Assignment #1

Reading: Assigned text *Meaningful Learning with Technology Read chapters 1 and 2Assigned text *Podcasting for Teachers Read the Preface and skim read through Part 1 “Revolution in our Pockets”Article(s) 'Read' a, b, & c below follow the link to an online copy of each article (these are actually blog posts)

Responding: For chapters 1 and 2 (of Meaningful Learning with Technology) write a half page response (approx. 200 -250 words) for each chapter. Write a single, combined response for the 3 articles (blog posts, video) approx. 200 -250 words. Please do not summarize. Rather, give a response that:· reflects whether or not you agree with the position taken by the author,· have concerns with any of the facts or supporting ideas presented,· have insights about how this point relates in particular to your teaching assignment (job), and or philosophy of education· Other (type of response that reveals how your understanding has shifted, been reinforced, or expanded).


Student Response: This widely debated topic of the validity of student testing is ongoing and legitimate. The author takes a negative endorsement towards standardized testing claiming the results produce ineffective teaching techniques. I agree that there is a disconnect between the materials taught and the materials presented in standardized tests. That gap must be bridged by more appropriate measures of teaching, not limited to teaching to the tests, but also doing drills that enhance the actual skills being tested. I agree that learning is acquired when students are engaged in the task and current learning activity, therefore, using material that is interesting and appealing to the age group at hand is important to retain the students maximum attention and increase learning success.

As far as using technology to teach, I believe it is a natural progression for education. Everything is influenced by technology. When computers were invented, everything was revolutionized and improved by incorporating the usage of computer technology. Likewise, I believe that education is equally impacted by the application of computers to teaching. Children are naturally drawn to new and sophisticated technology. There is a great lesson I like to teach about this based on Thomas Edison. When my students start to see all the things they would not be able to do if there were no electricity, they realize how important the initial foundations of knowledge is. Because of the natural gravitation of students towards all things electronic, like I-pods, Cell phones, computer games and computers, it is a wonderful tool to enhance a student’s interest, motivation and increase learning potential.

Using the internet for research is excellent. I concur the author’s sentiments in this second chapter. Information gathering via the internet is a useful tool. The task of finding and collecting data on any given research topic from countries to animals to statistics figures is both fun and educational. In a fraction of the time that it takes to use a traditional encyclopedia, the information can be gathered much more rapidly on the internet. In much less time, much more can be researched, documented and learned. Not only is it faster to use the internet for research, it is also more precise, accurate and time sensitive. The most up to date information will be available online, while a book is published as of a certain date, with no updates available until the next printed edition. The book could already be outdated by the time it is printed with some breakthrough in any area not captured at the time of production. Moreover, using reputable sources on the internet and an online encyclopedia will be much more reliable in obtaining the most reliable and timely information than information on print. These types of information tasks also affords opportunities to make real world connections and learning which is authentic and intentional like the book states can be realized. It is also very important because it satisfies the NYSED standards and performance indicators.

I found the video of the ESL students interesting. The new ways of learning keep increasing and improving. Using the internet as a means to teach ESL is amazing. Giving students the ability to keep track of their work in a blog is fun and different, and motivating, I know from my own experience in creating and keeping a blog for this current class. The students feel validated and accomplished by using this revolutionary new teaching However, I teach grades K – 8, and I foresee that only the upper grades have the typing ability needed to complete such a task. The younger students are still learning to write and their dexterity is still developing. This year my third grade students at PS190 had to write 4 paragraphs about the end of the year reflection. They started with a four-square and ended with a typed paper. It was painful to watch how difficult it was for them to type it. Therefore, I think that certain uses of this type of technology is more appropriate and effective for the mature student. That has to be considered for it to be an effective learning tool.