Chapter Nine: Educational Technology/ Using a Class Webpage for Learning

In the video "Using a Class Webpage for Learning," the instructor uses various webpages and tools to teach French. Technology has an interesting place in the second language classroom. Technology is an important tool that can encourage participation and further learning in students and can be a motivator by simply encouraging the students to learn material through the enjoyment of using the technology. In the video, the instructor uses a Webquest, web page, and email in order to teach French in her high school classroom. The students were assigned a Webquest, researching a French individual in order to create a biography. The students used the internet to research their individual and then typed the biography using French accents. The instructor used a class webpage in order to post the Webquest for the students. All of the sources that the students were to use were to be found from the internet, and the sources that the students were using were in both French and English. The instructor also encouraged the students to email her if the students had problems or questions. On her website, the instructor could have included many different tools and resources that the students could use in the class. Important tools that could be linked to the webpage could be French-English dictionaries and other language tools, culture pages, and music. The students in the video seemed to be encouraged to learn about their topic. The students preferred technology over the use of other activities, such as creating a poster. The students were encouraged to use technology and seem to prefer it, explaining that the technology was much easier to use. Technology can be an excellent tool to help students learn a foreign language and culture. Not only can students listen to the language being spoken, they can actually practice using the language through voice recognition software that helps students learn pronunciation and vocabulary. Also, students can take a virtual tour of the country to learn more about the culture. Through the use of technology, especially the internet, the students are able to research a culture and see how the culture lives.

Chapter Eight: Educational Technology/ Using Technology to Teach Reading

In the video "Using Technology to Teach Reading," many different types of technology are used to teach. In the video, the instructor discusses that there are many different types of technology and activities in order to learn material. In the video, to learn the Civil War unit, the students used the internet to explore the information about the Civil War. The instructor used websites that he first went over in order to ensure that the students were using material that was appropriate and educational. Another instructor discusses using excel to graph information about the Civil War and comparing the war with World War II. The students looked at videos and listened to music to analyze the Civil War, thinking through the issue and develop a better understanding of history. Through the use of the activities and the use of technology, students develop thinking skills and analytical skills that are essential for further learning. The use of technology encourages reading because it forces the student to read and research and encourages the student to learn more. The use of technology in the classroom allows students to have the opportunity to further explore topics that are discussed in class that the student finds interesting. The student develops essential reading skills through the use of technology because the student must be able to read in order to fully utilize the technology that is being used in the classroom. Also, the student must be able to understand what they are reading and analyze the information. This encourages reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. In the video, the instructors discuss the use of various different subjects, such as politics, music, history, etc., to learn about the Civil War. In the unit, the instructors use many different subjects to teach the unit, allowing the students to develop a deeper understanding of the topic. As a teacher in this classroom, one would expect students to develop a deeper understanding of the Civil War, but there is also so much more that the students are learning. In this classroom, the instructor could expect to see students developing critical thinking skills, reading comprehension and writing, analytical skills, and more open ideas that encourage a more open perspective.

Chapter Seven: Educational Technology/ A Dinosaur Webquest

In the video "A Dinosaur Webquest," an instructor discuss webquests. A webquest is an activity in which students learn about a topic using the internet. In the video, the instructor gives the students a webquest on dinosaurs. A webquest allows students to learn information using the internet, which is advantagous because the students are allowed to use the internet to learn about a topic. This allows students to learn more information about a topic as well as learn to use the internet to explore a topic. Webquests have many advantages in education. Students are encouraged to learn more information about the topic that they are researching in a webquest. Webquests are fun and educational, allowing students to learn more advanced information about a topic and become more focused on information that it interesting to them. Webquests are also advantagous because it not only encourages learning about a specific topic, but it also encourages students to research topics on their own. Webquests teach students how to research using the internet and navigate the internet. Students may encounter problems with Webquests, however, if the Webquest is not pre-structured. Students might find information that is inappropriate or too difficult if the teacher does not research the websites prior to giving the students the assignment. Also, if the instructor does not first develop the webquest before giving it to the students, the students might not learn the information that the instructor desired the students to learn. A webquest is a structured learning activity using the internet. This structured learning activity can improve learning because it allows students to learn more than just about the topic. The students are encouraged to learn the technology that they are utilizing on the Webquest as well as how to research. Also, through this structured learning experience, students are able to learn information at their own rate in their own way, but it is still the information that is necessary for the students to learn because it is still structured. The students are encouraged to learn because they are enjoying the experience. If I were to create my own Webquest, I would first consider the topic that I wanted to use carefully. Next, I would consider the students and the appropriateness of the topic and websites that would be used in the quest. Afterwards, I would search for pages that were appropriate for the age level and difficulty level of the students. I would try to create an adventure for my students so that they enjoyed the activity but were able to learn about the topic in a way that they would not be able to do in the traditional classroom format, such as reading from a chapter or listening to a lecture.

Chapter Six: Educational Technology/Virtual Chemistry Lab

In the video "Chemistry Goes Virtual," the instructor discusses the virtual chemistry classroom. There are many advantages to using technology in the chemistry classroom. The virtual chemistry classroom has several advantages over the tradiational non-virtual chemistry classroom; these advantages include allowing students to experiment in a way in which students would not be able to do in the actual chemisry lab. In the virtual chemistry lab, the students are allowed to experiement without the dangerous side-effects. The students in the virtual lab are able to think through experiements and play with different outcomes by mixing and experimenting with the different chemical reactions. The software allows the students to experiment with their own way of thinking. Also, students are encouraged to think for themselves and learn on their own through experimentation. The virtual classroom allows students to participate in activities in which they would not otherwise be able to experience. For example, historical events that occurred within the past are impossible for students to experience. However, with the virtual classroom, students can experience the horrors of World War II or the Russian Revolution without stepping foot outside of the classroom. Also, students can experience dangerous events, such as a volcanic erruption, without being in danger. In the virtual classroom, students can discover how Pompeii was destroyed and actually see it happen. The virtual classroom also allows students to see the wonders of the world without ever stepping foot on an aircraft. One day the students can scale the Great Wall of China and the next day they can dive the Great Barrier Reef and swim with the sharks. I think that the virtual classroom would work best in a situation in which students are not able to actually participate in the experience that the class is discussing, such as a dangerous event or a far off destination. Also, both advanced students and students that need just a little extra help could gain much from the virtual classroom because it would allow students to learn more and at their own pace. Being interactive allows students to develop a deeper understanding of the lesson that is being taught.

Chapter Five: Educational Technology/Microsoft's Backyard

In the video "Classroom Management Software," different types of classroom management software is discussed. The individuals in the video discuss the Class Server and how it assists teachers, students and parents in teaching and learning. The Class Server is an online based classroom management tool that allows teachers to post assignments for students in conjunction with educational standards. This program gives feedback to students and allows the teacher to more easily track student progress. There are many advantages to using classroom management tools, such as the Class Server, in a school district. One obvious advantage of this type of program is that the feedback is instant, allowing the student to get the grade back without having to wait for the teacher to grade it. Also, the program allows the teacher to create assignments based on the students, assigning the students individualized assignments based on the needs and abilities of the students. I think that programs such as the Class Server are very cutting edge in the classroom. I think that encouraging students and engaging the students are imperative roles that the teacher must assume. With classroom management programs that allow teachers to tailor assignments to the needs of the students, the role of the teacher is slightly easier. I think that classroom management programs such as the Class Server have an important place in the classroom. While there are many advantages to using classroom management tools such as the Class Server, there are also many obstacles in using the programs as well. One obstacle is the education required to use the program. In order to effectively use the program, one must understand how to use it. Also, having adequate technology, which can be quite costly, is also an obstacle to using such classroom management tools. Another obstacle to using such classroom management tools is encouraging teachers who are less technologically inclined to use the program. Not all teachers are excited about technology and could be tempted to keep using methods of instruction that do not involve the classroom management tools.

Chapter Four: Educational Technology/Integrating Palm Pilots

In the video "Using Handhelds in the Classroom," the teachers discuss the use of handheld computers in teaching. These teachers explain how they plan to use them in the classroom. The teacher explains that with The professor explained that the handheld computers were more advantageous over laptops because laptops are more expensive than handhelds. However, because handhelds do not access the internet or video, it focuses the students on the activities that are being taught. This is important because it allows the students to use the programs on the handheld without being distracted by these temptations. The teacher also explains that the students learn from each other. Also, the special education students are included in the handheld education. There are many advantages to using wireless technology in the classroom. Through the use of wireless technology, students have access to more information and are able to learn in a more creative atmosphere that allows them to explore their own interests. Handhelds in the classroom could change the present and future classroom by reducing the amount of paper used in the classroom because students focus more of their note taking and calculations on the handheld. The use of handhelds could change the "traditional" classroom. Handhelds in the classroom could create an environment in which the students have more interactive capabilities because they are more involved in the subject matter. Through this interactiveness, students could learn more advanced ideas and theories and progress further into studies that they would not have otherwise ventured.

Chapter Three: Educational Technology/Priority: Technology and Inclusion

In the video clip, "An Adaptive Keyboard," a keyboard that is adapted for use for students with special needs is discussed. The keyboard allows students with disabilities to enter information by selecting words after entering a few letters. This technology allows for educators to be more diverse in utilizing technology with students with special needs. Prior to watching the video clip about the adaptive keyboard, I was unaware of its existance. I did not realize that this particular technology was being used in special needs classes. I think that it is imperative that technology be used in the classroom, especially in the special needs classroom because this allows the students to have more contact with the technology, and this contact is contact that the students would probably not be able to have outside of the classroom, especially those students with special needs who need special technology in order to fully appreciate the full range of uses that the technology can afford. I think that the more technology should be adapted to suit the needs of special needs students, including those students whose communication skills are limited. Through utilizing technology, these students can have an outlet for communication and thought that they would not otherwise have.
In addition to students with special needs, other students that do not have a special need could also utilize technology such as the adaptive keyboard. For example, students that are learning to read and write could use the diverse functionality of the adaptive keyboard. By allowing the students to select words through entering a few letters of the word, the students could learn to read, write, and spell as the audio reads the words to them. For older students learning a second or subsequent language, the adaptive keyboard would be of particular interest to them as well in the same manner it would be to those younger students learning their first language.

Chapter Two/Educational Technology/Planning Technology

In the video clip, "Learning the Rules for Computer Use," the teacher in the video discusses difficulties using technology in the classroom. The teacher explained that one particular problem is that the number of computers is significantly less than that of the number of students in the classroom. The teachers discuss a possible solution to the problem is dividing the students into pairs, allowing each of the students to use the computers. However, dividing the students into pairs can be a bit confusing to the students. In order to overcome this, the teachers decided to use colored cards. Also, to use the computers the instructor discusses the rules of using the computers, asking the students the rules for computer usage. Cooperation and sharing are both important in the learning process when the students are sharing computers. Planning and thought are both imperative when using technology in the classroom.
I have discovered, through trail and error, that proper planning is essential in all walks of life, not just in educational planning. On a recent trip to Japan that I was able to embark upon, I found that lack of planning and thought had a negative impact on my trip. Because I did not plan out my trip beforehand, I wasted the short time I had in the country on the subway. I did not realize that my hotel was as far from the city as it was, and the activities that I could have done were ruined because I did not properly plan.
Another example of improper planning in my own experience that always results in failure is shopping without a plan. While I enjoy shopping aimlessly for many things, grocery shopping is an endeavor best planned. Everytime I go to the grocery store without a list and a plan, I find myself aimlessly walking up and down the aisles in search of items that I have forgotten that I needed. Because I hate to go to the grocery store, I attempt to purchase everything I need in as few trips as possible; therefore, if I forget to make a list and plan for the occassion, I will ultimately fail, returning to the store in only a few days time for a forgotten item.

Chapter One: Education Psychology/Individual Differences

In the video clip, "Strategies for Teaching Diverse Learners," the instructors discuss different ways in which they communicate information to their students. The first teacher discusses the different challenges that students face and how these challenges can be overcome by being creative in what is expected from the students. For example, the teacher explained that some students find writing to be particularly challenging. In order to overcome this particular challenge, the teacher explained that she finds alternative ways in which the students can communicate the knowledge that they have gained, such as drawing a picture. The teacher explained that if writing is not an important part of what is being taught, then she can determine other ways to encourage learning, which utilizes multiple intellegences. The instructor uses audio, tactile, and visual elements in order to encourage learning. The teacher lectures, writes on the board, and has handouts in order for the students to be able to learn in their own manner.
The second instructor in the video discusses that it is important for students to associate words and pictures or examples in order to better understand the information that is being discussed. Using pictures and personal antecdotes are examples of using mutliple intellegences because these different activities allow the students to learn the information in their own manner.
One particular type of software that would allow tachers to teach toward diverse learners would be PowerPoint. PowerPoint can be a visually stimulating presentation that can combine words, pictures, and audio in a lecture. These different aspects allow for a teacher to teach towards multiple intellegences and stimulate the students in the learning environment.

Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself. . .

My name is Laura Culpepper, and I am currently earning a Master’s in teaching languages with an emphasis in English as a second language with a minor in Instructional Design Technology. This is my final semester of classes, but I will not be graduating until the Fall. I have a bachelor’s in English and master’s degree in literature. I live in Jackson, MS and work for an airline, so I am always traveling, which is my passion. I hope to begin teaching abroad soon, but as of now, I am not in the classroom. I am slowly working my way into teaching.
I am taking this course because I believe that it is imperative that teachers incorporate technology in the classroom. I believe that students should be exposed to technology as early as possible, and teachers have a responsibility to facilitate this exposure. Through familiarity with technology, students are at a significant advantage because they are more comfortable with technology. I am taking this class because I want to be more confident in my ability to utilize technology in the classroom. I am taking this as an online course because my job prevents me from attending traditional classes because I do travel so much and on very short notice. I have taken many online classes prior to this class and have taken the majority of the classes for my M.A. in TESOL online.