Many educators are afraid of technological change. As a teacher working on a degree in technology, I feel it is my responsibility to help those worrying about using a new tool or program. My school has a faculty meeting and a department meeting each month. I think the time spent in these meetings could be more effective. As new technologies are introduced to schools, I think teachers should model how to use them. Often there are various teachers who have found a resource or program that enhances the classroom. Teachers can share these findings and demonstrate how easy it is to use it.
For example, my colleague introduced me to Destination Math that is provided by the Georgia Department of Education. It is a great tool for math. The site is broken down by concept; each concept has tutorials, interactive practice, and teacher and student worksheet copies. Destination math is based on an outer space theme that teaches each concept. A teacher explained and demonstrated using this program during a department meeting. She provided an informational handout while we went through a concept together; she served as the teacher and we were the students.
I felt comfortable with this program when we were finished. I also felt if I had any questions on it, she would assist me. I think sharing and modeling is a great way to help others transition into using technology on a daily basis. The expert has to display an open mind and patience. I did not feel like a burden when asking my colleague questions. People need to feel comfortable coming to the expert with questions. The key is letting your peers know you are available to assist and make the transition as easy as possible.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Red Queens and Increasing Returns
This summer I invested in a Netflix account. We have Dish Network because nothing else is available at our house in the country. I streamed Minority Report to my TV via the Wii and the internet.
I think the competition between video rental places is an example of Red Queens. Thornburg explains that Red Queens occurs when two competitors move ahead of the others because of the competition between them. Netflix and Blockbuster are prime examples of this. Netflix has not late fees and depending on which package you decide to purchase determines how many movies you have at one time. Also, movies can be transmitted through the computer or a Wii. It is a great source in the classroom when trying to find movies that relate to content you are teaching or a current book you read. To compete with Netflix, Blockbuster had to revamp their rental system. Now similar to Netflix, blockbuster has a movie in the mail program that is also free of late fees. Netflix and Blockbuster are the leading movie rental stores in my area.
I think DVD’s and videos on demand fall in the emerging category of the Tetrad. They are by no means obsolete. I don’t really think they have rekindled much that I can think of. I feel that there will be more changes with the availability as they progress. I cannot tell what changes will occur, but I am certain that the DVD’s and on demand will continue to evolve.
I think the competition between video rental places is an example of Red Queens. Thornburg explains that Red Queens occurs when two competitors move ahead of the others because of the competition between them. Netflix and Blockbuster are prime examples of this. Netflix has not late fees and depending on which package you decide to purchase determines how many movies you have at one time. Also, movies can be transmitted through the computer or a Wii. It is a great source in the classroom when trying to find movies that relate to content you are teaching or a current book you read. To compete with Netflix, Blockbuster had to revamp their rental system. Now similar to Netflix, blockbuster has a movie in the mail program that is also free of late fees. Netflix and Blockbuster are the leading movie rental stores in my area.
I think DVD’s and videos on demand fall in the emerging category of the Tetrad. They are by no means obsolete. I don’t really think they have rekindled much that I can think of. I feel that there will be more changes with the availability as they progress. I cannot tell what changes will occur, but I am certain that the DVD’s and on demand will continue to evolve.
Disruptive Power of Second Life
Virtual worlds something I do not quite understand. I have a facebook account and loved it while I was in college when it first gained popularity. Then all these new additions were added. It seems each day a new tool was added; things like FARM, and create your family, and have a pet all on facebook were not for me.
Virtual worlds have been a craze for many internet goers. People create an Avatar in a virtual world that might have a complex the developer wishes he/she could have. Often the Avatar reflects traits in a person that the developer did not experience in their childhood or young adult life, or a trait they are afraid to experience in real life. From researching virtual worlds, the Avatar and the human behind it, are often nothing alike.
Many people become addicted to this virtual world and forget the reality that awaits them when they sign off the internet. Second Life is a disruptive tool because many loose touch with reality and become consumed in the alter ego of the Avatar.
I think Second Life will continue for awhile. I see it becoming more advanced but not being replaced.
Many that participate in a place similar to Second Life lack true social skills. All the socializing they see is through the Avatar and Second Life. In some cases it becomes so extreme that the human behind the Avatar becomes confused and does not know the difference between the virtual world and “real life”. This is not true in all cases, but unfortunately it consumes some and destroys lives.
Virtual worlds have been a craze for many internet goers. People create an Avatar in a virtual world that might have a complex the developer wishes he/she could have. Often the Avatar reflects traits in a person that the developer did not experience in their childhood or young adult life, or a trait they are afraid to experience in real life. From researching virtual worlds, the Avatar and the human behind it, are often nothing alike.
Many people become addicted to this virtual world and forget the reality that awaits them when they sign off the internet. Second Life is a disruptive tool because many loose touch with reality and become consumed in the alter ego of the Avatar.
I think Second Life will continue for awhile. I see it becoming more advanced but not being replaced.
Many that participate in a place similar to Second Life lack true social skills. All the socializing they see is through the Avatar and Second Life. In some cases it becomes so extreme that the human behind the Avatar becomes confused and does not know the difference between the virtual world and “real life”. This is not true in all cases, but unfortunately it consumes some and destroys lives.
Rhymes of History Technology
Dr. Thornburg discusses how technology can assist in rekindling a past time from history. The technology is not the focus; the technology changes the way the event occurs.
A past time of young girls that seems to have almost dwindled away is playing with paper dolls or the old fashion mansion of a doll house. Barbie becomes the replacement with all of the accessories available. Barbie has friends, a dream house, various cars, and of course Ken. Barbie too started to sit in the closet more or more.
The internet and handheld gaming systems have replaced this with virtual worlds. The internet has an abundance of virtual playgrounds where children can essentially do the same thing that was done with Barbie and other dolls. There are fashion worlds where the dolls can accessorize and shop. The virtual worlds also meet the needs of various age groups. SimCity allows teens to create virtual world where they choose hobbies, clothes, activities, and other aspects of life. Finally there are Avatars for adults to essentially play with dolls. The pastime of dressing up the doll and using the imagination is still there, but the user goes about doing a different way due to technology advances.
Link to SimCity: http://simcitysocieties.ea.com/index.php
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Emerging Technology Tetrad
A tetrad is a great organization tool to help one determine if an emerging technology will be quickly replaced and what is takes the place of. Essentially it sums up the buyer’s thoughts on key aspects
Enhancement:
The internet has greatly improved communication and availability of resources. The possibilities are starting to be endless with the growth of the internet. The internet allows people to shop, pay bills, communicated, stay connected with social networks, and research or view information on a given topic at anytime.
Replaces
Currently, the internet replaces or is on the verge of replacing mailed forms of communication and bill pay. Also, many do all clothing or electronic shopping via the internet. One can even watch movies online. I think eventually the internet will replace TV’s in general. One can watch a movie via Netflix on the computer on demand.
Replacing the Internet
I think the internet will continue to evolve. More features are added frequently and more users take advantage of it each day. I think almost all devises will be connected to the internet. Right now, one can purchase an electronic book that connects to the internet. Eventually, I feel most everything will be electronic and connected to the internet and rapid speed.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Module 1: Touch Screen Classroom Computers
With the advances in technology, there has been an overflow of available resources to education. One tool that I think will emerge into the classroom are student touch screen IMac computers; these are student computers that are linked to a teacher computer. The computers are in the desks and each student in the classroom has one. The students can communicate with the teacher throughout class relaying questions and concerns to the instructor. The instructor can also determine which students are struggling and which are excelling with the given concept. This will enable teachers to flexibly group students according to ability without as much trouble. When students complete an assignment, they will submit it electronically. The teacher can utilize differentiated instruction on a daily basis.
Cost is a major factor in implementing this type of technology into the classrooms. Unfortunately, a class set of IMac computers in each classroom is extremely costly; therefore the higher income school systems will have access to computers, but the lower income and poverty stricken communities will not. Potentially the gap between socio-economic classes will only become wider. Also, students must be familiar with using technology on a daily basis. Some students may not have access to computers. Many of the home assignments might be technology based; this might cause problems for some students. Students should not suffer because they do not have internet or computer access at home.
Finally teachers would need to be trained on how to successfully implement the new program into the classroom. Often when a new technology comes to a school; veteran teachers are reluctant to use new technology. In implementing a new program, all teachers may not want to participate.
By implementing the student computers into the classrooms, students become more proficient with technology. As society continues to progress at an exponential rate, students need to develop the appropriate skills to keep up with the changes. As teachers, we are preparing students for jobs in society. Some students do not have access to computers or the internet at home. By allowing students to use the computers in schools, they will gain the confidence and experience they need for the future.
In order to successfully introduce the student computers into the classroom, teachers, students, and the community must work together. Teachers with a stronger technology understanding need to assist those who struggle to implement new tools. Also, proper training needs to be provided, at a convenient time, for all teachers. The training needs to address the available tools and how the computers can help the instructor.
http://edudemic.com/2010/06/the-future-of-classroom-computers-touchscreen-imacs/
Cost is a major factor in implementing this type of technology into the classrooms. Unfortunately, a class set of IMac computers in each classroom is extremely costly; therefore the higher income school systems will have access to computers, but the lower income and poverty stricken communities will not. Potentially the gap between socio-economic classes will only become wider. Also, students must be familiar with using technology on a daily basis. Some students may not have access to computers. Many of the home assignments might be technology based; this might cause problems for some students. Students should not suffer because they do not have internet or computer access at home.
Finally teachers would need to be trained on how to successfully implement the new program into the classroom. Often when a new technology comes to a school; veteran teachers are reluctant to use new technology. In implementing a new program, all teachers may not want to participate.
By implementing the student computers into the classrooms, students become more proficient with technology. As society continues to progress at an exponential rate, students need to develop the appropriate skills to keep up with the changes. As teachers, we are preparing students for jobs in society. Some students do not have access to computers or the internet at home. By allowing students to use the computers in schools, they will gain the confidence and experience they need for the future.
In order to successfully introduce the student computers into the classroom, teachers, students, and the community must work together. Teachers with a stronger technology understanding need to assist those who struggle to implement new tools. Also, proper training needs to be provided, at a convenient time, for all teachers. The training needs to address the available tools and how the computers can help the instructor.
http://edudemic.com/2010/06/the-future-of-classroom-computers-touchscreen-imacs/
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Module 5
As I have mentioned before, I teach at a Title 1 school; therefore we have an abundance of technology. 3 years ago we had a Smart Board purchasing frenzy. Any teacher who wanted a Smart Board received one. The team leader for my 7th grade team has been teaching for 27 years. He has been at our school for 15 teaching Science. He is a very strict but effective teacher. His CRCT scores, (our state test) are never below 95% pass rate. He decided to get a Smart Board along with the other 7th grade teachers. The Smart boards arrived in January for the second semester. He used the Smart board the remainder fo the year. The following school year, he had it removed from his classroom and return to the over head projector and markers. He complained the students were too dependent on technology and did not pay attention to his lecture any more. He would not give in to the abundance of resources that the smart board offers including simple things like watching brain pop videos or using the textbook resources of power points and lesson checks on each section. He is a prime example of refusing to move forward with technology. He still calculates his grades by hand instead of entering grades to the online grading program.
This teacher seems to be uncomfortable with new things. The previous teaching methods have proven to be effective so why change them? If he would take the time to play with and understand the computer grading program, he would see the reports and convenience of using it. The grading program can drop the lowest grade, show average scores on an assignment, print missing work reports, and so on. Obtaining this information by hand is a challenge. He displays characteristics that many veteran teachers do. He has taught one way for so long, that it is now troublesome to change. I think a support team to help the less technologically inclined would be a great help. Also, he needs to give into change and accept that there might be a better and more efficient way to teach.
I responded to Evonie http://evonie-rash.blogspot.com/2010/08/module-5.html and
Amanda http://educ7105.blogspot.com/2010/08/module-five.html#comments
This teacher seems to be uncomfortable with new things. The previous teaching methods have proven to be effective so why change them? If he would take the time to play with and understand the computer grading program, he would see the reports and convenience of using it. The grading program can drop the lowest grade, show average scores on an assignment, print missing work reports, and so on. Obtaining this information by hand is a challenge. He displays characteristics that many veteran teachers do. He has taught one way for so long, that it is now troublesome to change. I think a support team to help the less technologically inclined would be a great help. Also, he needs to give into change and accept that there might be a better and more efficient way to teach.
I responded to Evonie http://evonie-rash.blogspot.com/2010/08/module-5.html and
Amanda http://educ7105.blogspot.com/2010/08/module-five.html#comments
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