The Texas Education Agency has a very thorough plan for the long range use of technology. In the plan they discuss the fact that these children who are the students today are the computer generation. They have been using technology from early childhood. Whether it be computer games, video games or cell phone technology. The plan mentions that these children do not know a world without computer technology. We as educators , have a responsibility to be current and knowledgeable in order to lead these students on to academic success.
Another area of interest for me was the section discussing the future budget needs of a thriving technology program. If school districts don't invest the money in things to help promote technology education like hardware and software schools and students cannot compete in the computer age.
Technology training for teachers is also an area in which districts must invest. Teachers, and not just computer teachers, must be kept up to date and have access to things that can promote a technology rich classroom environment.
Students must also have access to technology training according to the Long Range Plan for Technology in order to keep them moving into the future.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Chapter 6 Continued
As I continued to read through ch. 6 I discovered even more amazing software options. Special needs software reads aloud words or letters to assist students who are hearing impaired. The software also allows opportunities for assistance for students with learning disabilities. This is very exciting for me in particular because I have a student in my classroom right now that I think could benefit from this software.
Problem solving software also allows more hands on opportunities for learning. Brainstorming or Concept-Mapping software "generates digital maps of concepts that represent a visual depiction" which could be used in curriculum development and classroom mapping of curriculum.
Academic databases give educators access to much more organized sites in which to gain ideas or share information with other people who may in similar classroom situations.
This was a very informative chapter.
Problem solving software also allows more hands on opportunities for learning. Brainstorming or Concept-Mapping software "generates digital maps of concepts that represent a visual depiction" which could be used in curriculum development and classroom mapping of curriculum.
Academic databases give educators access to much more organized sites in which to gain ideas or share information with other people who may in similar classroom situations.
This was a very informative chapter.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Blog #1- Academic Software
Chapter 6 entitled Academic Software addresses the use of various types of software and their capabilities and uses in the classroom. The first category of software that the chapter addresses is that of authorizing systems such as HyperStudio 4. If a teacher does not feel that a software will be able to work as effectively with their individual students the teacher might choose to design their own instructional software. Power Point is a very popular program that uses a hypermedia format. Power Point is something that can be incredibly useful in my field of academics. Nothing spruces up an open house like a Power Point.
Another software mentioned is desktop publishing software. The chapter mentions many things that an educator can use in the classroom. This would be very useful to me for creating customized booklets to give to parents, transparencies for teaching concepts, and even flash cards that could be very useful in the fourth grade classroom.
The article mentions illustration software including clip art libraries. Clip art is crucial in the publication of classroom newsletters.
Reference software on a classroom computer providing a variety of reference materials can
benefit both teachers and students. Academic games are also a fun and hands on way to help a student learn a concept.
Another software mentioned is desktop publishing software. The chapter mentions many things that an educator can use in the classroom. This would be very useful to me for creating customized booklets to give to parents, transparencies for teaching concepts, and even flash cards that could be very useful in the fourth grade classroom.
The article mentions illustration software including clip art libraries. Clip art is crucial in the publication of classroom newsletters.
Reference software on a classroom computer providing a variety of reference materials can
benefit both teachers and students. Academic games are also a fun and hands on way to help a student learn a concept.
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