EDLD+5364+Course+Reflections

This course has been an eye-opener for me; while I knew and had an understanding of technology in our classrooms, I wasn't aware of just how much using technology in our classrooms can make a difference. The examples of the different technologies available for our classrooms provided in the Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, was a tremendous help in giving me some valuable links which I can currently use in my classroom and also pass on to the Science and Math teachers on my campus. Since this is what I was doing my Internship Project on, the information was perfect. In addition to the information in the text by Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn and Malenoski; the text Web 2.0 new tools, new schools by Solomon and Schrum was good in giving me a clearer insight as to just how technology is changing the education system our children are in. As Solomon so wisely put it in the following quote "Only by learning this way and using these tools, will students be competitive for 21st century jobs". This statement sums it all up very effectively. Today's jobs require a good grasp and understanding of the different technologies. Even the smallest of jobs requires the use of technology, from a meter reader to the check out stand at Wal Mart and on all the way to the most advanced of jobs. Students who are learning in the 21st century must learn to be productive in the ways of the 21st century jobs, this means learning to use the technologies and not just the basic tools. The problem comes when teachers who have been teaching for many years get stuck in their ways and can't see the benefits of using technology in our classrooms.

The videos in week 5 gave me a new insight of the purpose of computer and video games in the education system. I knew and accept that video games have their purpose and in their own way teach children and adults alike a certain amount of skills. However, all I could see was the video and computer games were more of a hindrance than a benefit in the classroom because all the kids care about is how many people they can blow up and or how many cars they can crash. I couldn't see past the violence in the games to see just what the students were learning. However, while the students are learning skills in those games the educational games provide a better learning experience for the students. They are able to learn and increase their motor skills while also improving their Math, Science and/or English skills. The videos brought several quotes to the forefront for me; however, the one that really stood out was from Sasha Barab from Big Thinkers: Sasha Barab on New-Media Engagement "As long as we continue to equip teachers with textbooks as the primary resources for the lesson, we don't make available tools, like social networking tools, having computers available and where software is being created to help teachers give students the kind of tools to help engage students in the kind of literacy; we are setting them up for failure." (Barab, S.)

This goes with the video downloaded from utube called Vision for 21st Century Learning, the author on the video also refers to students just being pushed along from grade to grade with textbooks and lectures as their quality of education. They are graduating from school cramped with a full of facts but very little of the information is being retained.

As teachers we need to be equipped with the tools necessary to teach these students in an engaging manner. As Sasha Barab talked in regards to Atlantis and video games, makes a lot of sense. Have students becoming engaged in their assignments by letting them become a part of a game is an engaging and educational way to teach a student about science or to get them excited about writing a persuasive essay. The example given in the video was to have the student play the part of a doctor who has to persuade others that his new research holds the link to the worlds' new miracle drug. It gives the students a reason they can relate to; moving to the next level or winning the game is a huge incentive to write a good persuasive essay or to know what makes volcanoes.

I agree with all the information on the videos; but then the problem we currently have is still a problem. Where do the schools get the funding for these new and exciting 21st century technologies. Although, there was an example on the video Vision for 21st Century Learning of taking virtual tours through foreign country as a way to learn World History or even a foreign language. This is could a relatively inexpensive tool to use in the schools without breaking the budget.

Edutopia.org (nd) Big Thinkiers: Sasha Barab on New-Media Engagement; Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation.sasha-barab-video Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. ||

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2,.0: New Tools, new schools. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education, 170-171.

youtube.com; Vision for 21st Century Learning; Retrieved from http.//www.youtube.com/watch?v=mirxkzkxuf4