As I stated in my previous blog, I really enjoy games and think they are a great way to teach students and get them to learn on their own. Something is classified as a game as long as there is competition, rules, and winning and losing. Games are fun, which is an important factor for children. As a teacher, I want to make every lesson as interesting as possible and a game will certainly do that. The rules will let students see that in order to get from point A to point B, they have to follow the rules. This can be applied to their everyday lives because in life even adults have to follow rules and if we don't there are consequences, just like in the games. Winning is very important to students, like passing a test, so they will learn from the games that in order to win, or pass the test, they have to follow the rules, or study. Game playing can be applied to everyday life and can be very effective if introduced properly.
Simulations recreate real world experiences. Teachers can use simulations in the classroom to show students what they should do and what will really happen if they don't. River City is a great simulation that is also virtual reality. It lets the children learn about recycling and caring for the environment. When they see what happens when an area is polluted it may make them start caring more about their environment.
The good thing about games and simulations is they can be redone. Students learn from their mistakes and can try again which makes them form different ideas by experimenting. This soon will make them able to teach others who aren't experienced. This is the same process experts had to go through to get where they are. I believe games should be played by all students because not only are they having fun but they are developing critical thinking skills and ideas which they need in the real world.
Friday, May 13, 2011
March 3 Reflection- Assignment 1
For assignment 1, students were required to find websites that provided lessons to teachers and learning materials for teachers and students. This exercise was helpful, especially because it was the first assignment. This allowed me to actually see that there are many websites that I can use in a classroom to teach and/or assist in my teaching on any lesson. Some of the websites provided information on all lessons and grades, such as funbrain.com, and some were for a particular grade and lesson. Some were made by students for students which was very interesting. Those websites will inspire students to learn and let them see that they can do it too. Some of the websites provided games that can be played, like http://t4.jordan.k12.ut.us/professional_development/Interactive/Interact.html, which allows students to learn while having fun. I believe one of the best ways to learn is not realizing you are learning so I would utilize games in my classroom as much as possible.
Feb. 24 Reflection- Constructivism and Constructionism
Constructivism and constructionism are two separate ideas that have some similarities and some differences. Constructivists believe a person never learns anything from scratch. They believe ideas are built on already existing ideas, but where did the original idea come from? Are they saying we are born with ideas? This is where constructionism comes in. This is the idea that when technology is assimilated with constructivism, students learn new ways of thinking. Computers assist in the development and thinking of students. The four sub-categories of constructionism; learning by designing within a community, technological tools for learning, powerful ideas and wonderful ideas, and learning about learning with technology explain the different aspects of constructionism.
Personally, I think both ideas are applicable. Constructivists believe no ideas are new ideas, that they are old ideas that are built upon. I think this is possible. Lets take language for example. Linguist Noam Chomsky proposed that every human has an innate knowledge of language. We already have the rules in our head at birth and we build on the grammar as we develop and are exposed to language. This is the same idea of constructivism. Another example would be the way humans care for their young. All mammals have this natural ability to care for their children, whether its a human or a lion. We grow on that ability and learn as we go along.
I also believe in constructionism. Sometimes I learn something that I never knew or never would think of on my own. Constructionism and constructivism go hand in hand even though they may seem separate because without the belief that ideas are built upon, students who are collaborating on a project, which constructionism is based on, won't be able to gain knowledge and form their own ideas from what they've heard from their peers. Working in pairs or groups is a great way for children to learn, especially early childhood, because it allows them to feed off of each other and learn how to think of their own ideas.
Personally, I think both ideas are applicable. Constructivists believe no ideas are new ideas, that they are old ideas that are built upon. I think this is possible. Lets take language for example. Linguist Noam Chomsky proposed that every human has an innate knowledge of language. We already have the rules in our head at birth and we build on the grammar as we develop and are exposed to language. This is the same idea of constructivism. Another example would be the way humans care for their young. All mammals have this natural ability to care for their children, whether its a human or a lion. We grow on that ability and learn as we go along.
I also believe in constructionism. Sometimes I learn something that I never knew or never would think of on my own. Constructionism and constructivism go hand in hand even though they may seem separate because without the belief that ideas are built upon, students who are collaborating on a project, which constructionism is based on, won't be able to gain knowledge and form their own ideas from what they've heard from their peers. Working in pairs or groups is a great way for children to learn, especially early childhood, because it allows them to feed off of each other and learn how to think of their own ideas.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Chapter 10- Games in the Classroom
Video games are often thought of as a waste of time, nonconstructive and not a form of exercise. Since technology is becoming something that is taking over and is seen everywhere, it only makes sense that video games are used as an educational tool. Not all video games are educational, for example the ones with killing and shooting like Grand Theft Auto, but then there are some that may help develop life long skills, like SIMS. Bringing video game technology will be a benefit to the students, especially the ones who can't leave their house without their hand held system and some extra video games.
One day not too long ago I was in the nail salon and a lady came in with her son who was about 9 years old and her new born baby. I never saw her sons eyes because he was looking down at his game the whole entire time. He was able to multitask while playing also. While his mom was getting her nails done, she told him to give the baby her bottle. He took one hand, reached into the bag, and put the bottle in the baby's mouth; all while never stopping to look at anything but his game. Everybody was looking and laughing and the mother said that's what he does all day. Now wouldn't it be great if he was playing something that would enhance his education? I think so.
I went on one of the websites that is listed in the book www.evgschool.org/Language.html. There are links to games that can be played to enhance vocabulary skills, there are dictionaries, crossword puzzles and you can click on a specific grade from kindergarten to 6th grade to get games. I am going to be an English/Language Arts teacher so I enjoyed this website. The pictures make sounds and are animated, things that will make children want more. In my class, I will integrate these computer games by assigning them to the students who need help. The fact that there's nobody helping them to complain or laugh when they get something wrong, which may happen if a student was helping, will encourage them to keep trying. Since most children play video games at home on the computer anyway this won't necessarily be a new thing to them.
One day not too long ago I was in the nail salon and a lady came in with her son who was about 9 years old and her new born baby. I never saw her sons eyes because he was looking down at his game the whole entire time. He was able to multitask while playing also. While his mom was getting her nails done, she told him to give the baby her bottle. He took one hand, reached into the bag, and put the bottle in the baby's mouth; all while never stopping to look at anything but his game. Everybody was looking and laughing and the mother said that's what he does all day. Now wouldn't it be great if he was playing something that would enhance his education? I think so.
I went on one of the websites that is listed in the book www.evgschool.org/Language.html. There are links to games that can be played to enhance vocabulary skills, there are dictionaries, crossword puzzles and you can click on a specific grade from kindergarten to 6th grade to get games. I am going to be an English/Language Arts teacher so I enjoyed this website. The pictures make sounds and are animated, things that will make children want more. In my class, I will integrate these computer games by assigning them to the students who need help. The fact that there's nobody helping them to complain or laugh when they get something wrong, which may happen if a student was helping, will encourage them to keep trying. Since most children play video games at home on the computer anyway this won't necessarily be a new thing to them.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Chapter 9- Technology Intergration
This chapter broke down every subject and ways to integrate technology in the classroom while teaching these subjects. Math, science, social studies, and language arts all all important subjects and one may wonder how they can incorporate technology into their lesson plans. Even though there are many websites and programs that can be used for all subjects, math teachers have great ways to use computers in their classrooms because computers are great with numbers and giving feedback. They're never wrong so using computers for statistics, tallying scores, percentages, and anything else will have a more accurate outcome than adding numbers using your head or a calculator. What I like about using technology is the students won't even realize the different ways they are using technology. Everything will be fun for them, especially younger children.
While I was reading this chapter I noticed that spreadsheets are the most used type of technology for every subject. It is important that students learn how to use a spreadsheet because that is how numbers are figured out for everything, from how much money a bank made to the population of a country. My concentration is english so I wanted an idea on how to use technology while teaching the subject. I love the lesson plan "Write a Story." When I was in elementary school I loved writing stories. I had to write mine by hand but I would've loved it even more if I could've illustrated my stories and made them come to life. Having all of the students have input on the story not only uses technology but teaches them at an early age how to work as a team. This will also enhance their spelling skills without them actually sitting in a boring spelling class because microsoft word, if used, lets the user know when a word is misspelled. In my classroom I will have my students write a story together then write one on their own. That is great assessment because I will be able to tell who learned what from working in a group. Another way I would have my students use the computer is make them look up different kinds of stories and read them online. They will learn how to do research and learn that if they can't find a hardcover copy of a book they may be able to read it online. On days when they are home and can't go to the library because of a snowstorm or something they can find a book on the computer.
A teacher may have a tough time trying to figure out how to incorporate technology in their special education classroom because they may think using computers will be too hard for their students but in fact it's the total opposite. When dealing with children who have special needs, patience is the number one rule. I know how it is to lose patience with someone who may not be learning as fast as you want them to. When you lose patience with them they get discouraged and their view on learning changes negatively. The lovely ting about computers is they don't talk back. They can't tell the student they won't help them anymore, they can't scream, and no matter how many times they go back to the same program it will be right there waiting for them when they're ready. Those things are exactly what special education students need. Playing educational games like the one described in the book about drawing a web does multiple things for students. It teaches them to have patience with themselves, encourages them to keep going once they see they can do it, makes them want to show their friends what they did which is collaboration, especially if they can compete against each other for the highest score, all while teaching them how to use computers.
To me every lesson plan is multidisciplinary because there is always more than one thing being learned/taught. For instance, while doing a math lesson students use spreadsheets, have to do research for their information which may require them to use the world wide web, they may be collaborating with classmates which teaches them team work, and if they have to write a report they have to use microsoft word, which teaches them how to use a keyboard and to spell. Students and teachers benefit because the teachers get to teach more than one thing at a time while the students get to learn.
While I was reading this chapter I noticed that spreadsheets are the most used type of technology for every subject. It is important that students learn how to use a spreadsheet because that is how numbers are figured out for everything, from how much money a bank made to the population of a country. My concentration is english so I wanted an idea on how to use technology while teaching the subject. I love the lesson plan "Write a Story." When I was in elementary school I loved writing stories. I had to write mine by hand but I would've loved it even more if I could've illustrated my stories and made them come to life. Having all of the students have input on the story not only uses technology but teaches them at an early age how to work as a team. This will also enhance their spelling skills without them actually sitting in a boring spelling class because microsoft word, if used, lets the user know when a word is misspelled. In my classroom I will have my students write a story together then write one on their own. That is great assessment because I will be able to tell who learned what from working in a group. Another way I would have my students use the computer is make them look up different kinds of stories and read them online. They will learn how to do research and learn that if they can't find a hardcover copy of a book they may be able to read it online. On days when they are home and can't go to the library because of a snowstorm or something they can find a book on the computer.
A teacher may have a tough time trying to figure out how to incorporate technology in their special education classroom because they may think using computers will be too hard for their students but in fact it's the total opposite. When dealing with children who have special needs, patience is the number one rule. I know how it is to lose patience with someone who may not be learning as fast as you want them to. When you lose patience with them they get discouraged and their view on learning changes negatively. The lovely ting about computers is they don't talk back. They can't tell the student they won't help them anymore, they can't scream, and no matter how many times they go back to the same program it will be right there waiting for them when they're ready. Those things are exactly what special education students need. Playing educational games like the one described in the book about drawing a web does multiple things for students. It teaches them to have patience with themselves, encourages them to keep going once they see they can do it, makes them want to show their friends what they did which is collaboration, especially if they can compete against each other for the highest score, all while teaching them how to use computers.
To me every lesson plan is multidisciplinary because there is always more than one thing being learned/taught. For instance, while doing a math lesson students use spreadsheets, have to do research for their information which may require them to use the world wide web, they may be collaborating with classmates which teaches them team work, and if they have to write a report they have to use microsoft word, which teaches them how to use a keyboard and to spell. Students and teachers benefit because the teachers get to teach more than one thing at a time while the students get to learn.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Texbook Chapters 1-3
Computer technology has come a long way since it was first introduced in the late 1930's. They used to be these big, heavy, heat producing machines that cost a lot of money and weren't good for much. When I see old movies with these kind of computers I can't imagine them being used now. The very first computer creators probably wouldn't believe what the computer as evolved into. They went from being as big as or bigger than humans to being able to fit in your coat pocket. Now computers are used for everything from watching movies to communicating with perfect strangers around the world. It is crucial that schools educate students and teachers about computers and technology because computers are slowly taking over everything. Teachers need to know how to navigate computers in order to be able to use them in their classrooms. With all of the new programs that are coming out, it may be impossible to keep up with everything.
Teachers should at least know the basics like word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and powerpoint because they will be able to teach their students and they will be able to use them to teach their lessons. I am not computer savvy but I do have some basic knowledge about them. I've taken computer classes before but a lot of what I know comes from just using the computer a lot. Social networks, sending emails, writing papers, making online purchases, searching for information and making presentations for my classes have forced me to learn things without even knowing. Computers have become such a big part of life that people who don't know how to use them get left behind.
Letting students send emails, blog, and video chat with peers, with supervision, will allow them to be a part of the technological world. Everywhere you look, people are sending emails from their phone, having conferences, and meetings and never have to actually meet. It's fast, convenient and can be done at any pace. Teaching students how to blog and send emails and even instant message is convenient for them as well. There's a group assignment that is due on Monday and you and three of your classmates were supposed to meet at the library on Saturday. When you woke up, you saw 20 inches of snow on the ground. What were you going to do? All you have to do is contact your classmates and complete the assignment online via email, weblog, or video chat. How convenient is that?!? As a teacher, I plan to teach the old school manual way but I also intend to incorporate computers in my lessons. That will save me time when I'm grading or just keeping attendance and it will encourage my students to learn more and do more group work. Computers can be fun so when it is time to complete an assignment, they will want to do it.
Teachers should at least know the basics like word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and powerpoint because they will be able to teach their students and they will be able to use them to teach their lessons. I am not computer savvy but I do have some basic knowledge about them. I've taken computer classes before but a lot of what I know comes from just using the computer a lot. Social networks, sending emails, writing papers, making online purchases, searching for information and making presentations for my classes have forced me to learn things without even knowing. Computers have become such a big part of life that people who don't know how to use them get left behind.
Letting students send emails, blog, and video chat with peers, with supervision, will allow them to be a part of the technological world. Everywhere you look, people are sending emails from their phone, having conferences, and meetings and never have to actually meet. It's fast, convenient and can be done at any pace. Teaching students how to blog and send emails and even instant message is convenient for them as well. There's a group assignment that is due on Monday and you and three of your classmates were supposed to meet at the library on Saturday. When you woke up, you saw 20 inches of snow on the ground. What were you going to do? All you have to do is contact your classmates and complete the assignment online via email, weblog, or video chat. How convenient is that?!? As a teacher, I plan to teach the old school manual way but I also intend to incorporate computers in my lessons. That will save me time when I'm grading or just keeping attendance and it will encourage my students to learn more and do more group work. Computers can be fun so when it is time to complete an assignment, they will want to do it.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Course Packet- Section 4
I found this reading very interesting. There are many ways to incorporate technology into every single lesson. I also like that there are multiple websites to help teachers with the technology. I remember making KWHL Charts when I was in elementary school and they're still being used today, just on the computer. I like that the charts can be made on the computer because they can be more organized. I also like that everything that a student does on the computer can be emailed to their parents. This is like open school night for every lesson. Every parent doesn't have the time to always go to their child's school but checking emails can be done on their time. Kidspiration and Inspiration allow students to be in charge of their education which can be very beneficial. I remember being in school listening to the teacher blab about things more than half of the class knew about already. If we were able to put our ideas down on something like Kidspiration and Inspiration, the teacher would've knew that she could have used that valuable class time to teach something else. These templates also make students become active learners by looking for information themselves because the "How will you find out" column will prompt them to do their own research. And of course there's blogging and emails. I am new to blogging but this is a great way for students to interact outside of the classroom. Sometimes a student might think of something to say about a discussion that took place in class but by the time they get to class the next day, they forgot what they wanted to say. With the blogs available, students can go online anytime and post their thoughts. Emails can be read anytime and most importantly they save a lot of paper.
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