. Learning the ins and outs of what we are teaching makes the process so much more smooth. Another really key component to this chapter is never ever be afraid of asking for help or be afraid to ask questions. Learning to ask questions is a part of learning and something we should really encourage as educators. At times I am sure that people are afraid to ask because they are araid to be embarrased or that they may ask a "dumb question" there is no such thing as a dumb question! By asking, we are opening a new path to learning. I always say that not knowing something is an advantage when a person is willing to find out, when there is something someone asks me and I do not know the answer, I will say that I don't know but I do not leave it at that, I say "I do not know right know but i will do my best to find an answer" by doing that we are not only teaching something to our peers but also learning something for ourselves. This entire survival guide has really gotten me excited to learn and utilize technology in my own classroom, I am ready to learn the ins and outs so that I can share with my students in this fast changing technology driven world. I am excited to get stuck on topics and not know the answers so that I can be an example of learning to my students, teaching them to seek answers is an important and significant part of learning.
ReplyDeleteResource
Johnson, D.(2012). The classroom teachers technology survival guide. Hoboken, NJ: Jossey-Bass.
Nicole, I like how you mention that there are no dumb questions. This is something my mom always told me growing up. You also sound like you are going to have great ideas and creativity in your classroom.
DeleteReflection
ReplyDeleteThis week the assignment that I did had three parts. The first task was that I had to come up with ten elements that my website needs. Through this I looked at some websites that teachers would have as a part of their classroom. I thought the most important was having information for the parents to get in contact with you, a message to the parents about you and what you will be teaching in the classroom. There are more elements, but those are the two main ones that I think are the most important.
My second task was that I had to create a welcome letter to the parents. I was unsure if I wanted to give any information about me because it is to get the parent and the child in the classroom. The action that I took in my welcome letter is to let the parent know I was happy to have the child in my class and how I will get to know the child in order to integrate his or her interests.
My third task was that I had to create a blog. It was hard at first, but in the end I think I created a well though out blog. My favorite part of making this blog was getting an idea of how I would use a blog in the classroom. As a teacher I would use my blog to let the parents know what they are learning throughout the day.
Reflection:
ReplyDeleteI think that a welcome letter is very important. I am used to making these for preschool parents that are new to the entire school program. The welcome letter helped a lot of the parents understand who I was and what I did in class. I will say making a welcome letter for a fake class was harder than I thought it would be. I did find listing key elements for a website to be harder than I expected. I felt like I was adding things so that I would make sure I had 10 key elements and that it was a lot. I think seeing it when it is all put together might make a difference, but for right now it jest felt like I was adding things. I like the blog discussion board but I'm not big on the idea of blogs personally so if this is the end of it then great, if not I am not sure how I will feel about it.
Final Reflection
ReplyDeleteWhile doing assignment nine, I gained knowledge on how to create a blog. I think knowing how to create a blog can come in handy when it comes to keeping parents and families involved in my classroom. I think it is a great place to share ideas, resources, and remind families of upcoming events. I feel like I can say, with confidence, that I will be using this form of communication in my classroom soon or next year. I also enjoyed finding the basics to use for my website. I think the things that I chose to include will benefit families and parents greatly. I think I will have to be strategic when organizing my web page, because there is a lot of information. This can lead to overload when parents are trying to find specific information. Overall I really enjoyed this week's assignment. I think I can use all of these skills in the future, and I can't wait to learn how to set up my website! I think it will be a great addition to how I am already communicating with my families now.
final Reflection,
ReplyDeleteThis week I enjoyed learning how to create a blog the correct way. Even though I had to ask the teacher for help I was able to get the hang of it. I put a lot of thought into creating my welcome letter for my website next week. As I begin to write the letter I thought of so many ways I could use the website to reach children and their families. Being able to communicate and share with parents our daily classroom experiences and keeping them up-dated on events is just another form of communicating. Though technology has taking over our society I stated in my letter that it will not take away from meeting families in person but just another tool to get parents involve with their children school success.
Reflection
ReplyDeleteThe chapter we read this week made me reflect on how we use technology in the classroom I am in now and how I plan to use it in my own classroom when I graduate. For the assignment this week, I found I had some difficulty understanding what I was supposed to accomplish. I have never attempted a blog before and I did not feel that the website was very helpful. If the instructor would not have given instructions on how to add links or the RSS feeds, I would have had no clue on how to do it. I think it would be neat to have a classroom blog but I might struggle with time to post. I would probably only post once a month but it would be a fun way for parents to see picture of classroom activities as well as post important dates for the month. Parents and students could also be interactive and comment on posts and give their ideas and opinions. I think it is a neat idea but I would have to get more familiar with blogging before I became more comfortable to use it as a classroom blog.
Final Reflection:
ReplyDeleteCreating the blog seemed easy enough with a few little drawbacks for me at least. Like I mentioned in my blog, I'm sure if I played around with it more I could create a blog both for my professional and personal life. I could use a blog in the classroom to connect with other teachers and parents. Blogs can provide information such as units, activities, and life inside my classroom. For personal usage, I could bog on trips around the world or create a cooking blog. Glad this was a hands on approach rather than reading about one. This was very interactive and informative.
REFLECTION
ReplyDeleteI had some fun creating this assignment, because I started imagining how it would be to have parents from my classroom commenting in a blog and taking advantage of the benefits of the information shared there.
In order to choose the elements that were to be in the website, I tried to imagine the needs of my classroom in the first place. Some parents are always lost and in need of the calendar in order to plan ahead, so that was the first thing that came to my mind. Something that was also important to include was the class rules and the student handbook. Regarding the welcome letter, I tried to make it as introductory and useful as possible.
Using blogger again got me off-guard. You think you are smart until you have to deal with blogger, hahah. Among the technical issues that I faced, I had to open a different page in blogger, because I couldn’t open a dialog box in the front page
Well, even thought it might sound a little bit exaggerated, I did struggle with it and it had happened to me in the past. I think that with a little bit more of practice I will be more than ready.
Final Reflection, This week we were able to learn about a new tool called Blogger. First of all, I had no idea about this Blogger on our Google, and I felt a little out of the loop when I did. This course has taught me so much thus far than I've ever learned in any other technology course. I must say I also enjoyed writing out the elements, because it helped guide me for when I have my own classroom in creating my own classroom website. I might use Blogger for many things such as a great communication tool with my students in the classroom. I might even create a Blogger for my parents to communicate with me and each other. This assignment was a little difficult at first, but once I went through all the directions and got the hang of it, it was easy to navigate. I will definitely be using Blogger in the future.
ReplyDeleteReflection
ReplyDeleteThe blog that we had to create this week was easier to create that I thought that it would be. The one thing that troubled me was the posting. I thought that it would be a box or something that pop-up for me to post after choosing my theme for blog. Being creative is something that I enjoy doing, but I was unsure what to do next. The navigation was not clear enough for me, as this was my first blog.
In the reading, blog is describe as being simple, easy-to-use Websites with text, images, videos, and links. Bloggers use it to upload information to share with others. Teachers and students can share, publish, and manage blogs generated from Internet workshops. Students can benefit from blogging as it increases their writing skills. By sharing blogs with others, it can become motivational as others comment on what is written as we have done this throughout this course.
Once I become comfortable with creating a blog, I do believe that I would incorporate it into my classroom for various usage of sharing with colleagues, students, and other appropriate individuals. It would be nice to be able to share with other classrooms and schools a display of students’ work.
Final Reflection:
ReplyDeleteThis assignment was fairly easy. The only problem I had was creating a domain, I did not know exactly what name to use, I wanted to be creative but it did not work and I began to get confused because it would not create a blog. I also wanted to use a different theme but I was afraid I would lose my information. This was my first time creating a blog through Blogger. I felt more confident doing this assignment and will go back over this assignment at a later time and see how I can create a better blog. Once I saw the preview I felt like I knew what I was doing. I will use Blogger in the future.
I loved learning about making your own blog this week. I have never made one before, but I used to follow a few in high school. Blogger was really easy to use. The steps to make an account with blogger were simple and straightforward. When you finally made an account you were sent to a page where you got to personalize your blog. That was the fun part. Getting to customize it and make it your own. Everything was self explanatory so there was no confusion on how to set the blog up. I did have a issue with adding RSS Feeds, because when I would upload then I would hit save and then when nothing would happen I would hit save again thinking my tablet froze, so it added like six RSS Feeds to my blog, but I quickly figured it out and fixed it. But other than that I had no issues. I would love to use a blog in my classroom mainly for discussions regarding topics and reading that we have in class. Just like what we do for SOE 380. I like getting to talk about the reading in my own words and have my peers make comments and challenge my thoughts. It's super great and I can't wait to maybe start my own blog.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this assignment this week. There were a few areas I struggled with when creating my blog (such as the links it took me about 30 minutes to figure out how to add the link to my blog), but after I figure this out I enjoyed creating my blog. This is something I think I will use in the future, for personal use, and for professional use as a teacher on my classroom website.
ReplyDeleteFor our week 9 assignment we were asked to created a blog that incorporates information for our community members, parents, and students. Creating the blog was actually quite simple, I created it using/linking my kendall college gmail, Ms. Freeman provided thorough instructions on how to create it. In my blog I included a welcome letter to students and families or really anyone who was looking at the page, an RSS feed, and two links to resources that I found helpful and thought would be useful to parents and their children. This blog is intended to keep families in the loop about what is going on in the classroom. To my knowledge, as far as the schools I've observed at, I have not met a teacher yet with a class site but I am really excited to share how beneficial this can be. One thing I considered but did not do because I was running short one time was write my intro in Spanish, since I am working on endorsements to be an ESL educator, it is important that we make our sites relatable to all families. I only thought to included Spanish because in the classrooms I have observed in English and Spanish were the only languages in the classroom.
ReplyDelete