Final reflection in EDIT2000

I think that technology integration is inevitable. With the rise of technology, it is basically impossible to lock it out of the classroom. Do I like this? It depends. In one sense, learning has become more efficient. Teachers can now cover so much more material within one year that it is almost incredible. However, I think it is dangerous to try to cram too much information into a student’s brain too soon.

                I have changed my mind in some areas. For example, before in my last reflection, I was not completely on board with having smartboards. However, now I understand the usefulness of them after I learned how to properly use them. I have to admit, smartboards can be rather frustrating for the less-technological savvy teachers who prefer old-fshioned teaching methods. For those who do not understand the Smartboard and are not willing to learn how to use them, I would say to restrain from using them. Teachers should teach however they feel most comfortable, so that they can concentrate on diversifying their teaching instruction in the classroom (which could mean that they must have a general knowledge of technology).

                In the first reflection, I said that I would use technology in my classroom. My opinion has not changed. Because I consider myself to be technologically savvy, I should use my abilities to take advantage of all the Apps and programs designed for teachers just like me. In the future I will design my classroom around the positive uses of technology. With technology, I can differentiate instruction easily with all of the resources available. This class has been a useful tool to my future since I will be working in classrooms full of technology.

Smartboard debate

This past week, I read two interesting articles that pertain to a modern electronic tool used in most classrooms today: the Smartboard. I read “Educating the Digital Tribe” and “The Art and Science of Teaching: Teaching with Interactive Whiteboards”.  I learned that although Smartboards are useful and popular, there are other cheaper methods that are actually cheaper and user-friendly. Other technological innovations are replacing this interactive white board. I also learned that teachers are being more successful when teaching the traditional way without the Smartboard.  Many times teachers flip through their slides too quickly and miss information or are distracted by the graphics. Also, it is hard to discern what is important in the powerpoints unless the teacher specifically points out the key points. Teachers must use certain methods to be affective with these interactive whiteboards. They should be VERY organized and go through their powerpoints slowly, showing why every illustration is important.

                I personally think that interactive white boards are becoming a distraction in the classroom. Teachers who use them should do it carefully and ALWAYS make the information on the smartboard accessible at home. I personally may put a Smartboard in my classroom, but I would want to be educated on the most effective and efficient way to teach this way. I think the technology itself is not bad but the user may not be properly equipped with the proper teaching methods.

                Smartboards  can enhance collaboration and cooperation. Students can get into teams and collaborate for games that can be played on the Smartboard and can discuss questions that teachers propose by using the Smartboard. Also with the interactive tools (compass, dreieck, etc.), teachers can let students teach the rest of the class how to do math problems-teaching in the language of the students. However, defects of the smartboard include confussion and technological difficulties. If something happens to the Smartboard, will the teacher still be able to teach the class? Will he/she be hopeless? I think Smartboards should not be relied on as the primary teaching method which can be very dangerous and often occurs within the classroom! Smartboards should be used as a tool and should not be depended on.

                I definitely changed my mind about Smartboards by reading these articles. I think teachers should be more creative themselves and not rely on the creativity that the smartboard offers. Schools should spend their money on more effective tools and programs.

The Plagiarism Problem

After reading the assigned article on copy right, I became aware of the seriousness of stealing someone else’s ideas and words. The article showed me how there are indeed tools out there that are accessible for me and other students to receive the same information without the risk of plagiarizing. These tools detect plagiarism and show how to properly site sources that are used in assignments. Most students are not aware that they plagiarize. If they do, they are not doing it out of any sort of malice but out of convenience or lack of knowing how to express the idea in their own words. Stealing ideas can be done mistakenly since many people could have similar ideas.

                After making the stop animation video, I realized that I would be personally upset if someone took my video and used it in their classroom without my consent or permission. If I were to place it on youtube or any other video sharing site, I would be doing it with the understanding that others can watch, download, and share as they wish. However, if I were to keep it in a secure website and have a copy right on it, then I would be doing so to protect the hard hours that were involved in constructing the stop animation video. With this project, I learned that I should check twice on the legality of utilizing a particular work before simply claiming it as my own.

                In the future, I will teach my students the importance of restraining from claiming another’s work as your own. How I will do so specifically is still unknown, however I think students would understand best if they were shown a real-life example or given an exercise. For example, you could tell other students to write a paper that will count as 50% of their grade. After everyone works very hard on their paper, you could say that students may read others student’s papers and hand select ideas out of the papers of their peers. They may then compile the ideas from their peers and have a final draft. Hopefully students will see that seeing your original idea in someone else’s paper or even in multiple papers from your peers make it sound less original and more common knowledge. The hard work that was placed behind coming up with the idea is gone when others can easily take it and call it their own. With this exercise and scenario, students will hopefully understand the importance of restraining from plagiarism.

Horizon Report

Cellphones, once banned from the classroom are being used as tools rather than distractions in the modern classroom. For example, in my biology class last semester, cell phones were utilized to vote so that the teacher could take an immediate poll during class time. Also, tablets are also very useful in the classroom. Many students in my classes take notes on their tablets and store information. They can even take pictures of slides or pull up powerpoints on demand. Tablets are their phones, cameras, and laptops all in one convenient, small electronic tool. Also, I see gaming learning used in classrooms. Many students can memorize cheat codes and strategies for their favorite games. If they have that capability, they can use these skills to memorize class material.

            I agree with the trends that are listed for the most part. Online classes are becoming more accessible since they are financially efficient and practical. I took an online class in high school. Although it proved to be inexpensive and somewhat practical, it was hard to have a teacher who I had never met and was not easily accessible. I see the trend of internet replacing many teaching roles, however there is material that must be taught face-to-face. Some information could be looked up but never fully understood unless discussed and lectured on in a classroom setting. As technology trends change, jobs in the workforce are changing too. Everyone is having to adapt to the rise of technology in this world. Only a few years ago, computer engineering and computer science weren’t even careers! Now they are the most popular careers for males. Other new technology trends are changing the face of the modern classroom.

            I am challenged by the fact that technology can not fit the learning styles of all students. I for one, struggle when I have to take tests on the computer because I can concentrate better on tests that are physical, like paper. However, I must get over this because I know that this is becoming more popular in the collegiate classroom. I am not exactly sure how I will overcome this issue, but I know that practicing or studying on my computer will help me when it comes to the test. For example, I know that in Statistics, the tests will be on the computer. One way I can help myself is by doing practice problems and taking class notes on the computer so that when the test comes, I will be used to solving the problems on the computer.

Communication with Parents

Technology integration into the classroom is inevitable. Blackboard accounts is a new tool that is being introduced to parents of students in K12 education. With this tool, students can track their child‘s progress in individual classes and look over work that they complete every day. The advantage of this program is that parents can always be notified when their child may need additional assistance or extra help from their parents. As a future parent, this tool would be extremely useful for me. Knowing the topics that  my child is covering in school allows me to know exactly what to discuss with him or her at the dinner table or in the car. I can debrief the child and motivate him or her to want to dig deeper. Also, If I see that my child made a bad grade on an assignment, I can notify the teacher immediately and ask how I can help my child at home. As a teacher, I would love this program because it would allow me to transfer the material and information to the students in a fun way. It‘s a win-win situation! Also, I could notify parents regarding any educational or behavioral concerns. I see some cons to this program as well. We can not assume that all parents of all the students own a computer, so teachers could not rely on this program soley to inform all of the parents. Some parents would be at a disadvantage while others at a complete advantage. 

Facebook is also a tool that could be used as a means to get in contact with parents. Over 200 million people are registered with facebook. Facebook can be used for anything involved with communication. I would use facebook like Blackboard to notify parents. Most people who have facebook log in at least once a day. Not only will they check their notifications but will be updated on their student‘s activities and homework. Again, facebook can only do so much, and it has its faults. Also many parents are not as technologically advanced or do not own computers.

Programs such as Blackboard or social media sites will be integrated into school systems in the future. As time goes on, I think these programs will become important. But for now, the American school system is in an a position where they must learn how to follow the technological surge and integrate it into their systems. 

Talkin' Bout My Technology Generation

Technology is prevalent in almost every aspect of our lives. I can vaguely remember the days when cell phones, ipods, and GPSs did not exist, however I can always remember having some sort of technology in my life. We all remember the days before the Ipod. I used to spend much of my afternoons listening to cassette tapes in my Barbie tape recorder (with the attached microphone and recording capabilities of course for those spontaneous moments of goofy, musical inspiration). And I can clearly remember the day my mother was given the “dinosaur phone”, her first cell phone. How about when having a map for a road trip was the navigation tool? The innovation and industry of technology will be defining this current generation. Whether this title will shed good light or bad light on our generation can only be determined in the future. However, for now, I am grateful for this laptop that makes writing this reflection so easy and practical, my phone by my side that is keeping me up to date on what is going on in the world while I am writing, and the TV that will play my favorite shows that I intend to watch with my friends after finishing this assignment.

            I think it is safe to say that most Americans, except for the members of an Amish community, utilize some sort of technology on an everyday basis. There are oppositions to the constant use of technology by many, especially the elderly members of society who are having to adapt and be educated on how to function in this technology-shaped society. I can understand their fear of dehumanization since technology is being used more to converse rather than the typical face-to-face way. Never before have we had to wonder if a relationship was legitimate or fake due to how the relationship began and is being maintained. For example, people are meeting over the internet or through texting and forming relationships that are completely fake, where both parties are creating an image for themselves and developing an expectation for the other member of the online/texting relationship. However, newer technology is overcoming this issue. The newest applications for Smartphones, such as Facetime, Voxer, and Skype, are allowing users to contact their friends and have conversations with them face-to-face. Also, Snapchat is a new application that allows users to take pictures of their faces or their environment to accompany their texts to avoid confusion, misconceptions and misunderstandings that often result from text messaging.

            Most of the issues that people have to technology should be redirected to the abusers of technology, not the users. Technology itself can do no harm to a society. The humans who use technology and abuse it should be the ones reprimanded. Most people who have problems with the mass technological surge are not aware of its usefulness. My grandparents are technologically illiterate. They tried to avoid technology at all costs because they found it to be confusing and frustrating when they could not control it or repair it when it malfunctioned. However, once they were taught how to use their technology, they loved it and understood what “all the fuss was about”.

            Personally, I can not imagine a world without technology. Technology is a gift that is allowing the world to discover more about the earth and how to make the world a more efficient and desirable place. Sometimes, technology can be a distraction from real life, however I have learned to use my self-control and remember which world I was created to be a part of. I am always open to try new technology and find it fascinating when it makes everyday monotonous chores turn into effortless tasks. So what do I think about technology? Technology is great.