Blog Post #G- Chapter 10

Advances in technology have influenced and benefited the classroom in many ways. There are many ways that technology has impacted the classroom and has helped culturally and linguistically diverse students. Technology provides powerful ways to offer learning for diverse learners in many different ways that can benefit them. I think it is important to implement different technology tools to adapt to different and diverse students.

The first concept I would like to discuss is, how technology supports the learning of culturally and linguistically diverse students. There are many different tools that can support the learning of these students. These specific students include, African American, Latino, and Native American students, as well as students with special educational needs, and even students with a different first language. Below I have created a poster of the different techniques that implements technology and diverse learners. Each of these tools are great in assisting students who struggle with language barriers, instead of them feeling singled out, these can encourage them to involve themselves more in their learning and give them the confidence to learn the English language.

The second concept I would like to discuss is how educators can use different technology adaptations to create a classroom for every student. This involves making change to the learning environment so that every student has an equal opportunity to learn. Teachers can attain these classroom goals by many different methods and forms of technology. Some of these examples are hand held spellers, dictionaries, and calculators. Some of these basic tools can create a huge difference in classroom to create an environment that is effective for certain learners. All students should be able to express their individuality and their talents while learning. Teachers can encourage this by making their classrooms effective for everyone not only as a group but individual.

The third concept I would like to discuss is how assistive technologies can help teachers make the best out of their teaching for all their students. There are multiple tools that all students can participate in that they can all benefit from. Although some students may be hearing, sight, mobility, or cognitively challenged and impaired they can all benefit from the same type of assistive technology. While technology is a huge benefit and help factor to students there are also cases where you can over use technology. There are cases where students become dependent on technology and cannot learn or retain information without it therefore, this is not beneficial. Students must have a healthy relationship with technology and not over use it. The video below has great examples of different assistive technologies. Although it is a nine minute video, watching a small clip of it shows great strategies to implement in a future classroom.

Resources:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc

Izquierdo, N (2015, October 19). Using Technology With Linguistically Diverse Learners . Created with Canva.  

Blog Post #F- Chapter 8

Chapter 8 was by far one of my favorite chapters I have read this semester. Technology impacts us all and one way that teachers and students communicate is through technology. This blog post is a perfect example I am writing my conclusions about chapter 8 and my professor can read my post. We can communicate without even being in the same room. There are many other electronic communication methods between teachers and students. The presentation below illustrates some of the most popular methods.






The second concept that I would like to discuss is the importance of blogs. Creating and using blogs to teach others is a great tool. I think it is a great interactive way for teachers and students to communicate and learn from each other. After reading this chapter I also found that there are three different options that educators have for creating their own teaching blog.
1. A do-it-yourself option
2. A commercially available option
3. An open source option

Below is a video that will provide helpful tips for Blogger users, this video actually helped me for one of my first online classes at Edison State College.



Technology and education has come very far, we use technology everyday with school, especially with online classes. It's very helpful that we have the option to communicate with our teachers other than just in person. It makes learning so much more efficient. Whether it may be sending an email, or even commenting on a blog we can receive immediate feedback to better our learning and skills. Not only is it convenient for both teachers and students but as students we get experience from technology to apply to our future careers and even future classes.

Resources

Using Technology to Inspire Creativity. (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhc9Ywn0mXE

Izquierdo, N (2015, October 7). Electronic Communication Between Students And Teachers. Created with Prezi

Digital Blog Post #E : Chapter 7

After reading this chapter there are a few concepts I found to be very interesting. In this chapter, I really got a better understanding on how technology really generates problem solving and learning for students. To begin with, computer programs, and websites for students are great for learning and receiving immediate feedback! This is a great way for students to learn their strengths and weaknesses and fix the problems they may be having with certain topics or concepts. Not only is this an important strategy, but technology can make it an easier process. Technology can make students more engaged in their learning rather than just taking in various information from a book.
The website, Learning Games and Tests for Kids, is a great tool to test students and give them immediate feedback on their knowledge and what they should work on.

The second concept I found to be very interesting is the comparison of different educational software and apps and how they teach students in different ways. There are many apps and online programs that can really impact the learning of students. Some may be based on mathematical computations and others strictly based on writing and digital reading tools. While all these websites are very useful and helpful in learning, there are certain precautions students and teachers must take to use this technology.




The third concept that I found to be very interesting is the different types of problem solving and inquiry learning software.

1. Composing and Calculating Software
2. Building, Inventing, and Creating Software
3. Visual Thinking and Concept Mapping Software

Resources

Using Technology to Inspire Creativity. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhc9Ywn0mXE

Quiz Hub: Educational Quiz Games. (n.d.). Retrieved October 5, 2015, from http://quizhub.com/quiz/quizhub.cfm

Blog Post #D- Chapter 5

After reading chapter 5 there are a few concepts I found the most interesting and important as a future educator.
To begin with, chapter 5 states that search engines are fast tools for teachers and students to access online information. However, there are search engines that do not provide information that is credible for academic purposes. There are certain search engines that will only provide sources that are credible, such as google scholar. Students and teachers can use search engines to research topics and find information. It is important that they narrow their search so that they can find relevant information to their topic. As a student while researching for a topic I come across vast amounts of information which is not all relevant. It takes practice to actually narrow your search and only find the relevant information.

The second concept I found to be very interesting is that of evaluating online resources. There are many resources that some may find to be useless but there are ways to evaluate them and really define their true value. Below is a poster of how to evaluate online resources.









The third concept is combating cyberbullying. This topic is crucial for teacher and students because it is a very common topic in technology I think it is important to create rules for a classroom. Cyberbullying involves computers, cellphones, or any other technology to harm people I think it is important that if a teacher implements technology that they are strict with the rules and that they make sure there is a zero tolerance for harmful behavior. The video below is a short film about
cyberbullying.




Resources:

Using Technology to Inspire Creativity. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhc9Ywn0mXE

Izquierdo, N (2015, September 28). Evaluating Online Information. Created with Canva

Digital Blog Post #C: Chapter 3

After reading Chapter 3, there were a few concepts I found very interesting and vital to technology in the classroom. Technology and learning go hand in hand in today's classrooms. As a future educator I fear that we will not take advantage of technology and use it to benefit students. There are different learning  theories that teachers organize learning around. These four theories can be greatly impacted by technology and can be elevated to help students grasp concepts and have a better understanding of concepts.

            


Another concept in the textbook that I would like to discuss is how technology promotes critical thinking. There are many aspects of technology and tools that can be used in the classrooms. Many of these being games and interactive activities on websites and computers. These activities can be challenging and can help students become more engaged in their studying. It makes the students more excited to learn and more self driven. They feel more independent that they don't always need a teacher directing them, they can learn at their own pace and really grasp the material.

Just like technology sparks critical thinking, it also sparks creative thinking. Learning shouldn't just be straight out of a textbook. I do believe it should have some structure but their needs to be a balance of creativity as well. There are many different tools that can support the expression on creativity. Students can benefit from design tools, digital videos, podcasts, etc. These tools allow students to use their creativity while still applying themselves in learning new concepts. The video below is a perfect example of a student using technology as a tool to creatively describe the "Sea."






Resources:

Using Technology to Inspire Creativity. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhc9Ywn0mXE

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc

Izquierdo, N (2015, September 18). Transforming Learning. Created with Prezi https://prezi.com/k7wpjxu_nta3/transforming-learning/

Digital Blog Post #B: Chapter 2

After reading and reflecting on chapter 2, there were three concepts that I found interesting and wanted to discuss:

First, I think it is important to be an innovator when it comes to education. As a future educator I would want to be the change agent in schools. This would motivate the other teachers and students to accept and embrace technologies into their classrooms. We should be excited to incorporate different technology strategies to prepare students for tests, and the real job force.

Second, the obstacles that schools may have implementing technology in classrooms. There many be certain obstacles such as tight budgets, or rapidly changing systems that can really impact the schools. There are also obstacles a student can have at home with technology. There may not always be availability to technology at home for every student. This article discusses Kids and Technology.

The third topic I want to discuss is how technology supports student learning and how it can help students better understand certain concepts. Knowing hoe to operate a computer, search the internet, and create power points can help with student learning. Technology can transform learning by supplying much more information to the students than past teaching techniques.



Resources:
Elementary Student Blogs: Innovative Classroom Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTToERnTKB4

Maloy, R. (n.d.). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.).

Young Kids and Technology at Home. (n.d.). Retrieved September 8, 2015, from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/kids-technology-home-young-children-douglas-rushkoff 

   

Blog Post #A - Chapter 1

The three concepts to reflect upon in chapter 1:

Photo credit to sidduz on Flickr

To begin with, this introduction chapter has really put some things in perspective for me. As a future educator it is really important that I realize the benefits of using technology and how they are crucial in today's teaching environments. 

The first concept I would like to discuss is the importance of social media, the internet and other new technologies. These technologies are affecting students and teacher daily. "Most 8- to 18-year-olds are using technology, experiencing a "digital childhood" and becoming an iGeneration of technology users in their teens." (Maloy, 2014, p.17) After reading this, it makes me feel as though students that have had a "digital childhood" will respond better if technology is used in their learning environment. They will be able to grasp concepts and information better because it is something they are familiar with. Children use technology for vast amount of hours when they are not attending school, they are more comfortable and do not need as much adapting to because of their knowledge in computers, internet, etc. For example, this online class isn't as difficult for me because I have taken many online classes and I feel very comfortable with Canvas. If I hadn't used canvas on a regular basis I would be extremely lost for this course. However, it is a tool that is very helpful for both the teachers and students. 


The second concept that I found interesting was using technology as an educator and how tools like tablets, smartphones, and laptops become a part of your daily lessons. I have a two year old brother and before he even turned two years old he knew how to unlock my iPad, search for his favorite game, and play it. It's incredible how children are learning and mastering these skills for technology. The video below shows how this school incorporated tablets in their classrooms.

The third concept I would like to discuss is, building my digital identity as a teacher. Personally I think creating power points, online flashcards, etc. are really fun. They can be a great way to get children's attention and help them learn new concepts but in a fun and interactive way. As a teacher I want to take my lessons out of the box, and incorporate new and exciting activities. This article is a great list of some applications that are very useful for the classroom, 52 Of The Best Apps For Your Classroom in 2015!

In conclusion, the future of education highly involves technology and as a future educator I want to ensure that I can get the best out of the new technology. I will use it as a learning tool for my classroom to benefit my students. 

Resources

52 Of The Best Apps For Your Classroom In 2015. (2014, December 14). Retrieved September 3, 2015. 

Introducing Tablets with Google Play for Education. (n.d.). Retrieved September 2, 2015. 

Maloy, R. (n.d.). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.).