Chapter 15 Review

Three things that I have learned from reading this chapter are: that each school is required to provide an Annual Yearly Progress for the No Child Left Behind Act. I also learned that sometimes schools have to purchase assistive technology devices that are pieces of equipment that improve functional capabilities of children with disabilities. Finally, I learned that a tool that is commonly used to help students that struggle with writing skills is Write: OutLoud; a word processor that allows students to hear what they have written.

Two ways that I could integrate this into my own  teaching would be to use the different technologies to help students of mine that may struggle with writing skills. I could also find web sites that are web accessible for students that have disabilities rather that regular web sites.

One question that I had for this chapter is, what do you do if your school cannot afford these types of technologies?

Chapter 4 Review

Three things that I have learned from reading this chapter are: the basic three software tools are word processing, spreadsheet, and databases. The second thing that I learned from reading this chapter are the benefits to using Word Processing in the classroom: saves time; enhances the appearance of the documents; you are able to share documents with others; and you are able to collaborate on documents with others. The final thing that I learned from reading this chapter are the different ways to use spreadsheets in the classroom: visual demonstrations; students can use them to make graphs, time lines, etc.; math problem solving; storing and analyzing students data; and finally, it is useful for teachers to predict or project students grades.

Two ways that I can integrate what I have learned into my own teaching would be to use software such as Spreadsheets for students to work and solve math equations. Another way that I could use this software in the classroom would be with my grades, projecting and sharing grades with students.

One question that I have for this chapter would be what are some ways that I could integrate Word Processing into mathematics?

Chapter 14 Review

Three things that I learned from reading this chapter are: the inactivity and obesity of our youth today are ever increasing. I also learned about how to address different controversial health issues with many students that include suicide, drugs, etc. Finally, I learned how to influence healthy life styles in your students.

Two ways I thought that I could integrate what I read about in my own lesson was to use different physical (running, jumping) examples to preform math calculations on. Also, I can just encourage my students to be healthy in general; I think that all students should encourage their students to have a healthy life style.

One question that I had for the chapter was: what are teachers required to do when a student confides in them with a controversial health issue?

Classroom Assessment Review

Three things that I have learned after reading this article are that we (as teachers) need to use assessments for learning, rather than of learning. Another thing that I learned from this article is assessment for learning involves teaching where and when it is needing during the learning process. The final thing that I learned from this article is that many teaching strategies are not universal; this means that sometimes what works for  one teacher doesn't always work for all teachers.

Two ways that I found that I could integrate this new knowledge into my own teaching would be to learn what assessment are actually helping my students rather than just testing them on knowledge they wont retain. I could also use this information when studying other educators and the techniques that they use when teaching.

One question that I have for this reading is how do you (as an educator) know what is working for you (in a teaching style) and what isn't.

Chapter 12 Review

Three things that I learned after reading this chapter is the way to address social studies instruction standards is by using culture; time, continuity, and change; people, places, and environments; individual development and identity; individuals, groups, and institutions; power, authority, and governance; production, distribution, and consumption; science, technology, and society; global connections; civic ideals and practices. I also learned that using digital stories is a very effective way of getting a point across to students. Finally, I learned that GPS is another great way to display things for students in the classroom.

Two ways that I can integrate the things that I learned into my own teaching would be to use a GPS unit to display distances to students doing word problems. I could also use digital storytelling to get an important point or subject matter across to students.

One question that I have after reading this chapter is how to integrate adventure learning into a math lesson.

Chapter 11 Review

Three things that I learned from reading this chapter are that the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics is a primary resource and guide for all who make decisions that affect the mathematics education of students. I also learned about the ten mathematics standards, they include: numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, data analysis and probability, problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections, representations. The final thing that I learned from reading this chapter is about the different ways to represent mathematical principles.

Two ways that I can integrate the things that I learned from the chapter in my own teaching is by using the specific guidelines for the things that students need to learn. I can also use the different examples of integrating technology into math.

One question that I have after reading this chapter is how can learning about different subject matters help me with teaching math?

Chapter 10 Review

Three things that I have learned from reading this chapter are that it is important to integrate a students native language, if the student is an ESL student, into any lesson and technology can assist teachers in doing this. The second thing that I learned from reading this chapter is about using the CALL (Computer assisted language learning) system to enhance teachers or students speak another language. The final thing that I learned from reading this chapter is the different way to integrate oral communication into your classroom using technology (radio broadcasts, podcasts, etc.)

Two connections that I made from this reading to my own teaching would be to use the CALL system to help me learn languages that my students may speak to bridge the language barrier a bit. Also to use things like virtual field trips to places that we (as a class) may not be able to truly visit.

One question I had for this chapter (like the last) is for some more ideas on how math teachers (specifically) can integrate these concepts into their classrooms.

Chapter 9 Review

Three things that I learned after reading this chapter were ideas on how to motivate students inside and outside of the classroom to make students literate by using interactive software. Another thing that I learned from reading this chapter is about the networked literacy projects that students can do, by using Internet sites. The final thing that I learned from reading this chapter is finding a use for electronic outliners to help students prepare for creating word documents.

Two connections I can make to my own teaching would be if my students have to create a paper they can use the electronic outliners to prepare for their paper. The second connection I can make to my own teaching is I can have my students create a Digital Story to describe a mathematical concept to the rest of the class.

One question that I have after reading this chapter would be how can math teachers do a better job of tying in literacy to their lessons?

Chapter 7 Review

Three things that I learned from reading this chapter are there are multiple sites with collections of web-based lessons and the chapter also gives multiple examples of these sites. The second thing that I learned from reading this chapter is how to evaluate different websites and web quests. The final thing that I learned from reading this chapter is about the file transfer protocol and how to transport different files using different programs.

Two connections that I made from this reading to my own teaching is, I can use the file transfer protocol to send different files and attachments to students and other teachers. The second connection that I made was using the rubric for evaluating web quests to see whether they are acceptable for my students or not.

One question that I had after reading this chapter is how to get students to use these tools to make sure that the sites that they visit are suitable for lesson activities.

Chapter 6 Review

Three things that I learned from reading this chapter are: the difference between "multimedia" and "hypermedia" is that multimedia is using multiple forms of media, while hypermedia is interacting with media. The second thing that I have learned from reading this chapter is tutorials can be useful to students because it is a visual representation of the material and is also visually captivating. The final thing that I have learned from reading this chapter are the different types of reference materials that are now being offered on the computer as well as hard copy form.

Two connections that I can make to my own teaching is I can use things like tutorials to keep students engaged in the material I am presented, and that will also hopefully make them understand some of the content easier. The other connection that I made to my own teaching would be to use things like the reference materials on the computer rather that only having it on hard copy because is reduces on wasted space in the classroom and they are usually more accessible than references on hard copy.

One question that I have about the material covered in this chapter is how do you use most of these media's in the classroom?

Chapter 5 Review

Three new things that I learned from reading this chapter are the six different types of software support tools and the different ways that teachers are able to put these tools to use in the classroom. The second thing that I learned from reading this chapter is that teachers can use things like worksheet and puzzle generators to create games and practices for students to do for practice in the classroom. The final thing that I learned from reading this chapter is that charting and graphing tools help teachers create graphs and illustrations to help demonstrate things to their class.

Two connections that I made from the reading to my own teaching are that I could use something like a worksheet or puzzle creator for my math students to practice with. Another connection that I made to the reading for my own teaching would be the scheduling and time management tools; this would not necessarily be used directly with my students (although it could be). I would use the time management tools to stay organized with grading papers and other things like that.

One question that I had after reading this chapter was what are some ways that a math teacher (like myself) could put things like electronic encyclopedias and electronic maps to use in the classroom?

Where's The Beef Reading

Three things that I learned from reading this article were that technology doesn't necessarily make a concept or project great; the most important part of a concept or idea is still the content and understanding. The second thing that I learned from this article were the 9 scoring traits for digital products; i also found these scoring traits useful and interesting. The final thing that I learned in this article was that technology can be a very fun, creative, and helpful way of learning for kids if it is used correctly.

Two connections that I made to my own teaching is that I can use the 9 scoring traits for digital products with technologies that I may use in my classroom so that I know whether or not they are useful technologies. The second connection that I made to my own teaching is when the article talked about knowing if the technology meets the format and cognitive style you were trying to get across to your students.

One question that I had about the material covered is, how do you get teachers that have been teaching a while and are set in their ways to change to more effective ways of teaching through technology?

Chapter 3 Reading Reflection

Three new things I learned from the reading were about drill and practice teaching and technologies; I learned the different ways that you can implement these strategies into your classroom, how to select between all of the different strategies, how these help, and the downfalls of these strategies. I also learned that simulations are a good technique to use in a classroom when you need to reduce time, or take more time on an area that you're teaching, also its good to keep the students involved and engaged in what they are learning about, and its safe for students. The final thing that I learned about from this chapter was how to keep a problem-solving log.

Two connections that I could make to my own teaching would be to find a good simulation or software game that would keep my students involved in the lesson and help them visualize the things that I am trying to teach them. The second connection I could make to my own teaching would be to use some of these games as drill and practice scenarios with my students.

One question that I have for this chapter is what are some good examples of simulations and software that are directed more towards high school kids?

Chapter 2 Reading Reflection

Three new things I learned while reading this chapter are the difference between objectivists and constructivists; objectivists are people who think that that knowledge has its own existence outside of the human mind, while constructivists are people that believe knowledge is constructed in the human mind. The second thing that I learned was about the Social Activism Theory; this theory was based on John Dewey's belief that the curriculum that students were taught should arise from the students interests. The final thing that I learned from reading this chapter is that the future of technology is integrating both objectivists and constructivists, and there is still much opposition.

Two I made to my own teaching would be with the Social Activism Theory I could structure my lessons around what interests the kids so that they are fully engaged and participating in the lesson. The second connection would be in the chapter it talks about "integration to help build mental models and increase knowledge transfer"; I could connect this to my teaching by using visual tools to teach my students the things they need to learn.

One question I had about the material covered would be: how do you merge two beliefs that are so different like objectivists and constructivists?

Chapter 1 Reading Reflection

Three things that I learned when reading this chapter were that technology doesn't necessarily ensure good teaching. I also learned that in the No Child Left Behind Act, proposed expenditures require scientifically based research, which has created many critics for the act. The final thing that I learned from this chapter is the different ways that technology motivates kids; it gains their attention, keeps them engaged, and helps them visualize different concepts.

Two connections to my own teaching are there are many new programs being developed today that directly involve math without many people realizing it; these programs include programs such as Excel and Access which I could use in my classroom to mix it up and still keep kids on track with math. Another connection to my own teaching would be the use of different systems to illustrate things in front of the whole class on things like overhead projectors or Smartboards, so everyone in the class can see how to work through problems.

One question I have about the chapter is how do lower economic schools stay on top of all of the new additions being added to technology every day?