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Janice Wilson Butler

What are the stages of the change process? - 45 views

soc.li/W99AVvO

tech classroom change change-process integrating technology

shared by Janice Wilson Butler on 08 Jan 12 - No Cached
  • Janice Wilson Butler on 08 Jan 12
     
    In the edutopia blog article, Shaping Tech for the Classroom, linked above, Marc Prensky - the "creator" of the digital immigrant/digital native labels, describes the typical process of technology adoption. How accurately do those steps define what is happening on your campus with regard to technology adoption? On average, where in the process is your campus? Have you seen any "movement" through the process in the last 2-3 years? If yes, to what do you attribute these changes? If no, what can you do to move the campus forward? Click on "Comment" above to respond to the article and to your peers. Please post at least one link in this group that is relevant to your discussion. Be sure to tag your link and your discussion.
  • ...10 more comments...
  • Adriana G Hernandez on 29 Jan 12
     
    I am the librarian at our school and I have only been there a few moths. However, I think that our school has teachers that are experts in using SMART boards and other projectors and such along with many Web 2.0 tools, but we also have teachers than use minimal technology. As far as the why, I'm not sure about every teacher on campus, but a lot of the teachers I talk to don't use technology as much as they like because they feel pressed for time. They are desperately trying to plan lessons, evaluate students' work, and address the students' weaknesses. I think in order to move forward, MTT's need to mentor as many teachers as possible, the administration needs to think outside the box so that teachers have time to plan for technology integration. This link http://www.ejmste.com/v5n3/EURASIA_v5n3_Bingimlas.pdf is for an article that discusses the barriers to technology integration. It would be beneficial for teachers to read and discuss what is holding them back so we, as a campus, come up with a plan to ensure everyone gets on board.
  • Elva Mendoza on 29 Jan 12
     
    I am a 5th grade teacher at Adame Elementary and Marc Prensky description of technology integration in education describes my campus. I agree with Adriana when she says that teachers are pressed for time, especially with the STAAR test. There is a total of three computer labs at my school that are rarely used for integrating technology with the curriculum. It seems that the only technology on our campus being used is tutorial programs to enhance test scores. In the four years that I have worked at my campus I don't think we are any closer to the movement of technology integration. Unfortunately, I blame the pressure brought upon our education system, which is test driven. During the President's State of the Union Address on Tuesday he stated, "In return, grant school flexibility: To teach with creativity and passion: To stop teaching to the test :"(West Seattle Herald, Jan. 29, 2012). I think Donna ISD is heading in the right direction with the MTT program. As an MTT I will need to start sharing my knowledge with the staff through staff development and show them how enthusiastic students are to learning when given the opportunity through technology. It worries me that my students will not be prepared for the 21st century if our education system continues to be test driven, rather than technology driven. The link http://www.westseattleherald.com/2012/01/27/news/local-educators-say-obamas-state-union-address-hi is the President's State of the Union Address.
  • Paul Edward Mendiola on 29 Jan 12
     
    I am one of the Math teachers in Donna high school and technology integration in our campus, atleast in our department, I could say that we are still a little behind. Technology is in place but integrating them in our day to day lessons is still missing. It may not be because we have no idea to inlcude them in our curriculum but I trully believe that some of our teachers still need to be reminded that technology integration should be considered as a tool to provide effective learning experience and success for our students, connecting with them in ways they are native to. And as "digital immigrants" that we are, change is still something to be accepted. "Everybody is talking about technology integration, but few practicing teachers profess to know exactly how to proceed. The fact is that real integration requires change. . . . However, what seems to be lacking is a model that teachers can use to guide them through the necessary changes they will need to make to be successful in integrating new technology into their classroom" (Johnson & Liu, 2000, p. 4). In regards to the question on where in the process we are in our campus i should say we are still in between stages "doing old thing in old ways" and "doing old things in new ways". I do have seen some movement in our technology integration for the past 2-3 years. Student terminals, smartboards, internet access for our students, clickers, are are just some of the technology tools that we are using but integrating them are still in the works I believe. As MTT mentors in the future, I trully believe that we should have the burden to share our ideas and teach our colleagues what we have learned and be an instrument of change, genuine change in our classrooms. http://www.techlearning.com/article/41670
  • kate Binns on 30 Jan 12
     
    This article neatly summed up many of the barriers facing true technology integration. Several issues resonated with my own experiences. As Elva and President Obama stated above, often teachers primary worry in the classroom is preparing students for state examinations. Third graders spend entire lessons learning how to analyze a multiple choice question and answer it! If students do poorly on a district wide test, teachers go into immediate action to fix the problem. This pressure comes from administration, school districts, and states. In the end, teachers need to produce good to excellent test scores or they end up losing their positions. It's not that teachers don't want to integrate the technology, but at the end of the day, their performance assessment will reflect more heavily upon how their students scored on a test and not how frequently the SmartBoard was utilized. That being said, fully embracing technology could greatly enhance test scores. It will take time. There will be big failures. There will also be big successes! According to Peter Kent's "SmartBoards: Interactive Whiteboards in the Classroom", "The catch phrase 'it is not the technology, it is the teacher' has never been so true as it is with interactive whiteboards. An even truer phrase however would be 'it is not just the teacher, it is the school'." Smartboards are just one example of technology that can be utilized in the classroom to increase test scores. However, whenever trying something new there will be failures. Teachers and their administration must understand that and be willing to reevaluate what they are doing. It takes our students multiple tries to master a new concept; we should allow ourselves the same time to master new technology. Works Cited: Kent, P. (2003). Smartboards: Interactive whiteboards in classrooms. In Retrieved from http://www.lhric.org/
  • Olivet Castillo on 30 Jan 12
     
    I can definitely agree with Marc Presnsky's article when it comes to the barriers that prohibit technology integration to occur. I think the first step in moving forward with this concept is the teacher. Prensky writes, "..the teachers and administrators famously resist change." "...such shifting certainly initially means more work and pressure on educators, who already fell overburdened." I think with most teachers, it is fear that is hindering them from fully embracing technology. If teachers are not comfortable or are familiar with the integration of a Web 2.0 tool, then they will definitely not be comfortable teaching/integrating it into their classrooms. As far as my campus, Veterans Middle School, I believe some progress has occurred within the last 2-3 years, it has been a slow paced progress with one or two teachers slowly embracing it. This can be attributed part to Technology Trainings provided by the district as well as the Master of Technology Teacher Program that has been provided to the entire district. Those few teachers who have chosen to participate in the program are getting the skills and confidence, so they in turn will mentor other teachers. The only way to move forward is to collaboratively work as a District and as a campus with technology integration in mind. The following article/blog provides eight simple steps to help the classroom teacher integrate technology. "Implementing Effective Technological Change: What a Classroom Teacher Needs." April 2011 by Greg Swanson. http://edtechtoolbox.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-support-teachers.html
  • Leticia Mendez on 30 Jan 12
     
    I am a BIM teacher and I guess it is easy for me to integrate technology because if I'm not using it then I am really not doing my job, because it is expected as a technology teacher. I have heard all kinds of barriers that teachers complain about, one is not enough computers or not enough training but in fact there is training and the bottom line is the change, some people find it hard to change but once they decide to give technology a try and they become consisted with using it the technology starts working for them or at least they will see it that way. Time will always be an issue and we are in education so we must make do with what we have and in our school just about everyone has a smart board and that is a step up from a regular chalk board which is an easy tech tool to engage students. The support must be there after the training because a teacher needs some one there to follow up on their training just to make sure they are implementing the technology correctly in their lessons and of course integrating other applications as well. (Dragula, 2005) Persistance and consistency is the key to integrating technology and not staying behind with the dinosaurs. Dragula, M.ED, J. (2005, April 1). How to Overcome Technology Integration Barriers. Retrieved from Tech & Learning: http://www.techlearning.com/article/42541
  • Esther Sauceda on 30 Jan 12
     
    The campus has shown much improvement integrating technology into their curriculum. More teachers are becoming familiar with Web 2.0 tools, licensed software and diverse hardware devices. Teachers want to integrate technology however face many challenges such as time to learn the skills and to integrate them into their curriculum, technical support, funding, and software/hardware. Some teachers become discourage and impatient when they encounter technical difficulties; thus, classroom computers become unused. According to Great Schools, many schools are now providing each student a laptop to access classroom curriculum, elementary schools are utilizing blogging a vehicle to collaborate and improve writing skills. Many schools are now using Web 2.0 tools to engage students and enhance student learning. Implementing any change becomes beneficial if done properly. Integrating technology becomes possible when teachers are adequately trained, software and hardware are available, provided continuous support is provided and ample time is given to implement the skill Great Schools. Technology in the classroom: Fad or foundation for learning? Retrieved from: http://www.greatschools.org/students/media-kids/130-technology-in-the-classroom-fad-or-foundation-for-learning.gs
  • Delia Torres on 01 Feb 12
     
    Since the implementation of the Master Teacher Technology Program (MTT) in our school district, I have seen a strengthened professional development in the use of technology for classroom instruction. The MMT program has been vital in creating networking connections with other teachers so that we are not working in isolation in the integration of technology. These small teacher groups are gradually moving forward to demonstrate technology integration in their classes to other teachers that are hesitant or fear it. We are learning from each other and becoming a buddy to someone else in our campuses. By networking, we overcome the fear of the unknown in technology usage and work with what we have in the classroom. Adaptation is critical, since most classroom teachers in our school district only have four computers for student usage, whiteboard, projector, and teacher instructional computer. Boss, S. (August 2008). Overcoming Technology Barriers: How to Innovate Without Extra Money or Support. Retrieved from www.edutopia.org: http://www.edutopia.org/technology-how-to-implement-classroom
  • Lisandra Medina on 03 Feb 12
     
    My campus has shown improvement in the past couple of years. Every classroom has a document camera and a smart-board! Almost every class has about 4 class computers for the students to use. The computers are not just for programs now. The computers are used for so much more now. The students have the knowledge on how to use the internet as search engines for research. The students know how to use social networking, which sometimes is not a good idea, but they know how to use it. Some times the students know how to use the computers better than the teacher. But we are always learning because technology is always changing. This is awesome because the students get to be more involved and teachers see how the technology helps the students understand the subjects better! I don't agree with this quote from a Maine teacher "You can mourn the passing of handwriting if you must; the kids certainly won't. If they are writing better and more detailed papers, yes, there has been progress." I think that technology is great but sometimes because a computer has spell check students don't know how to spell. Handwriting should still be taught as well as grammar and spelling. Sometimes these subjects are left behind do to computers. I know that in the future handwriting may be obsolete due to technology but it shouldn't!!!! http://www.edutopia.org/adopt-and-adapt
  • Karina Arias on 03 Feb 12
     
    I have only been in my school for this first semester. I have not observed many teachers implementing technology in their lessons. Technology seems to be slowly creeping into our lessons. The use of document cameras and projectors are very popular, but the actual implementation with students is minimal. One of my colleagues mentioned that time is an issue, and it is. We are very focused on delivering and making sure our students understand all concepts taught that we often leave the creativity and inquiry out of our lesson plans. Nellie Deutsch mentions that educators are eager and motivated to implement technology into the classroom, but that there are many obstacles to overcome. I couldn't agree more, we need more time to practice and explore the technologies and programs that we wish for our students to use. http://www.nelliemuller.com/obstacles_to_technology_implementation.htm
  • Michelle Salazar on 19 Mar 12
     
    In my campus I have noticed that veteran teachers tend to stay away from technology. Veteran teachers didn't grow up with technology in their classrooms and have been teaching for years with out technology that they see no need to implement it now. I really see that as shameful! Now, as a MTT in training, I really want to change these teachers minds about technology and show them how easy it is to use. "With the infusion of technology into all aspects of daily life, students are becoming more and more adept at using technology as an educational resource. Many faculty, however, are not keeping pace with their students. Additionally, faculty feel increasingly unprepared to integrate technology into the classroom." Efau, J. (2005, May 4). No Teacher Left Behind: How to Teach with Technology. Retrieved from http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/NoTeacherLeftBehindHowtoTeachw/157372
  • Salina V on 14 May 12
     
    I seem a bit doubtful that well working laptops can be found for almost 100 dollars for schools as this article suggest, but after looking at Project Inkwell's Web site, it seems like something that we might see in the future. Although I do not foresee my campus being able to complete the "one on one" process any time soon, I feel that it is improving with technology integration. New equipment that I have seen to promote technology integration has already been coming in to our library, which helps us get one step closer to meeting integration goals. We still face a few dilemmas with technology integration, such as lack of working computers in a classroom, or no student Ethernet hookups in the portables, but our administrators do what they can to help us with problems we face with this. There is of course however only so much that they can do, but little by little, I can see the process of technology integration in to the classrooms moving along as each year passes. An example of this movement that has been done can be seen when looking back at the year when our school's portables were first put up. It was at this time that there wasn't any internet provide to those in the portables at all. There as well were not enough SMART boards for every classroom, or any computer classes for 6 grade students. Completing a project using technology with 6 graders was really hard before they opened up computer classes for them. Now, internet, although a bit limited in the portables still, can at least be reached to them, Smart board are given to each teacher, knowledge of technology use is much better than the past 6th graders, and workshops for the use of technology are also provide from time to time. This makes it much more less time consuming for many teachers who wish to integrate technology into their classrooms, and keeps our campus moving in the right track for proper technology integration in our schools. A link, by Project Inkwell, to the prototype dev
Delilah Alegria

How has becoming an MTT change you? - 45 views

When I first started the MTT program, I was a bit skeptical about my abilities to perform at a high level. I quickly realized that becoming an MTT was more of a learning experience than an assessme...

tech classroom

started by Claudia MARQUEZ on 19 Feb 12 18 follow-ups, last by Delilah Alegria on 26 Mar 12
Elva Mendoza

Week 8 discussion - 38 views

I really enjoyed reading the article and definitely agree with the statement, "Yes, we can be afraid of technology," she said, "but I'm more afraid of what will happen if we don't use it." I just ...

technology classroom integrating

started by Salina V on 06 Mar 12 12 follow-ups, last by Elva Mendoza on 26 Mar 12
Salina V

Professional Development and Administrator Support - 30 views

While I agree with all that is said about an administrator's role in technology integration, I think the one that I agree with the most is allow teachers time to experiment and learn about new tech...

technology classroom tech

started by Esther Sauceda on 02 Mar 12 10 follow-ups, last by Salina V on 26 Apr 12
Cora Mendez

Technology and Young Children | National Association for the Education of Young Childre... - 6 views

www.naeyc.org/...technology-and-young-children

Spring 2013 Spring2013

shared by Cora Mendez on 25 Mar 13 - No Cached
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 25 Mar 13
       
      The video is at the bottom of the page. I know it is long, but you can skip ahead by clicking on the arrows. Very good information for early childhood teachers. Make sure to listen to slides 27and 28.
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 25 Mar 13
       
      There is a Pdf document if you wish to read instead of listening to webcast.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 25 Mar 13
       
      I went ahead and viewed the whole web cast and it was so good to see Mr. Rogers. I remember watching him all the time as a young child and I was always so excited to see what he was going to teach us about next. He educated us about train stations, using videos. He did role playing with his puppets to engage us by asking and answering questions. He was one of the founding fathers of integrating technology for early childhood learning. The NAEYC is right about integrating technology in preschools but doing it in an effective way to educate children not just for passive entertainment purposes.
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 26 Mar 13
       
      Isabel you are right Mr. Rogers was one of the first to integrate technology in early childhood through his show. Children loved it. I remember watching it with my kids. Most of the programs they have in the computer labs for early childhood now a days don't challenge our prekinder and kinder students. We need to move away from that. My prek students use Twiddla in the classroom, and they will ask me to share the screen so they can collaborate with their partner on another computer. These little ones are like sponges, and they will learn just about anything especially technology.
  • When used intentionally and appropriately, technology and interactive media are effective tools to support learning and development.
  • Intentional use requires early childhood teachers and administrators to have information and resources regarding the nature of these tools and the implications of their use with children.
  • ...1 more annotation...
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 25 Mar 13
       
      For years I have heard people go back and forth about whether using technology with youg children is good or bad. I was glad to finally learn the answer from NAEYC.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 25 Mar 13
       
      Now I think technology is more kid friendly than before. I see children more often exposed and engaged to technology through the use of IPADS. The applications are easy for kids to download and play. Even with the use of these new smart phones, kids take them away from their parents and play games. I remember my son being 2 years old and learning how to work the vhs/dvd player to view his favorite Disney cartoon, "The Lion King." He learned so fast that he would turn it on so early in the morning by himself. I was so amazed.
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 01 Apr 13
       
      Isabel, you are right. Children learn how to use technology very quickly. Just like your son. If it is something that intrigues them, they are quick to learn it.
    • Edna Orozco
      Edna Orozco on 15 Apr 13
       
      I totally agree that technology has change tremendously and is more user friendly nowadays, specially for kids, but I agree that sometimes certain hands on activities go better without the use of technology, for example, I have seen some applications for painting where the student has to select the colors and type of brush, I rather have my kid experiencing this activity with water painting than with an ipad for example. Therefore I believe that depending on the purpose of the lesson I would think about using or not technology.
  • Cora Mendez on 25 Mar 13
     
    If you have ever wondered what NAEYC stand on use of technology and early child hood education is, you must listen to this webcast. Have you wondered if using technology in early childhood was DAP(developmentally appropriate practice)? Listen to find out.
  • ...11 more comments...
  • Cora Mendez on 25 Mar 13
     
    Lower grades are always the last ones to get new technology if they do get any at all. Why do districts or administrators think that the upper grades are priority? Is it because they are the testing grade levels? Don't you think that if we were to teach children how to use technology since they were in pre-kinder, then they could do so much more in depth projects when they were in the upper grades instead of learning how to use it in the upper grades. What is your take on this topic?
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 31 Mar 13
     
    Cora, the bottom line is that the upper levels get tested, and the results dictate our very jobs. If there is anything I have understood is that "we" are all important components of a school, but when it comes to testing and results, step aside because the upper grades are priority. It is what it is, but as a teacher, I know that every grade level lays the foundation....and a strong foundation is important.
  • Heather Luna on 31 Mar 13
     
    Cora, I think the lower grades should have access to technology, just as the upper grades. I recently read an article that concluded that children as young as two can utilize an iPad as an educational tool, much like they use blocks and play dough. Touch screen technology has eliminated the need for children to "have" to learn to manipulate a traditional keyboard and mouse. In addition, young children are "sponges" that can absorb and achieve much more than we give them credit for. I see how the focus tends to be on the upper elementary, and primarily because of testing, but I have learned that as educators, we have to learn to be more proactive as opposed to reactive.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 01 Apr 13
     
    Heather, I agree with you, and I include our early (PK and K) childhood in all iPad activities, and they all get to handle one by themselves with help if needed. They can at least get the manipulation and navigation under their belt, by the end of the year, they are savvy. Children cultivate 85 percent of their intellect, personality and skills by age five. This is what crosses my mind when I meet a child who has never been read to or even talked to. They have so much to learn. See the article below. http://www.wccf.org/pdf/brain_dev_and_early_learning.pdf
  • Cesar Mata on 01 Apr 13
     
    I like the point that Roberta Schomburg makes about how technology integration is everywhere today. It's not just confined to the computer labs anymore. The students should have access to technology in the classroom on a daily basis. I wish I could say that this is a reality in our campus but it is more of a rarity.
  • Cora Mendez on 01 Apr 13
     
    Heather, I totally agree with you that young children are like sponges because I get to see it everyday this year in my pre-kinder classroom. Unfortunately in my classroom we only have one teacher iPad, but I let my little ones use it every chance I get. When I first got the iPad, I was surprised that they knew more about it than I did. I teach them how to use something on it, and they pick it up write away. I am always looking out for my little ones and asking for more technology whenever I can. When I moved into pre-kinder this year I asked for a document camera and projector. Last years teacher did not have one, but I was going to make sure my kids had access to the use of those tools. My children enjoying using them. I have one little boy who says, "Mrs. Mendez I want the scream." He means to say he wants me to project something onto the screen like a game, movie, book etc. They enjoy using technology. It makes things more engaging and fun to learn.
  • Cora Mendez on 01 Apr 13
     
    Ana, that is so awesome that you allow PK and K to use ipads. In our school only 5th graders got one and one for every teacher. You are right if you teach them the basics when they are young, they will have that under their belt and can progress from there in another grade level. Thank you for sharing the article. It is a good reminder of how critical their first 5 years are for learning. This is why I don't understand why they make PK only available for low income people in so many places. How does this affect our middle income and high income children when in comes to them not receiving a whole one year foundation on the basics of learning. I would never have believed that Pk students are capable of so much learning if I had not seen it and experienced it for myself. They are amazing learners.
  • albert rodriguez on 01 Apr 13
     
    Mr. Rogers; I loved his show, although it was right on for that era, this newer generation requires a different approach which is the use of today's technology. They seem to on board and very knowledgeable with iPads, apps, and games out there. Although I have very little experience with Pre-K and Kinder, I am aware that they are an even better target to incorporate technology with. I think as teachers, we might want to set our standards a little higher with our students, especially the little ones and be ready to be surprised on what they know and can do.
  • Christine Claudio on 01 Apr 13
     
    I can understand the concern over age, but we witness the use of technology from our Pre-K and Kinder on a daily basis. I firmly believe, that technology enhances children's cognitive and social abilities, when used appropriately. Especially when we set the goals and introduce digitial citizenship early on.
  • Juan Betancourt on 01 Apr 13
     
    From a technology standpoint, there are more apps available for students in the lower grades than for the higher grades. From a personal stand point, even my three year old can use the ipad and iphone for seeing videos and playing games. If I were an administrator, I would start deployment of an Ipad/Ipod program in the lower grades.
  • Cora Mendez on 02 Apr 13
     
    Juan I wish more administrators would think like you. I think that technology integration in the lower valley is still in its early stages, so in time I think lower grades will get more technology and more programs will be available to to cater to lower grades. I know the apps are there, but we the the hardware. My document camera and projector were borrowed because they needed it to tutor the upper grades for STAAR. I have had to manage without it. I have two desktops and my laptop and my ipad in my classroom as far as hardware goes.
  • Adam Hovde on 03 Apr 13
     
    I love Mr. Rogers. I have shown my son many of the episodes when he was younger. I can definetly see how technology could be used with the young in teaching. I can also so how, like many of us, technology is not always in teh classroom to help when it is needed. I would like ot see more uses for technology with smaller children and how they learn from it. We have years of data on teh old way of teaching children maybe someone can come up with research on how technology is enhancing or hindering education in children.
  • Gayle Curry Robinson on 15 Apr 13
     
    The video was long, but very informative. The word intentional kept coming up in the video and you used two quotes that included the word as well. Intentional use is so important. I've mention on other posts the use of sites the District subscribes to. The students enjoy these and they benfit from them; however, I feel there could be more intional uses that are much more benficial. The position statement clearly outlines the benefits of integrating technology not only in schools, but in every day life. The statement presents this in such a way that really shows the resposibilty (tremendous challenge) educators and care givers have to young children in order to empower them with this knowledge and skills and nuture the whole child. I agree more administrators and teachers - educators in general - don't emrabrace the importance of technology. Perhaps this position statement would help them.
kate Binns

iGeneration, what the fuss? - 40 views

I find it really interesting that the Apple way of thinking is coming to a point of even naming a whole generation! I'm not sure that Steve Jobs anticipated the significance of the letter "i" as a ...

started by Corina Carmona on 24 Feb 12 15 follow-ups, last by kate Binns on 25 Mar 12
albert rodriguez

Cadre 1 The Digital Classroom - 10 views

www.youtube.com/watch

education technology

shared by albert rodriguez on 25 Feb 13 - No Cached
  • albert rodriguez on 25 Feb 13
     
    HCISD moved into the 21st century and created 20 digital classroom throughout the Harlingen School District and is looking at adding 65 more in 2013-2014. Question: Is this the answer for classrooms in the 21st century?
  • ...20 more comments...
  • Christine Claudio on 25 Feb 13
     
    Yes! HCISD is setting the expections and following through with supporting and implementing Cadre 1 with 21 Century equipment. They are providing the resources and setting guidelines for a successful program.
  • Brian Martinez on 25 Feb 13
     
    This is a great help to other districts to see how Harlingen is using technology. Hopefully it can inspire others by your success. Do you think you could add links to the apps you are using into the description of the video?
  • albert rodriguez on 25 Feb 13
     
    Brian, in my class the students were using a Camtasia edited youtube video from School House Rock linked on Edmodo with a quiz, but aside from that, I'm not sure what the other teachers were using. I know another group of students were using Edmodo as well, but the math app where they were working on triangles of some sort, I really don't know. I'll ask the district's instructional technologist, she would probably know and I'll get back to you.
  • Juan Betancourt on 27 Feb 13
     
    The goal of the 21st Century classroom should be to seamless integrate technology in the classroom to enhance and promote learning. You are certainly in the right path. Support ant training would be the next items to get in line to keep the technology working properly, and continue enhancing you lessons.
  • Adam Hovde on 28 Feb 13
     
    I wish my district would do something like this. We are on an IPAD for every student push right now but we are not producing lessons to go with the IPADs. I really like what you guys are doing in HCISD. Good Job!
  • Diana Arcaute on 02 Mar 13
     
    Albert, Wow!!! That was an awesome video showcasing how technology can be used in the classroom. In regards, to your questions! I truly believe that Harlingen has taken the right path to prepare students for the real world.
  • Heather Luna on 02 Mar 13
     
    Albert that is fantastic! I am sure that most teachers and students are very excited. In regards to your question, I would have to say yes and no. The creation of digital classrooms is definatley a step in the right directions, but it goes deeper. Teachers need to receive the proper training and then there needs to be some accountability (PDAS, etc.) to ensure that technology is being used to enhance instruction. I was recently in a meeting, where a veteran teacher continually pointed out the negatives in regards to technology: students are off task, distracted, not listening, not producing, etc. With this attitude, I believe that no matter how "digital" his classroom is, he will probably never take full advantage. I guess what I am trying to say is, the equipment is a huge step, but teacher "buy-in" can make or break the long-term success of the initiative.
  • albert rodriguez on 03 Mar 13
     
    Absolutely, Heather. There are so many teachers that are resistant to technology, just like there are many who aren't but are in need of the know how. That's why it's very important for us to model, support, and encourage those who can't to do, and those who don't to want.
  • Heather Luna on 03 Mar 13
     
    Albert, I totaly agree. We have a big job ahead of us, but I am EXCITED to be part of it! Together we can all make a difference.
  • Isabel Cabrera on 03 Mar 13
     
    This is really great, HCISD is on their way to incorporating technology in the classroom. The students were really engaged and excited about learning using their IPADS. At my daughter's school they use the Edmoto to communicate with the teacher and parents and she is only in 3rd grade. The teachers are also creating tutorial videos on objectives using You Tube and the students can go into the district website to view them. I think schools are taking a leap into the technology and having the students use it more for their learning.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 04 Mar 13
     
    I really like the way HCISD is implementing technology tools and the "Layers of Learning" training, where administrators, principals, then librarians, and then teachers who were selected as the Digital Classrooms, are being trained, and will continue the layering until everyone is trained. Having administration understand the plan well is important. There is less of a chance that someone will have a gap of learning, and not implement the Technology initiative well. HCISD has thought this out well. In addition an elementary, middle school, and high school PBL Executive team was selected and trained through the summer. Now anyone who is a digital classroom teacher will go through that training. The tools, including mounted projectors with audio microphones, are not just placed in a classroom without the proper training. It is very exciting.
  • Gayle Curry Robinson on 04 Mar 13
     
    I agree with Ana regarding training and adminstrative support. I believe this IS the answer for the 21 century classroom.This is the direction we need to be moving or we and our students will be left behind, but with so many teachers apprehensive about using technology in their lessons, success of the digital classroom will require and abundance of on going training and support. Reading the description of Isable's daughter's classroom is wonderful!
  • Dara Cepeda on 04 Mar 13
     
    Wow!!! Yes definitely, digital classrooms are the answer to the 21st century. We live in a digital world, kids are learning in a more interactive way. It's awesome to see when educators and administrators are open minded and are not afraid of using technology for the 21st century. It is true, allowing the students to use their own technology it teaches them to be responsible, to have a digital citizenship. Ofcourse all teachers have to be trained in order to implement these tools, a school doesn't transform into a digital school from one day to the other, it takes time and it's awesome to see Harlingen ISD is doing that. Adding more digital classrooms every year. Thanks for sharing video with us Albert!
  • Cora Mendez on 06 Mar 13
     
    I agree with Dara that teachers must be trained properly on the use the technology and how to implement Web 2.0 tools. Sometimes the trainings provided are to vague and are not enough to get the teachers comfortable in using the technology or software. Teachers need to be provided with the proper training in order to be able to teach the students how to use the technology.
  • Edna Orozco on 11 Mar 13
     
    I agree with technology in the classroom, I studied engineering, and it really makes a difference when you have hands on activities, and when you do research, or when you are working with a software that is relevant to what you are learning. The only question that I have is, why do they only offer these types of technologies to academies ? or to a few students at schools, why not having offer this learning in all classrooms at the school. I also believe that technology or this type of classrooms by themselves are nothing, there has to be a well trained teacher that is willing to work this way, instead of the traditional way teaching.
  • Cesar Mata on 11 Mar 13
     
    Great stuff Albert! Seems like HCISD is doing great things with technology in the classroom. I was wondering how much technology does the district provide and how much do the students bring into the class? How do you all monitor what the students can see when they bring their own device?
  • Cora Mendez on 11 Mar 13
     
    Albert sounds like Harlingen is doing some great things with technology. I would have to say that technology is a big part of the 21st century. If teachers and students are trained and educated properly, technology will motivate, inspire, and create critical thinkers.
  • Cora Mendez on 11 Mar 13
     
    Cesar you have some great questions that I would like to know the answers to myself.
  • albert rodriguez on 11 Mar 13
     
    Edna, in regards to your question. HCISD began a program called Cadre 1 where they would convert 20 classrooms throughout the district to digital classroom by giving those classroom teachers a cart with 11 IPads and headphones, 1 MacBook, an Apple TV, $50 worth of apps, and all the support necessary from a team of collaborating teachers, administrators, and even an instructional technologist. A few months in, they upgraded us to 22 ipads for those digital classrooms. Last Friday was the deadline for teachers to submit their applications for Cadre 2 next year where HCISD will be adding 64 more digital classrooms, and if I'm not mistaking, there will be 120 classrooms added in the 2014-2015 school year. This is where we are headed, and the success of the digital classrooms depends on consistently incorporating technology in our everyday routine. It's a new step, but it has made a world of difference in our classrooms with our students. Besides, it goes hand-in-hand with what we've been learning the last year and a half in the program.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 12 Mar 13
     
    In addition to all that HCISD is doing, all the Library Media Specialists were sent to Project Based Learning as well as technology training which we have as part of our annual training. This year we attended TCEA and brought back many new apps and ideas to implement in our classrooms. We are part of the layers of learning to help support our campus teachers. The Cadre I and II digital classrooms are well supported on their campus and by the district Technology department and technicians on campus, instructional technologist, Library Director and Library Media Specialists. I know a 5th grade teacher who teaches Math and Science at Stuart Elementary who has implemented the B.Y.O.D. initiative in her classroom. She used the district form ( found on our website) to send to her parents, and students are bringing in tablets, smart phones, and any other device that accesses the internet. The devices supplement the lesson which is standard based or driven, and the teacher facilitates the learning, and monitors their use. Many times students decide when they need the devices during the lesson, or how they will use them to share with the classroom. This teacher is now ready to apply for the digital classroom, and understands that the devices still supplement a well planned Standard based lesson, and that she must facilitate and progress monitoring daily. Cesar, the district has a strong firewall, and certain websites are blocked, but the teacher uses her username and password to get through the firewall if he or she deems the website appropriate. Teachers get 30 minute time increments. Most everything that students need is available to them. Anytime an inappropriate breach happens, the technician is alerted and will come to the classroom to let the teacher know. In this particular classroom, Edmodo is used as well as other district software for Math and Science. Another idea on the use of iPads: For poetry, I used my iPads to introduce Poems, and gave studen
  • Georgina Salas on 13 Mar 13
     
    Very interesting that your district has the ipads. The students are very engaged. They seem to enjoy all the technology being used in the classroom. I feel BISD needs to take a lesson from your district and start implementing ipads and more technology in the classroom.
  • Cristina Pintor on 14 Mar 13
     
    I am very impressed Albert! It is nice to see that you are getting the technology and training from your district. Students are enjoying this new way of learning and I have no doubt that the use of technology will improve the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century. I personally think that we should be teaching students to use technological tools in order for them to be productive and to accomplish their future goals.
Salina V

Time for Technology? - 22 views

I think most middle school students and up have a technology time already. 6th grade begins with the basics in keyboarding, and then they go into a different tech class when they are in 7th and 8th...

technology classroom

started by Laura Rivera on 02 Apr 12 10 follow-ups, last by Salina V on 14 May 12
Pedro Torres

Response To Dr. Butlers Question - 41 views

In our campus we are starting to use Kindles in the classroom. We will issue out the Kindles to the teachers this year and the 3 MTT teachers will provide trainings and strategies to implement the...

technology butler allsemesters

started by janie martinez on 30 Jan 12 7 follow-ups, last by Pedro Torres on 06 May 12
Diana Cedillo

Technology Impact on Learning - 8 views

www.nsba.org/...tiol.html

shared by Diana Cedillo on 01 Oct 12 - Cached
  • Children did not become social isolates. ACOT classes showed more evidence of spontaneous cooperative learning than did traditional classes.
    • Diana Cedillo
      Diana Cedillo on 01 Oct 12
       
      How did technology encourage cooperative learning in this Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow project?
    • Leonila Pena
      Leonila Pena on 14 Oct 12
       
      I believe that having access to technology whenever they needed it gave the students the ability to go beyond the walls of the classroom. They didn't have to rely solely on the teacher as their learning resource. They had the tool to explore the world from their own home and the opportunity to become creators of their own learning. Through their research they most likely found other individuals that had the same interests as they did, people with whom they could share what they knew and also learn from. Many students become more confident when they see that others have interest in their work, it makes them want to show others what they know and help others enabling them to work more cooperatively with their peers.
  • The studies showed that ACOT students wrote better and were able to complete unites of study more rapidly than their peers in non-ACOT classrooms. In one case, students finished the year’s study of mathematics by the beginning of April. In short, academic productivity did not suffer and in some cases even improved.
    • Diana Cedillo
      Diana Cedillo on 01 Oct 12
       
      According to this study, do you think that our students in our classrooms would have the same results if we presented them with computers as they did in their program? If so, what would we do or how would we follow this program with limited funding on technology?
  • Nineteen of the ACOT students (90%) went on to college, while only 15% of non-ACOT student sought higher education.
    • Diana Cedillo
      Diana Cedillo on 01 Oct 12
       
      How has technology encouraged students to pursue higher education?
    • R. Palomares
      R. Palomares on 01 Oct 12
       
      Technology encourages students to take more responsibility for their own learning. In addition, it creates a different attitude toward learning because they now act as active participants in their own learning. This is good information to share with other teachers. Thank you for sharing.
    • Diana Cedillo
      Diana Cedillo on 06 Oct 12
       
      Yes Palomares, I agree it does encourge a student-centered learning environment. A direction we all seem to be moving towards.
  • ...1 more annotation...
    • Diana Cedillo
      Diana Cedillo on 01 Oct 12
       
      Is technology making a positive impact on education? If so, how?
    • Joshua McDonald
      Joshua McDonald on 06 Oct 12
       
      I believe technology is doing what is has always done, making things happen faster, which for the most part I would say is a great thing. Specifically in education you can find a wealth of information for research in a very short amount of time, papers are easier to type then write, learning can be more individualistic, and I will stop there. So I can see lots of positive impacts in the education setting, but I can also see concerns. For instance I have noticed that for the most part my students lack the necessary skills to stop and think through a situation or a problem. If it takes to much time to solve, most of them will give up. They are used to getting things quickly. I do think the the positives outweigh the negatives in this instance.
    • R. Palomares
      R. Palomares on 07 Oct 12
       
      I agree with Joshua, technology is indeed making a positive impact on education. There are more students using a wide variety of programs that motivate them to do better in school. Programs such as Stixty have given the students the opportunity to do book reports in a fun and interactive way. There are numerous of other examples that demonstrate how technology is making a positive impact on education. It's making positive impacts on how we (educators) collaborate and share relevant information through programs such as this social bookmarking website(Diigo).
    • Santos Alvarado
      Santos Alvarado on 03 Dec 12
       
      I have to agree with Joshua and Romel, that technology does have a positive impact in the classroom. I believe technology increases the student's motivation and self esteem to learn, because they are using tools that they are use to, not just paper and pencil. It makes the students excited about coming to school. I teach 5th grade students, and when I receive the students they lack the basic knowledge how to use Microsoft word and PowerPoint, but once they leave they learn how to use stixy, and glogster for presentation purposes. I believe technology in the classroom creates a positive environment for learning and collaborating with one another.
  • Maribel Gracia on 04 Oct 12
     
    I think if the students get this opportunity to have a computers, they would have more access to get more resources for their studies. On the other hand, students need to be monitor when using computers to make they are using them effectively and not getting into websites that would get them in trouble.
  • ...4 more comments...
  • Marivel Garcia on 04 Oct 12
     
    This is a great study on the positive effects of technology. I can see how it could have been so successful, like any other type of program or project, consistency is the key aspect. Any type of technology that is going to be introduced into the learning setting will be effective if the accountability and full cooperation is clearly stated prior to making the commitment. This is something I have seen as an educator that becomes an issue because as Title 1 districts I am sure funds are available for Ipads or any other tablet that might be more affordable but the way things are implemented is a big aspect of how productive you will be. Many times we begin something and not follow through, I think that implementing any time of tablet into the learning process in our school is a great way to enhance learning as long as we set goals to meet and accomplish. Great information thank you for sharing.
  • Diana Cedillo on 06 Oct 12
     
    Marivel, I agree that districts and campuses have to be committed when introducing and executing the use of technology in the classroom. I believe errors in success occur when there's no consistency in using a technology in the classroom. Students are always more engaged. For example, this week, I did the story plot with my students in class and we retold the story of Prometheus using Toontastic ( I believe that's the name of the app) and my students were glued to the screen. It's a FREE app I encourage teachers to use. It provides the visual in the story students need so they can recall events in the story.
  • Ruth Garza on 06 Oct 12
     
    Learned alot from this study!! It's amazing how much influence technology has on students. When I read that 90% of the students who were using technology went to college compared to only 15% of the non-tech students, I was shocked. It puzzles me how many school districts are not willing to make the necessary expenses to attain this same achievement. The school drop-out rate is sky rocketing here in the valley. I posted a link to a Texas drop out report. Check it out! http://www.idra.org/Research/Attrition/
  • Marivel Garcia on 08 Oct 12
     
    Thank you for sharing the FREE app on recalling events in a story. I will try it tomorrow and hope to have great results just like you. Thank you.
  • Sergio Perez on 15 Oct 12
     
    Technology is a great way of getting our students more engaged in our lessons. It was surprising to read in this article how the students in the ACOT program were college-bound unlike the other students in the same high school. Students are able to use technology to collaborate. I feel students might feel more comfortable sharing their ideas with one another through the use of technology.
  • Santos Alvarado on 03 Dec 12
     
    I have to agree with Joshua and Romel, that technology does have a positive impact in the classroom. I believe technology increases the student's motivation and self esteem to learn, because they are using tools that they are use to, not just paper and pencil. It makes the students excited about coming to school. I teach 5th grade students, and when I receive the students they lack the basic knowledge how to use Microsoft word and PowerPoint, but once they leave they learn how to use stixy, and glogster for presentation purposes. I believe technology in the classroom creates a positive environment for learning and collaborating with one another.
Sara Aldape

50 Education Technology Tools Every Teacher Should Know About - Edudemic - 7 views

edudemic.com/...very-teacher-should-know-about

Teaching tools education

shared by Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12 - No Cached
    • Sara Aldape
      Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12
       
      What tools have you used or would like to use to engage students in social learning, so that teachers can be able to connect together through social media?
    • Santos Alvarado
      Santos Alvarado on 03 Dec 12
       
      I'm in the planning stages on creating a Edmodo account for my classroom. I see the benefits of using Edmodo, having the students work online, and communicate with one another makes it much more engaging.
    • Sara Aldape
      Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12
       
      What educational tools have helped you or are interested in using to help you make lessons fun, interesting, and more effective?
    • vincent briseno
      vincent briseno on 11 Nov 12
       
      I've used Edmodo and it has served me well. I haven't incorporated the website into everyday learning, but I use it over Thanksgiving, Xmas, and spring breaks. I assign everything from quizzes to extra credit assignments and I am able keep in contact with students.
    • Sara Aldape
      Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12
       
      Excellent!!! Vincent thank you for your feedback. Students will have fun staying connected with the teacher.
    • Santos Alvarado
      Santos Alvarado on 03 Dec 12
       
      I have used stixy, and glogster to help students create class presentations. Students love to be creative and this helps students teach one another
    • Sara Aldape
      Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12
       
      What useful tools have you used or have helped you stay connected, organized, and increased the ease of building multimedia lesson and learning tools in your classroom?
  • ...9 more annotations...
  • hese tools can help
  • Useful Tools
  • you to stay connected, organized, and increase the ease of building multimedia lessons
  • nd learning tools
  •       ← The Current State Of Mobile Learning In Education Could Groopt Be Your Next Classroom Management Tool? → Tuesday, August 21, 2012 7:30 am, Posted by Guest Writer 22 | Tools 50 Education Technology Tools Every Teacher Should Know About Topics: best of, classroom, edmodo, edtech, grockit, How To, tools inShare232 (function() { var li = document.createElement('script'); li.type = 'text/javascript'; li.async = true; li.src = window.location.protocol + '//platform.stumbleupon.com/1/widgets.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(li, s); })(); The following is a cross-post from our content partners at Online Degrees: Technology and education are pretty intertwined these days and nearly every teacher has a few favorite tech tools that make doing his or her job and connecting with students a little bit easier and more fun for all involved. Yet as with anything related to technology, new tools are hitting the market constantly and older ones rising to prominence, broadening their scope, or just adding new features that make them better matches for education, which can make it hard to keep up with the newest and most useful tools even for the most tech-savvy teachers. Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the tech tools,
  • Social Learning
  • These tools use the power of social media to help students learn and teachers connect.
  • Learning
  • These educational tools can help you to make lessons fun, interesting, and more effective.
  • Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12
     
    I am one of the Diigo Host assigned for the week of Nov. 5-11, 2012. This website was very interesting to me. It had different tools to be able to use as an educator. Check it out!
  • ...8 more comments...
  • Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12
     
    I have added 3 stickies in the site: http://edudemic.com/2012/08/50-education-technology-tools-every-teacher-should-know-about/ I would like your feedback on what tools have been useful to you in your classroom? How have they worked for you? Or have not worked for you? Have fun navigating through the 50 Education Technology Tools!!!!!!
  • Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12
     
    Watch this you tube video on how the Secretary of State announces the Education Technology Plan and back in 2010 invited educators to post how technology has impacted their classroom. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR_lBt4jjow ENJOY!!!! Technology is evolving in this world at a fast pace, we just have to keep up with it. Have an AWESOME week!
  • R. Palomares on 11 Nov 12
     
    Sara, I liked the organization of this page! These 50 educational tools are essential. I must say that I really liked the "Social Learning tools" and the "Useful Tools" because I have used many of them before and they work very well. It's great to have a page like this as a resource when deciding on what tools use. Thank you for sharing!
  • Victoria Lopez on 12 Nov 12
     
    Sara, I have used several of these educational tools to present new materials to my studends and to compliment my lessons. However, since my students are kindergarteners, they are not able to fully manipulate these tools to create their own work. I feel that by exposing my students to these tools that I am doing my part to educate them and be computer literate. This composite of websites is a great list for teachers to explore. Thank you for sharing this website.
  • Blanca Pena on 12 Nov 12
     
    Hi Sara, I use Prezi to engage the students in a new form of presenting information to the classroom. It's fun to use and it offers so many different elements that Powerpoint does not. I also did a prentation for the campus teachers on how to use Prezi in their classroom and the results of the training were very sucessful and eye-opening. The teacher were happy to learn a new tool they can implement into their classroom curriculum to help keep student learning fun and engaging. I think it's a great tool to use in any classroom. Blanca
  • Crystal Martinez on 12 Nov 12
     
    I have used several of the tools that are listed on this website and it is great to have them on one major site. I have used Prezi and Edmodo. These tools have been great to use for my students. They benefited and enjoyed the interaction that they experienced from both of these web 2.0 tools.
  • Marivel Garcia on 24 Nov 12
     
    This is a great way to organize all these tools, through our program I have had the opportunity to utilize most of them but I have not yet exposed my students to all of them and I am really looking forward to being able to enhance their learning. Thanks for Sharing....
  • Diana Cedillo on 25 Nov 12
     
    This is a great site! I've bookmarked it and already started going through my mental checklist of what I have used and what I'd like to use. It's a great way to see what's out there and how I can better use those tools in the classroom.
  • Alberto Gonzalez on 29 Nov 12
     
    I use edmodo and slide-rocket in my classrooms for web 2.0 tools also gotten into prezi but the lagging of my network campus tends to drag. but great tools I use.
  • Alyssa Tanguma on 04 Dec 12
     
    I posted something similar to this. I love learning and implementing new tools. There are SOOOOOOO many out there!
April Canales-Perez

If Technology Motivates Students, Let's Use It! | Edutopia - 4 views

www.edutopia.org/...motivating-students-technology

technology Classroom Education integrating Spring 2013 Spring2013

shared by April Canales-Perez on 04 Apr 13 - No Cached
  • I believe many students are bored and unmotivated because of the way they are being taught, with heavy reliance on reading textbooks, memorizing facts and figures, and listening to lectures, over and over.
    • April Canales-Perez
      April Canales-Perez on 04 Apr 13
       
      This is true for students who have teachers teaching to the test. Students are not motivated to learn because they are not engaged in meaningful learning. What do you think?
    • Cesar Mata
      Cesar Mata on 07 Apr 13
       
      As a STAAR testing teacher this year I sometimes feel ashamed to admit that I feel like we have no other choice than to "teach the test." With so much pressure on us to get the students to pass we often resort to what we know works, and that is drill and skill. So yes, I agree that students lack motivation and how can we blame them?
    • Janice Wilson Butler
      Janice Wilson Butler on 24 Apr 13
       
      Good insight - I think it is what most of us resort to. It is a shame that the "powers that be" don't see that this is happening.
  • Technology in its many forms is showing how teaching and learning can paint with a much broader palette of colors, from images and music to games, simulations, wikis, and many others, any time, any place, on laptops, desktops, and smartphones.
  • Today's students find this new world of digital learning to be very motivating.
    • Dara Cepeda
      Dara Cepeda on 08 Apr 13
       
      Sometimes as educators we don't understand administrators when they constantly remind us to motivate students and teach them with new tools, but at the same time they contradict themselves when they expect you to teach specifically from C-scope. Luckily, there is no C-scope for my teaching subject, Art, but I see the stress of my colleagues when they want to try something new, and then the administrators getting after them for not following C-scope. Students need to be taught in their language..which is technology and multimedia tools.
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 25 Apr 13
       
      I like that Dara:" to teach them in their language" because this is what they know technology.
  • ...1 more annotation...
    • April Canales-Perez
      April Canales-Perez on 04 Apr 13
       
      How are you motivating your students to learn using technology?
  • Heather Luna on 07 Apr 13
     
    Teaching to the test can be BORING and un"motivating" for students. If we would teach the TEKS, using a variety of strategies and techniques, including PBL and technology, I believe students would be in even better prepared for lifelong learning. In many ways, I believe teaching to the test inhibits how far we take our students. I think the bottom line here is...planning is vital.
  • ...8 more comments...
  • Adam Hovde on 07 Apr 13
     
    With all the new legislation in the state house and senate hopefully we can get away from so much testing. With many of the new bills the state is taking away the number of state tests the students will have to tak but they will still have to take some tests. Hopefully this will give teachers more "wiggle" room to teach more interactively and engaging. Most of our students know more about technology than we do. We should be using it to reach them.
  • Isabel Cabrera on 07 Apr 13
     
    As a second grade teacher, we still have a little "wiggle room" to incorporate fun reading graphic organizers and fun mini projects for science and social studies. It is getting to the point that our 3rd grade teachers want us to do what they are doing (paper & pencil), but I disagree because with 7 and 8 year olds, they still need the phonics, visuals, and hands on to learn and stay engaged. They have a short attention span and are still developing.
  • albert rodriguez on 08 Apr 13
     
    It seems that transitioning from no technology to technology really gets students motivated and excited, however, they also expect guidance if not they'll just play games. Incorporating technology inot what we already do does make a huge difference in student motivation and participation. I will add though that school can still be exciting even without technology, it's just a lot harder.
  • Christine Claudio on 08 Apr 13
     
    As a first grade teacher, I have the opportunity to introduce and implement technology. My students are not interested in using the textbooks, but prefer the online texbook and interactive avtivities. Students at this young age are eager to use technology and hands on activities.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 11 Apr 13
     
    All I can do is allow more opportunities in the library with the use of iPads so that the younger students are exposed to devices and apps. For older students, I made sure I covered digital citizenship, evaluating websites, and introduced credible research databases, to lay a foundation for our teachers. Our teachers are very strong, and they are always on task, but many time are limited for all the reasons we all know, lack of tools, time, etc.
  • Gayle Curry Robinson on 15 Apr 13
     
    I agree students are bored and unmotivated with textbooks and lectures. I think teachers are too. I really like the comment that technology can paint with a much broader palette of colors. That's a great way to look at it. Technology definitely brightens lessons I've tried to inegrate technology into as many lessons as possible; however, not nearly as much or in the way I'd like to. Right now my students are working on Prezis. They are creating a presentation on an ecosystem and they're loving it. The lesson actually called for a diorama - the shoebox version. The Prezis have been a huge hit. Also, technology is integrated in to Health lessons by teaching Internet safety - this is an on going lesson with several sections. Our District subscribes to several sites (Aha Math, Think Through Math, Aha Science, etc.) we use in centers or all together in a computer lab.
  • Juan Betancourt on 15 Apr 13
     
    It is really hard to motivate certain students, but I'm doing my best to get them ready for college or a job. On a separate but related note, I make a point to tell them that not everything will be to their liking and they'd better be ready to produce.
  • Lupita Sanchez on 22 Apr 13
     
    I agree with all of your comments. It is extremely difficult to motivate students when as teachers we are limited to our teaching strategies and overwhelm with the pressure of having to pass the STAARS test. We are limited with resources. Yet, we must learn how to use technology and learn how to motivate both our students and teachers. Give them a new resource a new way of teaching..
  • Cora Mendez on 25 Apr 13
     
    I agree that we should use technology to motivate students. They look forward to a story, game, video, drawing tool etc. using technology verses pencil and paper.
  • Conrado Gonzalez on 01 May 13
     
    I for one love technology but also love lectures and insight from experts. To me it is not always about hands-on and group work. I guess I am a bit of an introvert in that regard.
Heather Luna

Fun Technology - YouTube - 15 views

www.youtube.com/watch

shared by Heather Luna on 11 Feb 13 - No Cached
    • Heather Luna
      Heather Luna on 11 Feb 13
       
      Even parents are beginning to consider available technologies as more than a "toy".
    • Juan Betancourt
      Juan Betancourt on 14 Feb 13
       
      Seeing this video, and the previous one, makes me feel like i'm underusing my computer lab. It makes me want to do more with my students. I need to borrow some of the information on both.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 17 Feb 13
       
      It is great what they are doing at North Side ISD. The students were engaged as they were communicating to their pen pals using Skype. They are learning and sharing things with each other. Great video!
    • Heather Luna
      Heather Luna on 18 Feb 13
       
      Juan, I am glad to see that the video has inspired you to utilize your campus computer lab. The computer lab can offer endless oppurtunities for your students. How do you think you will use the lab in the coming weeks?
    • Juan Betancourt
      Juan Betancourt on 19 Feb 13
       
      This week for one of my classes we are creating a basic personal wiki for the students and incorporating a voki as part of the introduction to the wiki. For the last six weeks, I plan to incorporate whyville.com the way it was showcased in class by exploring and collecting clams then, making a clam scale for the grade in one of my classes.
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 20 Feb 13
       
      Wow Juan sounds like the video has inspired you begin some great projects with your students. The students will love using voki and I am sure that they will be thrilled to play whyville for a grade. Sounds like lots of fun. They will be totally engaged.
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 20 Feb 13
       
      Great video Heather. They are incorporating interactive technology at that school. The students were really excited to meet their pen pals through skype. The concept of seeing people that are far away projected in their classroom live is pretty amazing to children. I remember when I did the lesson through NASA space center last year with my 1st graders. They were so excited to see that a live person was on the other side talking to them.
    • Heather Luna
      Heather Luna on 22 Feb 13
       
      Cora, I am glad you were able to use the NASA lesson last year. Do you anticipate incorporating a distance learning lesson in your classroom this year?
    • Dara Cepeda
      Dara Cepeda on 25 Feb 13
       
      Wow This school is a great exaple in using interactive Technology in education. I have seen how the kids get engaged with technology in their hands. I'm so happy and excited to see this video because it just reminds us of some of the many possiblities in using technology. I just had a technology meeting with my school district and found out that very soon we will incorporate the "bring your own device" to use it in the classroom. I'm very excited about this!
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 25 Feb 13
       
      I am not sure Heather?
    • Heather Luna
      Heather Luna on 11 Feb 13
       
      Self-guided learning! Amazing! Challenge students and teachers simultaneously. 
    • Jessica Burnias
      Jessica Burnias on 11 Feb 13
       
      This video was amazing how it should all the different levels of engagement through the use of technology. I believe that technology used properly can definitely be used to engage the learner. Through the use of technology, as an educator we are able to engage all types of learners. For example: kinesthetic, visual and auditory.
    • Heather Luna
      Heather Luna on 12 Feb 13
       
      Jessica, thank-you for your comment. The video does reflect the varying levels of engagement. I agree that when used correctly, technology provides an opportunity to reach all learning modalities.
    • Diana Arcaute
      Diana Arcaute on 13 Feb 13
       
      You know I really did enjoy this video. I love how the school uses a Wii system to get students motivated and ready for the day!
    • Adam Hovde
      Adam Hovde on 13 Feb 13
       
      I really liked the video. It is good to see more and more schools adopting technology into the classroom. My school district has a BYOT set up but we are struggling because our infrastructure can not handle that many electronic devices. As a teacher I am wanting to use more technology but many times when I try and use it we get bogged down because the network is too slow. I am glad some schools out there are able to use the ipads and nanos hopefully all schools will have the infrastructure necessary to run these devices. Great choice for a this diigo group.
    • Diana Arcaute
      Diana Arcaute on 13 Feb 13
       
      Adam, I think you have a great point about all schools hopefully one day having the same infrastructure necessary to run the tools. Often, some schools are left behind to fend for themselves, while other schools within the same district advance. It blows my mind that students are not given the same opportunities for growth yet, they all take the same state test.
    • Jessica Burnias
      Jessica Burnias on 18 Feb 13
       
      Adam, I know exactly how you feel at our campus we have the BYOD and we have the same problem. They are hoping to work out the kinks and for next year they are hoping the whole district will be BYOD right now it is just our high school and 9th grade campus.
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 20 Feb 13
       
      Diana, I liked the idea of using the Wii too. I liked that they are getting the whole school motivated to exercise, and they are doing it in the morning which is the perfect way to start the day.
    • Heather Luna
      Heather Luna on 22 Feb 13
       
      Diana, I agree with your comment. It is discouraging to see that schools within a district have such different infrastructures. All students should be provided with equal opportunities for learning. I too would like to see how the infrastructures change and develop over the course of the next few years.
  • Heather Luna on 11 Feb 13
     
    Northside ISD is using technology to keep there students engaged.
  • ...7 more comments...
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 14 Feb 13
     
    Love the autonomy that these children have when using the ipods to listen to the video at their pace! The lesson is guided with the questions and they control the playing of the video. Everyone wins! Diana, I agree with your comment, it is often unfair how one school can offer so much, yet another in the same district cannot, and we are the ones to make sure we give our students the best. Many times we don't give our all because of the support we have, whether with infrastructure or to in bringing our visions to life. We must not forget that we have the BYOD option as well..we need to do whatever it takes to motivate learning.
  • george saenz on 15 Feb 13
     
    I really like the way the school is using the technology in the classroom. Many schools are bringing in the itouch and iPad but are not showing the teachers how to use them and that is a sham. I really like that the students have controll of how they listen to the information they can pause or replay as many times they need until they understand without the embaracement of other knowing how long it took to get it.
  • Brian Martinez on 18 Feb 13
     
    It is great to see success with technology. It is disheartening to see how so many school get stuck in infrastructure problems such as what Ana was mentioning. Because of that, the teachers never get to flesh out the ideas they have for technology. Hopefully more success stories can motivate existing districts and campuses to make more investments to properly support BYOD and technology investments.
  • Georgina Salas on 18 Feb 13
     
    I love what Northside ISD is doing with technology. Districts need to start taking technology serious and realize that it is how most of our students learn these days. My little first graders learn so much from the technology that I use. I sometimes feel like I am doing something wrong on a day that I do not use technology.
  • Cesar Mata on 18 Feb 13
     
    Great video Heather! It's amazing to see what these iDevices are capable of in the right hands. I see iPods in a whole new light now. I especially liked the one where they're learning a math concept from the iPods. Students might be more interested in math if they are able to use technology to learn it.
  • albert rodriguez on 18 Feb 13
     
    Thank Goodness that I don't have to say anymore, "I wish I could do that in my case." I have a classroom set of 23 I-Pads with a cart to synchronize them all, and we do some really cool things on them in language arts. I really like the Wi system and its purpose from the video. I'm going to mention it on Tuesday at my digital classroom monthly meeting and see if they can do anything providing us with one. That might be wishful thinking.
  • Christine Claudio on 18 Feb 13
     
    Heather, After viewing the video, it is apparent that an additional computer lab is needed at our campus. Our district is currently using ours to implement a new mandatory 45 minute program. The alloted times for grade level 1-5 has taken away the ability to use it for other purposes. Writing grants for C.O.W. and Ipads is a necessity to ensure other applications are being utilized.
  • albert rodriguez on 18 Feb 13
     
    I think our STaR Chart results, key area IV, portray why anyone would think that I-Pads and I-Pods in a classroom would be used to play, for fun, or to distract. Most schools don't meet or are even come close to having a 1:1 ratio when it comes to internet connected device per student. For that reason, many people don't fully understand their potential.
  • April Canales-Perez on 25 Feb 13
     
    What an awesome video! I liked how the students were learning math concepts through the use of the ipod! I totally agree with Cesar, maybe if we allow students to use the technology to learn math they will be more accepting and interested in learning math.
Salina V

http://diigo.com/0mvyh - 31 views

I think it is a little hard classifying all teacher under one category to determine how we see technology differently then our students. I suppose it depends on the generation we grew up in. Acco...

butler allsemesters

started by Corina Carmona on 30 Jan 12 3 follow-ups, last by Salina V on 03 Mar 12
Crystal Martinez

EdTechTeacher | Professional Development for Creating 21st Century Student-Centered Lea... - 15 views

edtechteacher.org/index.php

math technology classroom ideas

shared by Crystal Martinez on 23 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • Crystal Martinez on 23 Sep 12
     
    This site has various resources that an educator can use in the classroom to incorporate technology in their lessons. After viewing the website, what are some of the areas that you found interesting or beneficial for your field of expertise?
  • ...14 more comments...
  • Alyssa Tanguma on 23 Sep 12
     
    Great website. I'm actually having to present to the math department on how they can incorporate tech. into their classroom this week. This site is great to show them!!
  • Victoria Lopez on 23 Sep 12
     
    This is an excellent website. I really like how it is set up to suggest web 2.0 tools according to what your learning goal is for technology implementation. It highlights key points about the website and rates its ease of use level. It organizes the Web 2.0 tools according to its purpose. For example, if I would like for my students to create books, magazines, posters, or newsletters online, this website simplifies my options by providing me with useful information on Web 2.0 tools that are available to accomplish this goal.
  • Jaime Villarreal on 23 Sep 12
     
    Thanks for sharing this website I will definitely have it as a resource to guide me in the implementation of technology into my lessons. My favorite part of the website is the table of technology tools with a description, example and level of difficulty. The method of organizing tools in a table allows me to have tools in an accessible format that will motivate me to use them rather than spending valuable time looking for resources and information on how to use them in separate places. This website provides additional tutorials as well that can provide guiding tools in the implementation of technology. I have also found very useful the following website: (http://education.ti.com/calculators/pd/US/Online-Learning/ ) from Texas Instruments that provides not only ready made lessons that implement technology but also free webinars to learn methods of implementation.
  • R. Palomares on 23 Sep 12
     
    Wow, The way EdtechTeacher.org is set up is very user friendly. The different tabs towards the top make navigation through this site very easy. There's something here for everyone, from teachers to school leaders who are looking for ways to incorporate more technology in their campus. I really liked and found interesting the tab that reads, "Teaching with Technology/Innovate projects & Lessons". There I was able to find numerous ideas of lessons and projects using technology. This provides a valuable resource to look into different project ideas. Great Website. Thank you for sharing! Also check this website out when you get a chance. (http://www.p21.org/)
  • Sara Aldape on 23 Sep 12
     
    Awesome, I definitely like this site: (http://edtechteacher.org/index.php/teaching-technology/tech-tools) there are lots of student friendly links in which students can use to integrate technology in their assignments. Teachers can also get ideas so that students can integrate technology using awesome graphic organizers. This website has on site links to go to on technology tools which are very user-friendly. Thanks for sharing! Check this website, there are awesome technology tools which teachers can use in the classroom. http://www.superteachertools.com/index.php
  • Maria L Mata on 24 Sep 12
     
    This website has so much information! I like that it invites teachers and administrators (Professional Development Services/Leadership and Change Tabs) to contact them to come to their campus or district to help incorporate technology to the curriculum. It has numerous links for teachers to use, and shows how technology is being used in innovative ways in the classrooms. I also like that it gives students' excerpts on actual projects and lessons that have been done. It gives really good explanations and justifications of the use of technology in the classroom. In checking out the various sites it gives, I came up with this one that I really liked http://www.4teachers.org/. Check it out, it gives you many resources for your classroom, and the blog section gives you many more websites that are very useful for teachers in all levels.
  • Marivel Garcia on 24 Sep 12
     
    This particular site is perfect. As a reading language arts teacher I am constantly looking for ways to enhance my lessons and make them hands on. I found the Digital Storytelling ideas to be extremely useful. I have personally utilized the Comiclife and Storybird in my classroom. By using Comiclife, my students were able to create their own comic strip stories for a Figurative Language lesson and they were able to bring there lesson to live. I have also used Storybird and this is a great way to make the students bring their own creative writing to live. They are able to go through the writing process and be able to share their published work with others from all over. Love this resource...
  • nora garza on 27 Sep 12
     
    What a great website! Thanks for sharing it with us. I loved the fact that it even breaks it down into questions and you can click on the question and it will give some suggested links. I've used storybird before and the students loved it! I also found some digital story telling websites that I have never seen before. Check this link for more additional resources http://www.pbs.org/teachers.
  • Diana Cedillo on 28 Sep 12
     
    Wow! Impressive. This is a great website for teachers learning how to use technology in the classroom. I especially like the article called, "Beyond the Classroom with iPads & Mobile Technology". Integrating what interests our students such as ipads and iphones will provide opportunities for higher participation.
  • Santos Alvarado on 29 Sep 12
     
    This is a great website. I like how this website provides a variety of resources that educators can incorporate in the classroom. I like how this website provides different publications and articles that teachers can access to learn how to teach using multimedia. http://edtechteacher.org/index.php/news-a-media/publications I also like how this website offers teachers to register for free webinars on how to implement iPads and other mobile devices in the classroom. And also provides recorded links of past webinars through blackboard. http://edtechteacher.org/index.php/news-a-media/webinars
  • Saul Mendiola on 30 Sep 12
     
    This is a great website with a lot of information. It has many resources for us educators to integrate technology in the classrooom. thanks for sharing!
  • Joshua McDonald on 01 Oct 12
     
    Very first place I checked out on the website was the article on the 5 mistakes people make when using iPads in the classroom, and as someone who had this opportunity last year I can say I made most of those mistakes :) Great resource for those looking to improve technology implementation on their campus.
  • Sergio Perez on 01 Oct 12
     
    This website has so many different areas to choose from. I mainly looked at the math links and I found Real World Math. Real World Math is a website where you can find helpful lessons. Some of the lessons also deal with project based learning.
  • Maribel Gracia on 01 Oct 12
     
    I found the area of Teaching for 21st Century interesting because it states that successful integration in schools requires on going staff development. In addition, it has information on a cohort program that teachers are invited to get enroll in order to learn more about technology.
  • Sonia Aldape on 01 Oct 12
     
    This site is well rounded full of very interesting links that can help in different content areas. The areas of interest are the core subjects in my 4th grade level. It will be a great asset to the many sites in my library.
  • Mario Ortiz on 22 Oct 12
     
    It provides a lot of resources for teachers. One of the resources that it provides and that I think it's very helpful is the webinars.
Maribel Gracia

I-Need-My-Teachers-to-Learn - 12 views

Blanca, great video. Teachers and parents need to be aware with new changes especially in technology. Students are so advance in areas with technology and the world that sometimes we as adults lik...

technology education integrating tools

started by Blanca Pena on 23 Nov 12 7 follow-ups, last by Maribel Gracia on 04 Dec 12
R. Palomares liked it
R. Palomares

James Rosenberg: Technology in the Classroom: Friend or Foe? - 4 views

www.huffingtonpost.com/...n-the-classro_2_b_2018558.html

technology

shared by R. Palomares on 27 Nov 12 - No Cached
Blanca Pena liked it
  • technology provides greater access to information and new ways for students to learn, it can become a crutch hindering creative problem solving and cognitive development.
    • R. Palomares
      R. Palomares on 27 Nov 12
       
      Do you think technology is providing greater access to information but becoming a crutch hindering creative problem solving?
    • vincent briseno
      vincent briseno on 28 Nov 12
       
      This is a great, thought provoking, question. I believe, as with everything, moderation is the key. Should students be immersed in technology? Absolutely, but not at the expense of human interaction, written expression, or the acquisition of social skills.
  • arguments in favor of technology in the classroom include: • Exposing children to technology at an early age prepares them for college and the workforce where knowledge of technology is essential for success.
    • R. Palomares
      R. Palomares on 27 Nov 12
       
      Do you think exposing children to technology at an early age will help prepare them for college?
  • Where do you stand on the use of technology in the classroom?
    • R. Palomares
      R. Palomares on 27 Nov 12
       
      Where do you stand? In Favor or Against?
  • R. Palomares on 27 Nov 12
     
    I'm the "host" of the discussion question for this week 14. I wanted to share this site with comments and annotations on the significance of that site to you as an Educator! * Below is the checklist "grades" for those who respond to my post(s). 1. Do you think technology is providing greater access to information but becoming a crutch hindering creative problem solving? 2. Do you think exposing children to technology at an early age will help prepare them for college? 3. Where do you stand on the use of technology in the classroom? In Favor or Against?
  • Alberto Gonzalez on 29 Nov 12
     
    So far I really enjoyed reading the article of age for technology growth for students. Very interesting article because technology can work both ways and I truely feel that there are students who abuse the power of technology in classrooms. It's up to us as teachers to monitor them in every way possible. Technology education in classrooms has evolved so much that students are becoming more technological advanced then we are. Interesting article and I do feel that exposion of technology in an early age will prepare them for college.
  • R. Palomares on 03 Dec 12
     
    Yes Albert, technology can work both ways and it has evolved so much that it's amazing what students can do now than what was possible just a few years ago.
Georgina Salas

Teaching 2.0: Is Tech In The Classroom Worth The Cost? : NPR - 2 views

www.npr.org/...n-the-classroom-worth-the-cost

edtech web2.0 Education technology

shared by Georgina Salas on 28 Apr 13 - No Cached
  • This type of teaching is a novel approach, but it can be an expensive one. That has some asking whether the billions being spent on educational technology is worth the cost
  • "We teleconferenced with [author] Dave Barry, which was a lot of fun," Mascia says. Senior Jayla Briscoe was there when the comedian and author Skyped in to talk to kids. Briscoe acknowledges she didn't know who Barry was at the time. "I didn't really know much about him at all," Briscoe says, "[but] he actually got me more interested in writing."
  • The digital divide between school districts with greater access to funds, and those with less, is still a major issue. Purcell, of Pew Research, points out that low-income schools are lagging behind.
  • ...5 more annotations...
  • Teachers who were teaching the lowest-income students were more likely to tell us that they do not receive formal training in the use of digital tools in the classroom," she says. "They also express less satisfaction with the support and resources provided by schools. "And they're three times as likely to say their school is behind the curve when it comes to using the newest digital tools."
    • Georgina Salas
      Georgina Salas on 28 Apr 13
       
      Please listen to this story on how one school uses a Web 2.0 tool in thier school. Tell me your thoughts on what you heard.
    • Georgina Salas
      Georgina Salas on 28 Apr 13
       
      Refer to the second highlighted section of the article to answer the question. Doesn't this prove that Web 2.0 tools work in the classroom.The tool used here was successful in allowing a student to become more interested in a particular subject which was writing. What are your thoughts on this statement?
    • Georgina Salas
      Georgina Salas on 28 Apr 13
       
      This refers to the third highlighted section of the article. Do you believe this about the schools that have more funds than the schools that are considered low income? Do we see this here in the valley?
    • Georgina Salas
      Georgina Salas on 28 Apr 13
       
      Please refer back to article and view the last highlighted section and answer the question. What are your thoughts about this comment? Makes you think about what types of trainings we all get.
  • Heather Luna on 28 Apr 13
     
    I believe technology integration is absolutely worth the cost. Technology enables teachers to bring real-world, meaningful learning into the classroom. In addition, technology promotes multisensory, engaging learning that is suitable for a variety of learning styles. The underlying issue is that teachers are often inadequately trained and/or unable to properly integrate the technology into the classroom due to stringent testing preparation. As a result, the overall benefit of technology integration is often not seen.
  • ...4 more comments...
  • Isabel Cabrera on 29 Apr 13
     
    I think we should take advantage of using modern technology such as Skype. These students were engaged and really enjoyed listening to this History author. This 21st century learning will give students opportunities to learn from others who are from all over the world
  • Juan Betancourt on 29 Apr 13
     
    It is very important to incorporate technology to enhance lessons, not just for using a technology. We are begin thought with technology to enhance our learning, so why not use it with our students. Money and training are very important factors that do contribute to the lack of teacher buy in, but ultimately we need to use technology as much as we can to enhance our lessons.
  • Cesar Mata on 29 Apr 13
     
    I don't think that education technology like the one at Westlake High School should have to cost tens of thousands of dollars either. I agree with the comment in the article about having a projector and smartphone could basically accomplish the same thing. I believe training and motivating teachers to incorporate technology is the biggest barrier to technology integration.
  • albert rodriguez on 29 Apr 13
     
    Getting the attention of students is the first step to any successful lesson. Technology can do that. Maintaining the attention of students throughout an assignment or activity is just as important. Technology can do that. Evaluate the students' performance is the final factor of any lesson. Technology can do that. Is it worth the investment, of course. However, like it was previously mentioned, some people create walls around what they don't understand and try to keep students away from it. The benefits of technology should be worth the risk, if any there should be.
  • Conrado Gonzalez on 01 May 13
     
    You have to try to get their attention and sometimes that entails gadgets. But sometimes the lack of these gadgets become an excuse to not learn because the student claims that he or she is bored. When a student equates learning with entertainment with such fervor it's probably because the student wants an excuse to quit when things get tough.
  • Cora Mendez on 05 May 13
     
    Technology is the way of the future. We need to educate our children with the new technology that is available in order for them to be prepared for the world around them. I do agree that it is worth the cost. Districts have funds. They just need to know how to allocate them and how to spend them and get the most for their money. They also need to make sure and buy things that teachers and students are going to use because if technology just sits in the closet, it does no one any good.
Salina V

The Near Future - 27 views

This is the coolest thing I have ever seen. Books, movies and video games set in the distant future have always displayed technology like this and I was always fascinated by it. I have always wan...

started by Pedro Torres on 13 Mar 12 14 follow-ups, last by Salina V on 14 May 12
Heather Luna

From Distraction to Engagement: Wireless Devices in the Classroom (EDUCAUSE Quarterly) ... - 6 views

www.educause.edu/...ent-wireless-devices-classroom

shared by Heather Luna on 11 Feb 13 - No Cached
    • Heather Luna
      Heather Luna on 11 Feb 13
       
      As a teacher, I see first hand how technology has offered endless opportunities for engagement. I think the issue may stem from the actual method of integration as opposed to the use of technology itself. 
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 17 Feb 13
       
      I see technology as an engagement when it is used properly and the students have a task at hand. It becomes a distraction when the student is not engaged or just trying to test you. As a teacher, you must have frequent monitoring and walking around the room. I've seen it at the high school level, you must first lay down the rules and consequences to the proper use of technology. The students need to understand that it is a privilege to use this technology to enhance their learning and if they choose to abuse it, then there will be consequences to their actions. I believe there is a time and place to incorporate technology into your lessons.
    • Edna Orozco
      Edna Orozco on 27 Feb 13
       
      It is true that having electronic devices can tend to distract students, but we as educators need to be responsible and take over our class, It will take more energy and effort but the outcome can be positive. It is the same with the PBL, it takes more planning and time to prepare for such lesson, but research has proven that it works, therefore we need to put more effort in using such electronic devices, but keeping in mind that we will have to be in control of our students and class.
    • Heather Luna
      Heather Luna on 11 Feb 13
       
      I think Mazur said it best, technology doesn't provide any more distractions than a classroom window! 
    • April Canales-Perez
      April Canales-Perez on 25 Feb 13
       
      This is so true. Technology will become a distraction if a teacher allows it to become one. Meaning using technology comes with a lot of planning. If you decide to use technology from one day to the next without really thinking or brainstorming about it then the lesson and the integration of technology will not go well. This will lead to technology becoming a distraction. You must have a very detailed plan of how you will integrate technology into the lesson and what expectations you will have for your students. With expectations students will know exactly what is being asked from them in order to get the assignment done.
    • Heather Luna
      Heather Luna on 11 Feb 13
       
      As educators, we are responsible for taking advantage of every opportunity present, including those we may not necessarily be comfortable with.
    • Edna Orozco
      Edna Orozco on 27 Feb 13
       
      I agree with you, and I belive that the first step we need to take is to change our attitude towards technology. We need to understand that new generations are evolving towards the use of electronic devices such as tablets, touch phones, computers, ipads, etc etc. we need to evolve with them. The second step we need to do is to educate ourselves in effective applications towards technology
  • Heather Luna on 11 Feb 13
     
    The technology "buy-in" has been difficult, because not everyone can see the long-term benefits, some educators view technology as engagement, while others view it as a distraction.
  • albert rodriguez on 18 Feb 13
     
    Distraction? I hope that by that they don't mean that technology is taking away the attention from the teacher-centered-classroom teacher while focusing on student interaction, and there being confusion about that. I think boring teachers are a distraction -- to education.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 25 Feb 13
     
    I think alot of the "distraction" mentality comes from the traditional teaching where the teacher was the guru and taught direct instruction. The 21st century learner and the innovative tools that they have at their disposal has changed our world, and consequently how we all learn and teach. It is definitely a tool which places a massive amount of information at our student's fingertips. We just need to remember that they still need the foundation of how and what to select as appropriate information. I am so "for" technology devices, but am concerned with the responsiblity that has been dropped on our laps, that of teaching digital etiquette, safety on the internet, etc.
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