Chapt. 2 Wk 1 Cathy Ziebarth

Three ideas that are of interest to me include the responses from students when technology was incorporated into the lesson, how a person learns skills and diversity needed when using technology in the classroom. According to the student teachers observing and recording the reactions of students when technology was used in the classroom, “students seemed interested, students were able to cover some objectives that wouldn’t be so easily or quickly met without the use of technology” (Niess, Lee & Kajder 2007, p. 17). According to Niess et al., (2007), ”Students were more focused and interested and seemed to appreciate the instant results available using technology and would probably retain the information longer (p.18). I believe technology has the potential to enhance most lessons; it is nice to see observable results.
How a person learns skills and knowledge becomes a fundamental part to what is learned. I think that is why some teachers resist change and the use of technology. If a teacher learned through a more traditional method, (pencil and paper) that may become their preferred method of teaching. The challenge is to change and be able to analyze subject area and use the pedagogical strategies to implement technology (Niess et al., 2007, p.18).
“Students have not had the same experiences with technologies and thus come to the learning environment with diverse needs with respect to the questions of integrating technologies in the learning environment, teachers need to plan for this diversity” (Niess et al., 2007, p. 22). This statement interested me because I frequently have parents tell me how well versed their child is on the computer, yet they have very few skills that will enable them to actually work well using technology or doing computer application programs. They may be able to play video games or text their friends, but cannot do an internet search, evaluate information on the web or use a word processing program. If they fill in a form or choose options on their Facebook page they feel they have created a web page. Not only will students come to class with much diversity, they will come to class with much misinformation.

Two ideas for integrating technology for student learning in my classroom.

I can modify the Web Wall idea for my 8th grade class. Currently they compare and contrast two popular search engines or directories, they type a report, incorporate the logo and give a brief summary to the class. Taking it one step further, I will have each student use a blank card and highlight the best features of their preferred search engine. We could continue adding to the bulletin board by having students view a particular search engine and add features and search results. I tried the Technology Link 2.2 (www.wiley.com/college/neiss)Tapped In-it provides professional development for teachers, which should enhance student learning by providing new ideas. I checked out the animal PowerPoint-cute idea, and the professional development link-a little difficult to navigate the web site, but may prove to have ideas with further exploration.

One main concern about integrating technology for student learning after reading this chapter.

My only concern after reading this chapter is, how do teachers become more aware of the NETS•T for teachers when they are immersed in their own subject area? If there is not a desire to implement technology how is that changed?