Lesson Plan and TPCK Model

Overall, I think that my lesson plan on the United States went well as an introduction to doing basic research. I think that for the grade level chosen the lesson was informative for students to use online resources. I found that having students identify states they have been to as an introduction was a useful attention getter as students could identify prior knowledge and share information they have on states. I also thought that each student having their own state to research was informative as everyone had interesting facts to compare and contrast with other states. I would like to improve on how the KWL chart was presented and recorded with the use of technology. I think that using technology for that area could have been very useful, such as creating a poster online or using Kidspiration for students to each create their own charts.

In regard to the TPCK model, I felt confident in each of the areas in terms of content, pedagogical, and technological knowledge as I did a lesson at the elementary level covering states. Out of the three areas I would have included more technology and possibly in different ways. I did not rely completely on technology as the lesson included a short video to get students interested in learning about the states and the classroom wiki with resources for researching states. I think students creating their own KWL charts with technology could allow them to easily update throughout the unit. I also think online graphic organizers would be beneficial for organizing information regarding the individual states being researched. I would have liked to include more technological content to the lesson for students to organize and store their ideas but think that for the introduction to research this was a successful lesson in finding information online.

NETS for students and teachers

The NETS for students and teachers gives a general framework for the use of technology within schools. I think that the standards cover the broad areas of technology use but lack some necessary details when implementing technology in the classroom. The standards do allow for teachers and students to take a wide range of approaches with technology due to how general they are presented. The standards are missing specific details in teaching the safety and security of using digital resources. The most the standards touch on this area is through the student’s “Digital Citizenship” section by stating “advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.” Furthermore, the teacher’s standard under “Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility,” by stating “promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.” Students need direct instruction on safe practices when using digital resources, particularly the internet. The standards should include more specific subareas for both teachers and students to follow in the classroom.

Computer Software used in Education

Drill/tutoring, teacher-directed inquiry and constructivist software can all be used effectively in the classroom for various purposes. Teachers face the challenge of determining which software is appropriate and meaningful to reach their student’s varying goals. I find that drill/tutoring is most effective to master basic skills, such as multiplication facts. Instead of students just sitting and memorizing facts they could possibly use software that makes the learning more exciting for them. I find that teacher-directed inquiry and constructivist style software should be used more often and as a resource to the curriculum. In particular, a constructivist approach allows students to have a variety of interactions with both the teacher and peers while guiding their own learning. All three styles can be beneficial resources in the classroom if used for the right purposes to reach the students learning needs.

Kaiser Family Foundation Study

Generation M²: Media in the Lives of 8-to-18 Year Olds looks at the significant increase in media use among preteens and teenagers. Due to the advances in technologies children are using various media outlets at younger ages than before. The ownership of iPod/MP3 players and cell phones shows the highest increase over the last five years. The study identifies a drop in the amount of time spent reading various prints due to these media outlets. Furthermore, the study identifies a correlation between the amount of media usage and lower grades.
As educators we face various challenges and opportunities with the increase of technology use among children. I found that lower grades and levels of personal contentment to be the most concerning in regard to the media usage. I think that it is important for parents and teachers to limit the amount of media and facilitate meaningful uses. There is no question that technology is all around children and they will use it but there needs to be a balance between technology and other developmentally appropriate activities for children. For instance, teachers should promote reading at school and home while parents can have the TV off at home in the evenings. Teachers should also encourage students to read from various types of print not only the internet. Teachers can also provide projects and assignments that use technology in meaningful ways.

Technology in Education

Technology, if implemented properly, can play an extremely positive role in education. Technology should be used as a resource to enhance classroom curriculums. Technology can help to elaborate and extend a variety of concepts and prepare students for the future whether inside or outside the classroom. Technology must be presented and used in a safe and appropriate manner at all times. Students should have access to technology as a safe and exciting resource for academics and social purposes. In regard to academics students can use a technology for a variety of reasons. For instance, students may use technology for research, virtual field trips, web quests, power points, and math and reading games. Students may also use technology for social purposes to connect with students in other states and/or countries in regard to research. Students with learning disabilities that demonstrate deficits in social interaction may have success connecting with students on the internet, particularly if they struggle with face to face interactions. Technology is also a vital component for students with special needs such as assistive technology. Assistive technology can help provide a variety of opportunities for students such as speech and fine motor support. Technology is a necessary part of today’s curriculum in education but must be implemented in a safe and effective manner.