Teaching with Technology

A teacher from Magnolia Intermediate School gives a presentation on the model he has built at this school for teaching and learning with technology. So many schools have computer labs and multiple technology uses at their fingertips but they struggle to figure out how to implement it alongside their curriculum. They need some guidance and assistance. This is why a model was created at Magnolia School, then they went on to try and copy the model at all other schools in the district. Basically there is a technology teacher who is not just a specialist but an experienced teacher who knows the elementary curriculum. He collaborates with the other teachers at the school to help them learn the technology as well as trains them on how to use it to their advantage when teaching. He is like a partner teacher for those who want to use him. He helps teachers think differently about how they teach. I agree that there should be more technology training for teachers not just on technology use but actually how to use it to help them teach their students in different ways. It is great to have a working model for a school so that teachers are consistent with their use and as students move on from grade to grade they continue to use technology and build upon their skills. This keeps everyone close to the same level so they can do the same projects or activities rather than having students with varying levels of technology knowledge. I really like this model.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BJNsMURmok&feature=related

Assistive Technology

As a special education teacher I was interested in finding some information on ways integrate technology into their classrooms to assist their special education students. There are so many devices being created to help students communicate since they have trouble either with initiating conversation, constructing a response to a specific question, speech impairments, or just forming the words to express what they want to say. This can be very frustrating for students especially when what they want to say is on their mind and they can't get it out. The teacher in this video uses several different devices that allow her students to feel that they are in control of their education. She gives them power by allowing them to make choices and express them. One device she uses is called a Tech Speak. This device uses boardmaker, a computer software program, to create pictures that can be associated with commonly used phrases or choices throughout the day. The device is programmed with someones voice and students can choose the phrase "I want" along with their desired choice. Another similar device is called a Partner Four, it has four picture buttons that students can choose that will speak that phrase. For example, one student had their's programmed with the same four phrases all year: yes please, no thank you, I'm all done, and I need to go potty. A third device that I really liked was called Step by Step Communication. It assists students in enganging in a conversation. The device is programmed with answers to specific questions chosen by the teacher or parent. The teacher will ask the questions and the student hits the button and gives the correct response. The teacher will then ask another question and the conversation continues. The students can feel that they are communicating effectively and engaging into a conversation with another person. There are assistive technologists working within the school district that help teachers and students find out what type of assistive technology devices will work for your classroom or a specific student. These are great tools to use but the problem that is not identified in the video is that they are usually pretty expensive and there is no one to pay for them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT2pJrArbWs

Turning on Technology

Adding even the simplest forms of technology can be very effective in a student's learning. It is becoming very important to start integrating technology into classrooms and student assignments because that is the way the world is moving. In Turning on Techonolgy, students use many various forms of technology to work on a project that integrates science, art, math, history, and English. Students complete many hands on projects that require the use of techonolgy. They are very excited and engaged during this whole process and they investigate and teach themselves. Then, as they go through the project they are ignited with stimulating questions to ask the teacher or other students for clarification. The students do internet research during many parts of the project. They take a field trip and have to bring along a digital camera to take pictures. Then, they uploaded their pictures, put them on a wiki, and added captions to show what they saw and what they learned. The students gained so much more by completing this project then they would have by simply listening, reading, writing, and speaking about a chapter in a book. It was amazing to see how excited they were about it and how proud they were of their accomplishments.

http://www.edutopia.org/ferryway-video

The Digital Youth Network

The Digital Youth Network started in 2003 in Chicago. It is a program for 6th through 12th graders that gives them access to software and computer skills that push them beyond their usual limitations. The program focuses on strengthening the students technological literacy skills through blog posts, advertising, uploading pictures and music, making videos, and looking at the many tools the internet has to offer. The program also offers afterschool classes on robotics, digital movie making, digital audio production, and game design. I think this a great opportunity for students to continue their learning beyond the hours that they are in school. The world is shifting and students need to leave school prepared to learn, work, and socialize in the technological world. This program offers students the chance not only to be ready but to embrace it and be succesful.

http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-youth-network-video