Compare the features and instructional applications of GIS and GPS tools. How can educators use GIS and GPS tools to enhance student learning?
GIS records and maintains large amounts of geographic information which is stored in a database. It can also produce up to date, customized maps as well as, analyze and compare information on different locations. A GPS is a world wide radionavigations system that is available due to satellites and ground stations that are able to calculate positions of anywhere on Earth. It is an excellent tool when you are in an unfamiliar area in town and are attempting to find an unknown destination. I borrowed my sister's Tom Tom which is a GPS device and it helped me a great deal to visit a little town northeast of San Antonio. Needless to say, I had no idea where I was going, but I know that I wasn't lost!
A great activity to implement in the classrooms or even in an after school program is geocaching (world wide treasure hunt). About two years ago, I went to a conference in Austin for 21st CCLC after school program, at my school. Geocaching was on the vendor list to showcase their device. The After School All Stars purchased the GPS devices to utilize in the program and the kids loved it. They designed their own treasure hunts with in the school and later in the neighborhood and community. This was an excellent activity for the intermediate grades in learning latitude and longitude coordinates. They really had a lot of fun with it! We were only able to use the GPS devices that one year, then we had to give them to the other schools so that they could have the same experience of the "hunt."
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Discussion-Week 13
Some people say drill and practice is really "drill and kill." What can teachers do to make sure this kind of use doesn't happen and drill and practice can serve a useful function?
It is very easy for a teacher to misuse drill and practice. Teachers should try to identify the needs that drill and practice can meet. Then use software in ways that will take advantage of its capabilities. One way to avoid "drill and kill" practices is to establish a certain amount of time of devotion for drill and practice, 10 - 15 minutes per day. This will ensure that students will stay actively engaged in the activity without becoming bored and they will retain the concept of the drill. Another great strategy is learning stations. This is a very effective way to practice drills and serve students with identified weaknesses in one or more key skills. It allows the students to move around the room practicing more than one skill that is best matched to their specific learning needs. This brings me to my next strategy for effectively utilizing drill and practice, which is that most drills are designed to allow self pacing and personalized feedback when it is assigned individually. The problem with this strategy is that most classrooms do not have enough computers to make sure everyone can drill and practice by themselves. Drill and practice activities on the computer can replace worksheets and really motivate the students to enjoy what they are being taught. It can be very beneficial for the students.
It is very easy for a teacher to misuse drill and practice. Teachers should try to identify the needs that drill and practice can meet. Then use software in ways that will take advantage of its capabilities. One way to avoid "drill and kill" practices is to establish a certain amount of time of devotion for drill and practice, 10 - 15 minutes per day. This will ensure that students will stay actively engaged in the activity without becoming bored and they will retain the concept of the drill. Another great strategy is learning stations. This is a very effective way to practice drills and serve students with identified weaknesses in one or more key skills. It allows the students to move around the room practicing more than one skill that is best matched to their specific learning needs. This brings me to my next strategy for effectively utilizing drill and practice, which is that most drills are designed to allow self pacing and personalized feedback when it is assigned individually. The problem with this strategy is that most classrooms do not have enough computers to make sure everyone can drill and practice by themselves. Drill and practice activities on the computer can replace worksheets and really motivate the students to enjoy what they are being taught. It can be very beneficial for the students.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Discussion-Week 11
Some educators feel that distance learning technologies will greatly improve education; some feel education will suffer if they are overused. What are factors you can site in support for each of these positions?
Distance Learning has improved education in many ways. One way is that it allows student's to correspond with other students in other parts of the world instantly. Students no longer have to send letters through mail to correspond with friends abroad. They can utilize these broadcast technologies that are now available. The book mentions the Go North! Adventure Learning utilizing videoconferencing which is live video and audio communications. This technology can be very beneficial in student learning. The use of the Internet has become an excellent tool for students to use to search for materials and information to support their research and production work. The online tutorials are very helpful to students and teachers as well. Teachers can utilize these online tutorials for students that need a reteach or to supplement a skill already taught while he/she works with a small group that might need more help on a skill.
On the other hand, distance learning has caused many issues to arise. The book discussed virtual schooling issues which include curriculum alignment, teacher certification, accreditation, funding and possible negative consequences. It is difficult to align virtual curriculum when the students are all from different states. Many people are not successful with online courses and students tend to drop out more in online environments. Being online can interfere with students being able to develop healthy relationships with other students. It can also impede their socialization skills. They become isolated in their own little world.
Distance Learning has improved education in many ways. One way is that it allows student's to correspond with other students in other parts of the world instantly. Students no longer have to send letters through mail to correspond with friends abroad. They can utilize these broadcast technologies that are now available. The book mentions the Go North! Adventure Learning utilizing videoconferencing which is live video and audio communications. This technology can be very beneficial in student learning. The use of the Internet has become an excellent tool for students to use to search for materials and information to support their research and production work. The online tutorials are very helpful to students and teachers as well. Teachers can utilize these online tutorials for students that need a reteach or to supplement a skill already taught while he/she works with a small group that might need more help on a skill.
On the other hand, distance learning has caused many issues to arise. The book discussed virtual schooling issues which include curriculum alignment, teacher certification, accreditation, funding and possible negative consequences. It is difficult to align virtual curriculum when the students are all from different states. Many people are not successful with online courses and students tend to drop out more in online environments. Being online can interfere with students being able to develop healthy relationships with other students. It can also impede their socialization skills. They become isolated in their own little world.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Week 9 Discussion-Chapter 15-Special Education
Describe issues related to training special education teachers to use technology.
Adequate and effective training for special education teachers to integrate technology instruction is a necessity to today's educational system. Our students deserve the same opportunities that the regular education students receive. The problem with effectively training the teachers is that it costs money. Unfortunately, NCLB funding is concentrated on the core curriculum, which leaves technology on the back burner.
Give examples of no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech solutions for special students.
No Tech-strategies used to minimize the impact of a person's impairment. An example could be a ramp which is used for a wheelchair bound person. Another example could be a seeing eye dog for a blind person.
Low Tech-strategies used to provide a person with support to be successful in a specific task with out the use of electronics. Examples include a highlighter to emphasize major points of a lesson, and personal dictionary with lists of words for the student to remember.
High Tech-strategies or devices used to provide a person with support to be successful in a specific task with the use of electronics that are really complex. Examples include a powered motorized wheelchair, stair lift, or an electronic spell checker.
Adequate and effective training for special education teachers to integrate technology instruction is a necessity to today's educational system. Our students deserve the same opportunities that the regular education students receive. The problem with effectively training the teachers is that it costs money. Unfortunately, NCLB funding is concentrated on the core curriculum, which leaves technology on the back burner.
Give examples of no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech solutions for special students.
No Tech-strategies used to minimize the impact of a person's impairment. An example could be a ramp which is used for a wheelchair bound person. Another example could be a seeing eye dog for a blind person.
Low Tech-strategies used to provide a person with support to be successful in a specific task with out the use of electronics. Examples include a highlighter to emphasize major points of a lesson, and personal dictionary with lists of words for the student to remember.
High Tech-strategies or devices used to provide a person with support to be successful in a specific task with the use of electronics that are really complex. Examples include a powered motorized wheelchair, stair lift, or an electronic spell checker.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Week 7 - Chapter 12 Discussion
What are the "history wars," and what are their implications for technology use in history?
The "History Wars" are referring to the numerous debates and criticisms of what exactly should be taught in Social Studies. There is so much to teach as far as history is concerned. Critics believe that schools focus should be teaching history and civics instead of covering a number of topics. It is just impossible teach every single event in history. The amount of content, coupled with the de-emphasis on social studies topics, creates an ongoing challenge for schools to teach in a meaningful way. Unfortunately the content is diluted.
With students' ready access to information on the Internet, what might be the concerns of social studies teachers?
When students are on the internet, teachers need to supervise them at all times. Sites may pop up that may not be appropriate for them to be looking at the site. Plagiarism can also occur because the students may not know how to properly credit the sources they use. Teachers also need to be careful to teach students that not all websites contain accurate information. Making sure tha the site is legitimate is very important especially if they use it for research.
The "History Wars" are referring to the numerous debates and criticisms of what exactly should be taught in Social Studies. There is so much to teach as far as history is concerned. Critics believe that schools focus should be teaching history and civics instead of covering a number of topics. It is just impossible teach every single event in history. The amount of content, coupled with the de-emphasis on social studies topics, creates an ongoing challenge for schools to teach in a meaningful way. Unfortunately the content is diluted.
With students' ready access to information on the Internet, what might be the concerns of social studies teachers?
When students are on the internet, teachers need to supervise them at all times. Sites may pop up that may not be appropriate for them to be looking at the site. Plagiarism can also occur because the students may not know how to properly credit the sources they use. Teachers also need to be careful to teach students that not all websites contain accurate information. Making sure tha the site is legitimate is very important especially if they use it for research.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Discussion #5
Many educators believe that with the growth of media and information technology, media literacy is just as important as – or even more important than – print literacy (that is, learning to read and write).
What is your position on the relative importance of the two “literacies”?
I believe that print literacy is just as important as media literacy. Technology continues to change the way schools and businesses operate. It is up to the education system to prepare our students for the future of technology that will be awaiting them. Although, teaching print literacy is very important, media literacy provides creativity and innovation to the classrooms. It's new and exciting for the students. They communicate and work together to research a topic and make a product or project as an end result. They take ownership of their learning. The special education population are benefiting greatly because of the assistance media/technology provides for them. On the other hand, some people are just not computer literate. This type of person will rely on his/her print literacy skills to make sure they acquire a job that does not mandate computer technology use.
What information from this chapter helps support your position?
The chapter points out many benefits to media literacy development that are listed in the chart on page 281. However, traditional methods of print literacy will always need to be evident to a certain extent, in order for media literacy to occur.
What is your position on the relative importance of the two “literacies”?
I believe that print literacy is just as important as media literacy. Technology continues to change the way schools and businesses operate. It is up to the education system to prepare our students for the future of technology that will be awaiting them. Although, teaching print literacy is very important, media literacy provides creativity and innovation to the classrooms. It's new and exciting for the students. They communicate and work together to research a topic and make a product or project as an end result. They take ownership of their learning. The special education population are benefiting greatly because of the assistance media/technology provides for them. On the other hand, some people are just not computer literate. This type of person will rely on his/her print literacy skills to make sure they acquire a job that does not mandate computer technology use.
What information from this chapter helps support your position?
The chapter points out many benefits to media literacy development that are listed in the chart on page 281. However, traditional methods of print literacy will always need to be evident to a certain extent, in order for media literacy to occur.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Week 3 Discussion
TIP Model Phase 2 - Determining the Relative Advantage
The superintendent of the Wellmade School District felt that every student should be "connected to the information Superhighway," so he decided to install Internet connections in every school classroom in the district. The hardware and installations were funded through a federal grant and local business sponsors. Two years later, it became apparent that only about 25% of the teachers were using the Internet with students, and most uses were "casual surfing."
1. Why do you think the teachers did not see the relative advantage of this technology?
The teachers were not able to see the relative advantage of this technology because they could not see the benefits this new technology had to offer. The teachers themselves were only knowledgeable to a certain extent, which was "casual surfing." Only 25% of the teachers were able to pass on this knowledge. This means that he other 75% did no receive any technology in their classes. Teachers need to be properly trained in order to adequately implement a new program; otherwise, it is a waste of time, money, and resources.
2. If you were made responsible for integrating this technology into instructional activities, how would you translate the superintendent's rationale into problems and solutions for which the relative advantage would be clear to teachers?
There are many teachers in districts that have a difficult time integrating technology in the classroom because they simply do not know how to do it. It requires a great deal of time and effort to plan and carry out technology strategies. Student interest can also be an obstacle due to the level of difficulty and lack of knowledge the teacher may posses. If I were responsible, a solution to this problem would be to provide the teachers with the appropriate staff development that pertained to the technology I wanted to implement. Providing the teachers with this training will give them the confidence and knowledge to teach the students the technology so that why they are learning is relevant to them. I would also provide lesson plans for the teachers to allow them to make goals for their classes and grade levels. These technology experiences for the students will prepare them for the real world which is technology driven.
The superintendent of the Wellmade School District felt that every student should be "connected to the information Superhighway," so he decided to install Internet connections in every school classroom in the district. The hardware and installations were funded through a federal grant and local business sponsors. Two years later, it became apparent that only about 25% of the teachers were using the Internet with students, and most uses were "casual surfing."
1. Why do you think the teachers did not see the relative advantage of this technology?
The teachers were not able to see the relative advantage of this technology because they could not see the benefits this new technology had to offer. The teachers themselves were only knowledgeable to a certain extent, which was "casual surfing." Only 25% of the teachers were able to pass on this knowledge. This means that he other 75% did no receive any technology in their classes. Teachers need to be properly trained in order to adequately implement a new program; otherwise, it is a waste of time, money, and resources.
2. If you were made responsible for integrating this technology into instructional activities, how would you translate the superintendent's rationale into problems and solutions for which the relative advantage would be clear to teachers?
There are many teachers in districts that have a difficult time integrating technology in the classroom because they simply do not know how to do it. It requires a great deal of time and effort to plan and carry out technology strategies. Student interest can also be an obstacle due to the level of difficulty and lack of knowledge the teacher may posses. If I were responsible, a solution to this problem would be to provide the teachers with the appropriate staff development that pertained to the technology I wanted to implement. Providing the teachers with this training will give them the confidence and knowledge to teach the students the technology so that why they are learning is relevant to them. I would also provide lesson plans for the teachers to allow them to make goals for their classes and grade levels. These technology experiences for the students will prepare them for the real world which is technology driven.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
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