Week 9 "Caught on Video"

The article "Caught on Video" by Bob Spankle discusses the benefits of using a Flip Video Camera in the classroom.  It mentions how students would be able to see how they are working at the moment, use it for self reflection, show parents/guardians, and other students.  Before reading the article, I hadn't heard of the Flip Video Camera, it sounds like a wonderful tool that can be used in and outside of the classroom.  It will allow students to creatively use technology and also to reflect on their work. 

Reflection #6

In my Instructional Design class, I have noticed that many students used technology for their anticipatory sets.  Some students used Youtube videos, the computer to play music, to play games, etc.  There are so many ways that teachers can use technology to initiate student interest.  I often have difficulty having technology work correctly when I try to use it, so I hope that I will be able to learn how to properly use technology for the benefit of my future students.

Week 8 - Midway Elementary

I looked at the Juanita Elementary School website.  I went to Juanita Elementary in fifth grade and wouldn't mind teaching there either.  When looking at the website, I found that individual teachers have links on the main website.  I thought that was neat because it is a way that the teacher can communicate with the students.  On the front website there are announcements, events, and contact information that is easily accessible.  I really like that the website regularly updated.  The website could have some other helpful links, but overall I think it is one of the better school websites I have seen.

Reflection #5

On King 5 News tonight there was a report about the effects of technology on young students.  In many Preschool and Kindergarten classes teachers are finding that students' fine motor skills are not as developed as they used to be.  It has been found that many students are not able to properly hold a pencil due the amount of time spent using technology instead of doing other activities with their hands.  Teachers are having to focus on developing fine motor skills instead teaching academics. Technology is a huge part of our society and has many positive aspects but as we can see some negative ones as well.  I know there needs to be a balace, but how can we create a balance so children don't lose the essential skills they need, like being able to write? 

Week 7 Response

http://www.guerrillaseason2008.blogspot.com/

I liked this blog because it focused on one particular topic – Guerilla Season.  The whole site was for the students to post their work.  I liked that it included pictures of student’s projects and writings.  I also like that the teacher interacted with the students on the blog and told them that even after the class they could contact him through his email.  For junior high, I think this is a great idea because students are able to use technology and express themselves.  This could also be done in other grades and subjects as well.

Assignment #1

Assignment #1 Technology Literacy

Computers and Education

"Integrating video-capture virtual reality technology into a physically interactive

learning environment for English learning"

Jie Chi Yang a,*, Chih Hung Chen b, Ming Chang Jeng b

http://www.csie.ncu.edu.tw/~yangjc/paper/2010_CAE2_Yang.pdf

The program used in this study was the Physically Interactive Learning Environment (PILE) for English learning.  In this study the technology used was called a Video-capture VR.  The purpose of the program is to help elementary students learn English. This study was done with 60 second graders in Taiwan meaning that they are learning English as a second language.  This program allows students to interact with what they are learning and be physically active with it.  The study compared 30 second grade students who used the Video-capture VR to learn English and in the other class of 30 the teacher used PowerPoint presentation.  The study found that the students were a lot more engaged in the Video-capture VR and retained more of what they learned than the students whose teacher used PowerPoint.  Although this is a small study, it shows that it is better for students to learn interactively. The article was a little vague about how the program works (to me it seemed similar to the video game console “Kinect” and a SMARTBoard, but I am not completely sure).  Also, in the United States it would not be appropriate to use the “plastic pistol” with the board like they do in the study.  It is important to have students be engaged in the material and if this is a way that will be successful then I need to implement it into my future classroom.  I can use the interactive boards and other systems that become available when I am teaching.

Teacher NETS

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers:

a.	promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness.
b.	engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.
c.	promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.
d.	model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments.

This standard is important to me because it is about encouraging students to use creativity while using technology.  This means that I need to provide examples for my students that will promote positive use of technology while allowing the students to express themselves creativily.   Three ways I can use this standard this semester are 1. by implementing it into my final project, 2. trying different kinds of technology that I wouldn't normally use, and 3. finding other kinds of technology that would promote creativity.