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Before reading the chapters I would venture to say that you need to keep learning about new technology in spite of the constant changes because of just that. Technology is constantly changing, if you never learn how to use anything new you will be stuck always using overhead projectors and duplicating machines. For the other questions, I really do not know, I would imagine that using a lap top would be easier in some cases as opposed to a desk top because you can take it where ever you go. You can be stationed closer to the students instead of stuck at your desk. Other than that I am not yet familiar with many other mobile devices that you would use in a classroom.
1. Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing?
Computers (pg.59-66) Text, graphics, audio, video, other (adobe(pdf.), exel(spreadsheets), powerpoint,
Mobile devices (pg. 67-75)- Educational audio and video (digital media players, PDAs, digital camera), voice recording (digital recorder, PDAs), pictures (digital camera), e-books (e-reader), define your location, altitude, and routes from a to b.(GPS), graphing calculations, plotting graphs, solving equations (graphing calculator, PDA), text (PDA), internet (PDA)
Peripherals (pg.76-85) Large display (projectors, smartboards), printing (inkjet, laser printers), scanning and copying (scanner/copier), video conference, instant messaging, real time video (webcams)
Data storage devies (pg.87-89)- Stores text, photo, video, documents (flash drive, external hard drives, storage cards).
The only mobile device I could really think of using in a classroom initially was a laptop. after going through this chapter I realized that there is uses for so many different tools that I had never thought of before. One of the tools I thought was unnecessary after I saw it in the chapter was a PDA. After reading though they explained that many schools have chosen PDAs over laptops because of the price difference, and they are more portable but offer many primary functions as a laptop (pg. 73). I had also never thought of using a GPS in a classroom, but that could be helpful for geography, or even math lessons.
I have only had experience with a few technologies in a classroom (and not the expensive ones). I have used a projector, graphing calculator, printer). Mostly the tools that fall under the peripherals category (with exception to the smartboard or interactive whiteboard). I'm sure the reason for this is the "con" that is listed in most of the categories of being expensive.
When it comes to storage devices I have used them all, but as a child I remember the good old floppy disk.
2. Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile devices, so why do teachers need both?
Although desktops do perform many of the same tasks as mobile devices; mobile devices give you the option of, well, being mobile. In many cases mobile devices such as a PDA (Personal Data Assistant) can cost much less than a laptop but offers the same functions. A laptop is mobile as well, but does require access to power outlets if you will be using it for an extended amount of time, whereas a PDA uses less power than a laptop and is much lighter and easier to carry. A con to the PDA is that it does have a much smaller screen and keyboard which can make typing difficult for some students. On the other hand, a desktop has a large enough screen so multiple students can see it at the same time. With mobile devices students have the ability to take their digital references, and notes with them as they are doing research.
3. How can the cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are often limited in number and scope?
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1. There are so many types of software; how do I know which ones to include in my lesson?
Productivity software- Presentation (powerpoint). Powerpoint can be used as alternative to your "cardboard and construction paper" presentation. Powepoint allows children to create interactive presentations while gaining skills in tool that can be used in college and the employment market. I believe the best part of powerpoint is that it is interactive and can include hyperlinks, video and audio.
Research software- Search engines. Search engines can be used as a fast efficient way to find information about a topic you are researching. It is important for students to know the best way to type in their phrase to get what they are looking for.
Communication software- Blogs. I think a blog is a fun way for a teacher to give projects or assignments to students. A teacher can set up an assignment on the their blog, offer links and resources and students can post any questions or comments they have. It is great practice in how to navigate the World Wide Web.
Educational software- Tutorials. Tutorials are use friendly to present content and provide practice and feedback for students. Students work their way through each module by referencing content included in the folder.
2. I understand why students should use educational software and the internet, but why should my fourth-grade students learn to use speadsheet, database, or video editing software?
One of the categories in the ISTE NETS student standards is technology operation and concepts. This states that:
| Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students: | |||||||||
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Just as it is important for us as teachers to continue to learn about new technology it is also important for students. Number 4 says that they need to be able to transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies. When I see this I think about basic math skills. In order for a child to be successful at math they must have basic math skill that they they can build upon. If a student has basic computer skills in all areas such as powerpint, or exel in the future they will be able to build off of this skills and refine them to become proficient in the software. Because it is such a big part of the job economy, proficiency in technology is required.
3. How can student use of different types of software help improve scores on state tests?
I looked at Richlands Elementary school because it is right up the road from my house. In 3rd grade only 67.5% of students met the standards in reading which is slightly lower than the state. if I was in a classroom and I felt confident that my students had appropriate reading skills I would probably use testing software to give them an idea of what a test in reading would look like. In my reading classes I have learned that often times comprehension will fall on a state test because of nerves or the unfamiliarity of the format. On page 118 and 119 the book talks about a program called accelerated reader. This program gives students a 'report card' of their tests and keeps track of their progress throughout the year. This seems like a program that would be helpful to the 3rd grade students and Richlands Elementary.
As I said before my experience with many of the tools listed in these two chapters is limited. In elementary school we had computer lab where we would practice typing, and really other than that the only software I ever remember using was Oregon Trail. I did not go to Title 1 schools or anything, but our technology was pretty much limited to desktops and overhead projectors. There are so many great ways not to integrate technology into the classroom that is extremely helpful for students when they complete their education.
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