Week one

The weeks are out of order because I couldn't remember the password to my first blog so I've lost everything from that week. : ( (5 weeks of technology right there people : () ).

This week we looked at thinking tools and their practical application for both the student and the teacher. It makes sense, the better a teacher is at using technology the more likely they are to use it in their classroom. The use of technology in the classroom is beneficial on many levels: generally children love computers, so it provides incentives, as well as helping to form positive connotations to learning. Using computers in the classroom also casts a wider net, attracting those children who would other wise be disengaged. Maybe it's the old lady in me coming out, but I can't help but wonder about the issue of dependency. I know, I know, old lady. I know the use of technology enhances our thinking, but does that render us completely useless without it? Think it over.

Tutorial

We looked at mind maps in a program called inspiration. http://www.inspiration.com/ I think this type of program would be beneficial for  all students, not just those students that don't have strong literacy skills. It may not be the most brilliant program for mind mapping and sorting out ideas, but it does provide an alternative to just words on a page, aiding those visual learners.
Practical application in the classroom: possibilities are endless really. It'd be fun to do with kids on something that they love and know a lot about. Love watching kids light up when they get to show you how much they know about something (we've already established that I'm an old lady)

Just so we're clear, this isn't mine.

Weekly Reading:
White Paper 'How Digital Tools Prepare Students for twenty first century'.

The paper discussed why students in the United States are falling behind academically, and how technology can be used to help 'close the gap'. The article suggests there are three main reasons why students in the US are falling behind: firstly, while the information on what and how to best teach students is available, it is getting lost from the source to the teacher or from the teacher to the student (either way, student are not benefiting from the advances being made in education); secondly students have not developed the skills to understand and 'manage' the large and increasing amount of information being thrown at them; thirdly maths and science aren't being taught within a meaningful context, making if harder still for students to retain information.

The authors present research that  supports their theory that technology aids learning on various levels. They argue the implementation of technology should be integrated throughout the educational experience and not be isolated to one or two elements of the system. The authors argue that the use of technology is beneficial for learning because it provides tools students need to synthesis information, making it easier for students to understand and use. It also helps to reach those students previously disengaged by the traditional educational experience. Technology provides a more visual and kinesthetic experience, benefiting those students who learn best in a more tactile environment.