Throughout the last eight weeks, I have learned a great deal about integrating technology into the classroom. I have been simultaneously taking CEP 810 and 811. These two courses have helped me gain a better understanding of how to effectively integrate technology into my classroom.
When integrating technology in the classroom it is important to have effective teaching strategies to accompany online learning. One teaching strategy I believe would be most effective is constructivism. This gives students the opportunity to discover on their own. This strategy encourages students to participate in an active dialogue. The teacher is a facilitator and not the source of the information.
Web based technologies can be very important in the learning process. Throughout the semester I have been able to share and view different tips and tricks. I will definitely be using some of those sites for my class. One site that I was interested in using is Rubistar. This site assists the teacher is creating a customized rubric for any assignment.
As I go forward through the masters program my will keep evolving. I have set some new goals for my self and the future. I would like to learn more about new technologies and get even better at using the technologies that know. Sometime in the future, when technology is more readily available to my classroom, I would like to make my classroom completely wireless. I would like to use technology everyday in my classroom. Technology is a great way to engage students in their learning. When my students enjoy what I am teaching then I enjoy my job.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Online Learning
There are many on line learning technologies that I could use in my classroom. Webquests, and RSS Feeds are the two that I would use most often in my classroom. When using a webquest in my classroom students are able to gain more in depth content knowledge. In Social Studies there are many websites which provide great additional detail for lessons. When using a webqust students are more involved in gathering the information needed to produce an end product. Students feel more accomplished and involved when using a webquest.
An RSS Feed in a social studies classroom is very useful. Students are able to keep up with blogs, current events, and articles. These feeds would be greatly beneficial to my students. In a social studies classroom we are constantly keeping up with current affairs. By using an RSS feed keeping up with these reports is a whole lot easier.
When using web based instruction like a an RSS feed, constructivism becomes the instructional design. Students are able to discover information on their own, and are involved in active dialogues. Another instructional design that is used when using webquests is project based learning. Students perform research, develop solutions, and "defend" their solutions, as well as consider other solutions.
As with anything else pedagogical strategies are used when implementing both technologies. You can use Scaffolding when setting up a webquest. You can set up supports for the learner and then take those supports away once learning becomes more independent. Another strategy is simulation and problem solving. When using an RSS feed students interact with content they are to learn. They are to gather the information on their own or as a class.
There are however some technologies in which I would not use regularly in my classroom. Excel (spreadsheets) is not a technology that I see using on a regular basis. Spreadsheets more often than not are used for mathematical reasons. There are very few situations in a social studies classroom in which I would use Excel. Some situations in which I would use Excel are for population comparison or to teach economical situations like a family budget.
Technology will continue to grow and it is my job as an educator to introduce as much technology into my classroom as possible. Once students leave my classroom and continue on to higher education or enter the real world technology is something they will have to be versed.
An RSS Feed in a social studies classroom is very useful. Students are able to keep up with blogs, current events, and articles. These feeds would be greatly beneficial to my students. In a social studies classroom we are constantly keeping up with current affairs. By using an RSS feed keeping up with these reports is a whole lot easier.
When using web based instruction like a an RSS feed, constructivism becomes the instructional design. Students are able to discover information on their own, and are involved in active dialogues. Another instructional design that is used when using webquests is project based learning. Students perform research, develop solutions, and "defend" their solutions, as well as consider other solutions.
As with anything else pedagogical strategies are used when implementing both technologies. You can use Scaffolding when setting up a webquest. You can set up supports for the learner and then take those supports away once learning becomes more independent. Another strategy is simulation and problem solving. When using an RSS feed students interact with content they are to learn. They are to gather the information on their own or as a class.
There are however some technologies in which I would not use regularly in my classroom. Excel (spreadsheets) is not a technology that I see using on a regular basis. Spreadsheets more often than not are used for mathematical reasons. There are very few situations in a social studies classroom in which I would use Excel. Some situations in which I would use Excel are for population comparison or to teach economical situations like a family budget.
Technology will continue to grow and it is my job as an educator to introduce as much technology into my classroom as possible. Once students leave my classroom and continue on to higher education or enter the real world technology is something they will have to be versed.
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