EDT548

Readings due Dec 7

2006-12-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

Using technology in the classroom as a means of a teaching strategy is bbecoming more popular by the day. Teachers are becoming more of a facilitator than the "leader". each day, students in the classroom have become teachers and are now teaching the "teachers" how to use technology in different ways.

The Internet has opened up a whole new realm in education and it provides the students with the world a the click of a button. Without hte Internet, learning in today's society would be near to impossible because it is mandatory in education to keep up with the times.

I found this article very motivating.

Readings due Dec 2

2006-12-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

Using technology to enhance student acheivement can be a HUGE success if the technology piece of teaching and learning can be used effectively. I feel like a broken record when I say that because it seems that every time technology is said to be used, that it is only successful if it is used effectively, but that is the truth. If technology is an instrument that you use here and there and don't reallly make it a habit, and the kids get absolutely no training or "know how" on the technology pieces you are wanting them to use, then #1, it won't be effective, #2 the kids won't learn anything, #3, the objectives you have set to teach will not get across in the manner you expect them to be.

readings due 11-16

2006-11-16T16:23:00.000-08:00

In the readings for this week, it is very clear that teachin in and of itself is an ever changing world. In the aspect of things, that goes hand in hand with technology. Teachers are expected to teach students certain standards and objectives, and then the students are evaluated according to what's been taught through standardized tests. Therefore, they always say it is not a reflection of the teacher, when in fact it is. it is evident in district assessments that the students performance on any test with or without technology that is a direct reflection of hte teacher. Teachers have too much on their plate already, and now they (state, federal, etc) want to push technology iintegration. How can we push something that is hard to do with cut funding and lacck of support? It is a world full of changes that cause more problems than solutions.

readings due 11-2

2006-10-30T19:26:00.000-08:00

I hope this is the right article...I am confused as to what week we are actually on, but I figure as long as they are all done, then thaqt's okay. Using technology to improve student achievement is a very powerful tool. As you have seen many times before in my responses, technology can only improve student engagement, achievement, or motivation increasingly if used correctly. It has to be used correctly in order to be effective. Students do seem more intrigued adn motivated to learn when something new like technology is thrown into the mix of learning nad teaching strategies.

Readings due 10-19

2006-10-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

Technology integrated in Math is very effective if you use it correctly and if the equipment is up to date. If the equipment isn't up to date, then it is very difficult to achieve what you set out to accomplish. Techonlogy also has a great effect on student engagement. If the students are interested is using technology to learn, then the enagement of the student's is higher.

In order to do these things, teachers must have up to date information and training as new equipment becomes available. This is very important!

Readings due 10-5

2006-09-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

The 3D Web design article spoke about what the 3D web would be like in ten years. It was clear that everyone had a different opinion about where 3D web design was headed. Some thought it was headed to focus on a more virtual world and it ended up being something far from their reach and thoughts. It was also quite apparent that a vast amount of planning is to go into a web design, no matter the outcome.

The article entitled "Lead, Not Lecture" was very insightful. It shows that teachers really do not give students the benefit of the doubt and what they are actually capable of. Teachers lecture and tell the students what to do instead of allowing them to explore and experiment with their ideas.

Class 4

2006-09-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

The mathnet daily puzzle is a neat site that I could use in my classroom, maybe on a weekly basis, instead of a daily basis, simply because I don't have the resources or time to to the puzzle on a daily basis.
Standards in Math and Science is simply a focus point for educators. Any educator has their own definition of standards and the standards are just a way for "us educators" to be held accountalbe for what we are teaching in our classrooms. It also requires the schools, their districts, and their staff to be held accountable for what is going on in their schools that is helping students attain success through academic acheivement and learning. I know that I use the standards everyday and that is how I focus my teachign and know what to teach to my students to make sure that have what htey need to pass ot the next grade. I do know that without the standards, I personally would be lost at what to teach, or even where to begin.
THe new math, science and tecnology standards are good in enhancing student engagement. The technology portion of teaching math and science using technology and real hands on experiences gets the students more engaged. This covers a better success rate and causing students to be more involved. I loved the articles and I do think that teachers everywhere needs standards, but I think that hte standards need to be universal so that no matter where a student comes from everyone school is on the same page with what they are teaching.

Week 2 Readings

2006-08-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

I believe that constructivism is a teaching strategy that needs a little getting used to, especially if you are a traditional teacher. In a constructivist classroom, the students are working in groups, they assume the role of the teacher in a lot of aspects, and the environment is student centered. As opposed to a traditional classroom, where the students work individually, the constructivist classroom, as stated before, allows students to be collaborative and share their ideas with one another. The constructivist approach builds on prior knowledge, provides a hands on and active experience with their learning, requires the students to look back on what they learned, and allows them to problem solve.
The benefits of a constructivism classroom are simple. The students learn more and the approach requires them to think and understand their thinking by doing.
The main benefit of restructing the learning is that technology encourages student engagement and interest.
I am very familiar with the WebQuest, and I think it is a great tool. It gives the students a way to learn without only having the traditional method of pencil and paper. The students become more involved because they are allowed to explore topics beyond their textbook.
I started my teaching career as a "traditional teacher", but as the years have gone by, I see myself using mroe and more the constructivist style in certain situations. I don't think I will ever totally change to constructivist because it doesn't fit my teaching style or philosophy. I do feel that it is a good approach, however.

Introduction

2006-08-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Welcome to my blog... hope you find it useful and my ideas good ones. Hope you all have a great semester!