Digits Blog Post #F- Chapter 10

The United States is a "melty pot". When I say melting pot people typically think of the diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, and they are right! But in our melting melting pot we also have those who have disabilities. In the classroom students come from many different backgrounds, speak different languages or those who have a learning disability,  have a harder time learning, understanding class concepts and communicating. This also makes teaching a "bit" more difficult and really minimizes a teachers time to tend to every students needs. Luckily we have this awesome tool called technology that gets more advanced everyday.
While reading through chapter 10 I had to take a double take when I saw one of the terms "Handheld Calculators". I could not believe that a text book would be talking about something so basic I use everyday, and probably take for granted. I have (and probably most of everyone reading) used a calculator since math came into the picture, if not I would probably still be in middle school stuck with my multiplication tables. UGH. Calculators aren't just for people like me stuck on their multiplication tables, but also for those that may not be as confident in their number operations and need to focus more on the mathematical concepts. There are ups and downs of calculators, while we should not rely on calculators it is a great tool for those who need to focus more on the big picture and not be stuck on smaller details.

                                                         Photo by Anssi Koshkinen on Flicker

Another concept I looked at was "Electronic Spellers and Dictionaries", Like stated it is great for all ages. I know I can always use a tool to help me with my spelling. The part I found most interesting was TERC, a signing dictionary for the deaf and hard of hearing. TERC is a software that has Math and Science dictionaries so students can learn through text and a signing avatar (Maloy p. 256). When I attended University at The University of Wisconsin River Falls I took Sign Language as my second my class. It was by far the class I felt like I got the most knowledge out of. Not only learning how to sign and finding out more about the lives of those who are deaf and hard of hearing, but also putting myself in their shoes for a few hours, since we could not talk. Now I do not want to compare my short time in a classroom to the hurtles the deaf and hard of hearing people go through every single second of the day, but it gave me glimpse. Having tools such as TERC opens so many doors for not only communication but for learning and job opportunities.
Lastly I looked at "Roles of Technology", I think that is a key term to look at and a main point of why we should always be considering using technology in the classroom. Technology is used for "minimizing the impact of disability and mazimizn the opportunity to participate in the world" (Maloy p. 252). With the use of technology we are able to meet our students needs and be able to give them the fullest education and life that is possible. I would never want to hinder a students education by giving them less to do if they are not able to finish at a time when their peers do. If anything I am making sure they fall further behind. But with the help of technology we can make sure that students stay on track and are able to keep up with their peers.

Below is a YouTube video about using Assistive Technology and finding what is most suitable for that student. There is more to the process than we may think at a glance.

Like I said before, the United States is a melting pot, and a melting of all different kinds of learners. It is important that we dig deep to find what technology assistive tool helps that student the most. We are lucky that almost every day a new type of technology come out that helps students over come barriers and flourish. With all the different types of learners and students it keeps teachers on their toes and always up to date on how they can help their students succeed and grow into their true potential.




References:

InspiringEducation. "Using Assistive Technology to Support Learning." YouTube. YouTube, 30 Jan. 2015. Web. 23 Feb. 2017. Www.YouTube.com

Koskinen, Anssi. "Calculator." Flickr. Yahoo!, 23 Nov. 2006. Web. 24 Feb. 2017.

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.

Rhodes, McKenzie. "Disability is not Inability." Canva. 23, Feb. 2017. www.canva.com

Digital Blog Post #E

Hi everyone!
When I was younger I grew up with my parents and others telling me that technology (computers, tv, phones, video games, ect.) was not good for you, and constantly telling me "it's going to rot your brain!". I agree with that statement on a certain level, but also think technology has bloomed into a tool that can help grow your brain and give it knowledge.

Creative Commons License photo By R Pollard

The first concept I looked at was the debates about games and gaming. Like stated in our book (Transforming Learning with New Technologies), I automatically think of video games, and imagine the brain starting to rot, since that is was I was always told. Now when I hear that word I think of the endless possibilities of what a video game could possibly be. "Two of every three households play video games, and 25% of those game players are 18 years old and younger" (Maloy, p 169). The 25% of those that play video games are in the age group of 18 years old and younger are the children we will be teaching and those that are student now. If we know that we can gear our students to finding a way to bring learning into their video games in their houses. They can have fun, and learn at the same time. I do still think that games can be harmful and that other useful skills can be hindered or not given enough attention to if there is too much of a focus on video games. But I do think there can be a healthy balance found.
The second concept I looked at that ties into my first concept is digital games for learning. There are so many different resources at our fingertips, as teachers or parents, that incorporate learning and gaming at the same time. "Games are active, challenging, and demanding of focus and concentration to solve problems in innovative ways...", if kids are able to see that you can have fun doing what they enjoy, like video games, they will be more excited to learn, we need to meet them on their level, not make them jump to ours (Maloy, p 171). When I was in grade school I believe Digital games for learning was pretty new. Our school sent out flyers that you could purchase CD games (wow...CD's, old school), and my parents where skeptical because it was gaming and they werent sure of the actual academic benefits from it, also the fact that the games are were not cheap to purchase. Now, gaming is a whole different level and we can see that it can have academic benefits and can be more cost friendly. I found the article Best Education Games for Kids that you can look through and see some of the digital games that may either be free or at a minimal cost.
Lastly, I looked at the concept of Building, inventing, and creating software, specifically looking at Google Earth. I remember when Google Earth came out and how it was a crazy concept to to wrap your mind around. You and your students literally have the world at your fingertips. You can travel to an area in the world or around your school without actually having to leave. You can look at the geography of an area or use google maps to see how long it would take you to get to a destination. It gives school and children the opportunity to see areas of the world that they may never get to experience.
Technology has its ups and downs, and video games can get a bad reputation. But with new software and technology that we have we are able to create a positive outcome and create a fun learning environments while meeting our children and students at their level.




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.

Rhodes, McKenzie (2017, February 7). Oh the places you will go. created with Canva https://www.canva.com/

Schiola, Emily. "Best Educational Games for Kids." Digital Trends. N.p., 24 Mar. 2014. Web. 07 Feb. 2017. <http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/best-educational-games-kids/>.

Digital Blog Post #C - Chapter 3

I have taken many different classes that talk about children in the classroom and about their development, but specifically I have learned a lot about learning theories. I always find myself drawn in when there is mention about learning theories, behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and constructionism. I think there is so much in each individual theory and it seems to blow my mind every time and shows how different everyone is and how we are individuals. From all four of the theories, the one that I don't seem to enjoy all that much would be Behaviorism. For me that seems more like you are training an animals. Rewarding good behavior and punishing for bad behavior. For learning purposes students will stuff their self with information and then regurgitate the information, but not actually learning. I think it is a sad reality, but many classes or learning activities, many students will do this. I know I have fallen victim to this.

Teacher-Centered and Student-Centered learning is really interesting. I think there is an appropriate time for both types of teaching in the classroom. There are times when a teacher needs to lecture to get information across, and other times where you need to let students take on a larger roll in their learning and classroom. With student-center learning "students encounter and work to resolve meaningful questions and puzzles, they incorporate new knowledge and understands into their views and values" (Maloy, p 51)

Active learning or also hands on learning, I think is one of the most beneficial types of learning. When you let students actively participate in learning it helps them become interested and able to retain information better. I also think this is where technology can come in full force. Students can do so much with technology and it is all would be considered active learning.

I have listened to Ken Robinson TED Talks before, and I think he makes valid points about the education system. This TED Talk, he talks about creativity in schools, and if we are killing creativity. As it may not be 100% about the topics we have been discussing in class or in chapter three, I think it has a lot to do with how we teach our students and different types of learning, especially letting students be active learners and taking their learning into their own hands. Overall, his TED Talk makes you think about our education system.

Throughout reading chapter three, I think that I took a focus on looking at where students can be individuals and take learning into their own hands. I hope to be able to incorporate that into my future classroom, and as a teacher take on a role of a supervisor and help guide students in their learning and be there when needed. With the help and growth of technology I think having student-centered learning in classes will be even more beneficial.





References:

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.

TEDtalksDirector. YouTube. YouTube, 06 Jan. 2007. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtY>.

Digital Blog Post #B- Chapter 2

While reading chapter two there were three concepts that stuck out most to me. The first being barriers faced in the schools. Many schools are able to have access to computers, but they may not be updated computers or they do not have enough for the students. I remember being in high school and the teachers struggling to find a time slot to get into the labs so students could work on projects. I went to a very wealthy public school that had many resources and all types of technology at their fingertips. If the high school I attended struggled for lab time, I cant imagine what an low-income school, who might not have as many resources or no computer labs, would do. We need to bridge that dramatic gap between those schools that have an over access to those with no access.

The second concept was on teachers that use technology. I was shocked to read that that only one in five teachers use technology in their classroom (Maloy et. al,. 2013, p 34). With the amount of technology that that is at our fingertips it does not make sense why so few teachers are using technology in their teaching. Some teachers may choose not to because they believe they have the resources they need, but I think you have to take into consideration what your students needs are. Out side of school their lives revolve around using technology, so we should not limit them in schools. While technology is great for assisting teachers, such as for emails and keeping track of student records, it is useful for so much more. I would love to be able to incorporate technology in almost every teaching moment I have.

Lastly, technology is a great way to engage students. Most students are "glued" to their phones or other devices so why should we take away what they may know? When students feel bored, or detached from class they are not going to learn. Group work is a great way for students to feel more attached. It gives students the ability to talk with their peers and to get up and move. With technology, group work is easier. For examples, students can use Google Docs in the classroom then outside continue to work on a project and their group can participate still. The main reason why students drop out of class is because they feel like they are not feeling engaged enough (Maloy et. al., 2013, p 28). As teachers that is the last thing we want, for students to drop out. We have the resources to make class creative and engaging so we should use it. 

In conclusion, chapter 2 opened my eyes to seeing how technology is being used in the classroom, or lack of use in the classroom. We have to stay in tune of what is changing around us, and to keep our students engaged and interested, especially when they will be entering a world that is technology driven. 

Resources:

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

Rhodes, M (2017, January 19) Blog Post #B. Created with www.ToonDoo.com screenshot

T. (2016, March 28). Retrieved January 19, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOTEQVYDPpg&t=65s

Blog Post #A- Chapter 1

There are so many concepts from this chapter about technology and the impact they have in the classroom. From reading chapter one I thought the most interesting concept was about the I-Generation. I have volunteered and observed in classrooms and am also a nanny for two girls that would be considered the I-Generation. I see it first hand on a daily bases with them and also children I see in public. Their lives are focused and surrounded with some type of technology from the time they wake up to the time they go to bed. It is almost impossible to get my nanny children to do things if it does not have some type of technology associated with it. There are many positive notes with the I-generation. They have incredible technology knowledge, and I am usually taught something new everyday from them. When I am in a rush with the girls and there is still homework or flashcards to do; they are able to do most of it online. The I-generation already knows so much about technology and literally has the world at its finger tips. Technology will continue to increase and so will the knowledge of technology students have. Being a future teacher I will really need to stay on my toes to keep updated on all the new and upcoming technology.

The second concept, Technology-Based Teaching Tool, teachers are able to meet students needs in a variety of ways. I see this being very important tool for special needs students. The talk-to-text or the text-to-talk. Those who may not be able to type or write are still able to achieve that goal with talk-to-text. It is giving them the confidence they need to be successful, and shows them they are capable to doing what their other classmates can do. Wanting to a future special needs teacher technology will be a vital part of my teaching. I have seen from past observation the hurtles children have overcome with the use of technology, and look forward to assisting in the learning process with technology.


I thought this video shows how technology can be useful for those students with special needs and how technology can help assist them in their learning, and also help the teacher with her lessons. Keep in mind this video is from 2008, so technology for students has increased even more.

Lastly, Technology-based Textbook gives students and teachers access to unlimited amounts of information. Also, students are able to pull information from multiple sites on a single topic giving them a vast amount of information. The year after I graduated high school (2012) my high school was able to provide every student with a iPad to do homework on, have their texts book, and for other uses. I was a bit jealous after i heard, It would be been a lot less painful carrying seven textbooks all day. Plus, with textbooks being online, those students who are able to have internet access always will have a text book and able to do their assignments.

In conclusion, chapter one shows us the amount of technology there is at our students fingertips and also at ours. There is a vast amount of technology in our world, and will continue to increase. As future teachers we need to keep up with that growth so our students can learn to their full potential and not be held back.

Resources:

C. L (October 17, 2008). Technology in Special Education. Retrieved January 12, 2017, From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPnlC5K-CzA&t=273s

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.