Technology Integration

Although it took me way too long to figure out which technology I wanted to write about on the Wiki, I thought that the assignment was pretty fun. It was interesting playing around with my page and trying to see how I could insert graphics, change picture size, and make bulleted lists. I wish that I knew how to do more, but I guess that will come in due time. It is very helpful that we are all learning this together because I could look at other pages from our class to get some good ideas. The more that I learn about wikis, the more I come to enjoy them.

Rules of Thumb

I am not sure if I am supposed to post my rules of thumb or not, but I will just to be safe and because I have nothing else to do at the moment. So, if I had to pick two rules, they would be:

1)The students should have an active part in the use of technology, as opposed to them just passively watching their instructor.

2) The technology used should serve a purpose in the learning process instead of being used as a way to occupy the students.

Wiki Wiki

Wiki Wiki? Who comes up with these names anyway? You want to know what I think about wikis? Well, I will tell you. They are crazy beyond belief. Anyone with knowledge of wikis has so much power to change whatever they want. But not really because someone else will be bound to fix it in the flip of a switch. I propose that we all try to change something and hope that nobody will switch it back to the correct information. I hope Geoff isn't reading this. That is all I have to say on wikis. Over and out.

Roschelle Article

The article explained what a great tool technology can be in the classroom. Instead of learning about technology, we should try to learn through technology. Several examples were given that showed how beneficial technology has been in lots of classrooms as students work on projects in several different learning areas. Many students were able to see how well they did on their assignments and also effective communication was increased as parents, teachers, and students were able to contact each other.

One problem about using technology is that many schools do not have the same equipment or outdated equipment. We have to do work around these problems. But, in order to gain the most of out technology it was encouraged to use active engagement, participation in groups,frequent interaction and feedback, and connections to real world contexts.

Computer skills are a very beneficial skill in the modern world and are most likely able to gain these skills in the school setting. It is great for children to gain these skills at a younger age.
Social skills can be greatly improved as children work together on their computer projects. Also, each individual child's needs can be met easier.
Computers also add a little bit of excitment to learning because generally students enjoy using technology as opposed to standard teaching techniques.