reflection #3

The types of technology used by professors is interesting to pay attention too. In my case, I have noticed that the level of technological use depends on the class and, dare I say, the age of a professor. It seems that when it comes to presenting subject matter, most professors, that I have had the privilege of experiencing, tend to be behind the times on technology use. That is not so when it comes to those professors in the education department. This is where technology is most often used (the reason for the class Technology in Education). I look forward to the uses of technology in the classroom, and I look forward to the unknown possibilities yet to be discovered.

Reflection #2

Tonight I was thinking about the changes in technology from when I was in elementary school until now. I not sure what other people experienced, but I had the pleasure of using chalk boards for many years. If I remember correctly I did not use a white board until 8th grade. And now I have experienced, a little, the use of an interactive board. Tonight I got to tell my father what a smart board was. He was slightly confused, but thought it was neat. I'm not even sure if and where these boards are in Alaska. Lets just hope they are by time get back.

entry 5

"Melissa's Secondary Education Blog" is a great blog that gives some great information on what an educator can do to "spice up" lessons and how to handle some issues with students, lessons, etc.

Some of the topics discussed include reasons for teacher burnout and possibilities to avoid it, how to have effective field trips, lecture vs. discussion, and so much more. Others comment, putting in their input of the matter, and sometimes further resources are included in the blog.

Most likely I will refer to either this blog or even keep some of the sites mention in the blogs in mind to incorporate into my career as an educator (ie. "How to hold class debates"). I think this information on how to hold a successful classroom debate will be important in my classroom. I plan on have many class discussions and student involvement with all areas social studies: current issues, historical interpretations, civics, etc. I look forward to using some of these concepts.

I think many can benefit from some of the information and comments made by others on this blog.

entry 4

The article "Generation IM" was very interesting. What i got from it the most was the *7 Ways to Bring Today’s Tech into your Classroom* they were very helpful in encouraging the use of technology in education. I also like the idea that using such thing as blogs can allow parents/guardians of the student to keep track of the students progress and such. If the students are aware that their parents are exposed to their work, they may take it as a message to perform well in their studies. Using a classroom blog can help with student assessment and teacher assesment as well.
Over all, I look forward to implementing some of these techniques.

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Reflection #1

i notice in classes that many people use laptops to take notes and such... i have tried but i am unsuccessful in typing fast enough before the professor's slides or writings change. i seem to prefer to hand write my notes. in addition, i believe handwriting notes helps with retaining information.

Assignment #1

ERIC:

The Journal of Social Studies Research
Volume 33, Issue 2
"Using Technology in the Social Studies Classroom: The Journey of Two Teachers"
Vivian H. Wright
Elizabeth K. Wilson
University of Alabama

this article follows two educators, Ken & Seth, in their uses of technology in their social studies classrooms. each used technologies that were available to them. one had all the tech that could be used plus was able to upgrade when needed. the other experienced schools that did not have to funds and/or think it was a necessity for technologies to be used in the classroom. both educators took technology classes in their graduate programs, assuming that their skills and tools would be used in their classrooms. they both believe that using tech in the classrooms is vital in the education of future students, no matter the experiences in the classrooms.

what i take from this article is that, in any subject area, technology is necessary to properly educate the students of the future. i find that if a school does not provide updated technologies that it may be necessary to use personal funds to aquire desired technologies t be a succesful educator.

NETS for Teachers:

-Model Digital-Age Work and Learning:
this is important to me because technology is advancing worldwide and children are growing up surrounded by the advancing technologies. it only makes sense that technology is utilized to extend learning to accommodate today's technology and future advancements. 3 ways i will focus on this semester are:
- explore all possible technological systems, programs, etc. to become fluent in them
- learn to use the technologies proficiently to demonstrate and model effective use of
technological tools to colleagues and students
- understand technologies and learn how to make them interesting and engaging and
incorporate them into lesson plans accordingly

NETS for Students:
-Research and Information Fluency
this is important because using digital tools for research in the subject of history will be vital for future students. i believe history needs to be more student interactive and less lecture (assumed on personal experiences). two assignments/projects that can be used are:
- a final term paper/presentation requiring internet sources and the use of visual aids
(ie. power point) during presentation
- in-class research using internet and typing a reflection paper and submitting online via
email or similar method