Two Weeks

This week we have been given the task to develop our own web quest, which will be due at the end of the semester. Also due at the end of the semester is our final project, which is a lesson plan developed with some sort of tie-in to what we have learned in this technology class. I am usually pretty apt at my computing skills, yet I have learned some new tricks that might be useful in the classroom. I already knew a lot of tricks when it came to developing powerpoint presentations, yet I am excited to eventually develop my own website for my future classes with the use of software like Frontpage. This sort of availability for students will be a great tool when accessing helpful study guides, formula sheets, important assignment dates, as well as grades. The latter of which will be most useful for parents!!

Learning with WebQuests

Last class period, we formed groups to help critique WebQuests. These web-based assignments often ask students from a wide variety of ages to perform tasks as a group about a given topic. Often during these WebQuests, students are asked to perform research outside of school. This type of real-life or hands-on learning is great for students looking to make a connection between the typically boring classroom and everyday life. Most of the WebQuests are group oriented, which is a great way to learn at any age level. Tasks are usually delegated to each group member, which helps give students a sense of accountability for their group's performance. WebQuests easily give teachers a great resource that is an alternative to everyday learning.

Technology in the classroom

I believe that using laptops in the classroom is a great idea, as long as teachers and other educators get the proper training needed to teach with them. After doing a little research I found that laptop computers need a lot of up keep; kids put forth great effort to look at inappropriate web sites and/or they spend time working on other subject materials. I like the idea of having technology in the classroom, but how much of a distraction will it be?

Wireless Tech in Classes

While doing research on the use of laptops in the classroom, I have begun to realize what a great new tool wireless technology could be. Many of the benefits of laptops and other personal computing devices are not necessarily better for content purposes. One case study suggested a great increase in the students' motivation and decrease in disciplinary referrals. The middle school students in this study are greatly captivated by this new technology, and the long-term effects of continuous use of these new technologies are unknown. However, using laptops as a tool to use in curriculum AND classroom management cannot be underestimated.

powerpoint in schools

The use of powerpoint in the classroom can most certainly be a captivating tool for teachers to use. Students often appreciate the visual nature of a good presentation. Visual objects such as photos, diagrams, maps, etc. along with sound can make a boring lecture seem quite interesting. However, some teachers tend to abuse powerpoint. These multimedia presentations are meant to be a more attention-grabbing option than the typical outline form, notetaking procedure used in most classrooms. When the powerpoint presentation just becomes a different way to write on the blackboard, the true purpose of this alternative is lost. Therefore, we must learn not to take advantage of these multimedia as an easy way to save time re-writing notes. Instead, when we use these types of programs, teachers must understand that the true purpose is to engage the learner with more visual or audio stimuli.