Technology is a resource that creates authentic and real world experiences for students. It facilitates conversations with experts within a field of study and can connect students to similar students in another state or country who are completing similar research through tools such as FaceTime, Skype, and Google chat. Although technology does not trump traditional instruction it definitely enables teachers to easily accommodate various academic levels. Technology appeals to students because they are digital natives and regard using various technologies and devices as natural and fun.

In my classroom I plan on using technology to enhance all content areas. With the vast number of engaging video clips, apps, and interactive websites there are countless choices to consider. Pre-selected apps would be helpful in the classroom because they excite students and provide further support for the varied levels present within a classroom. If a student ever finishes an assignment early they can use an app on the class iPad to practice their skills in the same content area for that hour. With the use of apps during extra time and lessons, turning in an exit slip that is customized for each day can still hold students accountable. Another benefit of using technology is that it accommodates various learning styles with touch screens, podcasts, and various graphics represented through interactive visuals and engaging videos. Furthermore, technology enables students to easily self evaluate through the use of technologies providing students oral corrections and modeling. Students are also able to easily see their progressions as they advance to different levels within various educational websites and apps. Technology allows teachers to work with a small group while the rest of the students complete work for a brief period of ten minutes on an app. Like I mentioned earlier even though students would not be monitored directly by their teacher during this time they would still responsible for turning in an exit slip at the end of class.

In terms of digital equity it is hard to pin point how much funding should be allotted towards technology funding rather than other programs within schools or the development of new programs. In continuation, there needs to be more equality within funding of schools’ technology within districts. If a school does not have the funding to provide equipment for the student body an alternative solution would be installing limited amounts of equipment at a local library in the school’s community or at a community center. Most importantly, teachers must take into consideration every student’s resources at home when planning assignments involving technology and ensure assignments are accessible for all students.

Reflection: Reading #3
Within A Teacher’s Place in the Digital Divide I found the comparison between the gender gap interesting and applicable. I noticed that as boys and girls mature the gender gap in computer use is still prevalent. Similar to characteristics mentioned in the article, many women devote most of their computer time to social endeavors, exploring forms of artistic expression, and seeking out advice in relation to personal interests such as cooking or fashion. At the college level I’ve noticed that girls tend to spend time on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, fashion blogs, Skype, and online shopping sites. Girls tend to use computers as an avenue to enhance their lifestyle and well being while boys use computers more for interactive gaming and researching the latest products. I’ve noticed that as boys mature there are more similarities in the time they devote to computer use but some differences still remain. Similarities include using the same social networking sites and spending time exploring hobbies such as online sports sites and online sites for the latest products in technology such as Apple. Interactive gaming boys still engage in includes fantasy football, online poker, as well as the component of video game systems that include the option for online activity such as Call of Duty, NHL, and FIFA. How did you spend your time on the computer as a child and teenager? What do you devote your computer time to now?
Technology through incorporation of word is definitely an effective way to support learners who are in transitional stages (151-152). There are countless videos available online that can provide students with so much insight and increased understanding of a topic due to the level and engagement available. Videos allow children to connect to real world content and develop their own interpretations for an assignment if they are not advanced readers yet. Furthermore, integration of intriguing videos within course content helps children develop motivation and excitement for course material. Furthermore, I was impressed by the strides made by students in Project Fresa and the educational opportunities they took advantage. I found connections made through email interaction with children in coffee growing areas in Puerto Rico and students Mar Vista Elementary students to be the most interesting. What was your favorite aspect of Project Fresa?

Reflection: Reading #2
Within the paper Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21ST Century social media and other online avenues for personal expression are examined within the context of students and education. Online spaces such as blogs and gaming are so successful because they do not limit students’ ideas. Students are able to receive feedback on their work and think creatively. Within the online world students can interact with peers and professionals both nationally and internationally on topics they address in their work. This environment fosters relationships between students and experts in related fields. Social media forms such as Facebook and Twitter are great starting points to get feedback on idea or future product. Blogs are helpful because they are open to the public and easily accessible through Google or other search engines regarding a specific topic. In another course I am enrolled in we posted information on a blog about different childrens’ authors and one author actually commented on a student’s presentation. The opportunity to connect through blogs and other spaces online provides students with contacts and insight they could never experience without the help of technology or in a traditional classroom. Do you read a blog weekly or daily? Have you ever found anything helpful or interesting on a blog either for school or pleasure?

I found it extremely exciting that some cities such as: Cambridge, Boston, and Philadelphia hope to offer residents high-speed wireless Internet without a fee. Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21ST Century raised my awareness of the severe disadvantage students without Internet at home would face (13). I never considered how access to the Internet at home can shape a students’ behavior in the classroom and attitude towards technology. If your parents were never familiar with using the Internet within the home then students most likely had little to no experience with technology at home as well. Lack of Internet would hinder students throughout their childhood as various information within social and school activities is updated online. If parents ever wanted to sign up their child for a sport or seek out additional help when assisting their child with their homework it would be much more challenging to get in contact with those in charge and to seek out helpful resources. What do you think some of the disadvantages are if students are without Internet access at home?

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.