Megan McAdams

Educational Technology Integration

Gloria Gonzales Dholakia

September 18, 2012

Reflection: Reading #1
Within the Technology to Support Learning chapter various suggestions were provided to enhance learning within the classroom and outside of school through the use of technology. In the chapter it was communicated that technology used appropriately can definitely enhance relationships between homes, communities, and schools. For example, teachers can provide incentive for parents to help their children to succeed by developing an online text system. Parents and teachers signup through a website where cell phone numbers are anonymous for all participants. Furthermore, teachers can send parents reminder texts of students’ assignments that should be completed that afternoon or evening. This system keeps parents engaged and encourages them to take an active role in their child’s learning. Parents can also access helpful website links that a teacher can post to a class webpage to ensure all parents can help their children with material in take home assignments. Updated information on school websites allows community members to stay engaged, entices parents to volunteer their time, and creates interest in the success and growth of a school. What methods of technology would use in your classroom to efficiently connect parents and teachers?
One of the technologies I found most exciting in the chapter was the Learning Through Collaborative Visualization Project. This project is so enticing because it allows students to talk directly with experts in their studies and projects. With this opportunity students become more accountable for their contribution to learning in the classroom and are more excited to receive feedback on their ideas from an expert. In addition, when students are granted use of the same materials as scientists such as data sets and research tools they are able to take the opportunity more seriously and imagine if this were an opportunity in a career setting rather than just a classroom. These types of opportunities enable student to become more enthusiastic about course content and create possible interest in entering an occupation in health or science related fields. The experiences taken from these opportunities provide students confidence and spur ideas for future career interests.