Chapter 10 Reflection

Assessing meaningful learning with technology is the final chapter in this book and the last blog entry I will post. In this blog I will discuss authentic and performance assessment, technology based assessments, assessing growth over time with technology, assessing performance with technology based rubrics, using clickers, and assessing learning with computer based tests and surveys.

Authentic Assessments are basically performance based assessment. It will assess the students understanding through skills learned. alternative assessment refers to assessments that are in opposition to standardized achievement tests. Authentic assessment has students participate in meaningful learning activities that directly relate to real tasks that may need to preform in the future.

Technology based assessment is basically organizing and analyzing the assessments, or data, from the result of learning. I will defiantly be using technology assessments in my future classroom. Working with quizzes, tests, and journal entries are great ways to utilize technology to help make assessments.

E-portfolios are a great way of documenting digitized artifacts that may include video clips, graphics, sound, writing samples, artwork, presentations, etc. I can see myself documenting the amount of improvement done by the students. I can use these in meetings with colleagues, parents, and administrators.

Assessing performance with technology based rubrics will help give students direction, knowledge of why they received the grade he/she got, along with giving the teacher a way t insure non bias while grading. There are websites and numerous software that helps generate rubrics as well as making rubric banks. Good rubrics include: assessment aims; make each element uni-dimensional; rubric ratings are distinct, comprehensive, and descriptive; clear language; and multiple aspects of performance.

Clicker assessment tools are great to have in an everyday classroom because the teacher can use it to have the student input information and participate in polls to better assess students in the middle of lessons. This is a great way to look into who is understanding the information as it is being taught. I have already looked at sets for my classrooms, and it is not an expensive technology to bring into the classroom if you buy the set pre-owned.

Assessing learning with computer based tests and surveys are just like the ones created in the classroom except it is online. Online testing, surveys, and information is a great way to get students involved and excited about preparing for various assessments.

Chapter 9 Reflection

There are multiple ways to learn. Some students are kinesthetic learners, auditory learners, or visual learners.Visualization tools are considered a great aid in allowing students to visualize their work. Computers can help visualize mathematical ideas and scientific ideas. Visualization can also occur with digital cameras, mobile phones, and video.

Visualizing scientific ideas with a computer is a great way to show students how something looks or works when it might be too small to see with the naked eye. The tool McSpartan allows students to create their own chemical bonds and experiment with different combination's. Seeing the visual aspect will surely help students fully understand the material. I think this is a great way to show students what atoms look like on a enlarged view. I will defiantly use this in my classroom to get my students excited about being scientists and create their own combination's of atoms and different chemicals.

Visualizing geography with geographic information systems is a great way to let your students explore geography structures, maps, spatial reasoning, create charts and tables, etc. I really loved the example from the book about how students worked with the fire department to map out spills, redirect traffic in that circumstance, and informing the public. GoogleMaps has an amazing satellite that can zoom in on individual buildings. I think that can be a lot of fun to play with with my students.

Visualizing math is important because it is an abstract subject. The book is lacking a lot of examples that can be used in the elementary classrooms but mathlab, and mathematica are great resources to help manipulate algebraic equations. Graphing calculators help students record, organize, record, and communicate math ideas and overall help solve equations. Data sets are most likely to be used in a elementary classroom. I can see myself using graphic organizers to organize data I might take from my students such as height, eye color, number of family members, and so forth. Students can then take the numbers and create their own graphs and conduct their own surveys throughout the school to work on their own.

More and more students have cell phones and cameras on their body more often. Students can create their own digital documentaries, book talks, animations, picture books for journals, etc. I love the example of students making documentaries about themselves to ease into the idea of creating their own. I will defiantly create these with my students because it is a great way to get to know more about your students, see into their home life, and open their minds to learning and sharing information in a new way.

Most elementary and middle schools have morning announcements that the principle or select group of students get to produce. Why don't more students get involved with this great use of technology? Students can create video recordings as a way to enhance their learning. Using camcorders are mobile so students can record in different locations. The recordings can be edited, illustrated, dubbed, and enhanced in more ways than one. Once the recording is complete students can air it in numerous ways: on the computer, on the classroom t.v., on one of their wikis or website (with parent permission).

All in all visualization is a vital element in an elementary classroom. As teachers we need to be able to fit every type of learning.

Chapter 8 Reflection

As discussed in past blogs, learning about different technologies can be tremendously beneficial as a teacher and as a student. As a teacher learning and teaching these different technologies will allow you to grow closer with your students and share a portion of today's world though different technologies. It is important for students to learn these various technologies because it will only aid them in further development of the future technologies and will help them open up and connect with the classroom community and teacher. In this blog we are going to discuss drawing design ideas with computer design software, testing designs and building mental models with simulation software, developing programming skills while designing in the media arts, and designing music with composition software.

When reading about drawing design ideas with computer aided design software I could not stop thinking about when I was in one of my physics classes designing a mousetrap car for the first time. I remember having to sit down and draw these intricate designs involving top, side, bottom, front, and back end views. It was tedious work that I always tried to put off until a later point in time. I always then realized how much more work it was going to be for me - the perfectionist. I wish I had known about some of these computer based design software I could have used to safe me time and a headache. Every feature can be included in this virtual drawing table to include depth, shape, height, length, color, and surface texture. I can see myself using this in my classroom as a tool for students to be able to create a visual for word problems. And depending on what grade I am teaching I can see my classroom using it as a aid in something similar to what I used it for when I was in school - making and creating box cars, mousetrap cars, a ballooton aircraft, etc. I like the books example of building a house of similar feature and having a virtual tour using the CAD design software.

Simulation software can help teachers and students visualize how a structure will be used and to make sure all of the calculations are correct. These simulations can help students visualize mental picture of how something will work. I can see myself using this type of software similar to how it was used in the book. If my class were building something like a catapult I would want them to be able to help zero in on the distance it would travel before it hit the ground. I would not want the catapult to be launched without knowing how far or how long and high it would be traveling in the air for practical and safety issues. With a simulation students and teachers can visualize what will happen before the class actually physically do the experiment.

Developing programming skills while designing in the media arts isa great way to get students to use their minds. With working with such programs students will use their creativity and reflect on their programs. Microworlds are a great example of students utilizing programming skills. Another program that all of us have begun to get involved with is SCRATCH. I have had a mix of interactions with Scratch. At first I was completely clueless. However, I have watch a lot of tutorials online and now have a decent grasp on the program. I can see how this will benefit my future classroom. As I have been learning how to use Scratch, I have been creating another one with one of the kids I help home school and babysit on weekdays. The boy is nine years old and really enjoys it. Before we began I told him we were going to make our own game. He instantly though of an elaborate game and once we began to make one he said "this is a lot harder than I anticipated." I told him I thought the same thing. Scratch has proven to be a great tool to use because you can integrate it into the classroom easily and it is a sure way to engage students.

Designing music with composition software is my favorite section in this chapter. I have had a lot of experience with this myself. I play the trombone nd have since I was 12. After I had relatively mastered the trombone and baritone through my music programs in middle and high school I started to compose music form my high school marching band. Being one of the leaders in the band, my peers were excited to try and play my music. I ended up composing the theme song to Family Guy, and a few pop songs during the time. Overall, I had to adjust some of the parts for different instruments because I might have been in the wrong key or just had the rhythm slightly off, but composing my own music with free online software was an amazing experience. It helped me think outside the box from what I knew about my own instrument and to think as if I was in others shoes and it really tested some of my math skills and different combination's of patterns and how they fit together. The book focuses on music composition that is not as complex. Music that can be utilized in Scratch, and podcasts mainly.

Chapter 7 Reflection

In a world where technology is being learned at younger ages year by year communicating with technologies is an important aspect students need to learn. Students need to learn how to exchange ideas with discussion boards, exchange ideas with interactive chats and messaging, make connections through videoconferencing, and how to broadcast with podcasts and internet radio.

While having discussions online reduces some aspects of communication (body language, tone of voice, accents, dialects, pace, pauses, etc. it is a good way to communicate because authors will take more time to make sure they are communicating clearly. Other positive aspects in communicating through technology is that it is more organized - it can be organized by date, sender, topic, etc. Communicating through technology can also mean talking with people outside the classroom and possibly across the world. This provides multiple opportunities to research topics and develop arguments thoroughly. Asynchronous discussions support classroom environments in many ways. Examples are exposure to different cultures, ideas, and partnerships. They can reinforce different subjects (second languages, history, etc.).

Exchanging ideas synchronously with interactive chats and messaging are great for classrooms because of all the previous reasons as listed in asynchronous communications however, with this they can receive real time feedback to their ideas. Chats and instant messages are two ways to do this. Instant messaging is offered thorough Yahoo!, Google, AIM, Skype, and MSN. These include "buddy lists" and students can communicate with one another. IM is also utilized outside of the classroom for informal use.

Making connections through videoconferencing is a great way to involve experts in the classroom. Students will benefit from experts knowledge without the added cost of having travel and lodging to hear from the same expert. This is a cost effective way to involve people into the classroom from the outside world. This is also a great way for students to see what they are learning in the outside world used in the real world. For any computer, a camera can be purchased and plugged in via USB cable. Microphones can also be bought and used if it is not already on the computer. Videoconferencing should always be used as a support and not as a sole way of introducing and teaching the material.

Broadcasting with podcasts and radio conferencing are great ways to communicate as well. Streaming audio audios are in real time and can be delivered. Most people listen to the radio station online. Podcasting is recorded and played an infinite amount of times. This lets anyone become an director/ producer of an audio and/or video content. Podcasts can be downloaded, listened to, and created easily. I tunes provides a user friendly way to create podcasts. In the classroom this is great becuase it will help students use multi-dimensional concepts and cognitive levels to create one. It will also help build a community, and work in groups. Podcasts help with meaningful curriculum integration. Radio WillowWeb is a great example of a elementary school using podcasts as an aid to teaching.

Chapter 6 Response

Building a community in the classroom is very important for very obvious and numerous reasons. Helping create a community in the classroom can be achieved through different technologies. By using knowledge forms, using wikis, using interactive blogs, investigating international communities, building teacher communities, and using usenet and netnews groups.

As a teacher I really want to understand and utilize knowledge forums. I believe that students should have their opinions and knowledge shared and not devalued in the classroom setting. This forum can store notes, connect ideas, and help produce knowledge for users. I think this is a great way to have students communicate and build a classroom community that is on a technological level.

Wikis are similar to the forums in that they allow students to create community building environments. Wikis are meant as easy access to control and navigate through. While this may be easy for some of my students who are technologically advanced, using a Wiki sounds more reasonable when time is important. Being able to show my students how to use something and have them turn around and follow suit is incredible. It will help students keep on track, on time, and on pace. I use wikis in my everyday life. For example when I went to Spain I referenced wiki travel. Informing students about these different wikis (wiki books, wiki junior, etc.) will help students realize that they will use wikis on a semi-frequent basis. Wikis can be used as a project presentation, informational studying application, etc. Wikis are designed to have a collaborative environment.

Using interactive blogs is different than a wiki because blogs were initially intended for personal postings and not for communication. Now blogs are also communicable. Students can post on each other’s postings and connect in that way. I do not really see myself using bogs in my classroom. I think that they are controversial and that they are unnecessary in the classroom when there are many other great sources available. I think that if a teacher can make a blog parents can visit to see what is going on in their child’s classroom is a great idea. The blog would help parents, students, and teacher(s) stay connected and see what is going on.

I have always loved the idea of having my future classroom communicating with classrooms from another part of the world. I think that with technologies today that it is really a shame when teachers don’t put in the effort to do so. Learning circles are great to organize meetings and gatherings for people in a group working towards one common goal. Global schoolhouse is great place where teachers can seek out collaborative partners for their students. I will defiantly use this program to help me find meaningful learning opportunities for my students. Thinking about having my students communicating with someone that is not in the same state (at least) is amazing to me. If we are so lucky to get an international view, y students would benefit from having a different world perspective and point of view on the world and different situations and they would be learning about technology at the same time.

Building professional teacher communities with tapped in helps teacher communicate ideas and support one another. I am not sure if I will actually use this tool when I am teaching. I am more of a verbal communicator and will likely use the teachers that are surrounding me as influence. Granted, I will take and borrow ideas from teachers but probably from random websites. Teacher talk sounds like a really great resource to have however. I feel like that these discussion boards are more up my ally than the tapped in website.

Chapter 5 Response

Technology can really be a benefit in the classroom when it comes to building and using models. Students can make external models using Mindtools such as, concept maps, spreadsheets, microworlds, discussion boards, and visualization to connect students learning.

Modeling knowledge with concept maps is a great idea in the classroom. I will be able to use computer based tools and programs such as Stella, VenSim, and PowerSim to help learners build simulations of a system. These are greatly effective when the simulation involves components that have an effect on other components in the system. A great example of this is the human body and the food chain. If one component of the simulation were to change it would in turn have an affect on the other components in the system. Marissa showed use a simulation with the exact purpose involving wolves, rabbits, and grass. As a side note, I probably would not use Stella in an elementary classroom. Having students create their own concept map simulations is a great tool to implement because it creates a meaningful learning experience. I believe that the real world examples such a the rabbit, wolf, and grass will help students visualize that each component depends on another and that with one change others will follow as a result. Spreadsheets main purpose is to store, calculate, and present information. Spreadsheets are a great example of a Mindtool that reorganizes mental functioning. This would be great to use in the classroom after students have already been taught how to do the calculations themselves. It would save time and energy and allow students to see a larger picture of understanding instead of just the calculations to get through the big picture.

Expert systems are systems that are designed to make decisions for all sorts of problems. An example of this is MYCIN which helps diagnose bacteria infections. This system works like any real expert would - it analyzes the expert information it has and comes to a conclusion that best solves the question. When students engage themselves into becoming an expert on a topic it ususally includes deeper level thinking. In my classroom I might use this to get students to achieve this deeper level thinking and to reflect on their models.

One thing that I will definatly be utilyzing in my classroom is a database. Databases will help me keep track of my students records, my lesson plans, and other information. Databases will help me stay organized virtually and spaticialy. My students will likewise learn how to effectivly use databases to keep track of information and different subjects. One subject it may be nice to utilize a database in would be writing. My students could write pieces and have them all under the umbrella "writing." My students would then have their pieces under non-fction or fiction and then listed by date so that the students can see the progress they have made throughout writing.

Using technology based models in classrooms keep students engaged in learning. Student engagement is a fundamental aspect of learning that I want all of my students to have. Students are engaged because they are cognitivly constructing their own theories; making their own representations of a system; going through a system of hypothesis, testing, inferring, etc.; constructing the model; and motivation of learning.

Chapter 4 Response

Writing is an everyday occurrence in elementary classrooms. Technology can enhance writing concepts and practices in many ways with concept maps, supports in how to present writing, supporting creative and collaborative writing, and peer reviews.

Concept maps require students to make a visual map between ideas. They help students identify important ideas, points, and concepts and help students visualize how they relate to other topics. While these maps can be drawn by hand, there is software that produces concept maps which are easier to read and to understand. As a teacher, having these concept maps can help with the formation or agenda relating to a lesson or the daily class schedule. The books example from Semantica seems like a handy teacher resource that can be utilized and also taught to the students to use easily. Using the concept maps will help students organize the information. Students should first identify important and main concepts and apply that/those concepts to a map that is fitting. For meaningful learning, students should generate their own maps for better understanding of what they will write as well as what they are doing and learning by creating the concept map.

PowerPoint is a tool that is used very frequently by educators. Having students create their own presentations with PowerPoint is more beneficial because it will allow students to learn the software and be able to create future presentations in a professional manner. With the positive effects of PowerPoint there are also negative aspects to it. PowerPoint stresses visual aids more so than the content. I think I will include PowerPoint in my classroom as a teacher and may introduce it to my students, depending on the grade I teach. If my students do use PowerPoint I will provide guidance with what they need to include in the presentation.

Technology can motivate students to write. One teacher had her students write a final chapter to a book they had read, The Pigman. This teacher used a book they were reading and incorporated it into writing and technology through having the students post it to the internet. I really like the idea of students coming up with their own endings – it inspires creative writing and the learning that is taking place is meaningful because students are able to interact with technology which is something most are motivated by. Other websites (scholastic.com, kidscribe.org, and poetryforge.org) provide outlets for students to have their writings “published.” When students have their work published it gives them more purpose and drive to write well. I will have my students go through a publishing system throughout the school year. I envision having a book that is published for the class with each student getting a copy. I also want my students to write their own books that will be theirs to keep. I further more believe that most writings should be published in some way to promote the love of writing. Technology is a fantastic outlet for students to use to publish their pieces.

Collaborative writing involves students bringing their own ideas to the ‘table’ and collaborating to create a piece of writing. I love the idea of having students collaborate in the classroom. Students should be assigned different roles to have a cohesive collaboration. Technology can be great in regards to collaboration because students can communicate through e-mails, chats, and instant messaging. Students can use the internet to help with brainstorming, exchange documents, and all the steps in between through finalizing the documents.

Peer editing is an incredibly important stage in the writing process. Multiple drafts are necessary in writing and having papers or projects on the computer lets students refer back to previous copies of the final document. With this students can see the progress they made throughout the process. I can see myself using SWoRD in my future classroom. Students can read, review, and respond in a confidential manner.