Math and Science EDT548

Week 12 Readings

2006-12-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

This article was in-depth and very detailed. It also supports everything I've learned throughout my masters programs. Technology is required to be integrated into the classrooms in all subject areas to adequately prepare our students for a successful life. Factors that need to be considered are that teachers are given the necessary training to sufficiently model good use of technology, hardware/software is available, students are given many opportunities to explore, administrators are on the same page as the teacher, there is technology support, and the community is involved. Now, a thriving technology program has all of the above considerations worked out..........most schools; however, aren't as fortunate. In those cases I find that teachers need to hold strong and be a pioneer. People will eventually come around.

Another point that was mentioned in this article that I was pleasantly surprised about was the fact that low ses schools do not lack technology like they used to. All public schools seem to be ensuring all the schools in their districts have the same technology available. Hooray!! I hope that's true in AZ.

Week 10 Readings

2006-11-02T10:55:00.000-08:00

This article was full of great information. I am working towards my applied project and am in the process of doing a literature review similar to what we read. I found it interesting that several comments were made that I found in other articles. There was an idea in the beginning that made the wheels in my head turn a bit. It said,
"Because effective use of technology must be supported by significant investments in
hardware, software, infrastructure, professional development, and support services, over
the last decade, we as a nation have invested more than $66 billion investment in school
technology (QED, 2004). This unprecedented level of investment in educational
technology has raised expectations of legislators and the public who are now looking for
returns on this investment (Benton, 2002; CEO Forum, 1999, 2000), and therefore are
calling for evidence regarding the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of technology in K-12
schools (Ringstaff & Kelley, 2002; Panel on Educational Technology, 1997; Melmed, 1995).
Society wants to see the benefits from all the money it has invested. I suppose I never took that point of view. I have always thought that teachers do their best and it is up to the child to apply what they have learned (provided the teacher is "really" doing their best). I never considered how employers view the students we are sending to them. I blame part of my thinking on the fact that I teach 7-8 year olds. They aren't going out in society soon. Unfortunately, the other part might just be me being naive.

As I read the implications, they shared exactly what we know and we hear over and over again. If technology is not used in a valuable fashion then it isn't being used effectively. There are also the issues of lack of technology in schools, which creates a big hurdle. Never-the-less, if a school has the technology then professional development needs to be provided and on a frequent needs based cycle. When teachers have support they feel more confident to try new things.

Week 8 Readings

2006-10-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

The format of the first article was most helpful. I appreciated the question and answer format with research included. I think the information provided would be helpful for new and experienced teachers alike. I know from my own recent experience that students are very engaged when given the opportunity to use technology assist in learning. There's no doubt in my mind that access to worth-while programs would help improve student success.

The second article showed how even ten years ago students had some access to technology. Of course, it was no where near the level we've reached today. Still, students had the advantage I did not have growing up.

Week 6 Readings

2006-09-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

The 3D Web was a vague article. I don't understand the term metaverse or 3D Web. I tried finding a definition for metaverse, but none was found in Webster online. I don't want to sound dumb, I understand what 3D is, but am having difficulty understanding how the web would be 3D. What part would be 3D?

I did like how the article mentioned many times the people were concerned it would be unproductive, but in the end were pleased with the progress. This reminded me of the times I have to let the students loose to try it for themselves and I sometimes feel it will be unproductive. I'm excited to say, they usually impress me completely.

Lead Don't Lecture
This article paints many pictures of what a coach is. It provides many examples of what we would hopefully strive to be like in the classroom. There is a part in the article that discusses individual conferences and giving your undivided attention to one student. When this is going on the other students need to rely on each other as experts and not come to the teacher first. I've tried to teach my students this very idea. I want them to feel confident in each other and I want them to understand that each student deserves my complete attention. It is a work in progress.

I was just curious if I was able to be a coach, similar to one spoken about in the article, and truly have a constructivist classroom how great it would be for my students? It is something I can strive for as a goal.

2006-09-30T14:40:00.000-07:00

Week four clarification

My school does use the state standards. Although we are not required to, the school has required it of the teachers (rightfully so). We are a private Christian school that receives no funding from the state (meaning they do not help us and we are not tied to them). We adopted Core Knowledge this year, which is a great curriculum that goes above what the standards require. Unfortunately, some of the topics taught are not a standard for second grade and other standards that are required are not covered in Core Knowledge. There are some aligning agreements, it's just all new and seems challenging to fit it all in. Sorry I was not so clear in my original post.

2006-09-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Week Four

The first article I read was the history of our math, science, and technology standards and how they were created. I remember being in my undergrad program and my math methods teacher sharing a little bit about her experience being on the committee that created the standards. She had a passion for math and felt all students had a right to the same education. Standards, she felt, would help all teachers create this equality. I agree. They are helpful and I like the "road map" for my teaching. Our school has curriculum that has us teaching things that are not standards. Is this okay? Should I be taking the time? Fortunately, we do not answer to the state. Our students do take the standardized tests and as long as their prepared I suppose we're fine.

The second article shared a booklet sent home to New Jersey parents expressing the implementation of math, science, and technology standards. I loved how detailed it was for parents to understand all aspects of these standards. My favorite portion was the ideas for parents to engage their child at home. It also offered resources for interested parents. I think it was a good tool to create, but wonder how many parents actually read it?

2006-09-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

Week Two Readings

Constructivism is something I believe should be the way of life for a teacher. It is not natural for teachers, it is not taught in undergrad. courses, and it is out-of-the-box thinking. Since I became aware of the benefits of constructivism for both teachers and students, I've attempted to change my ways of teaching. Again, it is not natural for most of us to let students be the thinkers and for teachers to be the coach. I spent last year in a book study with fellow co-workers about reading comprehension. It was beneficial and has allowed me more liberties with letting students create their own meanings. Now, I'm trying to be better with math instruction, which should be easier. At least I'm hoping.

WebQuests are awesome! Students love them and they are completely along the constructivist way of thinking. I've created two of my own that I can't wait to use this year!