WEEK 7

I think after reading this chapter and reviewing some of the writing activities used in classrooms, I would make best use of concept mapping. I think that concept mapping is a very informative and visual tool that can both help students organize and learn the information they need to learn efficiently and effectively. I also think that using PowerPoint is another excellent way of intergrating technology in the classroom.

When creating PowerPoints in class, there are several ways you can use them without them being a classroom distraction. A PowerPoint presentation is suppose to compile important information in a neat organized space that is easy to view. Putting too many animations, distracting music,or too many words on a slide can all be very unhelpful and distracting to a viewer of the presentation. I do not think that it is very difficult to follow the correct procedures when creating an effective PowerPoint. I would personally suggest even having a peer reviewing the presentation and giving suggestions on how they think it could be better.

Overall PowerPoints and concept mapping can be very helpful in classrooms, if used appropriately and correctly. Both are great tools to help organize information in a neat and easy to reach place. When using both of these writing tools, there are certain pitfalls that you can fall in, so following the proper rules and helpful tips and techniques when creating either one is very important.

References:

Jonassen, D. Howland, J. Marra, R. M. Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful Learning With Technology. Upper Saddle River, NJ. Merrill Prentice Hill.

Assignment 6

Personal Digital Assistants are a small, hand-held, usually pen-based computer used as a personal organizer. They can store various amounts of information like addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Most personal digital assistants have access to the internet. Personal Digital Assistants can be used in several different ways in the classroom. Because I am a special education major, I think that my classroom would be benefit greatly from having the use of a personal digital assistant. I think this because if a student with a disability isn’t able to read the hands on a clock, having a personal digital device to either say the time or produce the time digitally may be helpful.

Online survey tools are used for various reasons, but the most common reason they are used is to gather a group of information about an individual in one easy to find location. I think that online survey tools could be used in the classroom in many ways like trying to find out information about what the students are learning and what they want to know without taking up too much class time. Two good rules when writing good surveys are never make them too long and make them interesting.

These days I do not feel that any educator has an excuse when teaching a classroom. There are so many tools both electronically and digitally that can aid a teacher in so many ways. After reading this chapter I have learned a lot about personal digital assistants and online surveys and how the teacher can use them both to benefit her classroom. Overall it is good to know that technology keeps changing and growing, so keeping updated once I am a teacher is probably the number one thing I will always make sure I do.

References:

Jonassen, D. Howland, J. Marra, R. M. Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful Learning With Technology. Upper Saddle River, NJ. Merrill Prentice Hill.