Overview of ED 521 Integrating Technology into Teaching and Learning

Mr. Nansen has provided me with a wealth of information in ED 521. I know I am not an expert with technology nor have had a lot of previous knowledge with educational online tools, but I have learned how to use more online tools that I didn't even know existed; such as Diigo, Evernote, and Voicethread just to name a few.  Google is something I use everyday but never realized how many different capabilities it has for doing a variety of different things; such as creating slides, sites, forms, and calendars.  I have gained more confidence in being able to better understand and use technology; therefore, now I will be more apt to step out of my box and use more technology in a variety of ways with teachers and students.

My Success Story From Something Learned in ED 521 Integrating Technology into Teaching and Learning

After taking ED 521, I know I have never learned as much about technology and the various online educational tools as I have learned here in such a short amount of time. Until this point, I had been comfortable using the basic computer tools and programs in order to do my job.  However, taking ED 521 has forced me to step out of my comfort zone and learn new online educational tools for students and myself. One of the things I am the most proud about is knowing how to create a site in order to provide a collection of resources for teachers. My resource site is definitely a work in progress but I am satisfied that I know how to make changes and additions to make it better. Another tool that I find of value is Diigo.  I will continue to add links and resources to my Diigo account and organize them by topic.  All of my favorite online resources can be stored in one place so I can refer back to them and/or be able to share them with other people.

My Top 10 Takeaways From ED 521 Integrating Technology into Teaching and Learning

1. Learning and collaborating with other students in the class
2. Diigo - tool for organizing and collecting online resources
3. Being introduced to Twitter and the value of resources shared by other educators
4. Edutopia - a valuable educational online resource of articles
5. Google slides - tool used for presenting information
6. Blogger - learned how to create a blog
7. Google forms - learned how to create forms and surveys
8. Google sites - learned how to create a site
9. Tiny URL - learned how to shorten a URL address
10. Edmodo - a tool used to communicate with students

My Experience on the #westedchat Twitter Chat

After participating in my first Twitter Chat (#westedchat), my first reaction was, "Thank goodness an hour doesn't go that fast all the time!! It took some time to figure out how to navigate around on the Tweet Deck because I had never used it before.  Once I saw the stream of communication from those involved, I was able to see where people were logging in from and their responses to the questions.  There were times I saw only the responses and not the questions.  I learned quickly I needed to pay attention and stay on my toes! It was difficult to sit back and not want to jump in but then needed to figure out how. Once I found how to post within the conversation, I was able to also answer the questions.  It was fun to see other educators' thoughts and opinions on various topics through the teacher's voice. The "experienced Twitter Chatters" would also post links or articles that had a connection to the question at hand. I am not an experienced "Twitter Chatter" yet, but enjoyed being able to give my two cents within a group of professional educators.

Libraries of the Future

"No more card catalogs? How am I suppose to find a book?" These may have been the words spoken by a student, an educator, or a community member the day the "card catalog" went into an online data base.  Since the growth in technology, the traditional library has become a media center with more access to various types of technology and digital resources.

As I ponder what libraries may look like in the future, here are some of my thoughts. Will....

• all books become e-books and we provide our students with a device such as a Kindle or a Nook?
• we have access to more computers, i-Pads, and other devices?
• we have access to 3D virtual learning centers?
• we have video production studios?
• we have centers with media-rich space for students to learn about digital tools, collaborate, and share their work?
• we have project-based centers with more hands-on learning?
• we have centers where students can design websites and blogs?

According to Alan Davey, Chief Executive for Arts Council England, there are four priorities needed when developing a public library service within the 21st Century.

1. A library should be placed as the hub of a community.
2. Make the most digital technology and creative media.
3. Ensure that libraries are resilient and sustainable.
4. Deliver the right skills for those who work for libraries.

How Has Technology Changed Your Teaching?

Growing up with the "typewriter," I never dreamt that the world would have the amount of online resources we have today or to what extent the amount of tools and technology would be available within the classroom.  Because of how ever-changing technology is each day, we will always be behind in knowing and understanding how to use the newest tools. However, I use more technology in the classroom today than I used five to twenty years ago. In the past I would have designed lesson plans, with the use of no technology, that were "sit and get" lessons for the students.
(I'm sorry to all my former students!!)

When planning lessons today, I look for technological ways I can present a lesson, build background knowledge and provide students options on how they can digitally present their understanding and/or submit their assignments online.

I have a lot yet to learn, but never would be where I am today without professional development and taking ED 521 - Integrating Technology into Teaching and Learning through Minot State University.

The Future of Textbooks

Publishers today are progressing with more resources in the digital form than the "old-fashioned" textbook.  Is this good or bad?  As with several things, there are pros and cons to online textbooks. Publishers and educators may argue that providing textbooks online is more economical, pictures on a page can come to life by providing students with video and narration, and student backpacks are lighter.

However, being a remedial reading teacher in the public school and a preparatory English teacher at the college level, I am not 100% sold on digital textbooks.  In my teaching experience, I have found that students with reading disabilities need to hold the book and pages as they read.  They also need to be able to use their active reading strategies by being able to underline, highlight, take notes and turn the pages back and forth.  I know publishers and other educators will argue the fact that these tools may be embedded in the online textbook, but during my teaching I have witnessed that as soon as students are given another modality of having to navigate, while reading on the computer, it inhibits their fluency and comprehension skills.

I can see and understand the pros with online textbooks, but struggle with this concept when it comes to strengthening reading skills with lower level readers.  In looking at the positive side of online textbooks, I have attached a link that describes 20 Ways to Bring Your Textbook to Life.  

http://teacherrebootcamp.com/2013/12/26/20-ways-to-bring-your-textbook-to-life/

Teaching and Learning Within the 21st Century

As with anything, change can be challenging; however the result is usually positive.  As we ponder the changes that have taken place within the field of education it is almost overwhelming. We are currently living and learning in a century that requires more than just the traditional textbooks, paper, pencil and a four-walled classroom. It requires a digital literacy with global connections beyond the isolated classroom.

In today's world of education, teaching and learning, in the 21st Century, requires a framework of the following components: Life and Career Skills, Learning and Innovation Skills (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity), Information, Media and Technology Skills, encompassed by the Core Subjects and the 21st Century Themes. In order for these components to work together, there must also be the support of Standards and Assessments, Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Development, and Learning Environments.

Within our ever changing world of technology, it is crucial that we teach with and provide our students with the latest technology tools. Students can then communicate with other teachers and students around the world by using video, audio, and text to build relationships globally and cross-culturally. The use of various types of technology keeps students engaged while learning and goes beyond the use of bound textbooks, paper and pencil, and learning core subjects in isolation.

    

What does it mean to be a teacher?

As with many professions, we hear, see and read about careers that are under scrutiny. I sometimes can't help but wonder are people blaming or criticizing various professions because they are naive and truly don't understand the skills and energy needed for that profession, or like within education, are the standardized tests not showing the results people expect so therefore it must be the fault of the teachers? 

After reading the following articles...
What To Do With Inferior Blueberries by Thomas Hanson

Teachers Should Be Seen and Not Heard by Anthony J. Mullen

Why Teachers Are Not Those Who Can't by Emily Moore

Why Not Fire All Teachers? by Valerie Strauss

What Teachers Make by Taylor Mali

.....teachers are criticized because "schools are not run like a business", teachers are given little input when it comes to making political decisions within education, people have "wasted their degree to become a teacher," and have been "fired because a school was not making progress."  However, as with any profession, there is great meaning and importance to being a teacher. Being a teacher means someone is wanting to help every student learn and work to his or her highest degree. We need to work with and appreciate EVERY student no matter what his/her strength, weakness, attitude, personality or drive. A true teacher will work to find each student's learning style and interest so the student will grow and reach his/her highest potential.

As with every profession, we can all work to strengthen our skills and make our profession better, but a person would not go into a profession, such as teaching, if he/she did not have a passion for wanting to make a difference in children's lives.

Views Regarding Twitter

I have to admit, when I first saw Twitter I thought, "What is the purpose of this??" I did not understand the concept of "hashtags" nor how Twitter could possibly be the number one learning tool within the online world.  I wondered, "What is there to learn by seeing a post such as #read?" I still am not convinced that I thoroughly understand how to use or understand hashtags, but I have seen some benefits in using Twitter.

One benefit I have seen in using Twitter is being able to follow individual people who have a wealth of information on particular topics.  They share their information by posting quotes and links to other resources and/or people. I have also found it beneficial to follow online resources and organizations especially within the field of education. Some of these resources may include journal articles of the most current researched based instructional strategies.

I am still trying to grasp how to use and understand the concept of hashtags. However, I appreciate the opportunity in being able to receive information from from other professionals with the field of education.

What does “Integrating Technology into Teaching and Learning” mean to you?

Integrating technology into teaching and learning means using various types of technology to deliver lessons and instruction to students, thus in return students will use various modalities of technology to learn and exhibit their understanding of what was taught.  For example, after teachers have taught a subject, using different types of technology during instruction, students at Central Middle School in Devils Lake research more on that topic and then create digital stories on iPads presenting what they learn.  Students first research the topic, then plan and organize the facts and information on paper, then find digital photos on the iPad that match the text and finally record their voice by explaining the photos and information learned.  The final projects are then projected on the Smartboard to the whole class.  

What is your opinion about allowing students to have cell phones in class?

Cell phones can be a valuable learning tool within the classroom if there is guidance of proper use, set expectations and modeling of use by the teacher.  Cell phones can be used in multiple ways, for example, cell phones can be used to find research information on the internet, electronic dictionary, maps, calculator, calendar, current events, educational games, and even as a “clicker” to text-in answers to quizzes or classroom discussion, to only name a few.  However, I do not agree with students being allowed to use a cell phone in the classroom for their own personal texting and/or phone calls.