“Inspiring Students with Peer Tutoring,” by Brandy Smith
Brandy Smith puts an emphasis on how technology can help at- risk students. Smith led an after school club called “The Tech- Kids.” This program would teach at risk students technology basics, so they could teach others. After these students were trained and ready to go, they were sent out to other classrooms to teach them about technology. These students were selected based on criteria. This was your typical criteria either. The kids that were eligible for this program were not the students who have straight A’s, but actually the opposite. This peer tutoring program allowed at risk students to help others. This gave them a sense of importance, and something to look forward to. They would work towards a common goal and learn to work together. They were able to build friendships, and collaborate with their peers. Smith says that there are so many benefits to technology tutoring peers. Students get to work together instead of in isolation. And, they get to learn technology skills that would be hard to find anywhere else. The results from this club were outstanding! Students came out of the program happy, and exited about learning. Students were coming out of this program with friends, and could actually use a computer. Before this program, only few students knew anything about technology, and now the majority of the school understands at least the basics of technology. This program demonstrated the great impact children could have in teaching their peers.
I think this would be a great program for the school I am working in now. The majority of the students are considered at risk, and I think this would be a great opportunity for them to not only gain knowledge in technology, but also build friendships and learn to work with one another. Technology is a tool that can be used in so many ways. In this case, it brought the school together, and students were able to make friendships while learning. When students (especially at risk students) teach other students certain tasks, it makes them feel a sense of importance, and that is so vital in their development and their future. It also gives them the responsibility that they should have in their lives. I would have my at risk students tutor younger students. It doesn’t even have to be in technology. This goes to show that when students collaborate with their peers, it has a positive effect on their lives.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Interactive Field Trips
“Making Field Trips Podtastic!” by Aliece Weller, John Bickar, and Paul McGuinnes
Students cannot only go on field trips, and use technology, but now they can incorporate the two together! The Boston Science Museum is an example of this accomplishment. This museum was designed to be highly interactive. In this case, animals (monkeys, and hens) were on display. There were computer type stations where students could learn about the exhibits. While watching the exhibits, they could also press a button that would educate them more about the animals, habitats, and behaviors. During this study, they found that students who used interactive software increased their time at the exhibit, and also increased brain on the exhibit. Podcasts in a museum setting can be used to alleviate isolation by encouraging collaboration and interaction with others. By having a successful podcasts, this should increase a student’s time at the exhibit. It is designed to get the students more interested. These authors chose podcasts because it is something that everybody can use. It is not too difficult, but is also a tool to enhance learning. By using podcasts in museums, students can increase their interaction, enhance their engagement, and also customize their learning experience.
I think this is a great way for students to interact with not only certain exhibits, but also each other. The idea of a podcast makes the student feel more comfortable. They are customizing their learning experience to their own pace and desire. This way, they get what they want out of the field trip. These days, kids get so bored very easily, and I believe that podcasts are a great way to keep students engaged, and they also can get more valuable information out of exhibits that the teacher or museum guide could not tell them.
Students cannot only go on field trips, and use technology, but now they can incorporate the two together! The Boston Science Museum is an example of this accomplishment. This museum was designed to be highly interactive. In this case, animals (monkeys, and hens) were on display. There were computer type stations where students could learn about the exhibits. While watching the exhibits, they could also press a button that would educate them more about the animals, habitats, and behaviors. During this study, they found that students who used interactive software increased their time at the exhibit, and also increased brain on the exhibit. Podcasts in a museum setting can be used to alleviate isolation by encouraging collaboration and interaction with others. By having a successful podcasts, this should increase a student’s time at the exhibit. It is designed to get the students more interested. These authors chose podcasts because it is something that everybody can use. It is not too difficult, but is also a tool to enhance learning. By using podcasts in museums, students can increase their interaction, enhance their engagement, and also customize their learning experience.
I think this is a great way for students to interact with not only certain exhibits, but also each other. The idea of a podcast makes the student feel more comfortable. They are customizing their learning experience to their own pace and desire. This way, they get what they want out of the field trip. These days, kids get so bored very easily, and I believe that podcasts are a great way to keep students engaged, and they also can get more valuable information out of exhibits that the teacher or museum guide could not tell them.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Virtual Learning
"Transforming Education through Online Learning,” by Julie Young, Pam Birtolo, and Raven McElmen
FLVS (Florida Virtual School) was established in 1997. It was the first public virtual school available in the United States. For more than 10 years, FLVS has given students a unique learning experience. The days of teaching all students to follow along on the same page in the textbook are over. Students can now learn math and science in other places than the classroom, and technology is the tool that can help them do that. Students can solve math problems through real life problems, students can go places where science is taking place, or they can talk to professionals in those fields to get a better understanding of the subject. This school is using texting, email, and blogging to help students develop critical thinking skills that tie in with the 21st century. Unlike regular schools where you physically attend class and follow the schedule of the school, virtual learning schools are the exact opposite. There are no classrooms, class times, bells, etc. Students log on whenever they want, and teachers are basically on call 24- 7 to meet the needs of their students. Students also get to learn at their own pace, and do not have to be held back in class, or move forward without understanding the material. A new statistic came out that said FLVS students consistently earned higher grades, received better state assessment scores, and achieved higher marks on AP exams than students in traditional schools. I can see this happening because students seem to receive more of individual attention from their teachers than they would in a crowded classroom.
To be honest, I do not know if I would want to learn only online. And I don’t think that I would want my kids to either. I think this is a great tool for those who learn at a fast pace and are constantly being slowed down in the classroom. But we also have to remember that students learn in different ways. Some students find it easy to learn online, and others need someone there explaining things step by step. As a virtual learning teacher, I do not know how I would feel about being on call 24-7, 365 days a year. I would like to see a balance between the two. Incorporating at home online learning AND in class sessions would be beneficial to all students.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Technology Problems Solved!
“Creating Valuable Class Websites,” by Elizabeth A. Baker
There are many difficulties when trying to incorporate technology in the classroom. Most teachers understand that students can benefit from using computer technology in the classroom, but they often come across obstacles. Some common problems are: teachers don’t know how to set up websites, students can only access the internet at school, there is only 1 computer in the classroom, students can only use computers when in the computer lab, or teachers wanting their students to be safe, so they avoid the internet. Even though setting up websites, or using the computer can be challenging for someone who is not tech savvy, there are many ways and tools out there that can help you become technologically successful in the classroom. Websites like Scholastic.com allows you to create your own website for free, and is available to anyone. Other websites like Blogger.com allows anyone to set up a free blogging account. These are two fun and creative ways for students to enhance their learning. Even if students can only visit the computer lab once a week, it can still work. Students can post weekly blogs to reflect on lessons they have learned in class. Students do not have to have 24- 7 access to technology to thrive. Even a little bit of exposure can make a big difference.
I would like to use blogging in my classroom. I think it is a great way for students to reflect on material covered in class. It can be something for my students to look forward to each week when we go to the computer lab. I think blogging really gets them exposure to the web. They can also make their pages a reflection of who they are. This is also a great way for distant family members to keep up on what their children and grandchildren are doing. I think it is important to understand that students do not have to be on a computer all the time to grow in technology. Even when they are only exposed to it once in a while, it can make a big difference in their knowledge, and I also think that it gives them something to look forward to.
There are many difficulties when trying to incorporate technology in the classroom. Most teachers understand that students can benefit from using computer technology in the classroom, but they often come across obstacles. Some common problems are: teachers don’t know how to set up websites, students can only access the internet at school, there is only 1 computer in the classroom, students can only use computers when in the computer lab, or teachers wanting their students to be safe, so they avoid the internet. Even though setting up websites, or using the computer can be challenging for someone who is not tech savvy, there are many ways and tools out there that can help you become technologically successful in the classroom. Websites like Scholastic.com allows you to create your own website for free, and is available to anyone. Other websites like Blogger.com allows anyone to set up a free blogging account. These are two fun and creative ways for students to enhance their learning. Even if students can only visit the computer lab once a week, it can still work. Students can post weekly blogs to reflect on lessons they have learned in class. Students do not have to have 24- 7 access to technology to thrive. Even a little bit of exposure can make a big difference.
I would like to use blogging in my classroom. I think it is a great way for students to reflect on material covered in class. It can be something for my students to look forward to each week when we go to the computer lab. I think blogging really gets them exposure to the web. They can also make their pages a reflection of who they are. This is also a great way for distant family members to keep up on what their children and grandchildren are doing. I think it is important to understand that students do not have to be on a computer all the time to grow in technology. Even when they are only exposed to it once in a while, it can make a big difference in their knowledge, and I also think that it gives them something to look forward to.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Digital Whiteboards
“Build Your Own Board,” by Keith Vallis and Peter Williamson
Interactive whiteboards have become increasingly popular across the world. They are a great tool to get students to pay attention much better than traditional lectures could. It also solves the problem of having only one computer projecting the screen for all 30 students. It also makes it fun for both teachers and students to interact with educational software. This interactive whiteboard is called a “brightboard.” Teachers can build and guide lessons from the back of the classroom or from the midst of group activities, and students can contribute to their learning individually or in groups without having to walk to the front of the room. Some argue that these brightboards are more cost effective than a regular whiteboard. For every 10 wireless pen tablets purchased (needed for the brightboard), you can buy one $3,000 whiteboard. Others would say that the brightboard is not for everyone. For the teachers that would not use it regularly, this would not be the route to go. They say that in order for it to be effective, one must use it on a regular basis. Because of the budget crisis, some schools could actually be saving money by using brightboards, because you get more brightboards for your money than you would a regular whiteboard. Another benefit to the brightboard is that it can be used on school halls or theatres. You can write on the brightboard, and even the people in the back can see it.
I think that the brightboard is a great tool for the classroom. I also think that whiteboards are affective too. But schools that are headed in a more technology savvy direction would really benefit from this. I think it is great that you do not have to waste time going up to the board and writing things down, when you can just write as you are interacting with the class. I would use this in my classroom because I think it is a great way for students to be exited about learning. It is something so new and interesting to them, and I really do agree that it would probably hold their attention longer rather than a traditional lecture.
Interactive whiteboards have become increasingly popular across the world. They are a great tool to get students to pay attention much better than traditional lectures could. It also solves the problem of having only one computer projecting the screen for all 30 students. It also makes it fun for both teachers and students to interact with educational software. This interactive whiteboard is called a “brightboard.” Teachers can build and guide lessons from the back of the classroom or from the midst of group activities, and students can contribute to their learning individually or in groups without having to walk to the front of the room. Some argue that these brightboards are more cost effective than a regular whiteboard. For every 10 wireless pen tablets purchased (needed for the brightboard), you can buy one $3,000 whiteboard. Others would say that the brightboard is not for everyone. For the teachers that would not use it regularly, this would not be the route to go. They say that in order for it to be effective, one must use it on a regular basis. Because of the budget crisis, some schools could actually be saving money by using brightboards, because you get more brightboards for your money than you would a regular whiteboard. Another benefit to the brightboard is that it can be used on school halls or theatres. You can write on the brightboard, and even the people in the back can see it.
I think that the brightboard is a great tool for the classroom. I also think that whiteboards are affective too. But schools that are headed in a more technology savvy direction would really benefit from this. I think it is great that you do not have to waste time going up to the board and writing things down, when you can just write as you are interacting with the class. I would use this in my classroom because I think it is a great way for students to be exited about learning. It is something so new and interesting to them, and I really do agree that it would probably hold their attention longer rather than a traditional lecture.
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