Journal Post #3

Chapter 3 Transforming Learning with Unique, Powerful Technology 

Focus Question: How does computer technology promote unique, powerful, and transformative learning for students and teachers? 

Computers and Teachers

           There are many useful things a teacher can do on her computer in the classroom and now even at home. Teachers are no longer restrained to having to use handwritten grades or just using the computer in the classroom to make lesson plans or input students grades in their grade book. Teacher now can keep a students record on the computer and it makes it easier to gauge how the student is improving or what they need help improving on. Teachers can also use interactive learning experiences for their class. There are educational software, educational websites, digital cameras, and video resources that can help a student learn. Teachers are not forced to have to do something a certain way. There are countless ways to do homework or studying that were never available before. 

Computers and Students

           Being able to use computers almost anywhere and greatly helped students when it comes to the classroom. Most teachers now require that if you have to do an essay  that it has to be typed. There are other requirements that some teachers may have but they are simple, like the font size or having the document be double spaced. I know having a laptop in school has been my savior in some classes. I'm able to do homework at anyplace that has Wi-Fi. For some homework assignments you don't even need internet. Your homework just may be to write an essay about your favorite trip that your family took. Students can also take classes online, this class is a perfect example. You can choose which class to take, when to do the homework and when you want to do the work. Teachers set deadlines of course but the class is more flexible and can meet almost anyone's needs. Students can also do academic research on almost any computer or laptop. Edison has a library that is available to all its students. This library only contains academic related journals and works. This way the student will know the site they are looking at is credible.

Photo credit to: TNewsome_MiniProject2 on Flickr

Tech Tool 3.3 

           This tech tool lists web resources and apps for communication and collaboration. It says there is a web scrapbook that allows individual students or classroom groups to place electronic information, such as images, documents and webpages, in and online folder and then discuss and annotate its contents. Another web resource listed is Discovering Antarctica. This site teaches historical, scientific, environmental, and zoological information through videos, maps, charts, graphs, puzzles, and activities as well as describing what research occurs there. Some apps that are listed are Words with Friends, where students can play an online version of Scrabble with friends and classmates. There is also Zite, where you can create and curate your own digital magazines. 

Summary 

           The possibilities are endless when it comes to the computer and apps. Technology is always expanding, changing, innovating and creating new ideas and ways to do things. Computers now make life much more easier doing research and learning. Online courses help students go at their own place so that they do not feel as rushed in to doing something as they would in the classroom. 

Resources:
Textbook - 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.