This week I had a chance to look at a great website, PD360. It contains videos and other resources for administrators, teachers, and others in the educational field. I took the time to view a few videos from Michael Fullan. He is an advocate on school improvement and change with technology integration. There were some powerful things that were expressed. I took some things from Fullan and expanded my research. Currently, the middle school where I currently change is on the brink of change. We are looking to integrating technology with iPads. Some of the administration and teachers are receptive to the idea, yet some are apprehensive. This is partial due to fear and lack of knowledge of iPads. Below is my synopsis of change and my beliefs to the pros of such a technological advancement integrated into the classroom.
Synopsis of Change...the pros to iPads in the classroom
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Place Test: Technology Endorsement trial!
This week, I took some time to look at the Colorado Place Test for Instructional Technology Endorsement. For starters, I never realized how many objectives there were to Instructional Technology. As I was reading the objectives, I found myself analyzing which ones I used in my science classroom. Then I took the practice test to see how well I knew the objectives. The link below is the test I took.
Instructional Technology Practice Test
I scored a 11/12 giving me a 92% on the practice test. The one question I missed was #10. The question was in reference to which way to assess 4th graders narrowing their internet search. I chose the best answer to be A; however, the correct answer was C. As a middle school teacher, it made more sense to have my students provide me with websites that were the most useful with information vs. giving them an assignment to look for specific facts. The answer C made more sense for a 4th grader; however, I think it is still a good skill for students to evaluate and analyze websites as well. As a secondary teacher, it is definitely in my nature to think of their abilities and my expecations over elementary.
So the objective I still need to work on is: Understand principles of planning and designing learning environments and experiences supported by technology. At least in recognizing learning environments are obviously different in elementary vs. secondary. Overall, the experience was fun and insightful!
Instructional Technology Practice Test
I scored a 11/12 giving me a 92% on the practice test. The one question I missed was #10. The question was in reference to which way to assess 4th graders narrowing their internet search. I chose the best answer to be A; however, the correct answer was C. As a middle school teacher, it made more sense to have my students provide me with websites that were the most useful with information vs. giving them an assignment to look for specific facts. The answer C made more sense for a 4th grader; however, I think it is still a good skill for students to evaluate and analyze websites as well. As a secondary teacher, it is definitely in my nature to think of their abilities and my expecations over elementary.
So the objective I still need to work on is: Understand principles of planning and designing learning environments and experiences supported by technology. At least in recognizing learning environments are obviously different in elementary vs. secondary. Overall, the experience was fun and insightful!
Technology Requriements...what do they mean?
At the beginning of my teaching career, I used to think that technology requirements were minimal and mostly optional. Of course, I knew that it was important to communicate with parents and staff through emails and create assignments/assessments with work processing and test generators. However, I never thought it was vital to implement technological tools into the classroom. Over the course of my career, my attitude of technology requirements has definitely changed. Now, I believe it is vital to implement as much technology as possible. As a guideline, I've come to rely on the NETS standards for students and teachers.
Until I started looking into technology standards, I never knew that the Colorado Department of Education used have an actual standard for technology, known as Standard Seven: Knowledge for Technology. Since I only knew about the NETS standards created by ISTE, I took it upon myself to do some further investigation. In the link below is a comparison of the two:
Standard Seven vs. NETS Standards for Teachers
In my comparison, I talk about both, but that NETS standards are much better geared towards today's 21st Century Learners and Educators. Throughout my investigation, I thought Standard Seven was positive addition to teacher requirements; however it definitely needed to be revised. Of course, it was completely deleted and NETS' standards for teachers was adopted by the Colorado Department of Education.
As an educator of Generation Z, I believe it is important for me to recognize and use standards given to us by the ISTE over Standard Seven. Since I teach 21 Century Learners, it is natural to use standards that are designed particularly for these type of learners. The beauty about national standards is that every one will be providing students the same knowledge and type of experience throughout the nation. Since I'm technically from Generation Y, I have a tendency to accept some of these new technological advancements a little more than some of my colleagues.
In my classroom, I definitely try to integrate technology on a regular basis. I find it to keep my students much more actively engaged because it is something exciting from them. However, it is important to realize when it is appropriate to use technology in the classroom. It should never be used to replace the teacher or take away from real life experiences. I still incorporate as many hands on lessons as well as real life scenarios/experiences as much as I can into the classroom. The key is to realize when technology is effective and when it is abused. Some type of technological tools that I like to use include youtube videos, webquests, online posters, and iPad apps with my students. However, I'm now realizing how many other tools that can benefit my students like blogs for out of class debates when we run out of time in class, quizlets for assessments instead of paper test. The opportunities are endless. It will just require time and motivation on my part.
Resources:
Guidelines and examples for the implementation of. (2000, June 20). Retrieved from http://karenternes.com/pdf/st-7[3].pdf
The iste nets and performance indicators. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx
Until I started looking into technology standards, I never knew that the Colorado Department of Education used have an actual standard for technology, known as Standard Seven: Knowledge for Technology. Since I only knew about the NETS standards created by ISTE, I took it upon myself to do some further investigation. In the link below is a comparison of the two:
Standard Seven vs. NETS Standards for Teachers
In my comparison, I talk about both, but that NETS standards are much better geared towards today's 21st Century Learners and Educators. Throughout my investigation, I thought Standard Seven was positive addition to teacher requirements; however it definitely needed to be revised. Of course, it was completely deleted and NETS' standards for teachers was adopted by the Colorado Department of Education.
As an educator of Generation Z, I believe it is important for me to recognize and use standards given to us by the ISTE over Standard Seven. Since I teach 21 Century Learners, it is natural to use standards that are designed particularly for these type of learners. The beauty about national standards is that every one will be providing students the same knowledge and type of experience throughout the nation. Since I'm technically from Generation Y, I have a tendency to accept some of these new technological advancements a little more than some of my colleagues.
In my classroom, I definitely try to integrate technology on a regular basis. I find it to keep my students much more actively engaged because it is something exciting from them. However, it is important to realize when it is appropriate to use technology in the classroom. It should never be used to replace the teacher or take away from real life experiences. I still incorporate as many hands on lessons as well as real life scenarios/experiences as much as I can into the classroom. The key is to realize when technology is effective and when it is abused. Some type of technological tools that I like to use include youtube videos, webquests, online posters, and iPad apps with my students. However, I'm now realizing how many other tools that can benefit my students like blogs for out of class debates when we run out of time in class, quizlets for assessments instead of paper test. The opportunities are endless. It will just require time and motivation on my part.
Resources:
Guidelines and examples for the implementation of. (2000, June 20). Retrieved from http://karenternes.com/pdf/st-7[3].pdf
The iste nets and performance indicators. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Technology Integration...an even more in depth definition
In a previous post, I described my personal definition of Technology Integration. According to my EDTC 614 course, the definition is a little more in depth than just tools to enhance the students' learning experiences. It also incorporates technology based practices in daily routines and management of schools. By providing hardware and software to allow collaboration and communication among all educational staff. When you take into account this in depth definition, it really does embraces the idea of collaboration. Technology integration is not done by just one person. When it comes to integrating technological components into my curriculum, I have to rely on numerous people in my building and district to make it work. For example, in order for me to provide my students with a simple webquest assignment, I have to ask my technology specialist to make sure the hardware and software are up to date and in working order for my class. In return, she has to rely on the district specialist to determine the amount of bandwidth I need for all 30 of my students to be working wireless in the same building that other teachers may be doing the same type of activity with their own students. Not to mention, I need to rely on others to share information online that may be beneficial to use.
Because of the amount of collaboration needed to integrate technology into classrooms, the TPACK framework really does examine the best way to define technology integration. Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) combines the interactions of content, pedagogy, and technology knowledge. (Roblyer, pp. 49) The framework of TPACK really proves each is intertwined with each other. As a science teacher, I definitely developed my content knowledge first, then the pedagogy came through my early years of teaching experience, now technology knowledge has become and intricate part. Since technology knowledge has become so important, I took it upon myself to analyze the requirements of a technology educator in Colorado. According to the objectives for the Colorado Place Test. It was interesting to find out that one of the objectives for technology education is: To understand applications of mathematics and natural and physical science in technological systems and processes (http://www.place.nesinc.com/, 18 January 2012). Since science is constantly changing with new discoveries, it is vital for technology to communicate and educate these new science changes. So, as a science teacher, I have to rely heavily on technology to communicate to me, so I may teach my students the accurate, up to date information.
Since I rely on technology to communicate to me, I personally believe it is important for me to share information as well. Hence this blog. This is definitely an outlet for me to take some of my new found knowledge and share it with it others.
In my previous post, I talked about agreeing with Edutopia's definition of technology integration; however, after further consideration, it is much more involved and in depth.
Resources:
Core strategy: Technology integration. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/tech-integration
Program for Licensing Assessments for Colorado Educators. (2002). Retrieved from http://www.place.nesinc.com./
Roblyer, M.D., & Doering. A.H.(Ed.).(Recent edition). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Boston, MA: Allyn&Bacon.
Because of the amount of collaboration needed to integrate technology into classrooms, the TPACK framework really does examine the best way to define technology integration. Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) combines the interactions of content, pedagogy, and technology knowledge. (Roblyer, pp. 49) The framework of TPACK really proves each is intertwined with each other. As a science teacher, I definitely developed my content knowledge first, then the pedagogy came through my early years of teaching experience, now technology knowledge has become and intricate part. Since technology knowledge has become so important, I took it upon myself to analyze the requirements of a technology educator in Colorado. According to the objectives for the Colorado Place Test. It was interesting to find out that one of the objectives for technology education is: To understand applications of mathematics and natural and physical science in technological systems and processes (http://www.place.nesinc.com/, 18 January 2012). Since science is constantly changing with new discoveries, it is vital for technology to communicate and educate these new science changes. So, as a science teacher, I have to rely heavily on technology to communicate to me, so I may teach my students the accurate, up to date information.
Since I rely on technology to communicate to me, I personally believe it is important for me to share information as well. Hence this blog. This is definitely an outlet for me to take some of my new found knowledge and share it with it others.
In my previous post, I talked about agreeing with Edutopia's definition of technology integration; however, after further consideration, it is much more involved and in depth.
Resources:
Core strategy: Technology integration. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/tech-integration
Program for Licensing Assessments for Colorado Educators. (2002). Retrieved from http://www.place.nesinc.com./
Roblyer, M.D., & Doering. A.H.(Ed.).(Recent edition). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Boston, MA: Allyn&Bacon.
Technology Integration ...what is it?
According to Edutopia the definition of Technology Integration is as follows:
"Effective technology integration is achieved when its use supports curricular goals. It must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. " (http://www.edutopia.org/tech-integration, 18 January 2012).
I completely agree with this definition! When it comes to education, it is my duty to learn all the new technological advances and the ways it can really improve my curricula. Since the newest generation, Generation Z, is so technologically advanced, we, as educators, need to learn ways to support this generations learning. Technology Integration is definitely achieved when I use technology to enhance my lesson plans and keep my students actively engaged!
It is important to remember that technology is available to enhance the learning, not to take away from the actual educator. The role of technology is to not be the teacher; however it is there to enhance the curriculum to meet the learning styles our our 21st century learners. An great example is using technology to create twitter accounts to remind your students of upcoming test dates or assignments, but not to be used to teach the students the actual lesson. Technology can be wonderful when used at appropriate times. For instance, creating webquests to provide introductions or reinforcements to vocabulary are useful, but they should never be created to just provide a teacher a day to grade papers and not teach. The role of technology it to keep the students interested and engaged, but not to be the teacher.
Because technology is available, it is expected for teachers to stay up to date. In order for teachers to stay up to date on technology, I personally believe, it is the administration/district's job to provide the proper professional development opportunities. In my middle school, we have a "cadre" of staff members that participate in technology conferences such as ISTE and bring back the information the rest of the staff during professional development days. Then, once teachers are given the tools, I believe it is their responsibility to take the time to learn the tool as well as incorporate it into their curricula. I believe that many teachers are afraid of new technology tools, but they also never take the time to really explore and learn it. With the proper education and motivation, every teacher could integrate technology into the curriculum.
"Effective technology integration is achieved when its use supports curricular goals. It must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. " (http://www.edutopia.org/tech-integration, 18 January 2012).
I completely agree with this definition! When it comes to education, it is my duty to learn all the new technological advances and the ways it can really improve my curricula. Since the newest generation, Generation Z, is so technologically advanced, we, as educators, need to learn ways to support this generations learning. Technology Integration is definitely achieved when I use technology to enhance my lesson plans and keep my students actively engaged!
It is important to remember that technology is available to enhance the learning, not to take away from the actual educator. The role of technology is to not be the teacher; however it is there to enhance the curriculum to meet the learning styles our our 21st century learners. An great example is using technology to create twitter accounts to remind your students of upcoming test dates or assignments, but not to be used to teach the students the actual lesson. Technology can be wonderful when used at appropriate times. For instance, creating webquests to provide introductions or reinforcements to vocabulary are useful, but they should never be created to just provide a teacher a day to grade papers and not teach. The role of technology it to keep the students interested and engaged, but not to be the teacher.
Because technology is available, it is expected for teachers to stay up to date. In order for teachers to stay up to date on technology, I personally believe, it is the administration/district's job to provide the proper professional development opportunities. In my middle school, we have a "cadre" of staff members that participate in technology conferences such as ISTE and bring back the information the rest of the staff during professional development days. Then, once teachers are given the tools, I believe it is their responsibility to take the time to learn the tool as well as incorporate it into their curricula. I believe that many teachers are afraid of new technology tools, but they also never take the time to really explore and learn it. With the proper education and motivation, every teacher could integrate technology into the curriculum.
Friday, January 13, 2012
21st Century Educator
This week, I took the time to really evaluate being a 21st Century Educator. I call myself that due to the fact that I teach 21st Century Learners. Since I teach these type of learners, it is my job to stay current in relevant in my teaching, thus educational technology is vital.
So this week, I took my new found research on the importance of incorporating technology as well as Marazano's Nine Essential Strategies. These are some of the things that I came up with. As I continue my education, I know that I will be adding even more to these two links.
Marzano's Instructional Strategies in Relation to Technology
21st Century Skills and Strategies
So this week, I took my new found research on the importance of incorporating technology as well as Marazano's Nine Essential Strategies. These are some of the things that I came up with. As I continue my education, I know that I will be adding even more to these two links.
Marzano's Instructional Strategies in Relation to Technology
21st Century Skills and Strategies
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
ReIntroduction to me....
Greetings! My name is Erin Gaunce. I'm currently enrolled in my third class at Regis University as a work towards my goal in receiving my Masters in Informational Technology. Currently, I'm a 7th grade science teacher (teaching life science) in Academy 20 School District.
Being that Integrating Technology in Curriculum is my third class, I've had the opportunity to learn a little background about the different uses of technology and informational literacy. I'm looking forward to this class to take my background knowledge and help guide me into ways to incorporate it into my classroom curricula as well as teach other educators to do the same.
Three words that best descrive my relationship with technology is: Engaged, Demanded, and Necessary
I used to think that I was pretty knowledgeable about technology, but I've realized that is not the case. I used to use computers with my students to create webquests and online posters, but I never realized how much more I could do with them! Over the last couple of months, I've learned how to create a blog, follow blogs/wikispaces for further research, iPad apps to use in the classroom, and how everything can be put into the "cloud!" Being that I was born in the early 1980's consider myself to be a part of the Generation Y population; however, I teach Generation Z. So, it is important to continue my education in the biggest concept of Generation Z, technology!
I look forward to sharing my new found discoveries through this blog.
Being that Integrating Technology in Curriculum is my third class, I've had the opportunity to learn a little background about the different uses of technology and informational literacy. I'm looking forward to this class to take my background knowledge and help guide me into ways to incorporate it into my classroom curricula as well as teach other educators to do the same.
Three words that best descrive my relationship with technology is: Engaged, Demanded, and Necessary
I used to think that I was pretty knowledgeable about technology, but I've realized that is not the case. I used to use computers with my students to create webquests and online posters, but I never realized how much more I could do with them! Over the last couple of months, I've learned how to create a blog, follow blogs/wikispaces for further research, iPad apps to use in the classroom, and how everything can be put into the "cloud!" Being that I was born in the early 1980's consider myself to be a part of the Generation Y population; however, I teach Generation Z. So, it is important to continue my education in the biggest concept of Generation Z, technology!
I look forward to sharing my new found discoveries through this blog.
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