I found Chapter 2 to be especially valuable because it seemed to emphasize some student centered approaches that I will be able to use in my classroom. For instance, the 'active methods to engage students' section highlights ideas such as forming learning groups, using inquiry learning, and using the concept of metacognitive thinking so that students can use self-explanation and self-examination. All of these things can be significantly augmented by using technology in the classroom in my opinion.
Some of the student centered approaches almost seem tailor made to use with technology. For instance, students can utilize the unparalleled access to information that the internet provides them to do collaborative inquiry learning projects or web quests. Or how about tapping into your students' creativity by having them create an animation on a topic of interest to them that has to do with your course? Allowing students to discover for themselves what interests them and simultaneously allowing them to express their creativity regarding these interests is perhaps the greatest use for technology in the classroom.
Chapter 3 discusses the ever important topic of lesson planning and development. Teachers cannot enter the classroom and teach off-the-cuff, they need a solid plan that encompasses all of the concepts they want their students to learn. However, the interesting thing that caught my eye in chapter 3 was not only how to plan lessons, but how to measure student progress using technology. I think an excellent way to do this is portfolios or exhibitions. Students can then see themselves how much they have progressed instead of just receiving a letter grade.
Two questions come to mind after finishing these readings.
1. Do you think that computer based testing is the future of testing? That is, will students one day take tests on computers that provide them with immediate feedback on their knowledge level? How would this hinder or help teachers in a traditional classroom environment?
2. How do you foresee yourself using technology to plan lessons?
Alexa thoughts
10 years ago
I can see computer based testing become more popular within everyday school use but I do not think it will fully take over the standardized paper testing technique. I think it is important for student on math tests for example to show their comprehensions and work them out on paper. Yet, having computer based testing can also help teachers greatly with cutting back a time consuming task. I also cant help but wonder how partial credit points would be determined since it varies on such a scale.
ReplyDeleteFor implementing technology into my lesson plans I hope to be able to do it successfully and more times than not. If I am fortunate enough to teach the younger grades I would love to implement learning sing along song music videos for my class. I had done so during student teaching and the students really loved it.