EDLD 5364 WEEK 3

EDLD 5364 WEEK 3 POST:

The videos discussed just how integrated we are with technology, especially among our youth.  Our lives are so filled with technology, it is crucial for us to have a basic knowledge of technology. The media, from television to internet, uses technology non-stop.  It sometimes can be overwhelming to us. Schools are now using technology to introduce new ways of learning as well as keep up with students. When using technology in the classroom it is important to remember to use it where it will engage students, encourage students to be creative, empower students, and allow students to learn with self-direction. It is also essential that schools teach children how to stay safe on the internet; teachers must supervise students using the internet and make sure they are using it safely.

The digital youth portrait videos featuring Luis and Cameron both show how young people are using technology not just to benefit themselves but to make a difference in other people’s lives. Luis is constantly using technology such as the computer to stay in contact with friends and family. He also uses the internet to help his family pay bills online. Luis is involved in his school in afterschool programs to help younger students learn how to use technology by building robots.  The teachers believe that technology is a way to motivate students to achieve their goals; technology in essence allows students to “take over” their own learning.  Luis and the teachers believe that the use of technology allows everyone to see just what technology can do.

Cameron is a hockey player who uses technology to make videos of him practicing hockey shots. He is a visual learner, his teachers allow him to make videos of lessons taught in class. He then makes fun videos that present the material in a visual and creative viewpoint. Teachers should not be afraid to let the kids learn on their own using technology, it opens up new levels of learning for both parties.  In Cameron’s case he sometimes teaches his teachers how to use certain aspects of technology. We as educators should be able to let students teach us something, especially when it comes to something technological.

The top 10 tips for teaching with technology include aspects such as streaming video, music, teleconferencing, interactive exercises, and the use of social networks. Students can relate to all these approaches to teaching using technology. The use of social networks can speak volumes to students; it is a great way to engage students in team learning. After all, students already use most of this technology outlets so why not introduce them into the classroom and see what results come from it.

The readings introduced new avenues of learning using social networks. Social networks connect many people together to be social, but now educators can use social networks to help students learn. Social networks can engage students by creating small groups to work on projects, the students can post their own questions, teachers can use the network to stay connected to other teachers and view teaching software, and students can share their works online to others.  The reading states that teachers will usually do whatever it takes to help students learn, so by allowing technology and social networks to have a place in the classroom it shows just how much education is changing.  Providing feedback was another topic introduced through the readings. Feedback gives students a way to know just how well they are learning or performing certain skills. Whether the feedback is positive or negative, feedback speaks volumes for how a person learns. Feedback should be timely, corrective, and specific.  There are many wed resources for measuring student feedback such as clickers and word processing programs.  Educators can design software programs to find just about any kind of information about how their students are learning.  The formation of lesson plans was another great topic of interest throughout the readings.  The main components of creating effective lessons could be comprised of: what will students learn, what strategies will show evidence that the student is learning, and how will students demonstrate they have mastered what you are trying to teach them.

The CAST, UDL reads were great- they set us up great for this week’s assignment part 2. Universal Design for Learning understands that everyone learns differently and has different approaches to satisfy each learner’s unique needs.  We will be creating a book builder using ideas from the UDL approach.  UDL is set in three different components: recognition, affective, and strategic aspects.  Each has their own respective learning “outcome” or description.  These CAST/UDL readings will greatly influence our group project as well as allow us to gain new knowledge in composing lesson plans and books for students with all backgrounds of learning.

Discussion: “According to Harvard researcher John Hattie, who analyzed almost 8,000 studies on learning and instruction, feedback is ‘the most powerful single innovation that enhances achievement. The simplest prescription for improving education must be ‘dollops’ of feedback.”

This quote is extremely significant to every educator and student in the world.  Feedback means everything. Giving feedback should be timely, corrective (not destructive), as well as encouraging. When a student receives positive feedback the student is given a spectacular feeling of achievement and motivation to keep up their good work.  Feedback should not be given in a negative manner. When a student is corrected with negative feedback, such as yelling or derogatory remarks it does nothing but bring down the spirits of that student. When a student needs correcting the teacher should be positive at the same time make the point that the student needs to improve or improve a certain area. This can be done in a positive manner, this can then motivate the student to better themselves as well as build their morale.

Positive feedback goes a long way when it comes to student production. I know when I am told that I did a great job on a project that makes me feel special- it is a very mental aspect. So we must give our students positive feedback and encourage them to reach their goals and aspirations. Educators can give positive feedback by giving students a prize, such as candy or a sticker, for a correct answer or book report.  These small mementos both encourage as well as engage student success.  It is essentially the same as when we receive a raise in pay- we are rewarded for a job well done.  

Citation: Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 41.