Hello and welcome parents! As many of you know, our wonderful Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has diligently been trying to raise money in order to increase the amount of technology and computers in our classrooms. Technology is inevitably part of the future, and it is important for our students to be able to gain access to the new technology.
It has been brought to my attention many parents are very concerned with the use of technology in the classroom and feel as though it could take aware from their child's learning experience. While this is understandable, since many children are constantly on the internet playing video games, using Facebook, tweeting, instant messenger and various other Internet accessories, our school will be use a Firewall in order to prevent any such programs from entering the computers and technology in the classroom.
I absolutely understand your concerns and I would love to provide you with some information that will hopefully change your minds!
Did you know?
Studies have shown that technology can:
- Influence students' academic performance (Roblyer & Doering, p.15)
- Develop thinking on a higher level and problem solving (Roblyer & Doering, p.15)
- Improve student attitude, interesting in learning, and motivation (Roblyer & Doering, p.15)
- Help prepare students for the workforce (Roblyer & Doering, p.15)
- Address the needs of low-performing and students who are at-risk and also students with learning handicaps (Roblyer & Doering, p.15)
Theories
There are two learning theories, the Directed learning theory and the Constructivist learning theory or inquiry-based learning. The Directed learning theory is based on cognitive and behavior theories; students receive instruction from the teacher and they do teacher-directed activities (Roblyer & Doering, p.426). The Constructivist learning theory is based on the cognitive learning theory which believes learners should produce their own knowledge through experience-based activities rather than merely being taught by their teacher (Roblyer & Doering, p.426). For more information please visit this site: Comparison of Directed learning theory and the Constructivist learning theory
Technology Wish List!
After much deliberation, the technology I would love to have in my classroom would be:
- Apple iPad for all students
- SMART board interactive white board
The Apple iPad would bring inquiry-based learning, research and opportunities to a whole new level!
- The iPad is user friendly, and sells itself to students; students are excited to use it just when they see it. It creates urgency for students to use it and to learn (Randall, 2011).
- Student's would be able to do individual/group research projects without the aid of the teacher
- There are numerous educational applications students can download on the iPad to aide in their learning experience (Randall, 2011).
- The iPad is so interactive students are able to do projects on their own, and they are able to manipulate various environments and develop a variety of skills while using the iPad (Randall, 2011).
- Students would be able to use their iPad to do activities and generate ideas, questions and journals entries, on their Blackboard accounts; you, as parents will be able to view each and every night if you wish.
A project I love doing throughout the school year is to have students decide on a country and report about their culture and about the country. This gives students a greater insight into how many different cultures and countries there are, and how unique and wonderful these cultures and countries are. However, in the past with only five computers in the class of 30 students it was very time consuming and the students did not take away as much information as I would have liked. Having each student have their own individual iPad can give the student's a vast amount of information. Students can use Google Earth to zoom into the country they are assigned and see what their terrain is like, how they live, and so much more! Students will be able to share pictures and information on a slideshow presentation for the whole class. To check out more information about the iPad please visit here: Apple iPad
The SMART board interactive white board would definitely bring the the Directed learning theory to the classroom.
- All students can see what the teacher is teaching in front of the class.
- Students can follow along with the teacher and take notes as necessary.
- Students get excited to be able to write using their finger on the SMART board interactive white board.
- Students can interact with the teacher by coming up to the SMART board interactive white board which words and letters can be moved and "tossed" around ("Smart boards interactive," 2011)
In our class, every week, we go over vocabulary and spelling. I write the word on a regular white board and have students write this word in their note books. Students also need to know the respective definition of the word written so I will say it out loud and students write it down. At the end of the week students are given a spelling test and a multiple choice test on the definition of each word. The SMART board would add so much more excitement and engagement to learning. This technology can allow students to come up and use their finger to spell the word and definition. They can move the letter, word, spin it, and use digital ink to make it more engaging and exciting ("Smart boards interactive," 2011). Student's love coming up and watching the "magic" the SMART board has to offer. For more information check this out: SMART board interactive whiteboards
As you can see parents, there are SO MANY advantages to having technology in the classroom! Students are not going to be playing games, and fooling around, but they are going to experience the utmost education possible; something enviable by student's at other schools who do not have such opportunities. I hope you have enjoyed my blog post and hope you reconsider and help our PTA fund raise to obtain this great technology in our classroom!!
References
Blackboard. (2011). Retrieved from www.blackboard.com
Ipad. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/ipad/
Randall, B. (2011). Using technology in the classroom - the ipad as an educational tool. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?Using-Technology-in-the-Classroom---The-iPad-As-an-Educational-Tool&id=5790947
Roblyer, M.D & Doering, A.H.(2010) Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. Pearson education Inc.
Roblyer, M., & Doering, A. (2011). A comparison of directed and constructivist models. Retrieved from http://www.education.com/reference/article/comparison-directed-constructivist/
Smart boards interactive white boards. (2011). Retrieved from http://smarttech.com/us/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Products+for+education/Interactive+whiteboards+and+displays/SMART+Board+interactive+whiteboards
DISCLAIMER: This blog is an assignment for an educational technology course at National University. It is not a real fundraising blog.
No comments:
Post a Comment