Seth Leasure

Dr. Sean Courtney

EDUC 079/sec. 1003

5-5-05

Reflection Paper

Introduction

A person needs to simply look around in order to see that technology has become a major part of our society. Through the use of computers, activities such as bookkeeping have become easier as the storage of data or other information can be done with a simple click of a button. Through the use of the internet, people are able to read books, watch movies, find directions, or research a certain topic in a matter of seconds. Also, through the use of e-mail, and other media such as instant messenger, people can communicate with each other thousands of miles away. Just as technology has revolutionized the everyday life of humans, technology has had a profound impact upon education enabling teachers with new methods in which their students can learn.

The purpose of this paper is to describe ways in which technology can be beneficial to the students of Bill Gates Elementary School. In my paper, it is my duty to also describe how the use of technology, or rather an over reliance upon technology can harm your students. The paper will begin by defining and offering a brief history of computer based technology for classroom use. Next, the paper will describe programs and products that are used in the classroom and how they can be used. Finally, the paper will close with a summary and conclusion which will include my personal opinions on the role of technology in the classroom. Thank you and I hope that this paper will improve your understanding of the uses of technology in the classroom.

Educational Technology

The definition of educational technology is a broad arrange of media, equipment and facilities useful for presenting and transforming information for learning purposes. Educational technology might include printed media, models, projected and non-projected visuals, as well as audio, video, and digital media. Although there are many types of educational technology, this paper will primarily focus upon computer based technology.

Computer-assisted instruction originated from a system of programmed instruction created by B.F. Skinner in the 1950’s. Programmed instruction is an instructional system in which material is presented in a series of small steps, each requiring individual student interaction and feedback. Through the development of the computer in the 1970’s, computers became involved in education through computer assisted instruction. Computer assisted instruction allowed students to have interactive individualized instruction. Since computers could be programmed to be interactive, they required immediate feedback, and enabled students to navigate the material according to their own academic level. Today, computer-assisted instruction has evolved into multi-media programs that motivate students to learn and support teacher’s educational efforts. Computer-assisted instruction has also been greatly useful for students with exceptional needs as programs can be individualized to the level, interests, and pace of individual students.

Concept Mapping Using Inspiration Software

Concept-mapping software, such as Inspiration software, creates digital “maps” of concepts that represent a visual depiction of the brainstorming process and the interrelation of ideas. Concept mapping can be an effective tool for students dealing with complex issues through the use of a visual image that connects ideas together in an easy to use method. As concept maps are visually appealing, especially visual learners, student will be able to understand not only how ideas relate to each other, but understand certain terms or ideas. As concept maps enable students to interrelate concepts and ideas, the students will be encouraged to engage in higher level thinking.

Lesson Architect and other Websites for Lesson Planning

The use of internet websites can be tremendously helpful for teachers by gaining inspiration from lesson plans published on the internet, or through programs that will actually help teachers organize lesson plans. The greatest compliment of a teacher is to be imitated, so there is no harm in copying another teacher’s activities. Finding a lesson plan will surely not be difficult as there are thousands of lesson plans posted on various websites. In case a teacher would like to design their own lesson plan, there are numerous helpful websites that can assist the teacher in organizing their lesson plans. These websites offer information such as state requirements of certain subjects, guidelines of lesson plans, and model grading rubrics that can be helpful to teachers.

Educational Software

The internet offers information on any and every topic imaginable that can be accessed quickly through internet search engines. Class activities can be incorporated with educational software available over the internet. For example, students could be split into groups and given the task to research a specific topic, and report their findings to the class. This is only one of numerous possibilities for student activities using many types of educational software available through the internet.

WebQuests

WebQuests, in my opinion, are the most useful computer based technology for classroom use. WebQuests are activities that can be accessed over the internet. WebQuests supply background information on a topic, directions and descriptions of a certain activity, information of what the students will be graded on, and links provided that students can use, and not have to spend time searching the internet. WebQuests are very useful as they can be adjusted to the individual levels of the class in several different topics. The visual appeal and necessity of active student participation using WebQuests motivates students while assisting teacher’s in their lessons. Although WebQuests are very useful, it is important to be careful in choosing which WebQuests to use because some do not promote higher level thinking as answers to certain activities are directly provided through the internet links located on the WebQuest.

Webpage Design

Webpage design is a very useful and surprisingly easy way of communicating with students and teachers. Internet sites such as Tripod, offer a simple, free of charge service that assists people in making their own websites. Websites can allow teachers to post information for students and teachers about homework activities or projects. Teachers could also use webpage design to create a personal E-Portfolio. An E-Portfolio can be beneficial to teachers as they can create a visually appealing resume that allows pictures, videos, documents, or other types of media to be displayed over the internet.

I-Movie

As young children enjoy watching television in their free time, their interest in television programs can be used in an educational manner through the creation of I-movies. Through the use of I-movies, teachers can create instructional videos using different types of media such as video, pictures, and music. Although creating an I-movie might seem a daunting task for beginners, after some practice using I-movie software becomes unproblematic. During an educational technology class at Marquette University, I was assigned to a group who partook in a project creating an I-Movie. No single person in our group would be what some would call, “computer savvy.” However, after sometime, using I-Movie became easier and easier, and the I-movie our group produced was a very creative and educational for viewers.

Textbooks for Exploring Technology

The use of textbooks in exploring technology can be useful to students in high school, and possibly for teachers in order to understand the various programs and uses of educational technology. However, textbooks would be unnecessary for elementary students learning about technology. The use of technology in elementary classrooms would be better utilized through student activities over the computer that will help students learn material and practice higher level thinking. Also, by hands on use of technology, students will develop basic computer skills that are necessary for professionals in modern day society.

Summary/Conclusion

The use of technology can improve the learning environment of Bill Gates Elementary School. The use of computer based technology such as Concept Mapping with Inspiration software can enable students to organize and find central meanings to complex topics. Lesson Architect and websites for lesson planning can give inspiration to teachers, and organize a teacher’s lesson plans in a more efficient manner. The countless types of educational software available on the internet can be used to educate students on almost any topic imaginable. WebQuests can be used for students of various levels, covering several topics, to engage in activities that promote motivation and higher level thinking for the student. Webpage design offers user-friendly ways of communicating with students and parents, as well as creating an e-portfolio that can be beneficial to the careers of teachers, and students alike. Educational technology can also be beneficial for Bill Gates Elementary School through the creation of instructional movies with I-Movies that will use student’s interest in television programs for educational purposes. Certainly, ignoring the various types of educational technology available on the market will not provide the best education possible for your students. Incorporating technology into the classroom would be in the best interest of Bill Gates Elementary School.

Although the benefits of incorporating technology into classrooms are great, the over reliance of technology for students can be harmful to their development. Educational technology should be used as a method of creating greater understanding and motivation, which will cause students to engage in higher level thinking. Educational technology was not intended to be created in order to create students who are dependent upon technology. An over reliance upon technology can inhibit growth by manipulating the uses of a computer to perform certain skills that are necessary for students. For example, the over reliance upon calculators can hinder the math skills of students, same as “spell check” could cause students to lose valuable grammar and spelling skills. Although the problem of over reliance upon technology is not present in the computer based technology described in this paper, teachers should be aware of this dilemma as new technology becomes available.

I hope that this paper has been both enjoyable and informative. The use of technology in the classroom can greatly improve the lives of your students and teachers. The last statement may sound corny, but it is true. Through the use of technology, parents can become more involved with their children’s academic lives with teacher web pages. Students will be better able to understand material through the use of Concept Mapping, I-Movies, and Educational Software. Students will also be more motivated through projects in which they must actively participate, while learning basic computer skills at the same time. Tell me that educational technology is not useful when educational computer games help students with exceptional needs learn, as the computer program can match the individual level, pace, and interests of the student. The use of technology in the classroom will improve the lives of your students.