Technology Integrated Unit Plan Reflection

As I think about this assignment in which I created a unit plan in geometry that utilized a lot of computer technology, I can't help to think that I am glad it is over! This was a very difficult assignment that I put a lot of effort into in order to make it cohesive. This only makes me think how hard my first couple years of teaching are going to be. I think that my class presented lesson went pretty well and I was prepared for it. It took quite a bit of preparation but it seemed to me that most of the class was pretty engaged in the lesson the whole time. I thought that it would fit in the time frame that I had for the lesson but it ended up taking most of the students quite a bit of time to complete the task of making the tangrams. One group did finish which was good because they won the prize at the end of the webquest, but possibly a full class period devoted to this lesson would have worked well. I think the more I teach, the better and more efficient I will become with time management.

In consideration of the TPCK model of planning my unit, working the technology in with the math lessons wasn't as hard as I thought. It turns out that for most of the math lessons that middle schoolers learn can be taught using various manipulatives such as the various geometric shapes which fit into my geometry lesson. With the present boom in internet/computer technologies, there is a large amount of free web based tools available that mimic these manipulatives in a fun and engaging way. I think that my knowledge of this technology in combination of my knowledge of the geometry content helped me link the two together and gave me the idea to look for online math manipulatives to incorporate in my lessons. Most of what I came across were various learning games which to some might be viewed as tomfoolery, but to others an engaging way to keep children interested and learning at the same time. That is one big goal of teaching which brings the pedagogical part of the TPCK model into play. Thinking about how I was going to incorporate the content with the online technologies and present it to the students in a way they would understand was the hardest part of designing the unit plan. The process ended up naturally occurring backward to develop the pedagogy. I first found the content which I know from my schooling, then I found the technology I wanted to use, then I ironed a step by step lesson in my head that would tie it all together. I am hoping that the more I do this the faster I will become because it took some time to put it all together.

Reflecting upon the experience gained from this assignment, I think it was actually the most beneficial experience I have had toward actually teaching (besides field observation) than any assignment I have had in any of my other education courses so far.

NETS Standards

I agree with all of the set standards that are currently in place for students learning technology. Of the standards mentioned above, I have found in my life experience that there is an emphasis on communication, research, and creative technologies. I really feel that communication and research seem to out-weigh some of the others in daily application. Communication technology is so prevalent and keeps getting bigger and better, so I think that it is important that students are well versed in using and understanding such technologies as email, blogs, messaging, chatting, video conferencing, etc. I also feel that being able to use technologies to research to find valuable and accurate information efficiently is key. Students should definitely be taught the skills to use internet search engines and other resources to find information to further their own learning. I have found it amazing how much more I learn by my own curiosity every day by having access to Google. Lastly, the many computer technologies out there allow people's creativity to soar. I am very into music. I started using computer based recording software in 2001 to create music. Before that, recording was an overwhelmingly expensive time consuming endeavor. Computer technologies have made the creative process so much more accessible, and since then I have been able to build my own business around such technologies. If students are made aware of what is out there, I think they will very willingly seek these technologies out in order to tap into their own creativity.

The technology standards that are set forth for teachers are good, but may be hard for some teachers who aren't very tech savvy or who refuse to utilize technology in the classroom. It has been apparent to me that for most of my life as a student up until very recently I have always felt that I know much more about the technology in the classroom setting than most of my teachers. It seems to me that just like playing certains sports, some people have the knack for technology, and some don't. That doesn't mean that they cannot learn technology, because just like anything else, if you put enough time and effort into it you will succeed. Because of this knack or lack of knack, the two toughest standards for some teachers to master will be the Digital-Age Work & Learning and Professional Growth & Leadership standards. Both of these standards require teachers to be on top of their game and well above students knowledge. I do believe as the next generation of teachers rolls in, this will become less and less of a problem as they will have been completely immersed in technology their entire lives. Most people my age that I know are decently tech savvy already and the younger generations are already right there.

One thing I think that is not mentioned, but should be a standard for both students and teachers is an understanding of hardware and software concepts. What I mean by these concepts is knowledge of what makes these things tick. A student who knows how a computer is put together, what an operating system is, how it works, then when it any kind of problem arises, they will have a good idea of how to solve it. Once these basic concepts of technology are learned, they can be applied to just about any technological device. I think this type of knowledge will benefit those people who fear or disregard technology the most. People fear what they don't understand. They should be in control of the technology and not let the technology control them.

Educational Computer Software

I think that there is something that can be valued from each of the different types of educational software that we experienced in class.

In the drill/tutoring category, I was really impressed with Brainpop. The overall presentation of the site and how it works was very easy and very impressive. It seems that the movies and activities that are on Brainpop aren't extremely in depth with information, but can be used as a good introduction to a topic or unit. The website movies are a good way to captivate students and keep their attention. Having students watch a movie short on a topic to introduce it and then have them complete the quizzes and activities that follow is a great way to make the student develop some general knowledge on their own. After that has taken place, the teacher can then discuss the topics in depth.

In the teacher directed category, web quests seemed to be a decent option. Although teachers must be mindful of how their web quests are created because they can become way too involved or incorporate aspects that stray from the point. As a teacher, I would only attempt to utilize web quests if I had a strong grasp on computer and internet knowledge such as using html. Web quests can also be very student inquiry based, but i don't think that they will be as effective as a teacher guiding the students through a web quest. For instance, I would develop a web quest with specific instructions on where to go to find exactly what it the kids need to learn and understand in order to be able to complete the knowledge requirement that I have laid out. With too much leeway students will waste time, easily fall off track.

As for the student inquiry side of education, I am all for it. The reason I like this is because of my own learning style. I find that I can sit in class all day, and read the book, but I don't really learn something until I am forced to do it myself. That is when I have to apply myself. In a student inquiry situation such as figuring out how to use the Etoys program, we were forced to investigate every way possible by messing around to complete the goals outlined. When using this type of inquiry I think it is really important for the teacher to have very well defined goals. This will keep students focused and on task. It is also important that the teacher is knowledgeable and there to assist, because I know I may not have been able to figure out some of the quirks of the software without Professor Davis' help.

Media Use of Children Aged 8 to 18

The amount of time that children 8 - 18 years old spend using media is disturbing, but it doesn't surprise me one bit, because I am 29 and I use it just as much if not more. When i really think about it, there may be days where I am completely immersed in media from the time I wake up in the morning until the time I go to sleep. I wake up to the radio, then I work out with the television on. I shower with music usually playing. I then jump on the computer to work. When I have to go somewhere, I have my cellphone with me as well as my iPod that has music and video on it. Most places I end up in have televisions or radios going. When I go to class, we are usually taught using projectors and I have my computer with me for taking notes. Wow, this is crazy now that I really think about. I feel kind of gross now, like I need to take a shower or something or go run into the woods screaming.

It's interesting looking at the statistics of television and computer use. I think that as time goes on, that the trend will change to more computer use, but on a mobile platform. The iPad is testament to this. Once everyone starts embracing the personal traveling media companion that these types of devices are, then people will be everywhere messing around on the internet, texting/emailing, watching movies, reading, etc. The idea is that all this technology will get wrapped into one extremely convenient device that all of use will have. Well all of us who fall for the mainstream media gadgetry. I have to admit that I was the last one of all the people I knew besides my parents that got a cell phone, but I eventually did. Ever since then, it's been down hill.

As far as teaching goes in regards to this media boom. It's obvious that to keep these kids of the future engages, that I will have to incorporate different types of technology into the classroom. Whether it's power point presentation, having the students use computers/internet for projects and research, or utilizing films, the students may otherwise wander off unless engaged by some technological media. The media will be something that the kids will identify with more than chalk on a chalk board or normal human conversation with what these trends are saying. So if this is what I will have to do to get through to the majority of these kids, then so be it.

Thoughts on the Proper Role of Technology in Education

When it comes to technology and education, I think the hardest thing to figure out is where to draw "the line". "The line" that I am talking about is where the technology you are using is still efficient, relevant, and beneficial toward the desired educational outcome. So many factors weigh into this dilemma. There are so many great technologies out there, but that doesn't mean they will get the job done any better when you weigh in all the other factors. One funny case I've experienced was in an American History class I recently took. The professor was a retired teacher who was very "old school" in his teaching style. The department forced him to use their power point presentations to guide his lectures. One day the remote wouldn't work to turn on the projector, another day the computer in the classroom crashed, and then finally when their were problems with the electricity he freaked out and gave us a huge lecture about technology and the problems with it in the classroom. Some of his points were well argued as he defended the chalkboard over the dry erase board and computer projectors. This situation got me thinking that the usefulness of technology is very conditional. It really depends on the distinct situations and all the variables therein whether or not technology will help or hinder learning.

My First Blog Post

I guess I can now consider myself a blogger. I'm all grown up :)