Assignment #1 Technology Literacy

Questions

1. Provide a summary of your current technology knowledge and use. Include both educational and non-educational technology. What are some areas that you would like to work on this semester? See the Professional Preparation Performance Profile http://www.iste.org/inhouse/nets/cnets/teachers/t_profile-pro.html which is a guide to the competencies you need to work on as you take classes in the School of Education. (13 pts)
2. What role should technology have in education and learning? Does using technology aid learning? Why or why not? (5 pts)
3. Using the Profile for Technology Literate Students
http://www.iste.org/inhouse/nets/cnets/students/pdf/NETS-S_Student_Profiles.pdf
as a guide discuss at least 3 ways you could help students in your classroom meet the NETS standards for their age level. Include the standard that you are referring to and details of class project or homework assignments. (15 pts)

Answers

1a. Honestly, I am embarrassed by my lack of technology. I don't even know what is considered technology or not. When it comes to educational technology, I have no knowledge or use; I've never even created a Power Point. Obviously I just learned how to create a blog and an Internet website, so that's a good start. And for non-educational technology--again, I don't know what qualifies as technology--but I guess I could say: I just got my first HDTV a few months ago, I sent my first text message by phone a few weeks ago, I got my first MP3 player about six months ago (which I still have not used).
1b. Obviously I would like to work on every area of technology, as it applies to education, this semester. In the list of competencies, I literally need help on all twenty-four of the recommended competencies. The three on the list that I would consider the most helpful are: #7. "design and teach technology-enriched learning activities that connect content standards with student technology standards and meet the diverse needs of students," #8. "design and peer teach a lesson that meets content area standards and reflects the current best practices in teaching and learning with technology," and #15. "develop a portfolio of technology-based products from coursework, including the related assessment tools."

2. I believe technology plays a very large role in education, especially in the ever-changing technological world we live in today. Technology helps to get things done faster and better, and the same should go for learning. If a tool is invented that will allow for a better learning environment in a classroom, than obviously the role of that technology is very important both for the teacher and the student. Technology aids in learning by connecting better with the student. It helps to keep the student engaged, and creates a better atmosphere for the student to thrive. Obviously kids keep up on the latest technology, so if it is used in the classroom, then it will better help to keep the student focused on the information he or she is to learn. In the past, (at least in high school) a teacher was supposed to keep the student engaged by giving boring lectures and writing on a screechy chalk board with their backs turned toward the students. Now there are so many things available for the teacher to use that will stimulate learning better and keep the teacher facing the students.

3. I really liked example number 1. "Design, develop, and test a digital learning game to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to curriculum content." I will be teaching social studies, so I thought this would work great for teaching in my endorsement. I immediately thought of an old computer game called "The Oregon Trail," where the object was to have the player navigate through the trail and also learn a few things about the history of the Oregon Trail in the process. This same thing could be applied to many historical events. Also, A game could be made in which the object was to pick a historical figure and navigate that person through the significant events in his or her historical context. I also thought of the game where the player is supposed to build their own theme park. In the case of a history, the player could reconstruct the event.
Example number 2. "Create and publish an online art gallery with examples and commentary that demonstrate an understanding of different historical periods, cultures, and countries," similarly obviously applies to my endorsement. This would be similar to number 1, but instead it would be just pictures. I could have pictures of events or people, and then have the student match those pictures with quotes or descriptions of the event.
Also, Example number 7. "Design a Web site that meets accessibility requirements," would be fun. I could have each student pick a historical figure or event and then have them design a website that is focused only on that person or event. Each student would then be allowed the freedom to construct the website however they would like, and be as creative as they would like as long as certain guidelines are met.