Reflection Post

I enrolled in this class thinking it was going to be an easy "A." I thought I already knew everything there was to know about technology, but I was surprisingly taken back. This class showed me everything that I did not know about technology, and taught me that there is still so much more to learn. I learned many new things about technology in this class. Creative commons and embedding are just a few things that caught me off guard. I really had no idea those things existed before this class.

This class has helped me learn a great deal about creating images, videos, or other cool applications, but also about the legalities of what you can and cannot use, and how to give proper credit to someone. The Blogger posts were definitely challenging when asked to always use a new tool, but I really believe that it pushed me to create things I would have never thought about creating. The prezi above has a compilation of a few things I created throughout the semester. Those are all pictures that I created using technology tools that I did not even know existed before this class.

I especially enjoyed the group projects. I thought it would be difficult to do since there is no face-to face interaction, but it went very smoothly and we were able to create some interesting Wikispaces and Lesson Plans. I feel that those projects have successfully met the learning outcomes outlined in the syllabus stating that students will create a portfolio with samples reflecting ways technology can support classroom management, administration, and teaching in a K-12 classroom. I thoroughly enjoyed this class, and cannot think of anything to change. I would definitely recommend to other students.

References:

Friedline, C. (2016, April 28). EME 2040. Retrieved April 28, 2016, from https://prezi.com/bxivbvaq-qvh/eme-2040/

 

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Digital Blog Post #F

Tagul Word Cloud Credit to Catherine Friedline

Inclusion and Infusion of Technology

Although both terms refer to technology in the classroom, there is a difference between inclusion of technology in the classroom and infusion of technology in the classroom. Inclusion of technology in the classroom can be described as using technology in the classroom to transfer information and practice skills. Infusion of technology in the classroom is when computers and technology are seamlessly featured in all academic grade levels and subjects ("Technology..."). Of the two types, I would say that infusion of technology is much more beneficial to student development and learning. Technology is overwhelmingly important to the way society runs now, and with inclusion students have very limited access and experience using technology. Infusion allows students to practice and explore technology in every aspect of their learning. 

Technology Integration Issues

There are many issues that can hinder or even halt the use of technology in classrooms. One of the most obvious issues is finances. It is very costly to purchase all of the new technologies, and it continues to add up with the cost to run the technology and provide IT support (Mathis). Another issue that is not as talked about is the support the teachers receive from the school. If a teacher is pushing for technology in the classroom, but there is no support from any other school faculty members it could be very difficult to have the issue addressed. Also, there is the issue of adapting to the technology. It could be very difficult for the teachers to learn all of the ins and outs of the new technology. I believe that is necessary to provide in depth training for all technology the teacher is to use in the classroom. If a teacher is not efficient with the technology, it could a lot of time away from the class. With all of this being said, I also believe that regardless of all of the complications, schools should really work on infusing technology in to the classrooms because of the amazing benefits.

Interactive Digital Textbooks

A digital textbook is a digital book or e-book that is designed to serve as a text for a class. However, technology has come a step further to make these e-books interactive. Interactive digital textbooks have a multitude of benefits.This is a great way for students and teachers to review and learn new material. The interactive part of the textbook allows students to watch videos, examine graphical designs, and easily take notes (Louie).Another great benefit is that since the textbooks are digital and not set in stone in a regular textbook, it can be easily updated and changed without needing to create an entirely new book. In other words, the digital textbooks save a lot of paper from going to waste when the textbooks become outdated.These interactive digital textbooks therefore prove to be very cost-efficient, and more importantly environmentally efficient. 

Resources:

Friedline, C. (2016, April 21). Tagul - Word Cloud Art. Retrieved April 23, 2016, from https://tagul.com/ 

 

Louie, K. (2013, October 15). Awesome Free Ed Tech Resources eBook! Retrieved April 23, 2016, from http://www.emergingedtech.com/2013/10/interactive-textbooks-revolutionizing-the-classroom-text/

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Mathis, L. (2015, June 18). Technology Integration Issues in K-12. Retrieved April 23, 2016, from http://www.edutopia.org/discussion/technology-integration-issues-k-12

Technology Inclusion vs. Technology Infusion. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2016, from http://online.tarleton.edu/Home_files/EDTC_538/Week_5/Week_53.html