Article Review #2

Technology Integration Ideas That Work

Summary:

This article summarizes how technology is becoming integrated into all subject areas rather than remaining an independent subject in and of itself. It is recognized as an instructional tool that is rapidly progressing. Children tend to keep up with the technological advancements, and it can be very important for educators to learn new technological devices that can be used as teaching tools in the classroom (Starr, 2011).

The narrator of the article suggests various ideas of how technology can be integrated into various subjects. For example, the internet is loaded with information, Refdest allow access to newspapers via online, and blogs, BrainBoosters, music collection resource, world awareness, PowerPoint, SMART board, and many more tools have very efficient ways of facilitating learning in the classroom (Starr, 2011). Basic programs such as word processing has a variety of tools such as drawing tools, keyboarding, organizing that has become a standard application available in almost every school (Starr, 2011).

In conclusion, the skills required to use SMART Boards, PowerPoint, and other forms of technology are highly encouraged by schools since it is developing into very efficient ways of teaching/learning (Starr, 2011). However, this cannot happen overnight, and teachers need to be patient with their learning process and integration of technology into their curriculum. It can be fun to try various technological tools with students.

Reflection:

Like I have mentioned in my previous article review, I have had a negative perception of advanced technology devices in terms of health education since video games have promoted a more sedentary lifestyle among children. However, although there is a correlation, the issue is not technology in and of itself, but utilizing technology in the classroom can be used for very efficient teaching strategies; and children can really enjoy it and be challenged in different ways. I really appreciate the narrator suggesting various ways how she integrated technology personally, and also suggested additional ideas as well as the benefits of integration of technology.

I am excited to be able to use technology within a PE and Health classroom. The internet serves as an excellent tool for students to research various topics such as the importance of physical activity, motoric skills, nutrition, emotional health, recipes and many more topics. Students could also create a blog and share different activities that they like to do, recipes, and other topics they have researched about. There is a plethora of tools that can be integrated into a PE and Health Education setting, and I am excited to learn along with my students. I now understand the importance of gaining technological skills as an educator.   

References

Starr, L. (2011).Technology Integration That Works. Education world: The educators best friend, 1-3

 Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech176.shtml

Review Article #1

Simulation Nation: The Promise of Virtual Learning Activities

Summary:

Educational technology is becoming essential to understand the world around us because of the rapid advancements in technology. The technology stimulation is not a fad, but an advancement that is not predicted to digress. Computer-simulation technology is another way of looking at objects or systems that can encourage learners to develop critical thinking skills about the world around them (Prensky, 2007). Technology has enabled us to learn in an alternative “hands-on” or interactive fashion where students can grasp complex concepts that are not physically tangible (Prensky, 2007).

The main reasoning of promoting educational technology is because it will play a big role in student’s professional lives, and it is also a teaching tool that demonstrably works and enables students to learn about materials that students would not be able to learn about in more of a traditional, teacher-centered education setting.

 However, when using these tools, it is pricey and also time consuming for teachers who have extensive curricula who need to learn these technological skills themselves before teaching (Prensky, 2007).  Technology can also interfere with healthy social interaction and or collaboration within a classroom; like with everything, there needs to be balance.

Reflection:

Because of the negative influence video games has had on promoting a more sedentary lifestyle among adolescents, I thought more negatively when reading the title of this article. However, I have recently been introduced how virtual learning activities can be integrated into a PE and/or health classroom that is very efficient. This article addressed very important points about the importance of integrating technology into all subjects since it will progressively be used in our everyday lives.

First, I appreciate the article mentioning that without virtual learning, students cannot learn about complex issues that are in the world around them. In a health setting, learning about nutrition, biological concepts, physical and emotional health and more can be better understood through interactive virtual learn activities. In the gym, video games such as Dance Dance Revolution and the WII have been used to promote physical activity and also do health assessments in a fun ways. Since technology is continuing to progress, it is important that we as educators learn how to integrate and utilize various virtual learning activities into our curriculum.

References

Prensky, M. (2007). Simulation nation: The promise of virtual learning activities. Edutopia: The

george lucas foundation, 1-2.  Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/simulation-nation?page=1

Tool Kit

Overview of an AT Tool Kit:

There is a wide range of assistive technology “kits” that essentially help teachers plan, organize and utilize various resources and devices that promote a variety of learning in the classroom. These kits range from aids for daily living, to visual aids (electronically and non-electronically) to reinforce a better understanding of a certain subject.  Assisted technology is particularly useful when for students who have disabilities.

Specific software related to my tool kit:

Cosmic geometry: Middle school students/ mathematics

Cosmic geometry is for middle school students who are becoming familiar with geometry. This is a very fun interactive game that incorporates a variety of mathematic skills needed in order to complete the various games on the computer. The game is introduced in a “outer-space” theme that leads the player into a “space-village” where there are certain tasks that needs to be finished in the town. For example, at one location, the student enters a “geo movie” location where the student is challenge in geometric skills to help build a movie theater and a movie for the town. A fun triangle hosts the show.  There is another building called, “the boogie box,” in which music can be created and a robot is built through a variety of mathematical skills.

I really enjoyed interacting with this software. Cosmic geometry also relates the concepts to real-life scenarios where mathematical skills are necessary. There are calculators available as well on this software. When interacting with this, I was reminded of John Dewey’s educational philosophies of developing experiences for students to interact with and learn from. Although this is not a human to human interaction, this software is creating an experience for children that is electronically applicable to real-life scenarios that will hopefully increase their excitement and interests in mathematics.

1.       Who are these tools for?

These tools are for students to understand mathematical concepts through technology in a fun interactive manner. This is also to help teacher integrate math in various forms.

2.       What are the common challenges these devices help to overcome?

Students can become very frustrated with math because they can have a difficult time understanding the concepts in relation to how it is applicable to their everyday life, or grasping the concepts of them. These tools and software devices help students understand in a tangible and interactive way. Many of the tools that are available at WWU allow students to manipulate items to understand math. For example, there is a counting stick, a money calculator, flash cards, dice for a variety of games, and more.

3.       What tools are in the kit and what others are available and not displayed?

    

-       The items I viewed are as follows:

-          Daily planner

-          Dice

-          A variety of calculators

-          Videos

-          Self-management tools that incorporate math

-          Time cues (help develop time skills)

-          “Math Shark” a hand-held video game device

-          Key board and stickers to help typing skills

There are also a plethora of resources online as well. These are very helpful, however, the tangible tools are not easy to access.

4.       What resources are available for more exploration of matching AT from the kit with student needs?

Assisted technology is very useful for students who have learning disabilities. AT is addressed in levels of academic achievement and functional performance.  There are instructional accommodations, classroom testing accommodations, state testing accommodations, and many more. The IEP specifically ensures that students with disabilities have access to AT devices and services that they need to participate in educational programs.

PE and Health Integration:

AT are incredible resources for all subjects. I appreciate the modifications and interactions through these resources for these students. In terms of PE and health education, we try to integrate various subjects through physical activity or applying things to their every day lives, but it can be difficult to add various technology devices into PE. These provide great ideas for students to interact with devices that will challenge their knowledge about health or physical education. Regardless, I will definitely be using these resources for ideas and ways to challenge my students in various ways.