EDLD+5364+Reflections+-+Wk+1


 * EDLD 5364 - Teaching with Technology **
 * EDLD 5364 - Teaching with Technology **

//**Week 1: **//I think the day of students sitting and listening to a teacher lecture on certain topics is quickly becoming a part of our past. We would listen intently and jot down notes feverishly, hoping that we were capturing the right information from the lecture that would help us to pass whatever pop quiz or test coming up. Now we have technology being introduced into the classrooms in hopes that there are instructors in place to be able to instruct and lead the students in the information they are to be concentrating on. In our assignment for week 1, we are collaborating in groups for this class in hopes to be able to create a lesson plan that will assist 3rd grade teachers, as well as the students in learning about particular subjects taught on their academic level with the assistance of current technology tools.

//**Week 2: **// In week 2 of our EDLD 5364/Teaching with Technology, I had the pleasure of working with my two team members as we collaborated on our classroom project that will include projects for 3rd grade level classrooms presenting classroom lessons on environment and adaptable lessons for a deaf child, as well as a blind child. Our colla-borations have included ideas about the materials involved for the lessons to the type of presentations a 3rd grade class could assemble with the technology available in the classroom and school.

[|Book Builder – Nature's Food Chain] In using the UDL’s e-book builder and not being a trained teacher as a profession, I found the process interesting, challenging, and very time consuming. Although I have extensive training in computer programs and photography, I found trying to build a lesson plan for a group of 3rd graders a challenging process. In consideration that I have no experience in the public school area, I found the process very frustrating in knowing how exactly to set up a lesson plan, where to find research information, and what vocabulary would work best for the 3rd grade level. I see that the e-book builder utilized by both teachers and students, is a great technology tool that can prove to be a great asset to any teacher’s or student’s teaching portfolio. In the learning experiences I have received in this program, I have developed a deep respect for the teachers / instructors who put forth their time & effort in providing the instructional materials to teach students searching for greater knowledge.
 * //Week 3: //**

//**Week 4: **// This week assignment was based on designing a student-centered learning experience using technology. As the technology instructor for a third grade classroom full of students with advanced knowledge of consumer electronic devices. Attempting to stay ahead of the technology tidal wave in itself is itself a challenge. After interviewing a class of third graders and listening to their creative ideas of how their project should be placed within the food chain bubble, a video camera project idea surfaced. Giving the students a fun and creative way of explaining how their food chain characters affect one another within nature's circle and what would happen when one part might disappear, would be videotaped along with special effects of disappearing characters. We then would have a fun entertainment/lesson day to show their video projects to the rest of their classmates.

//**Week 5:**//  In week 5 of our class studies, I enjoyed the reading in chapter 8, as it stated,  //**"The instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances students' understanding of the relationships between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning."**//

It is very important in today's classrooms, regardless of grade level, that the teacher recognizes a student's efforts in subjects that they are studying. In our chapter 8 reading on "Reinforcing Effort," in //**"Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works,"**// the authors review the use of spreadsheet software formulated to reflect the entire classroom of students and their progress, assisting the teacher, as well as the students, in visualizing their progress and efforts in particular subjects. I feel this process will be most beneficial to the students in that they need to be encouraged to participate and to strive for success in their studies, but they also need to be able to recognize those efforts and see that they are succeeding in accomplishing a goal.

My mom had the philosophy with my upbringing, when she recognized that I struggled with some subjects more than others, that sometimes a "C" **WAS** my best effort. I always felt in those subjects if I could bring home a "C" - I was just as **PROUD** as if I had made an "A" ! Today's students are under so much pressure to make the highest marks, so they can win the scholarships and recognitions from the well known universities and colleges, but doesn't that type of pressure hinder their learning process? I feel if a student can learn and grow in their knowledge in a positive & encouraging atmosphere, they will be so much better adapted adults for the real world. With all of the studies and philosophies of current technology authors and leaders, it all boils down to the basic idea: Giving our students the best tools they need to be the best they can be in their technology futures!

A lot of students today are only concerned with "just passing the class" especially if they run into any troubles with the subject. I remember, all too well, the struggles I have had with particular subjects. But when I felt a teacher was genuinely concerned, wanted to help, and gave me positive feedback, instead of criticizing and ridiculing me in front of the entire class, I responded in a positive manner and worked harder to improve my understanding and ultimately my grades. I believe with the learning-by- technology-tidal-wave that has consumed us, today's students have the opportunity and interest in learning this new technology and are working more collaboratively with their classmates and the teachers -- as they are ALL on the learning bandwagon together! //
 * "Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works,"**// Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K.(2007), Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.