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.