Technology in education has increased over the last 7-10 years for elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges. Technology Education is now a part of the Alabama Course of Study for schools and was designed to be implemented for the 2001-2002 school year. Also, many new resources are available in education today.
There are several reasons that contribute to the slow pace of integrating technology in education. For instance, the resistance to change has slowed acceptance of educational technology. Also, the federal government has not made the sufficient increases in funding for educational technology. In addition, funding for educational technology in the United States, under the No Child Left Behind initiative, has dropped, and President Bush recommended no funding for education technology under NCLB for fiscal 2007. Most importantly, educators and the government need to push for more consistent quality in the content delivered through educational technology.
Many educators have not determined comfort levels based on student abilities, motivational levels, and experiences that will engage students in technology in the classroom. Also, some parents have not been exposed to technology and are not inclined to assist or encourage their children to utilize technology tools. In addition, there are not enough communities providing tax dollars and other financial assistance for technology in schools.
Teachers need additional time and the motivation to learn technology to increase the use of technology in schools. Also, professional development activities need to provide ongoing, hands-on training for teachers or practical strategies for implementing technology into lesson plans. Most importantly, schools need computer labs and/or an adequate number of computers in the classrooms. Moreover, technical support needs to be available to teachers. For instance, a technical specialist needs to be in the school. Schools need to ensure that the technology supports the educational goals for students. Also, schools need to develop a vision of how technology can improve teaching and learning. Most importantly, educators must choose the appropriate software. All in all, administrators, the technology coordinator, teachers, and parents and community members need to be involved with technology.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
EDT 574 - Almost to the Finish Line!
I am so happy that there is only one more module to complete. This has been a very challenging class due to the time requirements. I only have Module 9 Blog left to post. Yes!
Module 8 - Digital Divide
Yes, there is still a digital divide. Research shows that many more white children use the Internet than do Hispanic and black students, a reminder that going online is hardly a way of life for everyone. Therefore, this creates incredible barriers for minorities. Also, a lack of technology doesn't prepare students for a world in which they're going to be expected to know how to do these things. Furthermore, research indicates that overall, 91 percent of students in nursery school through 12th grade use computers; 59 percent use the Internet. Within those numbers, the digital divide between groups is a national concern. Lastly, studies have shown that access and ability to use the Internet help improve people's learning, job prospects and daily living. However, the numbers are improving. But there is still a gap, and we need to find a way to address it.
Technology has been heralded as a critical learning tool and as a potential source of equity and increased civic participation for groups and individuals that have not had equal access to learning and economic opportunities. There are efforts to continue to close the digital divide and to increase access to computers, the Internet, and technology. However, technology is rarely used effectively in school settings. Also, there is some focus on encouraging girls to pursue careers in science and technology. In addition, we need to support continued research in those areas of science and technology, including understanding how culture and identity interact with learning technologies, and understanding the way that technologies interact with the learning process. Moreover, there is another three ways to close the digital gap. (1) Increase access to technology which will enable learning beyond the classroom. (2) Ongoing teacher training which will assure educators have the skills and knowledge for effective computer technology teaching. (3) Accessibility for the disabled which increases the independence of people with disabilities and technology and can level the playing filed with the non-disabled.
Technology has been heralded as a critical learning tool and as a potential source of equity and increased civic participation for groups and individuals that have not had equal access to learning and economic opportunities. There are efforts to continue to close the digital divide and to increase access to computers, the Internet, and technology. However, technology is rarely used effectively in school settings. Also, there is some focus on encouraging girls to pursue careers in science and technology. In addition, we need to support continued research in those areas of science and technology, including understanding how culture and identity interact with learning technologies, and understanding the way that technologies interact with the learning process. Moreover, there is another three ways to close the digital gap. (1) Increase access to technology which will enable learning beyond the classroom. (2) Ongoing teacher training which will assure educators have the skills and knowledge for effective computer technology teaching. (3) Accessibility for the disabled which increases the independence of people with disabilities and technology and can level the playing filed with the non-disabled.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Assistive Technologies and Special Need Students
Technology can help students with disabilities reach their full potential. Also, computers help students achieve equal access to the education curriculum. Most importantly, there is hardware available that allows students with disabilities to function successfully in the classroom.
Special needs students are students with physical, cognitive, and speech disabilities. Moreover, there are augmentative communication devices, speech-generating devices, assessment software to assist special needs students in the classroom. Students who are nonverbal or whose speech is not fluent or understandable enough to communicate effectively may benefit from using some type of communication device including such things as symbol 5 systems, communication boards and wallets, electronic communication devices, lap tops, speech synthesizers, recorded speech devices, communication enhancement software, word processing, and CAD (Computer Automated Design) programs.
Students who have hearing impairments can use assistive devices. Assistive devices to help with hearing problems include: hearing aids, phonic ear, TDDs, closed caption TV, or mid-gain hardware systems. In addition, methods for assisting with vision problems include increasing contrast, enlarging stimuli and making use of tactile and auditory models. Devices that assist with vision include screen readers, screen enlargers, magnifiers, large-type books, and taped books. Moreover, students with disabilities want to have fun and interact socially with their peers. Assistive technology can help them to participate in all sorts of recreational activities, which can be both interactive with friends as well as educational. Some adapted recreational activities include drawing software, computer games, computer
simulations, and adapted puzzles.
For more information on types of assistive technology please go to the following website, http://www.microsoft.com/enable/at/types.aspx.
Special needs students are students with physical, cognitive, and speech disabilities. Moreover, there are augmentative communication devices, speech-generating devices, assessment software to assist special needs students in the classroom. Students who are nonverbal or whose speech is not fluent or understandable enough to communicate effectively may benefit from using some type of communication device including such things as symbol 5 systems, communication boards and wallets, electronic communication devices, lap tops, speech synthesizers, recorded speech devices, communication enhancement software, word processing, and CAD (Computer Automated Design) programs.
Students who have hearing impairments can use assistive devices. Assistive devices to help with hearing problems include: hearing aids, phonic ear, TDDs, closed caption TV, or mid-gain hardware systems. In addition, methods for assisting with vision problems include increasing contrast, enlarging stimuli and making use of tactile and auditory models. Devices that assist with vision include screen readers, screen enlargers, magnifiers, large-type books, and taped books. Moreover, students with disabilities want to have fun and interact socially with their peers. Assistive technology can help them to participate in all sorts of recreational activities, which can be both interactive with friends as well as educational. Some adapted recreational activities include drawing software, computer games, computer
simulations, and adapted puzzles.
For more information on types of assistive technology please go to the following website, http://www.microsoft.com/enable/at/types.aspx.
Module 6-Part A
Boolean Operators
Once students have isolated subject concepts and chosen their search terms, they must relate these terms to each other and create a search statement telling the database how the concepts are related. Students are bale to do this by inserting logical operators between the concept terms they have devised. There are three logical operators used in online searching: AND, OR and NOT. These are the "Boolean Operators.” Moreover, Boolean Logic is one of the ways you "talk to the database.”
The AND operator is used to combine two or more concepts. This requires the database to locate articles containing a combination of several different ideas. The OR operator is used for synonymous terms. This tells the database that any of the search terms can be used interchangeably. The NOT operator excludes or eliminates a particular term from the search. However, this operator is rarely used. Most importantly, it is also possible to perform Boolean searches in which more than one Boolean Operator is used.
Here are some examples:
AND: Exercise and health, running and health
OR: Health or wellness
NOT: Exercise not horseback riding
Once students have isolated subject concepts and chosen their search terms, they must relate these terms to each other and create a search statement telling the database how the concepts are related. Students are bale to do this by inserting logical operators between the concept terms they have devised. There are three logical operators used in online searching: AND, OR and NOT. These are the "Boolean Operators.” Moreover, Boolean Logic is one of the ways you "talk to the database.”
The AND operator is used to combine two or more concepts. This requires the database to locate articles containing a combination of several different ideas. The OR operator is used for synonymous terms. This tells the database that any of the search terms can be used interchangeably. The NOT operator excludes or eliminates a particular term from the search. However, this operator is rarely used. Most importantly, it is also possible to perform Boolean searches in which more than one Boolean Operator is used.
Here are some examples:
AND: Exercise and health, running and health
OR: Health or wellness
NOT: Exercise not horseback riding
Module 6-Part B: 5 Teacher Support Websites
1. http://www.education-world.com
Education World provides information about lesson planning, professional development, technology integration, school issues and an administrator’s desk. In addition, the website quickly loads text. Also, it is easy to move from link to link. Moreover, the links to other sites operate effectively. Education World has a visual appeal. It is color-coded and is linked to other worthwhile sites. Most importantly, author sources are sited and contact information is provided.
I have used this website to assist in developing lesson plans. Also, I have downloaded and printed award certificates from templates provides on the website. Lastly, Education World provides articles related to issues for professional development.
2. http://www.teachers.net
T-Net provides information about lesson planning, teaching jobs, distance learning, Harry Wong, and chat boards. In addition, the website provides a source of other information to assist teachers and administrators. T-Net quickly loads text Also, it is easy to move from link to link. Moreover, the links to other sites operate effectively. T-Net has some visual appeal. However, it is somewhat cluttered. In addition, contact information is provided.
I have not used this website for personal assistance. However, I have visited the website several times. There were numerous lesson plans available on the website. However, the lessons did not appear to be clearly organized and labeled.
3. http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/home.jsp
The Scholastic website offers teaching resources, student activities, and books and authors information. The teaching resources include teaching ideas by grade, resources and activities for grades 3-5, and the featured book. As well as, lesson plans, strategies, and tools. Student activities provide learning activities for math, social studies, science, and language arts. The books and authors links offers strategies and resources for teaching with books.
Scholastic quickly loads text, easily moves from link to link, provides an adequate number of links, and has visual appeal. In addition, the website is clearly organized and labeled, is readable, and the graphics enhance the content. Lastly, the website provides information about Scholastic and provides terms of use.
4. http://www.theteacherscorner.net/
The Teachers Corner website provides information regarding lesson plans, seasonal items, bulletin boards, teacher resources, printable worksheets, and other useful tools for teaching. The website quickly downloads text and graphics, easily moves from link to link, and provides an adequate number of links. Also, Teachers Corner has visual appeal, is clearly organized and labeled, and provides sufficient worthwhile information. The website provides graphics that are appropriate and that enhance the content.
I have not used any resources from this website, but I have visited the site several times. However, I plan to use Teachers Corner to assist me in the 2007-2008 school year. This website will be very viable in assisting me with my teaching this year.
5. http://www.pbs.org/teachers/
PBS Teachers provides PreK-12 educational resources and activities for educators tied to PBS programming and correlated to local and national standards. In addition, PBS Teachers provide multimedia resources and professional development for America's preK-12 education. Also, the website provides resources for the arts, health and fitness, math, reading and language arts, science and technology, social studies, an early childhood educator’s link, and a link for library media and technology coordinators.
PBS Teachers quickly loads text and graphics, the links are clearly labeled, an adequate number of links are provided, and the links are helpful. Also, the visual is appealing, and the information meets objectives. The websites’ content appears to be accurate and useful and offers sufficient worthwhile information. Furthermore, the website provides terms of use, contact information, and a site map.
Education World provides information about lesson planning, professional development, technology integration, school issues and an administrator’s desk. In addition, the website quickly loads text. Also, it is easy to move from link to link. Moreover, the links to other sites operate effectively. Education World has a visual appeal. It is color-coded and is linked to other worthwhile sites. Most importantly, author sources are sited and contact information is provided.
I have used this website to assist in developing lesson plans. Also, I have downloaded and printed award certificates from templates provides on the website. Lastly, Education World provides articles related to issues for professional development.
2. http://www.teachers.net
T-Net provides information about lesson planning, teaching jobs, distance learning, Harry Wong, and chat boards. In addition, the website provides a source of other information to assist teachers and administrators. T-Net quickly loads text Also, it is easy to move from link to link. Moreover, the links to other sites operate effectively. T-Net has some visual appeal. However, it is somewhat cluttered. In addition, contact information is provided.
I have not used this website for personal assistance. However, I have visited the website several times. There were numerous lesson plans available on the website. However, the lessons did not appear to be clearly organized and labeled.
3. http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/home.jsp
The Scholastic website offers teaching resources, student activities, and books and authors information. The teaching resources include teaching ideas by grade, resources and activities for grades 3-5, and the featured book. As well as, lesson plans, strategies, and tools. Student activities provide learning activities for math, social studies, science, and language arts. The books and authors links offers strategies and resources for teaching with books.
Scholastic quickly loads text, easily moves from link to link, provides an adequate number of links, and has visual appeal. In addition, the website is clearly organized and labeled, is readable, and the graphics enhance the content. Lastly, the website provides information about Scholastic and provides terms of use.
4. http://www.theteacherscorner.net/
The Teachers Corner website provides information regarding lesson plans, seasonal items, bulletin boards, teacher resources, printable worksheets, and other useful tools for teaching. The website quickly downloads text and graphics, easily moves from link to link, and provides an adequate number of links. Also, Teachers Corner has visual appeal, is clearly organized and labeled, and provides sufficient worthwhile information. The website provides graphics that are appropriate and that enhance the content.
I have not used any resources from this website, but I have visited the site several times. However, I plan to use Teachers Corner to assist me in the 2007-2008 school year. This website will be very viable in assisting me with my teaching this year.
5. http://www.pbs.org/teachers/
PBS Teachers provides PreK-12 educational resources and activities for educators tied to PBS programming and correlated to local and national standards. In addition, PBS Teachers provide multimedia resources and professional development for America's preK-12 education. Also, the website provides resources for the arts, health and fitness, math, reading and language arts, science and technology, social studies, an early childhood educator’s link, and a link for library media and technology coordinators.
PBS Teachers quickly loads text and graphics, the links are clearly labeled, an adequate number of links are provided, and the links are helpful. Also, the visual is appealing, and the information meets objectives. The websites’ content appears to be accurate and useful and offers sufficient worthwhile information. Furthermore, the website provides terms of use, contact information, and a site map.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Part A: Rules of Netiquette
1. One should read all the rules and guidelines established by the community. Some communities may have different regulations on a particular subject.
2. One should always be courteous to other forum members.
3. Do not post items that are offensive.
4. Contributors should follow standard grammar and spelling rules and avoid slang.
5. Never criticize a person's writing or spelling.
6. Contributors should avoid the use of all CAPITAL LETTERS in posts. All CAPS is considered "shouting" and causes readability issues.
7. Keep your messages to the point and brief.
8. Do not over react to items you see online.
9. Use discretion by not getting too personal with anyone.
10. Do not lie about your identity.
2. One should always be courteous to other forum members.
3. Do not post items that are offensive.
4. Contributors should follow standard grammar and spelling rules and avoid slang.
5. Never criticize a person's writing or spelling.
6. Contributors should avoid the use of all CAPITAL LETTERS in posts. All CAPS is considered "shouting" and causes readability issues.
7. Keep your messages to the point and brief.
8. Do not over react to items you see online.
9. Use discretion by not getting too personal with anyone.
10. Do not lie about your identity.
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