Week 15 Discussion Chapter 5

Both GIS and GPS are powerful tools that help teach science and social studies. The Graphic Information System is basically a mini computer that you can store information into a database about different geographic locations. The Global Positioning System already has the information in a bank provided by 24 satellites and their ground stations. The GPS not only helps with the navigation to a specific location it does calculations in feet or meters.
In the classroom the GIS can be useful allowing the students to view and examine the world through lots data within a spatial environment. The GPS students can do hunts looking on the GPS in different locations. I think that would be an awesome way for students to learn their states and their capitals.

Discussion 13 Chapter 3

"Drill-and-Practice software can be very effective means of teaching certain material if it is used correctly. There are many types of drill functions including flash card activities, branching drills, and extensive feedback activities. Flash cards can be effective for some students but for others this may be redundant. Branching drill is more of a question then answer type of drill, which can be effective if the teacher shows the purpose of the exercise. In the feedback activities the students get feedback from the question which can be very effective because some students learn best from their mistakes. Drill-and practice must have guidelines that a teacher should follow for them to be an effective learning tool. Some of these guidelines include setting time limits so the student does not become bored with the activity. Assigning individually helps the student on self-pacing the learning of the activity. A teacher can use the drill-and-practice as a learning station for the students that will benefit from these activities.

Week 11 Discussion

No matter the topic educators are going to have different opinions on a particular topics. In this discussion educators have different views on distance learning. Some educators feel that distance technologies will greatly improve education because technology is fast access to information, access to learning materials, access to to courses and lessons not locally available, and access to education for homebound students. The book also talks about for teachers benefits that there are lesson ideas from multiple sources that are available, and that increased interaction among students and between students and teachers.
There are also educators that believe the overuse of distance technologies will affect education. Some of the reasons they believe this stated from our textbook are: the widening of the digital divide, socialization issues will rise, and this will have an impact on educational reform. The textbook states that virtual schooling will have issues and challenges with curriculum alignment and that for a student to be credited they must be aligned to a state and local standards.
Both sides of the pendulum have good points for their beliefs, but no matter how we look at it we now live in a technological world.

Week 9: Chapter 15 Discussion

The book describes some issues that relate to the training of special education teachers to use technology in their classroom. Just like any teacher, some may be hesitant to use technology due their lack of training on technology. The book states that as students get minimal technology literacy as possible. It makes me think of my computer literacy class that I took at SAC, great class, but it did not teach me the necessary tools or skills to be proficient with technology. I feel more confident with the class, but I did not gain the basics of technology to integrate into my classroom.
There are solutions for exceptional learners that assist them to using technology. There is a no-tech solution that requires the student to use their resources. For example the book states "one-handed typing", another example might be special chairs that accommodate exceptional learners. Low-tech solutions include "organizing materials, notebook, software, etc." The high-tech solutions are complex and usually electrical. Some examples the book states are "stair lift, door openers, and powered wheelchairs".

Discussion Week 7

"History Wars"

The "history wars", or debate that is happening within our schools about social studies is the concern that centers around the role of history and the curriculum. There is debate on the content that should be taught within social studies. Some argue that history and civics should be the main focus for social studies. But others argue that the students should be taught about the influences that made our country what it is. When technology is integrated into the social studies content it helps students understand topics that might otherwise be difficult to comprehend. The book states that it is more meaningful and a dynamic way of learning when technology is incorporated.
There are some positive aspects of technology being integrated along with some negative responses for using the Internet to find information on history. No matter what topic you are researching you must be aware of the sites you visit on the Internet. First you must check the credentials and the accuracy of the site you are viewing. This may be a concern of the social study teacher that the information the students are viewing go along with what the textbook and what the teacher is saying.

Discussion Wk# 5 Media vs.print literacy

I believe that all people should have an understanding of media basics.It is fundamental for the Information Age that we are in. Do I think it is more important than print literacy? Not a chance!!! Print literacy is the foundational part of learning in my opinion. It is like the scaffolding effect: first a child learns their ABC's, then they learn the sounds of the ABC's, then they start to learn words, learn to write words, then sentences, then they become readers. Print literacy is an important part learning for children. In the textbook it talks about teachers motivating students literacy development, but they must focus not only on media literacy, but pull in print literacy as well. We were talking in class about storytelling on the computer, awesome idea, but there is nothing like an old book report that is hand written to make sure a student understood the reading of a book.
On page 287 in our textbook it talks about that teaching writing requires special attention to motivational aspects, stating that it involves writing tasks and support for context writing. Writing is not only essential in school, but just as important in the world of work.

TIP Model Phase 4-preparing the Instructional Environment

1) Esmerelda's plan for having students use the Internet is not a very thought out plan. The Internet is used by many people, some good and some bad. Predators of children use the Internet to prey on children as well as adults. When using the Internet you do not actually know who is at the other end of the computer. A person may say they are a relevant expert on U.S. History, but really a person looking to harm our children. The plan of using the Internet could be a good one if you are just looking for information on U.S. History because on the Internet there is a plethora of information.

2) Do I see any problems with the email? What was Esmerelda thinking??? I know this is just a scenario, but this might really happen within our schools. Allowing children on the Internet, must be in a monitored environment. The information that Esmerelda is having the children put into their email gives all the information for a predator to find these children. Scary!!! When children our on the Internet they should not put personal information like their ages, schools, and definitely not their addresses!

3) I would change her plan completely. I think if I was searching for information on U.S. History I might look on the Internet, but the Library would be effective in the research on U.S. History. Plus the Library is good for children to know how to use the references that are available.

1st time blogger!!!!

Well yes this is my first time blogging! I usually journal my thoughts on paper, but wow what an easier way. I sure can type faster than I write! This is different for me, but what a concept!