I am so amazed how far we have come with technology. I can remember in school we didn't have computers. (I am showing my age aren't I?) Then I had a job at the bank and I had been there for 10 years and I wanted to work with computers. When I talked to my boss about having the opportunity to do that, he said he didn't them using computer much. I left and found a job where I used the computer for bookkeeping. I craved the knowledge of learning the computer I became quite the expert. At least at my job. Then I had the opportunity to work in education. The computers in the building were just moving from a computer lab to 5 computers in each classroom. The use of the computers was very minimal. Teachers did not know much but to let the students type a story on the computer. Slowly, very slowly, software was purchased and technology worked its way into the classroom and district. Again I craved learning as much as I could. I was able to help the teachers implement a lot of the technology.
I thought what an exciting time. Now all of a sudden technology has exploded. The different uses for technology is amazing. There are so much differen hardware. The prices have come down so much. The opportunity for social networking is amazing. Blogs, Wikis, webpages, email, Second Life etc. The list just goes on and on.
What has been your experience with technology?
Friday, December 5, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Turnaround Schools
I have been in Chicago for a couple of days at a conference. I have been learning about Turnaround Schools. There are several large school districts who talked about implementing the concept of Turnaround schools. This is when schools are low performing for 5 years or more. The districts find that this is the only option. I have heard several scenarios but the most common is when the students stay in the building and the entire staff is changed. There has been good results with students making great strides of academic improvement.
As I listened to the presenters, I couldn't help but think how much technology could make a difference in their education. Not necessarily adding new computers, but by giving new options.
Option One: If teachers are having difficulty reaching the students then online courses would be a good option for these students. It would allow them to learn in a way that is best for them. It will provide a high quality teacher for the subject.
Option Two: Invest in new technology. One good example is the Promethean Board. See this website http://www.prometheanworld.com/index.php . I have never had the privilege of using this with students. I have seen the technology and there is a lot that can be done with it. It allows students to respond to what is going on in the classroom. It allows the teacher to see if the students are understanding the material.
Option Three: Integrate technology in the classroom. Discovery Education http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/ along with Safari Montage http://www.safarimontage.com/ are offering subscriptions for streaming video -on-demand. This is one way to integrate the technology. Students can get an experience they might not normally have without the technology. It is a great tool to have a virtual field trip. It is useful for students who are visual learners. There are so many doors that are opened up to students with the use of streaming video.
What is your opinion? What things would get children excited about learning? Have you used any of these technologies before? What other options would be available for the students to learn in a different environment.
As I listened to the presenters, I couldn't help but think how much technology could make a difference in their education. Not necessarily adding new computers, but by giving new options.
Option One: If teachers are having difficulty reaching the students then online courses would be a good option for these students. It would allow them to learn in a way that is best for them. It will provide a high quality teacher for the subject.
Option Two: Invest in new technology. One good example is the Promethean Board. See this website http://www.prometheanworld.com/index.php . I have never had the privilege of using this with students. I have seen the technology and there is a lot that can be done with it. It allows students to respond to what is going on in the classroom. It allows the teacher to see if the students are understanding the material.
Option Three: Integrate technology in the classroom. Discovery Education http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/ along with Safari Montage http://www.safarimontage.com/ are offering subscriptions for streaming video -on-demand. This is one way to integrate the technology. Students can get an experience they might not normally have without the technology. It is a great tool to have a virtual field trip. It is useful for students who are visual learners. There are so many doors that are opened up to students with the use of streaming video.
What is your opinion? What things would get children excited about learning? Have you used any of these technologies before? What other options would be available for the students to learn in a different environment.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Welcome to my blog
Today is the first day I am creating my own blog. I have gone back to school to get my Master's Degree in Education Technology through Devry University. The class I am currently in is called Learning Communities. One of our assignments is to create a blog. I invite you to comment on my postings.
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