Tuesday, March 29, 2011
New Technology in the Classroom
It is imperative for educators to stay current on what innovative new technology is available for implementation in the classroom setting. As technology expands at alarming rates, new methods and strategies for teaching emerge as well. One example is that teachers are working to use technology to aid students who may have been neglected or left behind in the past. For example, many teachers are growing familiar with Smartboards and other Smart technology. However, a new innovation is the Smarttable. This has all the elements of the Smartboard, but in the form of a table. The table format is easier for students to reach; thus, it is easier for students to interact with. Plus, the table features other applications that make media integration easier. Interactive technology is starting to be favored for students who have language deficits or communication problems because these students are more comfortable and adept at interacting with a “thing” (the Smarttable), rather than a “being” (the teacher). In its limited use so far, the Smarttable has earned satisfactory reviews from its users. Unfortunately, the latest technology is often quite expensive, so a teacher must weigh its benefits with the cost of implementing it.
Teacher Webpages
Teacher web pages are quickly growing into one more resource teachers must have amongst their resources. A teacher web page is simply a website featuring information about a teacher, the class or classes he or she teaches, and any other information the teacher decides to add. Most teacher web pages are supported by the school district or specific school the teacher is in. The teacher can share personal information with students and parents, but most teachers limit this to a school phone number, email, and possibly office or classroom hours. Additionally, teachers can include essential course information such as a syllabus, rubrics for projects, worksheets, and notes. Many teachers have begun to include links to other websites too. For example, some teachers choose to include links where students can further explore topics discussed in class or locations where students can seek help with homework when the teacher is unavailable.
I do not have a teacher webpage as of yet, but I can envision what I would like it to look like. I plan to include contact information such as the school phone number, my school email address, and when I plan to be available before during and after school so that parents and students can both get in touch with me as necessary. I also plan to include a syllabus for each class I instruct for students to refer to. One unique item I would like to add is a link to students work that is exceptionally well done. Of coarse, I would have to gain permission and follow the proper channels in order to do this. Additionally, I want to include additional assignments students can complete if they decide to practice a certain aspect of the course further. Lastly, I will include links to resources used in class, as well as resources students might find helpful in completing assignments and projects.
Webquests, as with most things in life, have positive and negative aspects. One of the largest benefits is that as the prevalence of computers increases, websites become more and more accessible for students, which helps fill time when a teacher might not be available. Parents can also stay up to date on what students are doing at school, and can easily contact the school or teacher with any questions or concerns. However, teachers need to be careful when using a webpage. Giving too much personally information on a teacher webpage is unwise. Plus, any information given must constantly be kept updated, which can be a significant burdened coupled with the strain of regular teaching duties. Lastly, students might rely too heavily on a teacher’s webpage, which could cause problems if the student misinterprets information from the webpage or uses it as an excuse to not pay attention in class.
I do not have a teacher webpage as of yet, but I can envision what I would like it to look like. I plan to include contact information such as the school phone number, my school email address, and when I plan to be available before during and after school so that parents and students can both get in touch with me as necessary. I also plan to include a syllabus for each class I instruct for students to refer to. One unique item I would like to add is a link to students work that is exceptionally well done. Of coarse, I would have to gain permission and follow the proper channels in order to do this. Additionally, I want to include additional assignments students can complete if they decide to practice a certain aspect of the course further. Lastly, I will include links to resources used in class, as well as resources students might find helpful in completing assignments and projects.
Webquests, as with most things in life, have positive and negative aspects. One of the largest benefits is that as the prevalence of computers increases, websites become more and more accessible for students, which helps fill time when a teacher might not be available. Parents can also stay up to date on what students are doing at school, and can easily contact the school or teacher with any questions or concerns. However, teachers need to be careful when using a webpage. Giving too much personally information on a teacher webpage is unwise. Plus, any information given must constantly be kept updated, which can be a significant burdened coupled with the strain of regular teaching duties. Lastly, students might rely too heavily on a teacher’s webpage, which could cause problems if the student misinterprets information from the webpage or uses it as an excuse to not pay attention in class.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Webquests
A webquest is an interactive search for information where all or most of the information comes from the internet. It is a more interactive way for students to engage in learning rather than notes and lectures.
Webquests can be very useful for educators because it is a tool that can be used multiple ways. Webquests are quite versatile. For example, webquests are often designed to help students imagine they are scientists, archeologists, professional researchers, mathematicians, or journalists, among other things, instead of simply being students sitting in a classroom learning facts. Webquests are a tool of empowerment and imagination. A well-designed webquest helps foster students’ imaginations and build creative thinking skills. I plan to use webquests to introduce new topics in exciting ways so that students are interested in learning about the new topic once the time comes for learning concrete facts. I might also use webquests to differentiate material based on students’ abilities. A webquest can be easily modified to accommodate a vast array of students.
Pros: Some of the pros of webquests include:
• easy to find pre-made webquests if the teacher does not wish to create his or her own
• easy to modify in order to accommodate student needs
• the teacher does not have to lecture
• students are actively engaged in learning
• students are more invested in their own learning
• exciting change of pace for students, especially those who do not enjoy traditional classroom learning format
Cons: Some of the cons of webquests are:
• webquests can be tedious and time consuming, which takes away from other learning opportunities
• students may rely on one or two individuals to complete the webquest, then try to share answers
• the teacher cannot observe each student at the same time
• students might fall behind pace
• students might interpret information in a way that is incorrect
• students might end up somewhere on the internet that the teacher did not intend.
Webquests can be very useful for educators because it is a tool that can be used multiple ways. Webquests are quite versatile. For example, webquests are often designed to help students imagine they are scientists, archeologists, professional researchers, mathematicians, or journalists, among other things, instead of simply being students sitting in a classroom learning facts. Webquests are a tool of empowerment and imagination. A well-designed webquest helps foster students’ imaginations and build creative thinking skills. I plan to use webquests to introduce new topics in exciting ways so that students are interested in learning about the new topic once the time comes for learning concrete facts. I might also use webquests to differentiate material based on students’ abilities. A webquest can be easily modified to accommodate a vast array of students.
Pros: Some of the pros of webquests include:
• easy to find pre-made webquests if the teacher does not wish to create his or her own
• easy to modify in order to accommodate student needs
• the teacher does not have to lecture
• students are actively engaged in learning
• students are more invested in their own learning
• exciting change of pace for students, especially those who do not enjoy traditional classroom learning format
Cons: Some of the cons of webquests are:
• webquests can be tedious and time consuming, which takes away from other learning opportunities
• students may rely on one or two individuals to complete the webquest, then try to share answers
• the teacher cannot observe each student at the same time
• students might fall behind pace
• students might interpret information in a way that is incorrect
• students might end up somewhere on the internet that the teacher did not intend.
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