Problems with Blogging in Classrooms- Lanna Parker, Question #6

As I interpret it from the various online sources and teacher blogs, Weblogging can be most beneficial as a means of communication for educators. Blogs can be used by teachers to communicate ideas for lessons and ¨nits. Teachers can share their lessons and get feedback on them from others. One site explained how a teacher can post an entry and then simultaneously get response from many different sources. The only bad part about blogging that I can for see is the participation of people like me. Teachers who are not up to date, like myself, may be unable to utilize a blog as a teaching resource. The solution to this is to introduce the technology to all of the teachers and then to make sure they know that the information is available to them to use.

Blogging can also be used as a tool for communication between students and teachers. Harvard websites suggest that teachers ask students to respond to a question online that the student will answer in detail. This method may improve on a students response giving them unlimited time to respond. However, this method may backfire and students won't be inspired and motivated to speak by their peers. I think that blogging has a definite place in the classroom but it should only be used in certain instances. As homework assignments and as opinion pieces it is ok to use a blog, but technology can't replace an actual classroom setting. I do agree that blogging is especially useful for teachers though, and should be used often as an avenue of communication.

Chapter 10: Question # 14

14) Handheld Computer
Knowledge- hand held computers can work as a substitute for books. They can provide students with the opportunity to use computers without having to leave the classroom to use a computer lab. Handheld computers provide students with an extra resource for writing, math, and more.
Persuasion- I believe hand held computers would be a great addition to classroom activities.
Decision- After trying a lesson plan with hand held computers I would chose whether or not to adopt the technology into my classroom based on student responds to the technology.
Implementation- 2nd grade students will use hand held computers to brainstorm about creating a colony. Using this technology they will then be about to create a map or layout showing what components would makeup their colony.
Confirmation- Students will be asked how they feel about the technology. Did you like or dislike using hand held computers? I will also evaluate students work based on the use of this technology. Did they understand the content material? Were they more engaged with the material?

Abbey Mast

The movement of technology

Dawn McKay

 Although I am not sure of weather or not the integration of technology into schools is the best idea.  I do know that it is what students are interested in.  If students are interested in it and we can find ways to use it as an educational tool than why not? I think students using programs like Moodle, wiki pages, and blogs are good communication tools and offer another way for students to learn and complete tasks. For example I can do great with art on a computer but on paper I stink.  Sometimes it is easier for me to put on headphones and type, while other days it is better to sit outside with my journal and pencil in hand.  Both technologies are available and can create different ways for students to learn and complete tasks.  

Jake Krum #11

e-books allow students to access digitized books. These books include many that are out of print or difficult to acces in the schools library. Also, as the number of digitized books expands to inlcude text and reference materials, students can access this information without needing printed copies. e books give the students the ability to tangentally search for relevant information or to clearify information that is not fully understood during thier initial exposure to the text. The students can also create thier own digitized publication. The publication could inbed hyperlynks to the publications of other students when clearifying information overlaps. As a teacher, assessing thier use and knowledge of e books requires simple demonstrations of both found and created material. The students would be need to give a pre assingment outline and mid assignment progress report of how they are using the e books to the teacher to make sure they correctly understand the use of the technology.

Alyssa Holla Page 236 Question #14

As I have stated in class before, I am not 100% sure that technology is the best idea that schools have ever had. I think that it is a helpful tool but not always necessary. Students rely on it way too much at times. I just dont want all research done the internet. Its hard to analyze what is fact and what is fiction. As far as Everett Rogers five step policy goes: KNOWLEDGE: I have pretty good knowledge of the emerging technology. I really think that we need to give our students knowledge of it. I dont think we should just expect them to know how to use it. Lots of students know what the technology is but dont really know how to use it to the best of its capabilities. PERSUASION: I already stated what I feel about the emerging technology. I think it should be used because it is a huge part of todays society and it will keep getting bigger and bigger. We just need to make sure its getting used for the right things and not all the time. DECISION: Calculators are something that I think should always get to be used. Why make things harder then they have to be? The only thing that I do not want to use much technology in is research. I LIKE BOOKS! IMPLEMENTATION: I would let my students use excel to make a spreadsheet that will be used for budgeting. CONFIRMATION: I have seen what can be done with excel before and I believe it is the best way to put numbers together. It is nicely organized and lots of people use it in the workplace. Its a really good idea.

Assignment #12a-Lecture Capture:Good or Bad??

What is Lecture Capture???
Lecture capture is a term used to describe any technology that allows instructors to record what happens in their classrooms and make it available digitally. In its simplest form, lecture capture might be an audio recording made with an iPod; alternatively, the term might refer to a software program that records movement, typing, or other on-screen activity. Lecture capture systems offer three important benefits: an alternative when students miss class; an opportunity for content review; and content for online course development. Lecture capture enhances and extends existing instructional activities, whether in face-to-face, fully online, or blended learning environments.
I believe this new technology could be used to help students when their sick, out of town, and maybe didn't understand it the first time around. But, I also think this could be overused, and not in a good way. Why even show up to class, if I can just listen to it on my own time frame? Student might sit through a lecture, and spend the entire time doodling or whispering to friends instead of paying attention in class, because they can listen later.
Just as with all technologies, there are both good and bad sides to this new up and coming Lecture Capture. But my conclusion from reading more about it: YES!! But the teacher should have control, and only post certain lectures, instead of every week. Then maybe the teachers won't just be lecturing to a recorder every week. :)
-Alyssa Herbst

Assignment #12a: By Bret Reneau

Emerging Technologies

Virtual 3D simulations have existed for quite a while now; however, there has been little to no implementation of this technology in the traditional classroom. There is an interesting article "Virtual Worlds in Education" at this web address if anyone is interested in this subject:
http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/DEC0801.pdf

Simulation technology can help students learn because it is socially interactive, facilitates creativity, and promotes information sharing. Really, there is no limit to interactive simulations in the classrooms. Students could experience simulations of historical conflicts, geological events, astrological wonders, biological interactions of microscopic cells, and much more. Interactive simulations are strongly appealing because they provide hands on learning through interaction, visual stimulation, and audio stimulation. One might view this technology as similar to an educational video game. To me it sounds like a lot of not (not only to experience, but to teach as well.) Simulation technology is likely to be a future technology to be incorporated into the classroom, so keep an eye out for it.