Chapter 6

Taking Virtual Field Trips: before reading this chapter I had never hear of virtual field trips. As a child I loved field trips. To me they were the best days of school. However with costs of everything rising and the advanced technologies I am not surprised that virtual field trips exist. This is a way to make sure every student in class has the chance to be involved, it doesn’t require leaving school campus, but is still a fun activity students can look forwards to. I am now interested and I am going to try find a virtual field trip can take myself. Interactive Videoconferencing: this is an amazing tool in schools these days. They can help with so many problems. If a child is out sick and can’t make it they could video conference and still learn the lessons for that day. They also can video conference in people from other locations for speakers, even people all around the world. This is just another fantastic way technology in the classroom can be a helpful and awesome resource. Online Learning and Virtual Schools: virtual schools are become a new and highly popular form of school. Students can get their education form the comfort of their own home. This also doesn’t require a parent to be a homeschooler either. This works well for students who need the quiet, students who work best alone, and those who just choose to stay at home for schooling. It’s a new resource that is rising in popularity and in my opinion will even make its way into public and private schools more and more. Resources: Maloy, R. (2011). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon. NOVA Online | Secrets of Easter Island | Explore the Island

Chapter 9

Instructional Technologies in 2 Classrooms: this section of Chapter Nine focused on non-computer and computer technologies.  I didn’t know that a chalk board and white board were considered non-computer technology. But I did know projections and televisions are non-computer. However interactive whiteboards, power point, and movie maker are computer based technologies

 Multimedia Tools for Teaching and Learning: this chapter as a whole was a lot of information that I already knew about.  For example students can use presentation tools, group interactive projects or websites, and experimenting to learn and involve technology.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Power-Point: I use PowerPoint often for school assignments and I think it is a wonderful tool. However I never seem to think of the disadvantages that power point can have. Its nice because its visual, easy to use, and you can use pictures, videos, or charts with your text. However it’s a disadvantage because students often space out during lecture, teachers spend a lot of time making them, and you can easily get off topic.  

Resources:
Maloy, R. (2011). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.

Chapter 10

Differentiated Instruction: This section talked about probability and fun new ways to get students involved while learning the concepts. I really liked the methods of teaching the book used. They used probability of 100 coin tosses and 100 dice rolls. I remember doing this while I was in school and loved finding the different outcomes and how my probability was different from the classes. Another suggestion was to perform a skit based off a daily life experience that deals with probability. I thought this was such a fun idea that would get students involved and up and moving.

Universal Design: This section talked about how to help all students using one design or method of work. They touched on three types of Universal Design: representation, expression, and engagement. I think these are all great ways for students to learn and incorporate into their learning. It can help them get their points across and allow them to engage and work with their peers.

Handheld Calculator: this section just talked about different types of calculators. I have used three of the four calculators they listed and actually owned these three types. Basic calculators were used often in elementary school and however I don’t own one there is one built in my phone so I always have one. Then scientific and graphing calculators were discussed. I still currently own and use these types of calculators. I think they are a great resource for students and come in handy in math class. 

resources: 

Maloy, R. (2011). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.

Chapter 10 | FlipQuiz

Chapter 8

Electronic Communication between Teachers and Students: This section of the chapter was really familiar to me being a student because I have used all of these ways to communicate with teachers and other students. Just recently we used a wiki for a class assignment and before this semester I was really unfamiliar with wiki. Not only was wiki listed as a way to communicate with teacher or other students but email, teacher or classroom websites, blogs, and online discussions are all a part of the list. I have used each one of these this semester and I feel that it is a really great way to connect with teachers and students in class. These are great resources for schools to make available to all those on campus. Synchronous and Asynchronous Communications: this section of the chapter caused interest in me because I had never heard of these types of communications. I had never known that texting and other real time communication routes are considered a different style communication than emails and other time delay communication styles. To me this is a perfect example of “you learn something new every day.” Integrating Electronic Communications into Your Teaching: Chapter eight is all about communication with teachers and other classmates. This section was short and just listed how social media can be used in communications as well. Such as sharing information or publishing students work. I think social media, even with its negatives, can be helpful in communication and teaching beyond school hours.