I took the PLACE practice test and scored a 97%. I found that the questions were not as difficult as I had anticipated. The one question I missed was one about a cut and paste in word and was a silly mistake.
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Friday, January 27, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
EDTC614 Activity 2.3
The technology requirements for teachers are a necessary step in helping K-12 education move into the 21st century. While some people are more naturally inclined to move with technology innovation, others are more likely to stay with what they know and are comfortable with. If we are to relate to our students and provide meaning activities for learning, we must know how to reach our students in a way that they know and in a way that makes the learning engaging and relevant to them, not us. Technology requirements force those who might be more willing to stick with the status quo to move with the times.
Knowledge of technology is a positive addition to the requirements. Without a moderate understanding of technology is it practically impossible to integrate technology into the classroom successfully. With this knowledge I feel that the inclination then is to make the technology the center of attention in a lesson instead of the content.
In thinking about self evaluation in my own use of technology in the classroom, I would give myself a moderate rating, about a 7 out of 10. While I do use a lot of technology in my personal and professional life, I know that there is so much that I don't do in terms of which technology I use and how I use it. I think something that I can improve upon is to take a content objective and really evaluate what the most effective technology tool would be to attain that particular evidence outcome.
Knowledge of technology is a positive addition to the requirements. Without a moderate understanding of technology is it practically impossible to integrate technology into the classroom successfully. With this knowledge I feel that the inclination then is to make the technology the center of attention in a lesson instead of the content.
In thinking about self evaluation in my own use of technology in the classroom, I would give myself a moderate rating, about a 7 out of 10. While I do use a lot of technology in my personal and professional life, I know that there is so much that I don't do in terms of which technology I use and how I use it. I think something that I can improve upon is to take a content objective and really evaluate what the most effective technology tool would be to attain that particular evidence outcome.
EDTC614 Activity 2.2
Technology integration means using technology to make reaching the goal of a lesson more efficient and more effective. Technology integration does not mean that the focus of the topic is the technology, but, on the contrary means that the technology is used to give more focus to the objective. In order to have successful technology integration the teacher must have an understanding of the TPCK. Knowledge of the content, how to deliver that content in the best way and which tools are best suited for the particular lesson is a must.
Technology and technology integration encompasses the use of hardware, software, applications, and communication systems. It must be understood that certain technologies serve certain purposes better than others. Pedagogical knowledge must be at the forefront when thinking of technologh integration.
Resources:
Duncan, A. (2011). Harness the Power of Technology. Learning and Leading with Technololgy, June/July 2011.
Guzman, A.A. & Nussbaum, M.M. (2009). Teaching competencies for technology integration in the classroom. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 25(5), 453-469.
Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, A.H. (Ed.). (2010). Integrating educational technology into teaching. . Boston, MA: Allyn &Bacon.
Technology and technology integration encompasses the use of hardware, software, applications, and communication systems. It must be understood that certain technologies serve certain purposes better than others. Pedagogical knowledge must be at the forefront when thinking of technologh integration.
Resources:
Duncan, A. (2011). Harness the Power of Technology. Learning and Leading with Technololgy, June/July 2011.
Guzman, A.A. & Nussbaum, M.M. (2009). Teaching competencies for technology integration in the classroom. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 25(5), 453-469.
Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, A.H. (Ed.). (2010). Integrating educational technology into teaching. . Boston, MA: Allyn &Bacon.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
EDTC614 Activity 2.1
Technology integration is more than just using a tool to deliver a lesson. Technology integration is using technological tools, practices and design to make lessons more effective. Technology integration entails analysis of the subject and the possibilities available and finding the best solution.
The role of technology in instruction should be to provide solutions and support to create the best learning environment. Technology should not be used as a "cool toy" but as an integral part of instruction that keeps students engaged and gives them the best lesson delivery, while creating the most meaning learning experience.
The expectations for teachers to integrate technology can vary widely from district to district and building to building. In our school district, technology integration and use is part of our evaluation. We are encouraged to explore technology integration possibilities for use in the classroom and we do have technology refresh money which is allocated yearly (although it isn't a lot). The district has issued a laptop, document camera, and projector to each teacher and we have also purchased a building license to Brain Pop. I feel as though our principal is very encouraging when it comes to technology integration as long as it creates a better learning experience.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
EDTC 614 Activity 1.2 Discussion: Reflection
Educational technology is very useful for enhancing lessons and increasing efficiency. Technology is such an integral part of todays young peoples' lives that it seems only natural that it should be used in our student's educational practices. I like to use technology to both engage students and as a tool for them to explore new possibilities. I use videos, which I make, with pictures and words to teach new songs and computer software for composition. I also conduct a collaborative project with my art teacher colleague in which our 5th grade students make stop motion films.
I feel that the two main barriers to the use of technology in the classroom are cost and teacher comfort level. Right now, with so many cutbacks in k-12 education funding, many schools don't have the resources to update technology tools and software. There are grants available, but they are highly competitive. A school district needs a competent and energetic grant writer to win grants. There is also the issue of socioeconomic status. A school in a high ses area has a parent group with more resources, whereas the opposite is true for a school in a low ses area. This gap becomes even more pronounced during a time of economic recession.
Comfort level of the teacher to use the technology available is an issue that we have some control over. I generally find that teachers who are uncomfortable with technology find it intimidating. He or she is afraid of "messing it up" or feeling stupid. The simple answer to this is to have a dedicated instructional technologist on hand at the school, or several teachers who are knowledgable and trained in this area to be point people. Time should be set aside to address specific issues and questions with individual teachers or grade level teams.
There really isn't anything I avoid in terms of technology usage in my classroom. I am willing and excited to try just about anything. For my subject area I do feel that there are tools or software that is better suited for the regular classroom. I don't have too much time with my students, so there are some things, like research projects that I don't do because of time restraints. Maybe through this course I can devise a way to work these into the curriculum.
I feel that the two main barriers to the use of technology in the classroom are cost and teacher comfort level. Right now, with so many cutbacks in k-12 education funding, many schools don't have the resources to update technology tools and software. There are grants available, but they are highly competitive. A school district needs a competent and energetic grant writer to win grants. There is also the issue of socioeconomic status. A school in a high ses area has a parent group with more resources, whereas the opposite is true for a school in a low ses area. This gap becomes even more pronounced during a time of economic recession.
Comfort level of the teacher to use the technology available is an issue that we have some control over. I generally find that teachers who are uncomfortable with technology find it intimidating. He or she is afraid of "messing it up" or feeling stupid. The simple answer to this is to have a dedicated instructional technologist on hand at the school, or several teachers who are knowledgable and trained in this area to be point people. Time should be set aside to address specific issues and questions with individual teachers or grade level teams.
There really isn't anything I avoid in terms of technology usage in my classroom. I am willing and excited to try just about anything. For my subject area I do feel that there are tools or software that is better suited for the regular classroom. I don't have too much time with my students, so there are some things, like research projects that I don't do because of time restraints. Maybe through this course I can devise a way to work these into the curriculum.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
EDTC614 Activity 1.1 Introduction
My name is Aimée Stork and I teach music to kindergarten through 5th grade students at Rose Hill Elementary in Adams 14 School District (Commerce City, CO). I am taking this course as part of my Master's in Instructional Technology in order to gain a better understanding of how to integrate technology into the curriculum. The first word that comes to mind when I think about my relationship with technology is curiosity. There are so many things out there that I have yet to understand. The other two words would be excitement and productivity. I get excited about new technology whether it's for fun or for learning, and I also use technology quite a bit in my daily life in so many ways to enhance what I normally do. I am struggling a bit as to the question of which category I fall into. By birth year I would fall under the Gen X category, but in many ways I feel more like a digital native. I am comfortable with technology in a way that many of my peers are not. I think that it is possible to be a mix and have the characteristics of a generation shaped by its experiences but also "move with the times".
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