DIGITAL BLOG POST #J Chapter 11

For my first concept I chose Democratic Schools and Classrooms. “Democratic schools and classrooms are places where students and teachers together make substantive decisions about important aspects of educational operations, from the academic curriculum to school climate and rules.” The benefit of implementing democracy in the education system can increase cooperation from students for they have a say in the rules and teaching methods. As well as happy teaching staff for they also have a say in the way they can teach their classes and go about their days. Unfortunately there is a downside to having a democratic school and classroom. If there are too many votes that which counter act each other the number of unhappy students and teachers will be high.I do not have any personal experiences with this topic but I can definitely see how they can counter act each other.

   

Now for my second concept I picked Online Surveys for Preassessment. “Online surveys are an effective way to activate prior knowledge and involve students in the Preassessment process.” “Preassessments occur before introducing a new lesson, topic, or unit as a way for teachers to determine what the students know or can already do in order to inform subsequent plans for teaching.” This technique can be used to assess the student knowledge on what they are and are not familiar with the curriculum. Teachers can use this to give themselves and idea on what the majority of the students need to sharpen up on to keep them caught up with the curriculum. In middle school I remember having to take about two or three preassements test, because I was going into high school and  they wanted to see where to place me in reading and math classes (intermediate, normal, or  advance).

Finally for my third concept I picked Preparing for High Stakes Tests. High stakes test, similar to the FCAT are required to pass in order for the student pass there grade level or even high school. Preparing for these test are critical for both teachers and students because students need to pass their grade levels and it’s the teacher’s duty for the student to pass. High stakes test usually consist certain subjects such as language arts, math, science or history and multiple choice question which give the students a 25% chance of getting the questions correct. I remember Back in high school having to take an entire elective class called "test prep" and it was just a class to help us get prepared for the FCAT and SAT, to me it was a complete waist of time but to others in seemed to really help.  I've uploaded this three minute video that informs you on some general information about high stakes testing.

In conclusion democratic schools and classrooms can have ups and downs either benefiting the teacher, students, both or even neither. Surveys for Preassessment help student in the learning process by showing teachers what is needed for the students to improve and stay on track with the curriculum. Preparing for high stakes test help student pass their grade and even high school. This is my conclusion to my concepts.

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.

Prepworks2400. (2013, May 29) How to Prepare for SAT,ACT, and High-Stakes Test.

 Retrieved March 31, 2015.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTsxYXuZjtE

 Urich, C. (2015, March 31).DIGITAL BLOG POST #J Chapter 11. Retrieved March 20,2015. from https://tackk.com/drzknw

DIGITAL BLOG POST #I CHAPTER 4

My first concept is understanding by design also known as backward design which is used to develop a curriculum. By using a strategy called enduring understanding teachers can help teach students lessons that will last them a life time. Enduring understanding takes place when teachers implement ideas and information that stick to the minds of the students.

 

For my second concept I chose using technology in lesson planning, this technology includes resources such as the internet. The Internet provides teachers with numerous materials that can be used to teach students many subjects. The internet can also be used to help teacher develop their lesson planning. By using website and online application teachers can increase the students learning and decrease the duration it takes teacher to prepare lesson plans. I uploaded a short YouTube video that is about a student showing you how many uses there are for technology to help you create a lesson plan. 

 

Finally I picked test assessment for my third concept, teachers use tests to help determine the students progress in the teacher’s classroom. Teachers use different forms of testing such as Norm-referenced and criterion-referenced. Norm-referenced is often used for teachers to determine a student’s score rank by comparing the student’s test scores with their classmate’s scores. Criterion-referenced is used to determine the student’s performance by comparing the student’s present score with passed score within the same subject.

For my conclusion, understanding by design or backward design can be used to develop a curricular which uses a strategy known as enduring understanding. Using technology in lesson planning uses internet resources and online applications to help teachers provide their students learn various subjects. And test assessments are used by teachers to determine the student’s progress. 

 

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.

steveleeignacio. (2011, August 14)  Technology Lesson Plans K-5 Computer Lab. Retrieved March 20, 2015. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1aCaiZyxwI

 Urich, C. (2015, March 20).DIGITAL BLOG POST #I Chapter 4. Retrieved March 20,2015. from Tackk:https://tackk.com/shfwwj

DIGITAL BLOG POST #H Chapter 9

My first concept is Youtube, handcrafted videos, and streaming video resources. The internet has many resourceful videos to help web surfers learn new skills. These step by step instructional videos teach any number of things from plumbing to building a computer. But in this situation these videos will help teachers with teaching their students in any subject from math to science and even history.

My next concept is Digital video cameras. Digital video cameras are useful for teachers as a learning instrument. They allow teacher to snap good quality pictures of learning moments and adjust the pictures to their liking. Adjustments or editing such as cropping, lighting, creating slideshows, etc. These functions combined with a teacher’s planning can help a teacher demonstrate a lesson or project with ease.

My last concept is Digital video and storytelling. Digital story telling is a great concept for subjects such as English and language arts. This concept can be used for group play projects and benefit the students by being able watch themselves as they play a part or a character. This concept also gives the students the ability to redo any acts or scenes the students may not be too proud of. Below I've uploaded a short Youtube video explaining what Digital story telling it.  

In conclusion, online video resources such as Youtube can benefit teacher and students because of the variety of instructional videos they have available to them. Digital cameras assist teacher with teaching by allowing teacher to edit photos and create educational slideshows to help students learn. And digital video and storytelling helps students are great for acting and play projects to allow students to view and possibly redo any acts or scenes that they may not be happy with. 

Resources:



Gratigny. (2009, September 1) What is Digital Storytelling? .. Retrieved March 09, 2015. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKZiXR5qUlQ

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.

Urich, C. (2015, March 09).DIGITAL BLOG POST #H Chapter 9. Retrieved March 11,2015. from Tackk:https://tackk.com/5m31nd

Digital Blog Post #G Chapter 10

My first concept in chapter 10 is assistive technology to reach diverse learning. I found this concept interesting because the concept of those who are hearing sight and mobility or cognitive impaired. From reading and comprehension to writing and spelling assistance. Though the program is helpful the program itself can have a negative affect as well. For example if the student becomes reliable on the program for it's spelling assistance.


For my next concept in chapter 10 I have chosen writing transformations with technology. I picked this concept because it's directed mostly for students from kindergarten to sixth grade. At these grade students are often pressured to spell words correctly, use correct punctuation, and even grammar. This can destroy any confidence or joy a student may obtain with writing. These programs are meant to keep the students interested and feel confident in their ability to write. Below I have entered a short video on how mind craft is helping third graders learn social studies.

Finally my last concept in chapter 10 is adaptations for classroom learning with technology. Teachers use this kind of program to help them plan the curriculum for the students and more. By using low, mid, and high tech accommodations teacher have many different setting and tools to plan. By adapting these programs into the classroom teacher could have the class schedule planned the night before.

For my conclusion, Assistive technology to reach diverse learning, transformation with technology, and adaptation for classroom learning with technology all make teaching students easy. By helping those who are hearing, sight, mobility impaired whether they are kindergartners or sixth graders all students now have equal learning opportunities. Though these programs help students improve in one aspect of their education the programs may leave the students dependent on the program for spelling, grammar check, or punctuation corrections rather than the students recognizing these errors on their own.

Resources:

Urich, C. (2015, 2 27). Adaptations for Classroom Learning with Technology. Retrieved 2 27, 2015, from Tackk: https://tackk.com/y7d847

EdTech. (2014, February 25) 

Minecraft in Education: Civics/Community Project (Technology Integration).. Retrieved February 23, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKnkKwMcU_c

Maloy, R. W. (2014). Transforming Learning with New Technology. Upper Saddle River: Pearson .

DIGITAL BLOG POST #F Chapter 8

My first concept for chapter eight is Electronic communication between teachers and students. Electronic communication between teachers and students is teachers and students communicating via email, text message, classroom websites, blogs, etc. I like the idea of teachers being more involved with a student’s life than just in the classroom. This way students can always ask his or her teacher for assistance with homework assignment, tip for studying, or assignments for extra credit.

 

My second concept is Wikis as a collaborative learning strategy. Wikis as a collaborative learning strategy is a website or blog space that is collaboratively edited and maintained by a group. I feel wikis are a great idea for one the wiki can help the students stay in track with a subject by having students submits fact and or essays on assignment for other students to see and study.   

 

 

My third and last concept is Social networking for education. Social networking for education is a way of using a Facebook like website for an academic purpose. I think the idea of creating a social network website to helps students keep themselves updated with the subject is great. Each student could create a profile and the teachers would have them post assignments given to them on their pages. Another way the social network would help students is by student posting questions on the teacher’s page for him or her page to answer the student’s question.

 

 

In conclusion, Electronic communication between teachers and students is a great way for teachers to be more academically involved with the students outside of school by utilizing today’s technology. Wikis as a collaborative learning strategy is a good way to keep students on the same academic level by submitting facts related to their curriculum in order to improve their knowledge on their subject. And Social networking for education great way to have student to improve their level of education on the subject by completing assignment the teacher may give the students on their page or by teachers to answer any question students leave on their page.



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.

Urich, C.(2015, February 16).  Digital Blog Post #F Chapter 8. Created with PowToon  https://www.powtoon.com/show/cKSkaUn0NoU/digital-blog-post-f-chapter-8/#/

BENT. (2012, April 13)Social Media for Education .. Retrieved February 16, 2015. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOXPBYx5AOU

 

DIGITAL BLOG POST #E Chapter 7

My first concept of chapter seven is computer games as learning resources. Describes how to turn computer games into a learning source for students. Students love playing video games, they spend more time playing them than studying or doing homework. That being said what better way to give students the motivation to study their curriculum better than something they spend so much of their voluntary doing. I do believe if computer games were used as a learning resource students would not only show more interest in their school work but also improve at it.

I found my second concept hardware and software for teaching and learning to be very interesting. Helping students learn is great but what about teachers? I believe teachers should have some kind of application that helps them learn better ways to teach students. Times are changing and so are students, teachers have to find new ways and new approaches to help the new generation of students learn to their full potential.

Finally my last concept is steps and solving problems. Students have to deal with many complicated open questions. Teachers need steps to solving these question rather than having the students throw random conclusions at the problem and hoping they are correct. Luckily there are steps teachers have in place help student to find the correct conclusion to every problems whether it would be math, science, or any other problem solving subjects. I have uploaded a video above to demonstrating the 7 step problem solving.

For my Conclusion computer games as learning resources will in my opinion increase the students learning indefinitely. Hardware and software for teaching and learning to be very helpful for teachers and students by helping teachers stay up to date with new teaching strategies in helping students learn. And finally steps and solving problems to help students solve almost any subject that provides open ended question by teaching the needed steps to solve the problems.

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.

Urich, C.(2015, February 10).  Digital Blog Post #F Chapter 7. Created with PowToon https://www.powtoon.com/show/eqnDpC3h3MZ/#/

BENT. (2015, February 10). 7 step problem solving. Retrieved February 10, 2015. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZXDGQSuF9I

DIGITAL BLOG POST #D Chapter 5

My first concept is about e-Books and e-Readers. Times are changing, as we move towards the future more in physical information is turning into data information. Physical information such as books are now available online and through hand held portable computers such as kindles, I pads, and even cell phones. Which brings up the concern if the amount of time students actually read is increasing or decreasing. Do students prefer actual books or electronic books? In my opinion the electronic books are better not only in the making students read more but to making it convenient to carry many book at one including any text books college students may need for the classroom all in a lightweight portable computer rather than dealing the weight of many books or taking repeated trips to the lockers. I've added a video below to show you the top ten e book readers and the prices they range in.

Secondly I found the concept Free-Text, Keyword, and Boolean Searches. Free-Text searches are helpful when you are not quite sure what you're looking for but have somewhat of an idea. In this case you will get many search hits to look through to try and find what information you're looking for. If you know exactly what you're looking the Free-Text would somewhat of a headache considering that you would obtain a vast amount of information in which you weren't searching for. That's where Keyword come to play. Keyword searches are for more specific searches for users who know exactly the information they need to obtain and can find it in a matter seconds to minutes with least amount of irrelevant information. And Boolean helps specify searches by adding words such and, or,and not. OR would be used to make the search less restrictive as AND is more restrict and included other specific information and NO would be to exclude any and every unwanted information to specify the search.

Finally I found the last concept Wikipedia: An Online Encyclopedia to be interesting because it's an easily accessed well known website about fact and information that is constantly updated. Wikipedia has hundreds of millions of users that visit every year learning facts that other users have posted which is then verified by other online sources. That being said, Wikipedia is also known for having false information. There are thousands of users who post information on this Wikipedia daily making it nearly impossible for Wikipedia to double check every all information uploaded on the website whether false or true.

Now for my conclusion I found all three concepts  e-Books and e-Readers, Free-Text, Keyword, and Boolean Searches, and Wikipedia: An Online Encyclopedia. Online reading material like e-Books and e-Readers seem to more convenient for use rather than regular books and seem to have peaked the interest of readers. Free-Text. Keyword, and Boolean Searches are used to specify, widen, and exclude in order make searches more adequate for obtaining any information. Meanwhile Wikipedia: An Online Encyclopedia is used for Biographies, stories, and history events but since these facts were written by many users who may not be well informed about the facts they are publishing it is pretty likely that some information on Wikipedia may false.

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.

O, M. (2015, January 9). Top 10 eBook Reader 2015/ Compare E-reader. Retrieved February 4, 2015.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzT-EshWwTI

Urich, C.(2015, February 4).  Digital Blog Post #D. Created with PowToon https://www.powtoon.com/show/d4NFxNf8aIt/school-syllabus/#/