Journal Post #2

Journal Post #2

Sunday 26th, 2014

Chapter 2 understanding educational technology issues and trends.

Focus question:
What are the major issues, developments, and trends in the field of educational technology?

     A major issue is that there is a lot of digital divides and participation gaps between the students. A lot of these students come from low-income and nonwhite homes and because of this students do not have access to computers or even the internet. If these students continue to not have access to computers or to the newest technologies they would be left behind in an academic gap, which means students from high-income families would be able to achieve the academic standards than the lower-income students. In my opinion a way to help lower-income students is to provide technology in the classrooms. If students are able to have technology in the classrooms they will be more literate in technology and help students with their academics. I think some of the trends in the field of educational technology is that teachers are using online videos, podcasts, and other forms of media, so students can go back to review or maybe get motived to do academic work. As an educator you want to see students succeed and it is a great way to create a different learning experience. Technology helps students excel in problem solving and critical thinking by doing online research, electronic worksheets, and doing online tutoring programs.

Credit: Canopy Oaks Elementary website

Connection possibilities:

     Ted talks are video presentations that can include project ideas, musical performances, poetry, and including so much more. In my perspective it is a good tool to be used by educators to have another way to each students about different subjects and ideals. It is also a fun way for students to learn by using computer graphics and animations.

Summary and connection:

     Chapter 2 discusses how technologies are engaging students in learning and how technology can also become a barrier for a students academic success. The reason is because of the different technology teachers are now using. Growing up for me was so different from how students are growing up in the present. From an early age students are learning how to use computers for either doing presentations on powerpoints or doing online classes. And when I was young all my presentations were on poster boards and online classes were unknown.

Resources:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park 

     (2013).Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson 

     Education, Inc.

Journal Post #1
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Chapter 1 – Becoming a 21^st Century Teacher
Focus Question: What are 21^st Century skills and 21^st Century technologies?  
   What are 21^st century skills you ask? Well 21^st century skills represent the knowledge and understandings that students need to have in order to understand the developed technological society we have now in days. These Skills include making informed judgments, and the ability to think critically for reasons including and not limited to communicate and collaborate with others and using technology in a creative way. To Find and discover the information they need and use them in innovative ways.       
 21^st century technologies have a huge range from computers, smartphones, and tablets.  Technology today has the potential to do many things from transforming media to creating them. With the technology today anything is possible for example sharing networking, social Network teaming, social bookmarking sites.21^st Technology and 21st-century skills are directly connected by using computers which has access to the Internet leading to  endless outcomes. These outcomes offer inspiring ways for students to live by thinking critically on a problem and resolving them. 

                                                    picture by Stanley Rutkowski on coetail


Text tool :Tablets, smartphones, and laptops are just some of the most used technologies today. All devices which are something I find really useful, little computers you can carry around with you. Laptops can run multiple windows and have substantial battery life. Laptops come in different forms which include ultra portable, thin and light and including mid-size. Ultraportable are the smallest computers you can find of course they have smaller screen and keyboard they can be touch screens and stylus typing ones.Thin and light is the best combination of both ultraportable and midsize models it files storage with good speed and is a little more expensive than ultraportable it has a midsize screen and weighs heavier. Midsize laptops have high resolution screens and have an okay battery life and enough power to store multiple files. Just like the one I have which I believe is the best to use for school work. Tablets are touch screen computers they are small flat screen and also provide Internet access through any network companies that include Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. The best-selling and a personal favorite would be apples iPad its Lightweight easy to carry around and the best of all. I can complete schoolwork on it. There are now tablets that you can put Microsoft programs in it so and have CD slots in them and it’s even more convenient. Smartphones are mobile telephones that can perform a great range of things smart phones have voice communication, text messaging and video viewing.You can access the Internet which can be very useful for example I use one myself when Stores have coupons but not only that also I submit schoolwork from my smart phone when I'm busy.  

Photo credit to elcique on Flickr

Summary & Connection The first chapter gave so much information .The chapter discussed how computers, social media,internet and how other new technologies are being used among students as well as how it affects them.Also it described ways teachers can use 21^st Century technologies to teach 21^st Century skills to the classroom.Along the chapter it explained how to organize and begin building your own digital identity as a technology using teacher.which makes me a little scared and excited. I am scared of  technology and media because of of the fact that there is so many out there.There is an enormous variety of technology out there and new technology is invented every now and then, But I'm looking forward to learning all about it and expanding my knowledge in technology using.



Resources: 
Textbook - Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.