IT 442

 

 

There are three types of models revolving around integration within a single discipline. Some of these models have proven to be very useful while others fail at developing necessary connections for students. A few examples from the book include:

 

The Fragmented Model:

“In the classroom, a student might use a graphic organizer program like Inspiration to plan a paper, a full-text periodical database in the library, and a word processor in English class, and never encounter an assignment in his classes where he is expected to use all of these tools together. Teachers may not even be aware that these tools are being used in other classes. The fundamental problem with this educational practice is that students fail to develop the connections necessary to develop advanced thinking and problem solving skills because everything is taught in isolation” (Chapter 4.4A).

 

The Connected Model:

“While studying a unit on space where students traditionally learn about the planets and solar system, a teacher may link current events. Students could visit the NASA website to learn about current missions to Mars and view photos of the surface (photos that will not appear in textbooks for years!). These activities may be followed by a mini-unit about Mars that highlights the technical difficulties that must be resolved to make it feasible for a manned mission to land on our neighboring planet” (Chapter 4.4A).

 

The Nested Model:

“A teacher might design a collaborative learning unit where students need to work in groups of three, sharing a single laptop computer. She may define roles for the students to alternate in each day: team leader, driver (enters information at the keyboard), and recorder. This plan allows the teacher to pursue multiple goals regarding content knowledge, cooperative learning, and problem solving” (Chapter 4.4A).

 

These examples are only a small portion of the ways technology can be integrated in the classroom. Overall, the book Inclusive Technologies by...., covers ten different models that relate back to the integration of technology in the classroom. 

We live in the 21st Century, the digital age. Technology is always going to be around us, it is necessary for many modern day experiences, education, and careers. The sole purposes of education are to teach our youth, and to prepare them to be productive citizens of society. With that being said, it is imperative that we as teachers are able to prepare our students to succeed the expectations their society asks of them.

        Technology should be used in the classroom in order to practice real world skills. One way this can happen is to integrate computer use into education. Students should be introduced to software, such as Microsoft, in order to learn important skills, like typing. These skills are foundational for their future educations and careers. 

                Students must learn how to collaborate and work well with others, this can easily be achieved through the use of technology. There are many applications and websites that make this possible, for example, Todaysmeet.com, which works as a message board for groups. This site can be used for check for understanding purposes, or even as an exit ticket. There are many other examples like: a class blog, Google Classroom, padlet.com, and so many more. Many of these tools help to cultivate a positive, community-centered, classroom environments.

                Another time where technology is appropriate to use within the classroom is to help students to become more engaged in the material that they are learning. Most, if not all, teachers require project work, which is practical for student's future skills, however, many presentation tools can be boring and redundant. With the accessibility to free websites such as: Weebly, Powtoon, and Animoto, students can have a simple, fun, and creative outlet to construct interactive presentations. When students are engaged in the materials, they tend to retain more of the information that they are processing. 

                Classroom management is essential for teachers. There are many different tools that actively facilitate in management plans. For example, classdojo.com is a site that helps teachers to record and assess their students daily behaviors. Another site, Edmodo.com, works as a learning management system, comparable to canvas. Educators can keep track of where their students are with assignments and their overall learning. One other tool is selfcontrol, an app for Apple users that helps the user keep on task by blocking certain websites or applications. All of these sites/apps and more can help create a smooth, yet structured classroom.

                Some final situations that makes technology use acceptable in the classroom are the assist those student who may have a physical or mental disability, as well as students who are at a disadvantage when it comes to learning disabilities and language barriers. There are countless resources for students in all of these areas. A few examples being, techmatrix.org and udlcenter.org, both of which obtain many resources for assistive technology. Teachers may have English Language Learners (ELLs) in need of resources to help bridge gaps in their classroom and overall learning, a few sites and methods that are helpful in this area are Google Translate, flashcards sites like Quizlet, and even recorded instructions. 

                Technology can help students in so many ways. It is our job as teachers to properly learn how to use, teach, and facilitate technology.