Journal # 8

 

 

Inspiring Students with Peer Tutoring

 

By Brandy Smith

 

            This article discusses an idea that was formulated to better acquaint children with technological applications through peer tutoring. By allowing students to teach each other computer skills, they are able to strengthen their leadership, communication, and delegation skills. An idea to better acquaint children with technology was an after school tech club. In the club, there are several student leaders, or “tech kids” that are trained to facilitate technology “how-to” sessions in their third grade classrooms. These children are selected based on several different criteria, not solely on their academic or technological abilities.

            Peer tutoring allows the students to teach one another, rather than the teacher desperately trying to spend ample time instructing each individual student.  This technique allows students to work and learn technology skills collaboratively opposed to individually and in isolation. By working together, or in small groups the demand for a large number of computers is also diminished. According to Smith (2007), “If other students are able to assist their peers with technology issues, it means the teacher can focus on the learning.” The tech club was created to heighten student’s excitement and increase their knowledge in regards to technology. In doing this, they will be able to also assist their teachers when using a technology tool in the classroom setting. Smith (2007) also explains that the objectives for the club were directed by the district’s technology integration plan. This led to the appropriate integration sills necessary for this curricular area of study.

            One of the main requirements needed for peer tutoring to be successful is a teacher allowing the technological integration into the classroom. Properly integrating technology into lesson plans can often be a predicament due to teacher’s lack of knowledge of the technology or lack of resources, or lack of time to learn the basics of the specific technology. Through peer tutoring, many of these predicaments can be eliminated. The tech club and peer tutoring demonstrate how to successfully teaching technology skills can be accomplished.

 

If I were to implement a “tech club” at my school, how would I go about training the tech kids?

Each day I would choose a different skill or objective to focus on. After going through each skill slowly as a group, I would allow the students to ask any questions. I would then give them time to practice the skill that they learned while making myself available for individual questions and assistance. Then, I would test the student’s ability to complete this skill by having the students perform each skill without my assistance. Next, I would have them get into small groups to practice teaching the skill. This would help with their peer tutoring and interaction abilities.

 

Do I think that peer tutoring is useful?

Absolutely! Not only does it strengthen the knowledge of the student teachers, but also it allows the other students to learn through their peers, possibly making the learning process more interesting. I also believe that it alleviates potential stressful situations for the teacher by limiting the amount of computers needed and allowing the teacher not to feel as if they are spreading themselves too thin amongst the students. 

Journal # 7

Web 2.0: Today’s Technologies, Tomorrows Learning

Jennifer Groff & Jason Haas

 

            Social networking, games, and virtual simulations are not words that you would usually hear in the classroom. These technological applications are usually used for personal use and on ones spare time. Traditionally teachers would say that these applications would interfere with the classroom and the learning process, however, this article suggests something different.

            Social networking, simulators, and games have much more to offer in the academic world than meets the eye. Typically, individuals use social networks to keep in touch with people and meet new people through similar interests. Using social networking in the classroom can allow teachers to share grades, assignments, and even promote communication between the students through classroom discussions. According to Groff and Hass (2008), “by connecting students and teachers, they can create strong communities of practice, and essential aids to good teaching and learning. Social networking technologies help teachers and students extend their learning into an additional space for communicating, collaborating, sharing ideas, and sharing learning.” Social networking is a great way to promote interaction between students, teachers, and parents while not physically in the classroom.

            In the classroom, games have also been used to aid in instruction of material. They enable students to make decisions about work, education, community building, personal purchases and health care. Games focusing on specific subject material can work to motivate students to work toward strengthening their collaborative problem solving skills as well as the ability to recognize objectives and prioritize them. Groff and Hass explain that games require numerous additional thinking skills including weighting evidence, analyzing situations, and decision-making.

            Simulating technology can also be a great asset for teachers to use while instructing. They give students the opportunity to do things that they would normally not be able to do in the classroom. They are able to experience concepts opposed to watching it on a video or reading it in a book. For example, the article discussed how through simulations, students were able to demonstrate the principles of topics such as a forest fire or evolution. All of these technological applications allow students to gain conceptual knowledge of these experiences and it encouraged them to better understand the content of the subject matter. Additionally, technology modernizes education making it more interesting for kids. As a whole, test scores have improved in the classroom with the use of digital games and other technologies. Technology has the ability to engage students and amplify learning (Groff & Hass, 2008).

 

Are there any negative aspects in using technology in the classroom?

The use of this technology requires computers that are compatible with these applications. Due to the fact that some schools are restricted when it comes to their budget, this can sometimes be an issue. Also, there is a steep learning curve for using these applications, which might hinder the effectiveness of using these tools in the classroom. 

How can a teacher go about finding technology that will assist them in the classroom?

Teachers should first find a technology that intrest them and try it out to see what it entails. Trying it out with a college may also be beneficial, along with a website or support person that can be used as a makeshift tutorial on this specific application. 

Journal #6

Mapping Student Minds

By Ariel Owen

This article introduces a technological application known as Casual Mapping. Although this tool can be used for grades 5-12, this article describes a sixth grade class using this application to investigate a local creek. With the assistance of an online database and casual mapping tool, students were able to collect, record and organize data. Prior to using this application, students turned in all of the data that they collected from the creek to a select student at their school. Other students would then enter the data into an Excel spreadsheet. Thanks to technological advances, they are now able to use a Palm Pilot data form that can be downloaded directly to their database.

The goal for these sixth grade students is to connect information to cause and effect in the annual changes of the creek. They accomplish this through Casual Mapper, a organizational computer application. Casual Mapper is an interactive online tool that has assisted students in focusing their results for cause and effect, as well as allowing them to express their understanding of these interactions. They are able to diagram their thoughts through building a casual map that displays the relationships between measurable factors such as their data from the creek, and the condition of the creek.  Casual mapping begins with a topic, then requires listing factors and eventually showing relationships between the factors through arrows. The students seem to enjoy using this application and it is a wonderful tool for evaluating data and coming up with conclusions.

 

Why would Casual Mapper be beneficial to use in the classroom?

For teachers, Casual Mapper can be used as a support tool for teaching a lesson. Allowing students to view a casual map, while teaching a specific concept or topic, may allow students to follow along easier leading to a better understanding of the material. When students use this application they are able to think critically while organizing their ideas. By discovering relational patters between factors, they are gaining essential knowledge and understanding of their topic. Although they may sometimes become confused or make mistakes, they are usually able to self-correct and problem solve in order to come up with logical answers or conclusions. Additionally, this tool also allows a teacher to evaluate a students understanding of material.

Why would Casual Mapper or Palm Pilot data form be good tools for anyone to use?

Casual Mapper allows an individual to put information and data down on paper. Being able to visually see information and create relationships between this information, opens the door to structure, organization, ultimately leading to a better understanding. Using Palm Pilot data form is a great way for individuals to eliminate the potential for miscalculations or errors that are more likely when writing or keying in data.

 

Journal #5

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

By Sherry Turkle 

This was a very interesting article discussing the many uses of technology and how advances in technology have affected our lives. According to Turkle (2007), what people want from public space is to be alone with their personal networks. The truth is, the influence technology has on people is inevitable. People have become attached to their cell-phones, computers and blackberries. They rarely have a need converse in person when an email is just a click away. Technology has allowed society to become so connected that there is no longer a need to connect in the physical presence.

Turkle mentions five major issues stemming from the fact that technology has, in a sense, taken over our lives. The first problem that she mentions relates to the virtual lives of individuals. This is far from the “real world” where people engage in face-to-face social interaction. People are connected in society through technology, thus their projections of themselves have been distorted. The second problem points to the fact that individuals today are wrapped up into a communication culture that allows them no time to just sit and think uninterrupted. Technology takes the idea of self-monitoring to a new level and children growing up in today’s world do not know any different. Turkle (2007) explains that devices have become an extension of our minds and the only way we can truly have time to ourselves is to turn them off. The third trouble is that children’s communication skills have diminished as a result of instant messaging and texting. They no longer have to engage in meaningful conversations. Additionally, cell phone technology has compromised children’s development of autonomy. They no longer are forced to problem solve, or make decisions on their own, as their parents are just a phone call away. The fourth issue is that technological applications such as Facebook and My Space have required individuals to completely give up their privacy. Turkle (2007) says, that “people have become gratified by public exposure; it is more validation than violation.” Lastly, we are now more than ever resorting to the assistance and utilization of robots. Animals in theme parks are thought to look more realistic when they were robotic as opposed to the real thing! Robots are also being used in some places to take care of the elderly. The main issue at hand is that we must keep an eye on where technology is leading mankind. Although technology has offered society countless benefits, it has also hindered human interaction in many ways.

 

How has technology made the daily life of people easier?

It is true that our lives are fast paced and it often seems like there are too few hours in the day to get things done. Technology has assisted in expediting daily tasks to free up time for overscheduled individuals. It has also made it immensely easier to contact people at any place or time, even when in a hurry.

 

What can we do to restore face-to-face social interaction?

Restoring face-to-face social interaction is entirely up to the individual. People need to recognize the impact that technology has had on their social lives, and attempt to do something about it. Society needs to see the importance in taking time to meet someone for coffee or dinner. Technology has allowed us to become more connected, yet disconnected in a different way. Every person should do their best to restore healthy social interactions by turning their technological devices off and setting aside time to spend with their loved ones. 

Journal # 4

Moderating and Ethics for the Classroom Instructional Blog

By Patricia Deubel, Ph.D

 

In this journal, Patricia Deubel discusses the importance and the uses of blogs. She explains that in education they can be used for student journals and portfolios, communication with parents and community members, faculty coaching classroom management, and other knowledge management tools enhancing classroom discussion. She finds the application of blogging very useful, especially in the classroom. However, she feels that every stage or unit of instruction using a blog should have standards, goals, and essential questions with corresponding understandings, knowledge, and skills that you desire your students to acquire. Her four main guidelines include the following topics: 1) Provide posting guidelines, 2) Provide HTML support if needed, 3) Give priority to student commentary and 4) Involve students in summarizing and moderating discussions. She goes on to say that everyone should be required to participate and respond to others. Sometimes classroom discussions are dominated by a few students, or even by the instructor. Blogging ensures that everyone is heard and a valuable member of the learning community.

 

How would I keep the use of blogging organized and effective for my students?

Because I do not have a classroom blog at this point in time, therefore I do not have specifics, I would ensure that there are clear guidelines on what is required of them when they are using the blog. As an instructor I would be sure to give them constructive criticism/feedback frequently to keep them interested and on task.

 

Are classroom blogs appropriate for all students regardless of their age?

Classroom blogs have proven to be very useful and effective for the college students. However, I believe that only students that are capable of using computers efficiently should use classroom blogs. It should also be left to the teacher’s discretion. Will it be a relevant tool for the student's learning?

Journal #3

Too Cool for School? No Way!


By Punya Mishra and Matthew Koehler

 

This journal starts our by discussing how different generations view technological innovations. There are endless possibilities and applications that technology provides us with today, and if we want to integrate this technology into our classroom we have to demonstrate a certain types of knowledge. The first type knowledge discussed deals with the ideas of content and pedagogy and is referred to as pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). They explain that as educators, our job involves teaching (pedagogy) students specific subject matter (content). PCK is used in ways to make content intellectually accessible and stimulating to students. There was another type of knowledge mentioned when referring to technology, which is termed technological knowledge or TK. This type of knowledge was employed when teachers began using technology in the classroom. Integrating them all together, the authors came up with the term technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK). The journal went even further to explain that as teachers integrate technology into their teaching, they go about finding the approaches to find solutions that effectively combine content, pedagogy, and technology. Teachers should develop a willingness to utilize technologies and openness to building new experiences for students so that fun, cool tools can be educational.

 

Which repurposed use of technology would I find useful to employ in the classroom?

Microblogging within the classroom sounded like a great idea to allow students to interact with one another on a different level. They can use this application to learn more about one another, work together collaboratively on projects and also to share ideas. 

What did I find the most useful about this article?

Before reading this article, I was not aware of the different types of knowledge’s that need to be used in the classroom. Although I am not going to be a teacher, I think that the technological, pedagogical and content knowledge should be something that all teachers keep in mind.  

Journal #2

Social Networking for the K-12 Set 

by Jim Klein 

         This journal discusses new ways to encourage communication with a web application that is geared towards teachers and students. Web technology such as pod casting, online profiles and blogging are sometimes costly and complex to use, therefore they can only be utilized by a select group of people.

         SUSD teacher community sites have doubled learning landscapes and made it easier for all of society to obtain and utilize these sights. The goal is to provide students and educators with resources in order to better communicate, collaborate, learn, and share amongst themselves and with the larger community. They are striving to make this technology more accessible and easy to use by establishing workshops and classes that are available to the entire community. Additionally, SUSD hopes to provide opportunities for individuals to be able to discuss social, legal, and ethical issues, while simultaneously striving to create effective learning environments. Technology today is public oriented, therefore lacking the tools needed by educational professionals and their students. SUSD community sites allow individuals to employ content creation, share content with the general public, small groups, or just themselves. One main benefit of these technological applications is improved communication and an established sense of community.

 

What is an example of this social networking in the realm of education?

Actually, I make use of this type of educational tool everyday at Cal State San Marcos. Web-ct has not only become an essential communication tool between classmates and the instructor, but it is relied on in order to access assignments, web links for specific classes, and grades.  

 

How might I be able to use this in an elementary school classroom?

Although these applications may be a little advanced for the younger ages, towards the end of elementary school students, along with their parents, can begin to use and become familiar with these applications.