Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Week 8-Twitter Reflection

Microblogging is the act of posting very short messages as a status update. These messages can be shared via: Twitter, Facebook, Instragram, SMS messages, and much more. Microblogging has made communication so much easier today. We have the opportunity to post feelings, personal, news, etc. status to share all across the world. We also have the option of choosing our followers, and controlling the privacy of our pages. The reason why I love to microblog is because I get to connect with my family, friends, old classmates, teachers, celebrities, etc.

May 2013 when I signed up for ED505 I had no idea that I would be using this much technology for one class. I use technology for my daily use, but this class really incorporated so much into my learning path. Then when I founded out that we had to tweet and blog weekly, I knew this was going to be a challenging semester. I was never a fan of Twitter so this was my first time ever using Twitter, so I was like a new kid on the block. As I learned to use Twitter I see what some of my other network friends meant when they said things about tweets. Now using Twitter I have founded so much beneficial lessons, information, different technologies to use, and much more that I could use for my work and personal life.

Twitter lets you use hash tags to search for any idea you may want to find in the search bar. We have millions of different followers that cover so many areas of subjects. Overall, Twitter is the place to find EVERYTHING and you will love it. Below are some tweets I founded interesting. Enjoy…..











This is how I feel today: (smiling)
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Sunday, July 14, 2013

Week 7-Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is basically extending the abilities of an individual in ways that provides sensory and physical access. Assistive technology is the kind of tool and technology that supports anyone with disabilities such as: building communication with others, partaking in activities and much more. People with special needs learn to live an independent lifestyle with the help of assistive technology. Nowadays, there are so many technologies to help with special education, but I still sometimes worry. I worry on the thought of children and adults that lacks the technology and support to help them. Assistive technology is broadly used and needed in the following ways: personal care, work equipment, helps with school, recreation, reading, writing, seeing, hearing, mobility, and communication are to name a few. The federal law of the United States classify disability as: deaf, speech impaired handicapped, health impairment and much more. (Roblyer & Doering, 2013).

For special education “teachers also need to know what they don’t know regarding technology in their content area. Research is required to acquire this knowledge along with time and professional development to understand the procedural knowledge of using the technology (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 413).” As technology continues to grow for special education the learning needs meets’ the requirements. Technology in special education is defined as: mild disabilities, moderate and severe disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, at-risk behaviors/situations, and gifts and talents (Roblyer & Doering, 2013).

When it comes down to assistive technology for special education, “the general goal is always the same: to harness the potential of technology in ways that offer an individual with a disability increased opportunities for learning, productivity, and independence opportunities that otherwise would not be available (Robyler & Doering, 2013, p. 400).


Mild disabilities: considered to be the most prevalent type of disability that includes: writing, reading, and mathematics. The key is to balance remediation of skill deficits with activities that help develop more creative and higher level thinking skills.

Website: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/artikpix-full/id356720379?mt=8
Hardware: MathTalk and Coin-U-Lator


Moderate disabilities: software that is available to help teach important functional skills.

Website: AbleNet
Hardware: Enabling Devices and RIDBC Auslan Tutor


Physical disabilities: provides training to ensure the student is able to operate independently, and identify appropriate tools for access and control that will allow the individual to function across environments: home, school, community, and work.

Website: Bloom
Hardware: Several useful links-
AbleData
Dragon
AbleNet


Sensory disabilities: for individuals that are blind, visually impaired, and who are hearing impaired. Just to name a few: the blind uses screen readers and canes; visually impaired uses closed-circuit television (CCTV), and built in computer screen magnification; hearing impaired uses FM amplification systems.

Website: Tap-n-See Zoo and Articulation Station Pro
Hardware: Several useful links-
JAWS
Video Magnify
Enable Mart


At-Risk Behaviors/Situations: provides immediate feedback on performance quizzes and instructional materials. Also, includes powerful websites and software’s for engaging in learning activities.

Website: Awana
Hardware: Don Johnston Assistive Technology


Gifts and Talents: provide tools such as: multimedia presentations, web page design, portfolios, document learning experiences, in self-direct research, and many more. These students’ falls under the category of the Pyryt’s Ps: pace, process, passion, product, and peer when determining gifted and talent students.

Website: National Association for Gifted Children
Hardware: Duke TIP




References:

Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H.  (2013). Integrating educational technology into           
            teaching.  Boston, MA:  Pearson Education, Inc.

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Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Week 6-Web 2.0 Resources

When I think of Web 2.0 I instantly think of websites such as: Facebook.com, Bebo.com, and Myspace.com where you connect with family, friends, and superstars across the world. Growing up as a teenager with my cousins and friends I grew to love the Bebo.com website and later met Myspace.com. Users get to design their page, upload videos, upload pictures, and post comments. It was not until after my high-school graduation as a freshman in college in the year 2008 when I became a Facebook.com.

Simply a “Web 2.0 is an Internet trend that puts the authorship of online content into the hands of a websites’ users, has become very common in educational circles, what educators are hearing more about today are discussions around social networking (Robyler & Doering, 2013, p.225).”

Educators today has all benefited from Web 2.0 resources. Teachers incorporate Web 2.0 resources through their educational plan and teaching by: web-casting, blogs, videos, etc. Nowadays educators and teachers must stay up-to-date with technology, web resources, and tools that can help improve your classroom teaching. Students just love classroom interaction that includes videos, such as YouTube. As an educator we must stay current with the next generation.


Below you will find videos and information regarding children coloring. The name of my project is: “Color Me Perfect.” Just for kids! Jump on!




Try our slideshow maker at Animoto.

Color Barney

Why Do We Color?

Early Childhood Coloring Information







 References:

Robyler, M.D., & Doering, A.H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Boston,
                MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

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Monday, July 1, 2013

Week 5- Mobile Technology & Applications

“The internet has made such a difference in our society that it is difficult to remember when we did not depend on it for communications, instruction, and even entertainment. Yet today’s educational uses of the Internet bear little resemblance to its original purpose (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.214).” Furthermore, the most powerful tools on the Internet today are some of the following: wikis, podcasts, social networking, video sharing, and much more.

Using the iPad can improve reading skills. Improvements in the following areas: finding facts, identifying the main ideas, enhance a student’s reading skills, influence in writing skills, and learning and understanding vocabulary terms. I found that highlighting text in readings can be very helpful for kids. Highlighting can be used as: a pre-reading strategy, main ideas of the article or story, review questions, and can be changed to a variety of colors. Math apps for the iPads can be used outside of school to practice. Whereas, learning fractions, time tables, or even geometry can be difficult learning based on hand-written notes. I think when kids get a chance to look at videos with the teacher going over the work are so much better. Ten mathematics standards for students: numbers and operations; algebra, geometry; measurement; data analysis; probability; problem solving; reasoning and proof; communication and representations. Two forms of language learning: foreign language learning and second language learning. Resources a student can use to help improve language learning: learning games on handheld devices, language labs, radio broadcasts, translation websites/devices, and podcasts. “Technology opens the doors of modern language classrooms to students with diverse needs because it allows access to the curriculum as well as information about language and culture (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.292).”


Bringing tablets, iPods, and iPads in the classroom will forever change a classroom environment. Students will feel that they could play games, listen to music, etc. when on these sorts of devices in the classrooms. However, the apps will be beneficial to a child’s need. Apps and games today help to develop a child’s critical and analytical skills which is a plus for their future (Roblyer & Doering, 2013).

*Effective teaching with the iPad: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9RiZIwfbKzE#at=91


I personally feel that iPads and tablets used in the classroom are beneficial in the following ways: equal learning opportunities, learning tool, engage students more, children with no computers at home a chance to stay current with technology, and much more. I honestly believe we can all say and agree that technology is the future of our education (young and old that is continuing education) (Roblyer & Doering, 2013). Technology is responsible for enhancing a student’s basic skills, communication skills, and success. Also, technology should never be used to replace a teacher, but to enable them. Technology is known to have its own magic and is drastically changing the people’s view and education.

*Using the iPad in the classroom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K11LUjT_fL4


Below are a few beneficial educational apps that I founded for kids. These apps can be used for the classroom or at home:


Language development (foreign/second language): 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tiga-talk-speech-therapy-games/id412024533?mt=8app 

Help children who are in the beginning stages of speaking, learning how to make 23 core phonetic sounds through playful voice games to improve their speech. App is designed for preschoolers and up. App can be used to improve and teach in the following areas: language development.

 Math:
 http://bestappsforkids.com/2013/02/doodle-learning-maths/

App is designed for second-graders and up. Children can practice basic math skills (addition, subtract multiplication, division), and working with large numbers. App features multiple levels, graphics, sound effects, reset button for new players, and builds speed in working out problems. App is used to improve and teach the following areas: math.


Language Arts: 

App is designed for preschoolers-elementary students. Children can practice long and short vowels, blends, diagraphs, r-controlled vowels, words ending with le, and much more. App features: tutorials, voice over play directions, multiple players, and over three levels of difficulty. App is used to improve and teach in the following areas: language arts.

Reading:

App is designed for toddlers and up. Children are taught: to develop literacy, recognize and read new words. This is a read-along storytelling app that records and plays children voices, teaches vocabulary, and the ability to share videos.



Reference:
Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.).
                Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon Publishers.

                


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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Week 4-Instructional Software

Instructional Software today is not here to replace teachers, but to enable them. This software helps in teaching and learning for the kids which makes teaching much more exciting for teachers. Some instructional software is intended to support rather than deliver instructions for teachers. Instructional software can be anything ranging from: computer-assisted learning (CAL); computer-based learning (CBL); or computer-based instruction (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.78).

Chapter 3 discusses a variety of instructional software such as: instructional games, problem-solving, simulation, learning systems, tutorial, and drill and practice. “Software tools serve many purposes other than teaching; instructional software packages are developed for the sole purpose of supporting instruction and/or learning (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.78).”

Instructional software helps to give students that 21st century (Y-Generation) skills to become lifelong learners. Student’s motivation and achievement usually rises much more when instructional software is involved.

Drill and Practice:
  •  The purpose of drill and practice is to provide exercises in which students work example items ad receive feedback on their correctness.
  •     Purpose of classroom uses: to supplement or replace worksheets, and to help prepare for tests.
  •     Activities: flash cards, chart fill-ins, branching drills, and extensive feedback activities.
  •      Advantages: immediate feedback, motivates students, and saves teacher time.      
Helpful website:
Helpful website:

Tutorials:
  •       The purpose of tutorials is to provide alternative learning strategies and to give instructions when teachers are absent.
  •     Purpose of classroom uses: programs that provide an instructional sequence on a topic that could be used as a teacher’s classroom instruction.
  •      Advantages: same as drill and practice, offers instructions that can stand alone, can be linear or branching, and self-paced.

Simulation:
  • ·        The purpose of simulation program is to provide models of real or imaginary systems that teach you how a system works. There are four kinds of simulation software: physical, iterative, procedural, and situational.
    ·         Purpose of classroom uses: to foster exploration and process learning, and to encourage cooperation and group work.
    ·         Advantages: compress time, slow down processes, get students involved, allows observation, and saves money and resources.

    Helpful website:
    Helpful website:

    Instructional Games:
    ·         The purpose of instructional games it to add game like rules and/or competition to learning activities. Can often be used to underline a skill or reward.
    ·         Purpose of classroom uses: replace worksheets and exercises; treated as an reward; and teach cooperative group working skills.
    ·         Advantages: appealing formats, increases student motivation, challenges students, and slight violence/aggression.

    Helpful website
    Helpful website:

    Problem-Solving:
    ·         The purpose of problem-solving is teaching component skills in problem-solving. Students find this program challenging and interesting as it teaches them problem-solving skills.
    ·         Purpose of classroom uses: teaches students solving strategies, improves student motivation, and encourages group problem-solving.
    ·         Advantages: promotes visualization in mathematics problem solving, prevents inert knowledge and improves student’s interests and motivation.

    Helpful website:

     Integrated Learning Systems:
    ·         Integrated learning systems are online systems that provide both computer-based instructions where it tracks and reports students’ progress.
    ·         Purpose of classroom uses: directed and constructivist uses, instructions that meet the needs of students. Also, helps to meet teachers/district account ability requirements.
    ·         Advantages: district-and-state-adopted academic standards, and accountability requirements of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act.

    Helpful website:





    Reference:
    Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching
    (6th ed.). Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon Publishers

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Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Article Critique - One-to-One Computing-Week 3

One to one computing is basically putting a computer in the hands of a student in the classroom. Students are able to research assignments, access to the Internet, work in teams, and able to increase their problem solving and critical skills.

Using computers and technology devices has a greater impact on students. Schools with one to one computing programs had “fewer discipline problems, lower dropout rates, and higher rates of college attendance than schools with a higher ratio of students to computers (Devaney, 2010).” Some schools has realized that learning at a distance is becoming popular and has made it a part of their curriculum requirement.

States such as: Alabama and Florida are taking advantage of this access (one-to-one computing). For example, the project in Maine in the year of 2001 led a successful statewide pilot program. The program lasted 3 years where it showed that the middle school students outperformed the students who were not in the program (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.24). States are still testing this program, where some schools have been unsuccessful in this area.


Study says, in non-one-to-one computing programs has risen to 69%, and 70% of one-to-one computing programs for students (Devaney, 2010). To be successful in one-to-one computing educators must put learning outcomes first, and utilize this method to define technology. Technology devices should match the learning objectives and the student for maximum results. Below is the experiment on laptops. 


1.       Provide the complete article title and author


Laptops and Fourth-Grade Literacy: Assisting the Jump over the Fourth-Grade Slump by Grimes, D., Hernandez, D.A., Suhr, K.A., & Warschauer, M.


2.       State the intended audience. (What is empirical research and how does it help the classroom?)       


An empirical research is usually data taken from an experiment. Empirical articles are often written in scholarly peer-reviewed journals. Empirical research in the classroom can help explore one’s mind versus depending solely upon raw data. The intended audience for the particular article would be for teachers and parents of a fourth grade student. Based on studies the students with laptops have outstanding written compositions, greater interest in school, and enhanced their learning abilities in laptop literacy.


3.       What is/are the research question/questions or hypothesis/hypotheses?


The research questions are as followed:Researchers investigated the effects of technology (student use of laptop computers) on academic success in the overall language arts department for a two-year period. Also,  can participation in a one-to-one laptop program be used to predict changes in ELA total and subtest scores over the two-year period from third  grade to fifth grade?


4.       Describe the subject (participants) and the procedures (methods) used by the researcher(s)?


The participants included: teachers, students, collected samples of teacher and student artifacts, observed classes, and interviewed teachers. There was a total of 108 participants which was broken down into two groups: control and treatment groups. Both groups were divided into 54 students per classroom where each group had a different instructor each year. The treatment group were the students who participated in the one-to-one laptop program. The control group were the students who were placed in the non-laptop classes. Control group could not have more than six hours per week on computers. The control group had the following access to computers: in-class desktop, computer labs, and mobile laptop carts. When evaluating the scores of the two groups was based off the following criterion: parents education, gender, ethnicity, and ELL status.


5.       What were the conclusions of the researchers? Do you agree or disagree with the conclusions? Support your position.


The treatment group (laptop students) performed better than the control group (non-laptop students). Whereas, writing and literary responses had the best results from the experiment. With that being said researchers think laptops has a small effect on scores increasing.  I agree with the article due to the improvements of technology today.


6.       What suggestions for further research do the authors suggest? What other suggestions for future research would you suggest?


If the sample size was larger, and the study had more diverse students then the results would have scored better. Also, researchers did not have enough gathered data on teachers to provide an accurately information (answers).


Works Cited
Devaney, L. (2010), July 26). Study reveals factors in ed-tech success. eSchool News.
                Retrieved from http://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/06/28/survey-reveals-
                factors- in-ed-tech-success/

Grimes, D., Hernandez, D.A., Suhr, K.A., & Warschauer, M. (2010). Laptops and
                Fourth-Grade Literacy: Assisting the Jump over the Fourth-Grade Slump.
                Journal of Technology, Learning, and Assessment, 9(5). Retrieved June
                17, 2013 from http://www.jtla.org

Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.). Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon Publishers.



More information on one-to-one computing Click Here:


Some Disagree About One-to-One Computing. Do you? Click Here:



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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

ED505-My favorite technology

Technology has grown rapidly today and still is increasing. Students are now using laptops, iPads, iPods, and cellphones in their everyday use. Educators have to maintain an interest in the newly technology to be able to relate to students. Technology has the power in enhancing a student’s success, basic skills and communication skills.

My favorite technology is the Smart Board. You can use the Smart Board to do anything you would like and conduct activities. The Smart Board is like a projector, whiteboard and computer all into one. I use the Smart Board to do the following: demonstrate examples, show videos, work together as a group on class worksheets, web searches, PowerPoint, can be used as a timer for tests, and much more. The Smart Board is like a motivator, and the best part is that you get to save every file you create.


“Learning should be hands-on and experience-based, and that meaningful learning resulted from students working together on tasks related to their interest (Dewey, p.41).” Students love to play around with the Smart Board to do presentations or just to share information. Technology in the class is improving the following: lectures, attitudes, and decreasing the number of drop-outs. 


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