Module 4 Blog

Advantages of Integrating Technnology

·        In the social studies classroom, technology integration can provide students with personal experiences with social studies concepts, as well as access to unlimited research resources.  Simulators, virtual field trips, and other interactive tools can really help students find personal connections with complex concepts.

·        Simulation software allows users to interact with computerized models of real, historical situations that students would normally never get to experience.   “Some simulations allow students to take an active part in historical situations that would not otherwise be possible due to historical or physical distance” (Roblyer, pg. 340).  These experiences can help students find more meaning in complex social studies concepts.

·        Virtual Field Trips are awesome!  Students use online sites to see and experience places that they would not be able to go to in real life.  Many students don’t get to travel much, so the wealth of information and images from virtual field trips helps them experience “the variety of cultures, sights, and events outside their own communities” (Roblyer, pg.343).

Disadvantages of Integrating Technology

·        Today’s technology has given users access to an unlimited range of information from all parts of the globe.  While this is usually seen as a great thing, problems can arise in the social studoes classroom.  Some believe that this resource could change the student-teacher relationship.  “Teachers are no longer the primary source of facts or opinions” (Roblyer, pg. 339).  We have all heard of those stories about students bringing printed web pages to argue what the textbook and/or teacher says (pg. 339).

Specific Activities, Programs, Etc.

• ·        Simulations (Muzzy Lane’s Making History)
• ·        Primary Sources (Library of Congress- http://www.loc.gov;   Project Gutenberg; The Oyez Project)
• ·        Digital Information Critiques (Don’t Buy It- PBS Kids, Media Construction of War- Project Look Sharp)
• ·        Electronic Research Resources (Census in Schools- http://www.census gov; Ellis Island Records; U. S. Congress- http://thomas.loc.gov)
• ·        Information Visualization Resources (Social Explorer and Gapminder websites, Time Liner XE software, Neighborhood Map Machine and DIY Map software)
• ·        Virtual Field Trip Resources (U.S. Capital Tour website, National Museum of Natural History website, Explore Ancient Egypt website)
• ·        Adventure Learning (Go North!, The Jason Project, Adventure Learning Experiences- Canada)
• ·        Geospatial Technology (Our World GIS Education Book Series, Geocaching.com, Teaching with GIS)

Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Boston: Pearson.

Module 3: Software Support Tools

Materials Generators

A.     Google Add-on or program: Google Drawings (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/google-drawings/mkaakpdehdafacodkgkpghoibnmamcme?utm_source=gmail

·        Through use of materials generators, students and teachers can create materials online and on paper (pg. 141).  Google Drawings is an excellent fit for creating instructional materials.  It allows the user to create charts, diagrams, and other features.  These creations can be embedded onto a website or added to a document.

B.     Personal Choice: Microsoft Publisher (https://products.office.com/en-us/publisher)

·        Microsoft Publisher software can be extremely useful in the classroom for both students and teachers.  Users can create documents ranging from posters and brochures to booklets and magazines.  The software is great for production of documents that emphasize graphics while still having a professional appearance.

Testing and Grading Tools

A.     Google Add-on or program: Liquid Lesson (https://www.liquidlesson.com/)

·        Classroom assignments can be easily saved to the cloud or Google Drive, and they are graded quickly by using Liquid Lesson.  Not only does the add-on generate averages and weighted averages for each student and the class as a whole, but it also allows customized grade scales and assignment weights to match the needs of the user (pg. 155).

B.     Personal Choice: ProProfs Quiz Maker (https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/create-a-quiz/)

·        This add-on could really come in handy in the classroom.  Quizzes are easy to create, and users can come up with their own questions, or use draw from their huge bank of ready-to-use quizzes.  The add-on also automates quiz grading.

Graphics Tools

A.     Google Add-on or program: Fotor Photo Editor (http://www.fotor.com/index.html)

·        This program is really easy to use and great for a wide range of photo editing needs.  Users can change an image’s shape and size, visual effects, add text or stickers, and a multitude of other options. 

B.     Personal Choice: Tilt Brush (https://www.tiltbrush.com/)

·        If you have access to Google VR in your classroom, you have got to check out Tilt Brush!  Users ranging from doodler to expert can use a variety of beautiful effects and brushes to create works of art.  And the best part, the surrounding room is the canvas!  You can walk around your artwork, and even share the creation in room-scale or bit-sized format.

Planning and Organizing Tools

A.     Google Add-on or program: CanaryFlow Teacher (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/canaryflow-teacher/ikoeddnaedhpkbekilkbdjdbjpnpgonb?utm_source=plus)

·        According to Roblyer, these programs include, “Outlining and concept mapping software, lesson planning software, and scheduling/ time management tools” (pg. 160).  CanaryFlow Teacher fills that description perfectly by simplifying lesson creation, streamlining assignment workflow, and reducing grading time-  even when offline!

B.     Personal Choice: Coggle (https://coggle.it/?lang=en-US)

·        This program helps take simple notes and ideas and develops them into complete concepts and plans.  Users can be as creative as they want by customizing the colors of every detail, and by dragging and dropping images right into the diagram.  Users can invite others to view the mindmap and even work on it together.

Research and Reference Tools

A.     Google Add-on or program: Encyclopedia Britannica Searcher (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/encyclopedia-britannica-s/hfipegnjbpgdlgifpfdcfnjnhepckmbf?utm_source=plus)

·        This add-on can be a huge help when researching online.  We all use search engines regularly, and this add-on provides articles related to those “Google” searches in the corner of the screen. 

B.     Personal Choice: Wildfinder Interactive Map (http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/wildfinder/)

·        I love this resource for social studies or science lessons. You can learn tons about a location in just one click.

Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Boston: Pearson.

Search Engines & Web Navigation:

It is no surprise that the internet is an incredible resource for students.  The internet provides students with an unlimited wealth of information right at their fingertips.  Teaching students how to use search engines and proper Web navigation can be very beneficial, enabling them to search and find better information on their topic.

Search engines are valuable tools for researching information.  “Just type in the search word or phrase, and the search engine displays a list of websites whose URLs contain the word or phrase” (Roblyer, pg. 183).  However, many of these websites may not have anything to do with the topic at all.  But by utilizing the advanced search option available on most search engines, students can narrow search results down to those that are relevant to their topic.  They can type in keywords and choose to only see websites that include “all these words”, or type in unrelated words and see websites with that include “none of these words” (pg. 183 & 184).  This way, students’ searches for topic information will yield much better information.

A student’s ability to properly navigate around the internet can make a huge effect on their success in finding information on research topics.  Informed use and experience “traveling” around the internet using uniform resource locators, or URLs, can help students locate web addresses just by guessing, and enable them to “tell what and where it is” by reading the URL’s parts (Roblyer, pg. 180).  They should know that every web address must be entered exactly.  If not, students looking for information may be guided to a completely unrelated website or to an error message with no site at all (pg. 179).  A student’s search will also be aided by knowing how to use navigation buttons, links, and QR codes (pg. 181).  This way, they can find relevant and thorough information through links and QR codes from topic-specific sources.

Website Evaluation:

This video is great because it very simply models steps in website evaluation in a relatable way.

Favorite Professional Websites:
http://wholebrainteaching.com/ is one of my absolute favorite websites, especially for teachers!  Teachers can sign up for free to learn about new interactive teaching strategies, and even get certified in those methods.  There are lots of  instructional materials and resources that be downloaded from the site, and they are all free.  I trust this site because the creator is really easy to identify and contact. The site is not biased and everything is free of charge.
I am also addicted to https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/. There are countless resources for teachers in all subject areas.  Sure, some of the resources have a price but there are plenty that are freebies.   

Online Safety & Security:

Fraud, fraud, fraud!  I cannot stress enough how serious this topic is for me!  I have always been really cautious of which sites I give any information to.  I only disclosed information to credible well-known sites, and only if the sites offer a secure server, but that may not be enough (pg. 176).  Due to an online security breach at a former college, I have spent the last four years disputing fraudulent claims and credit accounts. My life is still negatively affected today.

Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Boston: Pearson.

G. (2013, February 12). Retrieved February 14, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aem3JahbXfk

The "Basic Three" Software Tools

Word Processing Software:
There are countless uses for word processing software in the classroom. One of my favorite benefits to this tool is that it can be used across all subject areas and with all instructional styles. It has been described as “model-free instructional software” and that “it reflects no particular instructional approach” (pg. 112 and 114). When used alongside quality writing instruction, word processing software contributes to better writing skills among students (pg. 115). These skills will prove to be extremely valuable in all subject areas for years to come. While students can benefit greatly from using word processing software in the classroom, teachers should be mindful of when and how often the software is used. Some educators believe that using the software with younger students could have a negative impact on their handwriting development (pg. 116). I think that teachers should ensure that students’ handwriting skills are well developed and practiced before software is introduced. The software should be used in moderation, so that students can continue to have plenty of handwriting practice.

Spreadsheet Software:
Spreadsheet software can be used in the classroom to get students engaged when working with numbers. Spreadsheets adds a visual, graphic element to mathematics that students can interact with and manipulate. The use of spreadsheets can promote asking “what if” questions (pg. 121). Students can play with numbers, input them onto the spreadsheet, and see the results instantly. Students become actively involved in their education and exploration in math. An issue I see in using spreadsheet software would be that students may rely on the software to give them instant results, while not understanding how those results are calculated. Teachers should check for concept understanding throughout software use.

Presentation Software:
One of the benefits of using presentation software in the classroom is that it helps organize topic information (pg. 127). The software can help structure information about a topic to emphasize the important points. Presentation software also aids instruction by using graphics and visuals to enhance and bring to life the concepts being taught. Collaboration among students can also be enhanced by the use of presentation software. Students work together to deliver information in multiple ways (text, graphics, audio). A few common mistakes can make presentations ineffective. Directing too much of the audience’s focus onto the slides will take away from the actual concepts behind the presentation (pg. 127). Important points and information can be neglected and lost in the presentation. Presentations should also be kept simple. Many people tend to list too much information on each slide, which loses the audience.

Classroom Use-- Chosen Software:
I will absolutely use presentation software in my classroom. Students can gain a lot from visuals used in presentations. Presentations can also emphasize and simplify the most important points of the concepts. The attached video gives great tips on creating effective presentations and ideas for classroom use. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/_YaPMwRQR94


Works Cited 

Robylyer, M.D. (2016) Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (7th Edition). New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc., 2016. Print

(2016, May 20). Retrieved February 01, 2017, from https://youtu.be/_YaPMwRQR94

Hey everybody!!  I am so excited to explore the world of technology in the classroom!

A little about myself...
    I am a student at the University of Montevallo, studying elementary education.  I believe children (and people of all ages) learn best when they are given opportunities to explore and create, really have hands-on experience with content.  And I want to become a teacher in order to create that hands-on learning environment for them.  The ever-changing world of technology provides all new ways for students to interact with lessons and information, and in this blog I will be documenting step-by-step as I explore all these resources this semester.
    I have always been more of a hands-on type of person.  I am an artist in my spare time and become completely emersed in projects.  That habit has spilled into my teaching and lesson planning, and that has really made teaching an all-fulfilling goal.
    Stay tuned as I jump headfirst into technology in the classroom.  I'll be back to post very soon!
- Murray!!