Friday, November 27, 2009

Weekly Blog 11/19/09 - 11/24/09

a. The most significant thing I learned this week was how difficult it was to write an executive summary. This was my first experience writing an executive summary and I guess I was more concerned about the general format of a summary. Plus I discovered that it is quite difficult to write less versus writing more.

b. Although I loathe writing papers, I believe that I do need a bit of practice. I wouldn't say that I wanted to do more papers, but I guess I would like to have more guidance on how to create a well written paper.

c. I'm not sure how my ability to write an executive summary would be applicable in the classroom but I know that it would be advantageous me and for my general knowledge.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Weekly Blog 11/12/09 - 11/17/09

a. The most significant concept I learned in class this week is to look beyond computer games as merely kid's pastimes, but rather a way for children to create experiences and ideologies.
b. I'd like to know if there is some research or correlation between the amount to technologicial tools available in a school and the success of students of that school? What kind of research has been done? OR is there some kind of correlation with the lack of technological tools in a school and the success of the students of that school.
c. I would hope to see that in the future more classrooms are able to receive all the tools the teachers need to ensure that their students are learning. I would apply my knowledge about how helpful computers games (certian games) can be to a student's learning and would probably integrate some time where kids can play supervised computer learning.

November 12th Blogging Activity

Given the view of schooling in the readings for this week, which technologies do you think are most likely to be taken up in schools? Why? Which technologies push your thinking about teaching and learning? Why? Do these two lists necessarily line up?

I think the integration of any sort of new educational tool will help encourage learning even if it is directed towards a small few. However, this wouldn't be the most intelligent way to distribute the school's financial budget. The kinds of technologies that schools probably will invest in are ones that are not as costly which therefore results in low quality (although this is not always the case). But also based on the reading, the kinds of technology integrated in schools will have to be accepted by most teachers and administrators which then creates difficulty in agreeing on one tool becuase of differences in opinions. The kinds of technologies that I believe would be most easily accepted into school are things that can be considered necessities-overhead projectors, PCs, TVs, recorders, scanners-other types of equipment that is practically seen in lots of classes now. However these necessary tools are not exactly the ones that would promote to push a student's thinking or a teacher's learning. I don't think that what we find necessary in class is exactly parallel to what we could use to help promote better curriculum or student learning. Integration of certian computer programs in math classes or science classes can give students an alternative to a way of learning through interactive play and without the health risks or mess (primarily in science classes). I believe that students should be given the opportunity to explore and find the best way they can learn and therefore create their own success.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Weekly Blog 11/4/09 - 11/9/09

a. The most significant thing I learned in class this week concerned the idea of whether computer games were significant tools for learning. There were many arguments for and against playing computer games but the most important concept that I took away from the class was that everyone will have a different opinion about the importance that computer games have in education. Some people believe that playing computer games are a waste of time and not a good substitute for real life experiences, however others make the argument that computer games gives kids the opportunity to experience things that they otherwise would not have the change to do.
b. I don't have any questions about the last class, in fact I found it to be a very interesting discussion topic. Although I was set in my own ideas, I was able to be exposed to others ideas.
c. I think that perhaps this topic of whether computer games can be educational to students would be a great way to open thinking with students. If brought up during class, it can be a great way to start a discussion that would involve student's opinions and therefore we as teachers would be able to hear the opinion of those people that this discussion affects the most...our future students.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Weekly Blog 10/28/09 - 11/3/09

a. The most significant thing I learned in class this week was the website free4teachers.com. I remember when I was tutoring that I would google sites that would help me create worksheets or create lesson plans and it was really difficult to find a website that had a lot of resources. However, this week we learned of multiple websites that would help us integrate technology into our curriculum. The great thing about it too is that most of the sites are easy to use and doesn't require an expert knowledge of web managing.
b. My question would be, now that we are aware that this technology is available to us when can we use it in class (not our future classes but the class we are in now? We have all these resources but it would be nice to give it a hands on experience perhaps with a little guidance?) I would like to learn more about each of these tools and even be able to use them with ease. But I guess that comes with practice!
c. I really like the site that allows students and teachers to talk about shows and certian topics outside of class, and it even has a stylus that allows for everyone to be directed towards the area of topic that the speaker is addressing. This makes it easier for students and teachers to have that extra time outside of class and continue to educate students outside of the given time constraints.