Advantages:
Technology has the ability to bring the intangible and abstract to life. This is especially important in mathematics. Software, such as Virtual Manipulatives, “provides learners with the opportunity to visualize and make more concrete the generally abstract world of mathematics” (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 310). Another advantage of using technology in math is that it is “more student-centered, active, and relevant to the world we live in” (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 310). The integration of technology in mathematics continues to build higher cognitive problem solving, logic, and reasoning skills.
Disadvantages:
Mathematics requires quite a bit of practice at problem-solving. Technology cannot solely take the place of good ol’ fashion paper and pencil with certain elements of mathematics. Roblyer and Doering (2013) point out that teachers need to balance the “combination of off- and on-computer activities” (p. 310). In addition, I believe the directed approach to teaching mathematics is essential and at the forefront of learning of mathematics. Though the “math wars” (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 310) continue with debate and research touting constructivists vs. direct instruction views, working with learning disabled students has shown me that not all students can construct their own knowledge, especially in mathematics. According to Roblyer and Doering (2013), there is the "current emphasis in mathematics instruction…on learning higher order mathematics skills, [and] students often need more resources to support the practice of basic skills. These skills provide an important foundation on which they can build more advanced skill" (p. 317).
Most Beneficial Technology Assignments:
By far, the most beneficial assignment was the creation of my College and Career Readiness and Transition Skills Wiki because it “contains the ongoing work of many authors,” thus my students (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 268). I have already taken this assignment further than the requirements for this class and plan to immediately implement this with my high school students next year. The implementation of the College and Career Readiness Standards, beginning with all of Alabama’s freshmen this next school year, specifically target the curriculum of the future. This being said, another beneficial project was the Instructional Design assignment. This assignment focused on Job Interviewing Skills, and ties directly to the content of my wiki. I plan to use them in tandem this next year.
Roblyer M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Wiki Resources - Module 5 Post
Web-based activities are the new and cool tool used in today’s classrooms. They enhance learning and provide a "hybrid learning" opportunity in which students can learn through both online and face-to-face interactions (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 212). Of course these students must possess responsibility, self-organization, and technology skills to be successful, but students can be successful learning through these activities (p. 213).
I plan to create a College and Career Readiness wiki, "a collection of web pages located in an online community that encourage collaboration or modify content,” for my students as an "interactive learning community" (p. 223, 227). In my search I found two wikis that have assisted me in how to structure my wiki, as well as provide multiple resources. One high school created a Career Exploration wiki. It guides the students through a series of activities regarding their preferences, strengths, and goals. In addition, the students take self assessments to identify possible careers that are potentially available. Once these are identified then the students explore those careers through various web links. Another wiki focuses more on postsecondary education. This College Wiki provides sites for college searches, scholarship information, and assessment preparation. Furthermore, there is a small section on careers and interview tips for students either entering the work force immediately after high school or for that first job following college graduation.
Roblyer and Doering (2013) state that web-based projects are “rich in resources and learning possibilities” (p. 241). Podcasts are another tool using in web-based learning. I found a Test Preparation website that offers various podcasts to aid in the preparation of college entrance exams such as the ACT and SAT. They provide day-of tips and a checklist of what to bring to the testing site. Another site provides a lengthy but highly relevant podcast on Real World Job Readiness. The interviewee is a career coach and provides information on how to prepare one’s self for the career world.
I searched Diigo, my current social bookmarking site, and found Rebecca Hockridge and Kristi Enger. Both of these women have a numerous bookmarks for both college and career exploration. Though most of the tags are on these two areas, there are other tags for financial aid, scholarships, career planning, and interviewing skills.
Lastly, I have searched for widgets. I never fully understood a widget until I started looking for them. There are literally THOUSANDS of them! I am definitely hooked and want to appropriately utilize them on my wiki and other web-based projects. I found a College Search Widget and a Job Search Widget that may be useful but I wanted to find other tools that my students could use on the site. Because many students need to continue working on organization skills, I found a To Do List widget that will assist my students in completing assignments in a timely and organized manner. In addition, the Sticky Notes widget will allow them to make notes directly on the site without having to either physically write or open another program.
I plan to create a College and Career Readiness wiki, "a collection of web pages located in an online community that encourage collaboration or modify content,” for my students as an "interactive learning community" (p. 223, 227). In my search I found two wikis that have assisted me in how to structure my wiki, as well as provide multiple resources. One high school created a Career Exploration wiki. It guides the students through a series of activities regarding their preferences, strengths, and goals. In addition, the students take self assessments to identify possible careers that are potentially available. Once these are identified then the students explore those careers through various web links. Another wiki focuses more on postsecondary education. This College Wiki provides sites for college searches, scholarship information, and assessment preparation. Furthermore, there is a small section on careers and interview tips for students either entering the work force immediately after high school or for that first job following college graduation.
Roblyer and Doering (2013) state that web-based projects are “rich in resources and learning possibilities” (p. 241). Podcasts are another tool using in web-based learning. I found a Test Preparation website that offers various podcasts to aid in the preparation of college entrance exams such as the ACT and SAT. They provide day-of tips and a checklist of what to bring to the testing site. Another site provides a lengthy but highly relevant podcast on Real World Job Readiness. The interviewee is a career coach and provides information on how to prepare one’s self for the career world.
I searched Diigo, my current social bookmarking site, and found Rebecca Hockridge and Kristi Enger. Both of these women have a numerous bookmarks for both college and career exploration. Though most of the tags are on these two areas, there are other tags for financial aid, scholarships, career planning, and interviewing skills.
Lastly, I have searched for widgets. I never fully understood a widget until I started looking for them. There are literally THOUSANDS of them! I am definitely hooked and want to appropriately utilize them on my wiki and other web-based projects. I found a College Search Widget and a Job Search Widget that may be useful but I wanted to find other tools that my students could use on the site. Because many students need to continue working on organization skills, I found a To Do List widget that will assist my students in completing assignments in a timely and organized manner. In addition, the Sticky Notes widget will allow them to make notes directly on the site without having to either physically write or open another program.
Roblyer M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th
ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.
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