Chapter 14

Before reading Chapter 14 of M. D. Roblyer's Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching I did not think that technology had anything to do with physical education or health education. I actually thought that technology has mainly had a negative affect on physical health because it has resulted in more people using the computer or television instead of exercising. However this chapter, "Technology in Physical Education and Health Education", showed me many ways that technology could be beneficial in these areas.
New equipment has been developed that allows people to exercise more effeciently. Also, pedometers, heart monitors, and other devices allow people to track their own progress and analyze their own fitness levels. These devices are god ways to motivate those exercising. When showing students how to perform specific exercises, drills, or sport skills, model demonstrations are frequently very helpful. Technology has allowed these demonstrations to be done using videos, and shown over and over, from different angles, etc.
The Internet is also beneficial for students if used the correct way. Students can talk with experts in physical health. They could also research health topics, and effects of certain activities, medications, food, etc. Some software programs, or even programs on websites, can allow students to track their own nutritional status and use programs to help them. Also, videos can be used in PE or health classes to show, first-hand, the consequences of ill-advised choices related to health. Technology can help a physical education or health class in many ways, but it is important not to let technology take over the exercise and actual physical activity of the class.

Chapter 13

M.D. Roblyer's Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching offered special advice about integrating technology into art and music classrooms in Chapter 13. In grammar school and in high school I do not think I ever experienced using technology in an art class or a music class. I was pretty interested in the information that this chapter was going to give, just because I was not really sure what to expect about using technology for art and music.
The chapter first addressed integrating technology into music classrooms. I am not very familiar with music at all, and I never took a music class in high school or in college. However, it seemed like there were many ways that technology could help in a music classroom. I think it is very important for students to be able to create their own music, record, edit, and play it back as audio. New technologies make this much easier and more affordable for students. Another important technological innovation is the development of what I think is called notation software. It is definitely important for students to be able to word process sheet music. Also, I think that music tutorials are great ways to help students learn and practice. They could hear specific sounds, pick out instruments, identify musical notes along with sounds, etc. Technology has definitely transformed the recording word, and can also transform the music classroom.
The next part of the chapter described technology that can improve art education. The text mentioned that funding for art education is at an all-time low. I can definitely see how this can hurt art classrooms and especially their use of technology. However, the text still gave good ideas for technology in art classrooms. One idea that I liked a lot involved the students using the Internet or databases to search for certain images. This could take place in many ways. The teacher could teach about a specific type of art work, an artist, or a period, and then have the students look for specfic pieces of art that fit into that category. This way, the students will probably better learn the topic, if they are looking and sharing themselves. The text also mentioned using PowerPoint presentations to display artwork to a class. This is the only way that I have ever seen technology be used in any of my art classes, and this didn't happen until college. My art history class consisted of the teacher displayed different artworks on the PowerPoint screen and then discussing and asking questions about them. I enjoyed this form of teaching because we were not reading from a textbook, but instead viewing only the work we were studying, and then discussing it as we examined it ourselves.
A fairly new form of artwork that is definitely progressing and expanding rapidly, is that of digital imagery. The software that has been made so accessible to almost anyone can easily manipulate digital imges and even video. Using these types of manipulations in the classroom can allow students to use their creativity to change an image or video. Another way to use technology in the classroom, is to take the class on a virtual field trip to an art museum. I think that this is such a great idea since museums have so much to offer and there is little funding available. Lastly, technology can be used to create collections of works to be displayed. Students can create their on portfolios. Teachers could create websites or PowerPoints consisting of students' work. Technology offers so many ways to compile pieces of art to display for many to see. Though one may not normally think that technology could eso useful in art and music classrooms, it is very interesting to see how technology really does have a place here and can greatly benefit and advance children of all ages.

Chapter 12

Personally, I have never really liked the subject of Social Studies. I have always enjoyed math and even science and English more. However, chapter twelve of M.D. Roblyer's Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching, gave some great ideas of how to use technology to make social studies more interesting and beneficial.
With the emergence of technology, the Internet, and other communication devices, the global world is becoming smaller and individuals have access to more information about the world and the people in it. Due to this, the content of social studies keeps growing, but teachers still only have a certain amount of time to cover all of the information. One problem is that using technology in constructivist ways usually takes more time, and even though it could be very powerful, it doesn't allow for the teacher to cover as much information. Also, the Internet has so much information that it is very important for students to know what is accurate and what is not. The text said that, "Some believe that rather than shying away from hate or conspiracy sites, we should be using them as demonstration tools to teach our students how to become critical consumers of information." Last semester, in my education class, my teacher did an activity just like that. We all had to look up sites that he gave us, mostly hate sites, and see how they gave out information and how they worked to make the viewers believe in them. It was a great way to see the false, but tricky information on the Internet, that younger people could easily believe.
Next, the text talked about good strategies for using technology in social studies. There were a bunch of ideas that I really liked. First, simulated problem-solving environments seemed like they would b like games, fun and exciting, but provided problem solving skills for social studies scenarios. Also, as I have mentioned before, virtual field trips are great for every content area, but they can really add a great dimension to a social studies class. Student telecollaborations seemed like a great way to get students from different places to work together and gain insights about other parts of the world. Last semester and this semester I have worked with the Deliberation in Democracies website where my class has communicated with people from the Ukraine. I feel like this type of communications, if done properly, can greatly benefit students.
Another great idea that the textbook offered, was digital storytelling. I think the best way to integrate this into the classrooms would be to have the students create a digital story about a famous person or era related to what they are learning. This seems like such a fun and simple thing to do. Finally, I think that using drill and practice or instructional games is a perfect way to get students to memorize facts like capitals, locations of states, dates, geography, and famous events. In school, I had never had to learn the capitals of the states, and just this past year I decided that I wanted to learn them. I went on a website and used a drill and prat ice game over and over until I knew all the capitals. I really think that this was a perfect way for me to quickly learn them.
Social studies is a very broad topic that can cover many areas. Though many can find it uninteresting or not fit for them, there are many ways to make it more interesting for all students. Technology definitely has so much to offer in getting students interesting and excited about learning social studies.

Chapter 11

Chapter 11 in M.D. Roblyer's Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching discusses integration techniques for math and science technology. I am studying to be a math teacher, so this chapter was very interesting for me. Personally, I found virtual manipulative to be the most interesting technology integration strategy. Basically, virtual manipulative helps students do simulated activities on the computer. These help make abstract topics and idea much more concrete. They let the student actually see what they are working with, and usually let the students figure out their own meaning for certain mathematical topics. The text offered some sample resources of virtual manipulatives. I visited some of the sites and found one that I liked very much: http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/. This site offered so many difference activities to helps students in so many topics in lots of subject areas, such as geometry, algebra, data analysis, etc. The site also offered sample lesson plans that use the manipulatives. I think this site would be very helpful for me as a future teacher, and also to help plan lessons for my classes now.
Technology also helps students with problem solving and seeing actual representation of mathematical ideas. Graphing calculators are a big help in helping understand the symbolic, graphical, and numerical representations of the same data. I have experience with graphing calculators and they really help you visualize things like functions or plots. Also, I have worked with Maple, the computer algebra system. This is like a very advanced calculator on the computer, and it lets you see 3d graphs and figures. I think it is very useful.
The text then moved to talk about integrating technology into science. The text stressed how there is a growing concern about the competition that America is now facing with mathematics, science and technology. I recently went to a talk in which they discussed this recent trend, and it is true that education needs to improve in math, science, and technology. Using technology in math and science classes is a good way to improve this. I think there were a few interesting science integrations of technology. Technology allows students analyze data and create their own spreadsheets and charts. The Internet allows for students to research current data and get up to date information. Also, technology allows for students to see representations of data, phenomena, and scientific processes that would be difficult to understand if just reading about them. For example, photosynthesis or mixing colored light may be processes that are difficult to understand. However, technology has the ability to make these more understandable for students. Students can also see or do other types of simulations. They could mix chemicals, or complete virtual dissections of animals. This could help with costs, and it would also allow for students to complete many more runs of experiments. They could see how a little difference could change an entire situation.
I think that math and science have countless opportunities for technology integration. Also, since technology is rapidly improving, there will most likely be more integration techniques and ideas emerging every day. It is important for teachers to keep up with this. There are so many good resources available that I did not know about, and I think many teachers would be happy to use them.

Chapter 10

Chapter 10 of M.D. Roblyer's Integrating Educational technology into Teaching offers information regarding using technology in English Language Learning and Foreign Language Learning settings. I think it is important to realize the increase of minority students and especially those needed to learn English. ESL students must be grouped by language level and have their individual needs addressed. This is very difficult for teachers to do on their own, and there are many types of technology to help accomplish this. By using technology that can be set for different levels and address individual needs, the teacher can better reach all students. Not only can this type of technology help ESL students, but it can also help students learning a foreign language.
I think that the most important part of learning a new language, whether it be English or a different language is being able to have authentic oral and written practice. There are many different types of technology that can help with this. Multimedia software and interactive storybooks offer individualized instruction. learning games on computers and language labs offer other help. They give practice in not only learning word meanings, but using the language orally, and building listening competence. This is particularly important for a new language. The text also noted that many people in high school take a language for a number of years, but never fully grasp the language or are able to speak it. Personally, this is true for me. Classes should have immersion and opportunities to hear the language in various authentic situations. Technology could help make that happen.
The text also mentioned another idea that I found very interesting. They talked about support for text production, particularly word processing programs in the desired language. I think that this is a great idea with many benefits. I took Spanish is high school but I have never used a Spanish word processor. I think if this word processor had very good spell check and grammar check skills, it would be very beneficial. I also liked the idea of having writing groups, for which students read their writing aloud to a group who then provides feedback and questions. This helps the student want to write and make it correct, and it also gives those listening the chance to hear the language and build listening skills.
Another thing the text mentioned was virtual field trips. I have heard of these and have always thought that they were on the Internet or software received that go to a specific place. However, initially described them a virtual field trip "in which the teacher takes the field trip, videotaping the trip and recording running commentary". I think that this idea would be greatly beneficial for language learners. The teacher could go to any type of place and use vocabulary words and provide them in a real life situation, using other words in the language. Since the teacher would be creating it, he or she would know the level of the students and what they are working on, so it would be individualized or the specific class.
Since learning a new language is such a difficult task, it is important that it is made fun and interactive whenever possible. With new technology emerging all the time, it is very beneficial for teachers to use it to reach their students in new and exciting ways.

Chapter 9

Chapter 9 discussed technology usage in English and Language Arts contexts. At first I thought that this chapter would be useless for me since I am going to be a math teacher, but I think that it had some good points for any teachers. It is important for all teachers to realize that the definition of literacy is expanding with the addition of many forms of technology. Gathering information, creating projects or works of writing, and communicating are all being greatly enhanced by new forms of technology. Teachers need to be aware of this, and they should be up to date with these changes because it is so important for teachers to provide students with the opportunities to integrate this new technology into the learning experiences.
Technology has added many benefits to English classes that can also be touched upon in other classes as well. First, technology allows the classroom to become more of a social learning environment involving others in new ways. Also, the classroom has the capability to become more diverse though Internet resources and communication possibilities.
I think one of the most important benefits is that interactive and visual software is helping to increase student motivation. There are new ways to spur students' interest in reading and in writing. Some websites teach decoding skills by offering interactive speech support and reinforce letter recognition and formation. Some websites offer exercises that may seem more fun to students because they are on the computer or because they engage the students more. Many of these types of websites provide instruction in phonics, decoding, comprehension, and vocabulary without the students really thinking that they are learning or doing "school work". The book offered a few interesting ways that teachers can integrate technology into everyday activities with the class. The text mentioned keeping vocabulary lists in spreadsheets, creating flashcards with electronic presentations, etc.
Technology is also important in improving reading and comprehension development. I think that interactive storybooks and talking books really engage students and allow students who have difficulties reading to still comprehend. Digital storytelling also seems like a great way to help students comprehend stories better. I think that having students read a story and then maybe create a digital story summary, or their own digital story on a certain theme would greatly benefit them. It is also something that they would probably be interested in, so they would be more motivated to do it.
I think that blogs and discussion boards are great ways to motivate students writing skills. These allow students to use the computer and the Internet to post their own ideas or opinions about topics. Not only can they share their own ideas, but students can read and comment about what others have to say.
Finally, the text talked about the generally new idea of writing as a process. I completely agree that writing is a process and there are many steps to generating a good piece of writing or literature. I think that technology plays such an important role in making these different steps much easier for the writer or creator. First, pre-writing, brainstorming, and outlining can be done on the computer or on paper. Ideas can be jotted down, concept maps can be created, and even outlines can even be easily organized on the computer. Drafts can be typed up, and I think most importantly, computers have revolutionized the way we revise and edit our drafts. Due to word processors, revising is so easy. Students can see their work, read over it, make corrections, move things around, etc. Spell checking and grammar checking is easily aided by the computer. Also, it is easy to send documents so that others may proof-read them. Finally, the publishing process has also been greatly enhanced. Students can create works that seem extremely professional. Not only can students create typed papers, but now it is much easier to create brochures, cards, newspaper articles, stories, etc. Also, there are new ways to electronically publish works on the Internet so that others can view them. Technology has truly enhanced English and Language Arts education.

Chapter 8

Chapter 8 basically explained different web-based activities, and how and when to use them in the classroom. On page 252 the text says, "The rule of thumb is that if the activity could be done without the Internet, it probably should be!" I am not sure that I fully agree with the statement. Though maybe a student could open an Encyclopedia to gather information about a topic, using the Internet would probably be easier, more time efficient, and it would allow the student to get used to using the Internet. In a society like today, in which the Internet is becoming used more and more in everyday life, it is important for students to learn how to correctly and efficiently use the Internet for various activities. I think that if using the Internet would add a certain distinct benefit or difference to a lesson, it should be used.
The text described a bunch of example of web-based lessons and projects. A few of these jumped out at me as things that I think would greatly benefit students, and that I may one day use in the classroom. I really like the idea of electronic penpals. As a future high school math teacher, I am not sure how I would use this in my own classroom, but I think it is a really good idea for students of younger grades. It seems like something very interesting, and I wish I could have done something like that as a younger student. Problem-based learning also seemed to interest me. I liked the idea of students collaborating and working together. I think a webquest is such a great idea, and could be really helpful and fun for students. I also really liked the idea of using real world data analysis. This is something I think I could really use in my own classroom. I could have students use to Internet to find real world data about the weather, the stock market, elections, or any interesting topic. The students could then use the real-world data to record data, make predictions, create graphs, etc. These types of activities would help students know how to correctly locate and use information on the Internet. They could also help students who are more visual learners. Finally, they would allow students to collaborate and work together, and possible even use the Internet for some of this collaboration.
The text moves on and begins explaining all of the different functions that websites can have for students. Websites offer so much for students as well as teachers. I think it is very important for teachers to provide their students with many resources, some of which would be best found on certain websites. Most importantly, I think teachers should create their own webpage on which students and parents can find assignments, check a schedule, and contact the teacher. To create websites, HTML, Java, VRML, PERL, etc, are all used. At one point in time, a website could not be created without the knowledge of these different types of programming languages. However, today it is very easy to create a simple and free webpage. For example, we easily created our own site using Google Sites. Everything today is very user-friendly and usually web-development software is not even needed for simple pages.
Today, the Internet is used to download all types of things. First, images are taken off the Internet very frequently. There are copyright laws about using images, but it is very difficult to enforce them, and many people do not even know about them. Downloading programs or plug-ins happens very frequently on the Internet to make it possible for people to view streaming video or audio, to see movies, to view animation in games, etc. Most sites offer free plug-in downloads to see or use their product.
The Internet has expanded in so many ways recently, and it is important for teachers to be up-to-date. Teachers need to know how to use the resources available to them in the best way for the students. Using Internet based activities is highly beneficial for students if used in the correct way. Also, developing a personal website is very important for teachers.

Chapter 7

In this chapter, I learned more about distance learning. I was unaware that there were different types of distance learning. I basically just thought that it meant online courses, and not that it also referred to the use of the Internet and other resources to play other roles in the classroom. I found it very interesting how distance learning has evolved over time. For example, I never thought that distance learning could be done without any type of electronics at all. I thought it was funny that people used to take part in distance learning through post mail, sending audio or video information.
I also learned about different types of distance learning activities. Though I never really thought about running and online course, I actually plan on using some of the distance learning activities described. For example, I will most likely have students research using the Internet. I also plan on having students engage in WebQuests or virtual field trips.
The text talked about the difference between face to face interaction and online courses. I found it very surprising that they considered the benefits to be equivalent and that there was no overall difference from traditional classroom instruction. The text noted research that had been done to find these results, but I would like to know what type of classes were researched. For example for what ages and what subject areas did these findings come from? Since there are so many issues in distance learning, I find it hard to believe that it can be seen as equivalent to face to face learning, especially for younger grades. I found a few issues to be more likely to affect students. For example, online courses may cause students to have poor socialization skills because of the lack of physical interaction with peers in a classroom setting. Also, for particular subjects, such as math and science, it may be difficult for students to visualize problems and complete hands on work. Finally, I think that online courses are beneficial particularly for students with certain characteristics. It works better for students who are responsible, organized, and motivated, and could have negative effects for those who are not.
I found it very interesting that the Internet was first used for the Department of Defense, and how it has now expanded in such massive ways. As a future educator, I found it useful that the text addressed problems that educators may face when dealing with the Internet and its usage in the classroom. For example, teachers must be aware of inappropriate sites, privacy issues, online predators, and viruses. Another problem for teachers is that it is much easier for students to plagiarize and violate copyrights. Personally, I am not aware of all of the copyright rules, but I think that I and others have definitely violated them in many occasions. It is so easy for students to ignore copyright rules, especially for images. I think that a lot of the information found at this part of the chapter explained things about the Internet that I was already aware of because I have been using the Internet for years of my life. For example, it explained information about URLs, how to navigate the net, how to bookmark sites, and how to use search engines. A lot of this information is vital to using the Internet, but many people are already aware of this, particularly young students. I think that it is very important for teachers to talk to their students about the Internet and the issues that are associated with it. In particular, I think that teachers must stress to students that all information on the Internet is not always true and that students must make sure sites are reliable before they use them for information.
The Internet offers many benefits for education in the form of communication. Email makes it easier for teachers to communicate with students and with parents. Electronic bulletin boards such as the Blackboard that students at Seton Hall use, offers so many benefits. Teachers can contact all students, post assignments, lead discussions, and so much more. There are also a lot of benefits for students from blogging. Like we are doing in this class, students can blog about their thoughts on certain readings. They could also blog about personal experiences, or creative writing pieces for different classes. The text also discussed chatrooms and instant messaging. Though these are great ways to communicate, they have not been used very much in the classroom yet.
From this chapter, I learned about the benefits of the Internet in the classroom, for all different things. When discussing distance learning as online courses, I learned about how it is important for these courses to be extensively planned. Also, the best online courses use collaborative activities and interactive learning communities. It is important that students connect with each other and the teacher if they wish to learn something from their distance learning course. As a future educator, I may one day be offered a job for which I would have to run a distance learning course over the Internet or another server. I actually think that I may consider doing this if I was prepared with the right materials.

Chapter 6

Hypermedia and multimedia tools have become increasingly important in education. This chapter really focuses on all of the different types of hypermedia systems and how they can impact education. I found it very interesting how closely linked multimedia and hypermedia are today. Basically, any type of hypermedia (including links) is also multimedia (including different types media). They have become to integrated now, that it is difficult to imagine them not being linked. This connection between multimedia and hypermedia has expanded the amount of information and opportunities that these types of systems offer, especially for education.
Commercial hypermedia software packages use hypermedia to add energy and life to instructional software. Interactive books can expand students' motivation and reach out to students in new and different ways. Using hypermedia in reference materials like encyclopedias, almanacs, and atlases, enhances these things in huge ways.
"People with fairly nontechnical skill levels now can develop their own complex, professional-looking hypermedia products." This type of hypermedia authoring is so important to education today. Due to the ease at which hypermedia can be created, teachers as well as students are capable of using and creating hypermedia products. The availability of audio, video, photographs, graphic images, and different types of text makes it so easy for teachers and students to compile these things together and author their own type of hypermedia. I think that having students create their own hypermedia projects is a wonderful idea and a great way to foster intellectual advances; however, I also think that is important for students to do on-paper planning for their projects. I do not think it is a good idea for all of the planning, strategizing, and brainstorming to be done through the computer. If teachers make students write down their steps or the way they are going to create the project the students may be more organized and structured when they finally do dive into creating the hypermedia project. I also think that it is very important for students' work to be displayed in some way to the rest of the class or to others. If students know that their work will be displayed, they will hopefully work harder to create something that is worth showing off. I also liked how the text suggested that students do self-assessments of their hypermedia projects. By doing this, students will be able to see how well they have done, and what they could have done to meet all the criteria. If students learn to do self assessments, they should be more likely in the future to analyze their own work and try to enhance it even when not required.
Four types of multimedia authoring tools were described in the chapter. I thought that they all had a lot to offer and there were very interesting ways to integrate them into the classroom. Presentation software is a create way for teachers and students to present information. I thought that having students use presentation software to present book reports was a great idea. I also think it is important that students learn how to best use presentation software as an aide for a presentation. The student or teacher must have good communication skills and be able to use the project or tool in a way that benefits everyone. If the presenter just reads off of a PowerPoint, the software's effectiveness is not being fully used. Another type of multimedia authoring tools was video production and editing systems. I loved how the text said that teachers or students could record themselves creating experiments or doing steps for a procedure. Also, I liked the idea of putting together a news show or the morning announcements. The text also describes the idea of virtual reality. This is great for virtual field trips for all students. Also, it offers a new way to reach out to children with special needs.
Basically, I think that allowing students to engage in hypermedia systems will increase motivation, processing skills, and creativity. Since hypermedia systems are so interactive and offer such a variety of different modes to receive information, these systems offer something for people who have different learning styles. I think that it is so wonderful that recently students have not just interacted with hypermedia systems but they have been allowed to create their own. With effective teachers and the right resources, students can greatly benefit from creating their own hypermedia systems.

Chapter 5

I think that the different types of additional software support tools are very interesting to learn about. I was not really aware of all of the different types, and have not had much experience with them. The Materials Generators seemed very useful. Desktop Publishing Software seemed like a really good tool for having students use to create projects such as brochures. Whenever I used to do projects like this, I would use a word processors to do parts of it and then cut out and paste things onto other paper. If I were able to use a desktop publishing software program, my work may have looked more professional and I may have taken more pride in my work. These types of programs seem very useful for reporting research and aiding creative thinking. The test and rubric generators, as well as the worksheet and puzzle generators seem to be extremely useful for teachers. I have never experienced using a test or worksheet generator, but I hope that in the future I have access to them because their benefits seem to be huge. I am curious to know if most teachers use these, or if not, how most teachers create their tests and worksheets.
I found that the different types of Data Collection and Analysis Tools all were pretty interesting and useful. Of course, the electronic gradebooks, statistical packages, and students information systems are great tools for teachers. Also, the computer-based testing systems are great for having students complete tests on their own and receive immediate feedback. On the other hand, I do not think that they should be used all the time, or even very frequently depending on the course. I think that the most beneficial tool of this type is the student response system. I have used what we called "clickers" in a few classrooms before. I think that they really get the students involved, and they are anonymous so other students won't know who answered correctly or incorrectly. Also, I have used the program called DyKnow, which offers a way that all students can have a multiple choice question come up on their screen and they have to answer it. I really liked how these systems involved all students, so everyone had to answer.
I think that the Graphics Tools are really cool and useful for school and also personal use. Draw and paint programs, image editing tools, and the collections of clip art, animation, sound etc are great for letting students and teachers express themselves not only in words. These can motivate students more and foster creativity. The charting and graphing tools also do this, but they are also beneficial in aiding in mathematical processes and understanding mathematics. They offer a created visual to go along with certain data. Graphics tools are very helpful for making normal papers or ideas more interesting and pleasing.
Planning and organizing tools are also really important. Lesson Planning software and Scheduling and Time Management tools are beneficial for teachers in obvious ways. They basically make things a little easier and less time-consuming. Outlining tools and Concept Mapping Software is a little different. I like how it helps students, or even teachers develop their own ideas. This type of tool does not create ideas, but just helps the individual organize them and develop the ideas more. I think that outlining and mapping ideas really helps when writing an essay or even solving a problem and making this available on the computer is very beneficial.
Research and reference tools like electronic encyclopedia, atlases, and dictionaries seem to be just the regular thing except on the computer. However, I think that they really offer a lot more. I remember anytime I had a project or something to research, I would always pop in my Encarta CD-Rom. Now, I would probably just search the Internet, but both ways are very helpful. Having this information on the computer, allows for very easing searching and wide ranges of information. Also, these things can provide you with multimedia and interactive data or information that can greatly enhance the learning experience about a specific topic.
Finally, the last section of the text just described other tools for specific content areas. In particular for math, graphing calculators are a very beneficial tool. However, it is very important that students to not rely on the calculator. I think that not enough teachers stress the idea that the calculator is a tool, an aide. It should not do the work for you. Graphing calculators are particularly useful for graphing information and letting the data be viewed. Also, I have had some experience with computer calculation systems such as "Maple". This computer type of calculator offers even more advanced calculations than a graphing calculator.
Basically, there are so many different software programs that offer such a variety of opportunities and aide in the classroom to both students and teachers. It is important for teachers to use what is available to them in a way that is helpful to their students.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4 was all about the basic software tools of word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs. I think that all of these tools are extremely useful today, and are pretty much ingrained into our system of education. Word processing has transformed a lot of society, especially when it comes to education. I can't imagine not easily typing a a paper for class, and going back later to make easy corrections. Also, think about all the handouts that teachers create using a word processor. It is hard to imagine life without "Microsoft Word". Now there are so many additional tools that allow much more than simple typing.
The text mentioned that using a word processor to first type up a document may actually result in better writing than if it was done on paper first. I think that this depends on the writer and his or her personal learning style. Personally, if I have to write up a formal paper for any type of subject, I like to hand write it first. I usually gather my ideas and then write it all down first. Since it is slower than typing, it allows me to process my thoughts. Also, because I can not just easily backspace, I tend to think more about what I am writing and the best way to write it. Also, when I am making a review guide for a test, I also write that out. I learn a lot through actual writing and for me, directly typing my thoughts into a word processor limits how well I process them in my head. This is most likely not true for everyone, but it is what I think about myself. I am not trying to say that word processors are not needed, because I usually type up everything after I write it, and then I go in and make easy corrections. However, initially typing up things in a word processor may not benefit everybody.
The spreadsheet is another type of software tool that is very useful. Particularly in my field,mathematics, spreadsheets are very important. In school, I used them a little, but never really used them to their full capabilities. I think they are very useful for making tables and then graphing results. Hopefully, I will be able to integrate spreadsheet into some of my math lessons. It is also important for teachers to be familiar with spreadsheets so that they can use them for grades and other information.
Database software is something that I was not very familiar with before reading about it. I have used library databases to search for information to use for research papers and other things. I have also used search engines on the Internet such as Google to find information. However, I have not really had any experience with creating databases or using databases in relation to people. However, the text offered a lot of ways that databases are useful. I think that they are very important for teaching students how to make their way through the vast amount of information on computers everywhere. Students need to learn how to find what they are looking for, especially at a time when Internet search engines are becoming extremely popular. Databases used to store information on people are very useful as well, but must be kept private for many reasons. I have not had much experience with these databases with information on people, but I think it would useful for me to learn since I will have my own classroom and students to manage one day.

Chapter Three

Out of all of the chapters so far, I have enjoyed reading Chapter Three the most. I liked reading about the different types of instructional software available, their benefits, and the best ways to use them. I really like the idea of teachers using computer programs to empower them and their lessons. I also think it is important for teachers to be knowledgeable about all the different types of software so that they are able to recommend certain things to parents who may be concerned for their children.
Throughout the chapter, I kept thinking back to how computer software was integrated into my own education. In grade school, we used to have a class once a week where we would go to the computer lab and do different things. While reading through the different categories of software, I recalled different things that I used to do, and compared my reading to my own experiences.
I definitely used drill and practice software. I think that this is a great way to have students learn automaticity with certain skills, especially things in math like the multiplication facts. I think that this type of software is extremely beneficial if used for in the correct way. I hope to use this with my future math students somehow. I think I learned a lot through this type of software.
I don't think that I ever had any experiences with tutorial software or integrated learning systems. However, I think that they would be very useful in specific situations. I like the idea that they teach a whole topic at the pace of the individual students. This can be very beneficial, especially with children with learning disabilities, or advanced children.
To me, simulation software seemed like the coolest educational software. It offered so many possibilities, and opened the door to so many exciting things. I like how the text described it as being able to do things that would normally be time-consuming, dangerous, expensive, and unrealistic.
In school, I specifically remember two games that I really enjoyed. One was called Ice Cream Truck (similar to Lemonade Stand) where you have to decide how much ice cream to buy, where to sell it, what times, etc. Then, you make a certain amount of profit. The other game was called My Mathematical Life, and you got to choose a job and run your own life, managing expenses, etc. At the time, I found both of these games very fun. Now, I can see that they were not just fun, and in fact taught me problem solving techniques. Instructional games like these can be beneficial to students, especially if they enjoy playing them.
This chapter taught me a lot about the types of educational software I was unfamiliar with, and it reminded me of the benefits of the educational software that I had experienced myself. Teachers need to know when and how to integrate instructional software so that the student can benefit from it.

Chapter 2

I thought Chapter Two tied into my other education classes very well. It explained a lot of things that I remember learning about in other classes. At first, I wasn't really sure why I was learning all of the theories and who thought of them. When learning about these learning theories in the past, I never connected them with technology. Now, I see how different technologies are used depending on what type of theory you believe. Objectivists may use different technology than constructivists. I liked how the text stressed a mix of all types of technology, and a mix of different teaching strategies and theories. I liked how the text talked about how to integrate technology for direct teaching, constructivist teaching, and for a combination of both.
I found the idea of inert knowledge interesting. I don't remember really talking about that in any of my other classes, but I do see it in my own experiences. I think technology is a great aide to help diminish inert knowledge. I always found that when I was actively involved in learning something, I remembered it better. If I had done a unique project on a topic, I seemed to remember that topic more thoroughly later on. Technology has the capacity to create more unique projects. It can help get students more involved with their work, and hopefully diminish their inert knowledge.
Though I support constructivist models, I also believe the direct instruction is sometimes necessary. As a future math teacher, I think that there are some facts that students must memorize. For example, I think students should memorize the multiplication facts. I like the idea of using drill and practice or tutorial software to help learn these basic or prerequisite skills. I think that games or drills on the computer were always more fun than traditional learning methods, like flashcards. When the students are more interested, they will learn more.
Finally, I think that the Technology Integration Planning Model is a very useful model. It stresses major points to think about and address before implementing the use of technology in the classroom. It also stresses the importance of recording how well certain technology worked for you. I think it is very important for research to be done on technological advances and their uses in the classroom. Once it is proven by research that technology enhances learning, schools will be able to do much more.

Chapter One

Chapter One had a lot of of key points that I found pretty interesting. It's interesting to read about how the past has influenced today's technology. For me, it is hard to imagine a world without the World Wide Web, but, as the book says, it was introduced in 1994, only 15 years ago. This baffles me, because that one technological development has changed so much of society. It is interesting to think that new advances such as that are being made all the time, and they influence so much of our daily lives. Learning about the pre-microcomputer era, the microcomputer era, and the internet era, made me realize the differences among generations regarding technology, and the effects that these different may have had.

It was also interesting to read about the different ways that technology can enhance the teaching and learning experience. I was already aware of many of the uses for technology in the classroom, like providing faster information to students, word processing, and helping students visualize different topics that may be difficult to understand. However, reading the text helped me realize that technology has so many more facets and opens doors to so many more possibilities, especially in education.

I found it useful that the text stressed the need for teachers to create flexible learning environments and adaptable assessment options. With emerging technologies, it is important for teachers to be up to date. It was also useful to learn about the benefits of technology for students with disabilites.

Chapter One was a good introduction into the world of educational technology.