Education at a distance

A great thing about technology is distance learning. How can it be proven that technology shouldn't be used in schools or for teaching when it provides such an awesome opportunity for some students. Through technology, many students are able to take advantage of online learning classes that are not offered in their high schools. Collins and Halverson (2009) p.75 states, ...The Internet is pushing new kinds of interactive distance education at both the K-12 and collegiate level.
(Andrea Rivers)

Changing How We Think

Collins and Halverson (2009) states on page 10 that the Knowledge Revolution is drive by a new set of computer tools that empower people's minds rather than their bodies. John Seely Brown argues that " Tools drive science,not theory, not experiments, it's the tools. And it is this that has made the computer such an incredible force for scientific innovation. These new tools are reshaping the nature of work from a reliance on physical labor to cultivating the intellectual ability of ordinary people to interact with sophisticated symbol systems. (Vicki Legler)

Creative Technology for Tests

This is a creative way to use technology as a testing assistant for the teachers. Technology is very easy and is a time saver and would eliminate the RED PENS that teachers use to correct assignments. Check it out :) (Vicki Legler)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaQRHzB-Qwc

WebBLOGS in the classroom

Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms by Will Richardson specifically focuses on blogs in chapter 2 (2010). Richardson (2010). Adapters of weblogs in the classroom are creating a wide variety of ways to use them, and they have shown that blogs can enhance and deepen learning. Weblogs build relationships with peers, teachers, mentors, and professionals within the weblog environment. Page 37 talks about whether your students become bloggers or not, blogs have become sources of information about certain topics and students will at least need to learn how to evaluate them for accuracy and trustworthiness.Blogs in my opinion make topics more personal because you can interact with other peers and adults and can argue your thoughts and feelings on the topic. (Vicki Legler)

Hello Class! Today we are going to......BLOG!

Weblogs are becoming a huge trend in schools as well as another neat aspect as to what else students can do on the internet. Blogs are fun for students to communicate their thoughts and ideas about classroom content. Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms by Will Richardson specifically focuses on blogs in chapter 2 (2010). Richardson (2010) discusses how learning specialists Fernette and Brock Eide's research has given blogs a positive impact on schools. "They found that blogs can promote critical and analytical thinking; be a powerful promoter of creative, intuitive, and associational thinking; promote analogical thinking; be a powerful medium for increasing access and exposure to quality information" (Richardson, p. 20). If blogging can channel students to become more critical thinkers and analyzers then perhaps more teachers should integrate blogs into the classroom!

(Mary Hager)

Classroom Resources for Technology

This website is a host of many books that refer to technology in the classroom along with many links for technology resources for teachers. Some of these are even templates for teachers to use.

http://www.suelebeau.com/techresources.htm

(Mary Hager)

Fun Piece of Technology!

The "white board" or "SmartBoard" or as in this video shows, the "Promethean Board" is revolutionizing the classroom:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za0SoaGQsYg


(Mary Hager)

Technology is a Catalyst of Change!

Please view this youtube video for a glimpse of why technology is important in schools:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbQ0sDFaPYQ


(Mary Hager)

Integrating Technology In Education

Collins and Halverson (2009) state: "Lifelong learners often use tools such as personal digital assistants that they carry with them, which can be connected to the Internet, to access their learning environments and communities....We are approaching the era when people can engage in just-in-time learning anytime and anywhere" (p. 100). Many "gadgets" that students carry these days allows them to surf the web, opening their world to much information with the click of a button. What better way is there than to incorporate this "instant" technology into education? We (the education world) are moving away from teacher-centered classrooms to student-centered classrooms. Technology that is properly and effectively integrated into the classroom will allow students to explore many topics and expand their knowledge base by using interactive programs. Once students are taught how to use technology appropriately and for their advantage, it will be easier for them to become lifelong learners.

(Mary Hager)

Technology Should be intergrated into the classroom!

The question, "Should technology be integrated in the classroom" remains for debate and is still unanswered. Technology should be integrated into school because it ultimately prepares them for the real world. Collins and Halverson (2009) states on p.9, New technologies are transforming every aspect of work..." This supports the fact that if technology is not integrated technology into school, students will be unprepared for the future and the work force! I believe that is more than enough of an incentive to integrate technology in schools.
(Andrea Rivers)