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?