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.