Blog #11-non-computer-based tech

A non-computer based tech that i feel can be important in the classroom and used in various ways is an overhead projector. If schools do not have a lot of money or cannot afford computers they can always settle for an overhead projector. These projectors can be used for all subjects and can show the students things such as graphs, how to work out a problem, stories, pictures, etc. Furthermore, overhead projectors can be used to engage the students in the activity or lesson plan that is being taught! Students are able to use a certain kind of marker in order to write on an overhead slide. These markers are erasable so if the student makes a mistake it can be easily fixed. In addition, teachers can created lesson plans that incorporate overhead slides. For example, the teacher can read the class a story and then separate them into small groups and have them collaborate and decide what the plot, theme, etc. is of the story. After they figure out their final answer they can write them on the overhead slide and present it to the class as a group by showing it on the big screen. I think this is a great way to get students involved and using non-computer based technology. The projector slides are very inexpensive and can be reused, which saves a lot of money. Overall, I feel that most teachers, if not all should have an overhead projector in their classroom or school. An overhead projector is an excellent way to get students excited about learning and more involved in the activity or lesson!

Blog #10 ERIC Project

After listening to all of the ERIC research projects I have realized how important technology is in an educational classroom. Technology can be used in various ways for both the teacher and the students. I think that teachers should try to incorporate as much technology in the classroom as possible since our world is basically ran by technology. A lot of jobs today and in the future use technology and if children learn while they are young it is easier for them to accommodate to other types of technology. I feel that all teachers should be required to incorporate a certain amount of technology in the classroom during the year. For example, the teacher can create a lesson plan that the children would have to use computer in order to complete their activity. Some computer programs that can be used in order to complete an activity can be Kidspiration and Kidpix. I think that these two computer programs are excellent programs for young children to work with.
One concern that I still have with the use of the internet and students is internet safety. I feel that there are a lot of ways to prevent inappropriate material, but not everything can be stopped. I know that during one group’s presentation they mentioned a lot of ways and website that can be used in order to help teachers with internet safety. I just feel that the internet should be watched closely by the teacher when the students are using it.
In addition, I think the use of computers and other technology in the classroom is very exciting to young students. The use of technology makes students excited to learn and provides them with another way of learning rather than lectures, and books. Using technology students can engage in the material that is being taught. Overall, I feel that there are great computer programs and other types of technologies in stores that can be used for all children even if some accommodations or adaptations need to be made. The number of technology devices available for students will only continue to grow as the years go on!

Blog #9

http://www.edutopia.org/world-your-fingertips

The article that I found is called “The World at Your Fingertips.” This website discusses the appropriate uses of technology in homes, schools, and other settings. The article informs people that the use of electronic media can help students achieve more throughout their education. The article was very interesting and discussed many different important situations. For example, if children are taught technology at a young age they are most likely going to succeed more in the future. Many jobs today and in the future require technology for communication, information gathering, and problem-solving. In the classroom, technology brings more interesting and diverse materials. Computer-based tools aid students to learn in a deeper more instant way. The article mainly talks about richer materials for learning, using time differently, and professional development. The article also mentions blogs and wikis’s and how they produce a class interactive page where the class can communicate with one another. Furthermore, technology allows students learning to be enabled by imagination. Overall, this article brought up some very good points for technology in the classroom and how it can be used.