Last Reflection

After taking this course, I feel much differently about technology integration in education. Before taking EDIT 2000, I did not understand the importance or the capabilities that technology has within the field of education. I felt as though my instructor, Justine, was very helpful in my gaining of knowledge about how important technology can be to our future in schools.

 

What surprised me the most were the capabilities that technology gives our teachers and students. From Smartboards to Augmented Reality, there are so many things that need to be incorporated in our classrooms. I firmly believe that the tools of technology that we covered in this course should be a huge part of our future K-12 students, as well as college students’ learning.

 

Learning through technology seems to give kids more of a hands on approach to learning. In turn, students are more likely to be motivated to learn due to the use of technology. Doing the projects and stop animation in this class actually proved this to myself. I happened to enjoy doing these hands on activities in order to make a finished product at the end much more than I do in traditional textbook learning. Technology is our future in education. It is important that we appreciate it and make sure our instructors are well educated in how to incorporate it.

Reflection #9 (IWBs)

            After reading “The Rise of the Interactive Whiteboard in Higher Education”, I was not surprised to see how much the usage of this technology is growing. The article makes a critical point in that these interactive boards bring about a new level of education and provide students with a learning opportunity that regular white boards or chalk boards cannot.

 

SmartBoards can be much more versatile than traditional chalk boards or white boards.

IWBs engage students imagination and encourage collaboration. In my opinion, the level of interacity that these IWBs bring to the table makes them worth their cost. They simply bring a lot more to the table than regular textbook learning. I think the most important issue with using this technology is the capability of the instructor who is using the board. Without a knowledgeable instructor, this board could be useless and be a waste of time and money. We had SmartBoards in several of our classrooms during my senior year in high school. However, I remember very well how every teacher that had one seemed to use it only because their felt obligated to. I can remember no interactive activities using an IWB at all during high school. The teachers that had them only used them to write notes, which could have been done with a dry erase board.

The most intriguing thing to me about IWBs are the possibilities of communication that comes along with them. With connection through the internet, groups can even meet in different countries if they need to. Any notes or audio commentary taken on these boards can be saved. Overall, it is evident that IWBs can be extremely beneficial to classrooms of all kinds. They are definitely a step up from the traditional textbook and chalkboard learning techniques, especially in the areas of communication, students’ imagination, and collaboration. I think it is important that we continue to utilize these in our schools and the users become as knowledgeable as possible in order to utilize the IWBs and extract their maximum capabilities.

 

You can see in this image some of the capabilities that IWBs have that classrooms have not seen before.

Project Based Learning Reflection Number 8

Project based learning has been around for a while in education. However, with the new technological developments that we have today, the possibilities of project based learning have been extended. I have some experience with project based learning here at UGA. I took EFND 2110 and 2120 during the fall of 2012 and spring of 2013. In each of these classes, I was assigned to spend time at two different local Boys and Girls Clubs. While volunteering my time, I was conducting a learning project with the kids. This was an experience that could not have been possible through reading a textbook or researching online. I learned through many real life situations and gained valuable knowledge about myself and kids from a social and educational standpoint.

One of the main pros of project based learning is less lecturing and more “doing.”

In addition to student’s being put in more real life situations, they are also more likely to be motivated by projects. I feel like most students want to see their project succeed, which contributes to them being motivated to learn. Project based learning can be very positive, however, the only real con that I see is that this style of learning can be too focused on one specific skill-set. This is not always the case, but I feel as though sometimes other skill-sets are neglected through the use of project based learning.

In my opinion, as a teacher, it would be tougher to manage a classroom while focusing on project based learning. It would be challenging to make sure that the classroom was still somewhat structured enough to keep it effective. If not careful, kids would choose to only focus on things that coincided with their personal preferences and interests. However, as I mentioned earlier, the motivation of the kids to learn would be greatly enhanced through the use of these projects. Motivation is something that cannot be taken for granted.

            

Reflection 7

           My experience using our app called Stack the States was good in several ways. First of all, I was able to see how apps and tools in general that are very cheap and easily accessible can be very useful in learning to many different ages and people in different situations. The app that we used was targeted for kids, however, we often found some of the simple trivial questions tough to answer. This app in particular can be useful to anyone interested in knowing about the United States from a geographical standpoint. If it were available back when I had geography tests in elementary school, I would have definitely used this application.

            Each of the tools that were used by our groups seemed to be very useful in educational settings. It was interesting to see applications like Vine be used as a learning tool. I personally had never thought of apps like Vine as useful or educational, but the group did a good job showing that it had many possible uses. Overall, I thought each group did a nice job displaying how many apps in general can be huge tools in learning for people of all kinds. Whether it was learning how to cook or learning to use save time using Dropbox, the apps used in our class projects show that there are many tools that we should take advantage of.

            The stop animation project was a challenge. I had no experience doing this before, so I was lucky to have a good group that I could work with to get the job done. To me, the most important part of this project was to come up with something creative to incorporate into the stop animation. After getting the ideas and pictures figured out, the rest was not all that difficult. I believe that the stop-animation effect is a nice choice for an infomercial. I believe it is more effective than using video recording or other options. A stop animation with a good pace, quality images, and an effective message can be a very successful way to inform people about an app or any product.

Reflection 6

After reading the Horizon Report, I realize that Augmented reality is something that will change the world. It will make learning easier for everyone because information will become instantly available. Augmented reality allows educator’s to shape how students “see” the world. This means that AR is obviously a very powerful tool that needs to be utilized in the correct ways. Enhancing learning environments by producing new experiences of the world while creating a blended reality is something that we should become good at.

 

Augmented reality is a part of my life and is more than likely part of everyone’s in the U.S. whether they realize it or not. I am personally fascinated in how often it occurs in television. I am an avid sports fan and I had no idea how much Augmented reality is in sports TV. All the lines and diagrams drawn and shown on screen used by analysts and commentators are part of augmented reality. Weather channels also frequently use augmented reality to help show us the forecasts. Movies and children’s TV are other types of television that AR is common in. While augmented reality is very important to education and learning, it is also used in entertainment. However, even the sports diagrams and lines drawn are there for the purpose of helping us see the real world in a different view.

 

I liked how Jim was very knowledgeable about the subject of augmented reality. I enjoyed him including examples such as the one with Brandon Stokely, the NFL football player, in order to help us grasp a better understanding of augmented reality. I had read pieces regarding augmented reality before hearing Jim’s talk, but listening to Jim’s talk really made things click as to how widespread and useful that augmented reality is in everyday life.

Reflection 5

                                                                                                                                                         

After reading these texts, it is evident that the arts can have huge impact on kids. Art needs to be valued because it can be a fulfilling part of a child’s school experience. Instead of schools cutting out the arts due to funds, they should change the mentality that arts should be the first to go. The video makes a strong argument for the importance of art. The concept of artful thinking made sense to me. Letting kids imagine and observe art can definitely increase their critical thinking skills and enhance the creativity of these kids. It teaches the kids to observe stimuli and think critically.

I particularly enjoyed reading “Media Literacy is Vital in the Age of the Image.” Younger people can learn easier due to the neurons that are available. These neurons begin to be pruned the older we get and it becomes more difficult to learn new things. (for example a second language) This article in particular made me more aware of the importance that electronic tools and new technology have when finding information and learning new knowledge. We may not be reading as much as a society, but we can communicate and learn through visual stimuli.

I felt like I could connect to some of the examples used in these articles and videos. I actually prefer to learn through visual stimuli and have done well in the past in my art classes due to my comfort in that learning style. I believe that taking classes in the past that could be considered art classes helped me greatly through school and made me the thinker and learner that I am today. Seeing something and creating something myself in these classes enhanced my ability to observe and imagine, just as the kids in the video did.

The fact that schools tend to cut out the arts when funds get low is very disturbing to me. I would like to make others aware of the importance that art and visual literacy has on kids in our schools. It is inevitable that our future will consist of a shift from traditional learning to more learning through technology and visual stimuli. The art classes in todays schools help prepare kids for the future while also encouraging them to critically think.

Reflection 4

                                                                                                            John Hawkins

                                                                                                            Reflection 4

 

I feel as though the trends listed in the report are very accurate. I strongly agree with the idea that social media is changing the way that people communicate, present ideas, and interact. The use of social media allows us to share news and information very quickly and effectively. I learn new things each day from the use of Twitter and Facebook. Some of the things are not useful, however, sometimes I learn key information through social media. This trend is beginning to expand. A few years ago, the age-group and overall population using social media devices like Facebook and Twitter was much smaller. In today’s world, it is not uncommon for young children and elderly people to utilize social media.

The major challenge that I can relate to the most is the fact that education’s own practices limit the broader uptake of new technologies. I believe that people are hard headed when it comes to change, especially with technology. It is important that we focus on some of the benefits that accepting change can have on our country’s education. Trying and applying new technologies to the educational field is very important. I believe that schools should understand how beneficial the use of innovative technologies can be for the kids’ learning and encourage the teachers to urge their kids to apply new technologies.

I was very fascinated with the use of 3D printers. Not only do I find this concept very interesting, I also see how beneficial this can be for education. I would like to experience the way a 3D printer works while creating models and prototypes. If this concept keeps becoming more affordable, 3D printing can become even more vital to learning than it is today. Incredible advances like 3D printers and virtual laboratories are very fascinating to me. Reading this article made it very clear to me that times are changing dramatically and technology is becoming more and more important in the field of education.

                                                                                          Reflection 3

1)     I enjoyed hearing about the kids who go to the school called “Quest to Learn.” It was interesting and very impressive to see how these kids learn in a different way including much more hands on learning and technology use. This approach is much different than traditional schooling and in many ways very beneficial. It made me think about how much my life and learning experience would be different if I were to be put in an environment like this. I struggle with digital aspects of life and wish that I could be more familiar with technology like these kids are.

2)     I definitely need to sharpen my digital skills. I struggle with many facets of technology and skills that could help my time management. If I were to improve my use of technology, I would be able to save much time by efficiently utilizing my ipad, computer, and the internet. The lack of skills and comfort with technology definitely shows. It makes school much more difficult to me due to the lack of experience with technology. I hope that this EDIT 2000 class can help improve my digital skills.

3)     These projects remind me that using technology provides a link between us as people and can open up things for us from a learning standpoint. After hearing the kids talk it is evident that their constant use and familiarity with technology benefits them greatly. It makes me think more in depth about technology and how important it really is to us as a society and these kids in their learning careers. Being able to interact digitally can be very useful and these kids are getting a head start that will benefit them in the long run. I wish that all kids would have the chance to experience projects like these.

4)     Social networks link almost everyone together in a way in today’s world. Through the internet, it is very easy to access information about one another  very quickly. It is good in many ways, for example, you can check up on old friends and family. However, it also takes a sense of privacy away from our lives. For example, I can look up almost anyone on facebook, twitter, etc. The only huge downfall I see about these networks is the large consumption of time that it takes from peoples lves.

5)     I would like to be able to teach kids who are interested how to throw a football. After playing quarterback in high school and staying involved with the game after my career ended, I feel like I could help young kids learn proper ways to play the game. Specifically, I would like to provide kids with detailed information that would aid them in this skill. Most all young kids throw the football at some point and many would like to play later in their lives. Providing them with proper throwing mechanics would enable them to continue their career and also help them be more successful.

6)     After spending time myself as a volunteer at two different after school programs, I am aware that these programs are very beneficial to the kids. Not only do they keep the kids out of trouble and help them learn academically, but they also teach these kids social skills and how to collaborate with one another in order to reach common goals. There were many times where this became evident at the boys and girls club. I saw many different types of kids, but all of them benefitted from being put in this after school environment.

Reflection 2

                                                                                                            John Hawkins

                                                                                                                        Reflection 2

After reading this text, I found that there are many different ways that kids can engage in meaningful learning. The main thing that I personally took from the reading is that collaboration involving students working together do teachers often not handle an important way for students to learn that is correctly. The negotiation, conversation, and overall interaction that kids partake in during group work are very helpful.

 

It was interesting to me how the text describes technology as “much more than hardware.” Technology, according to the text, can also be activities and designs that should serve the function of helping students learn. I think it is very true that technology provides a means of organization that would be impossible without it. Technology gives kids the chance to access needed information that would otherwise be unavailable. Technology, along with group/cooperative learning, can be a big help to students if it is used correctly. 

Reflection 1

 

 

 

I have found out through certain teachers in the past that I learn best from visually seeing someone try something and then trying it for myself. I found through my years of schooling that viewing videos and seeing real life examples and demonstrations help me learn things more quickly. I give a lot of credit to all of my teachers and professors up to this point in my academic career.

Technology plays a key role in learning for me. Not only does technology play a key role in my academic learning, but it also helps me learn other things in life that may not necessarily have anything to do with school. For example, I am currently a high school football coach and frequently use my computer, the internet, my iPhone, and my iPad when I need to learn something new about football.

Technology plays many roles in my learning. I am able to research on my phone and computers, which allows me to learn things quickly and efficiently. Without technology, I would be far behind where I am now academically and in other parts of my life. I am able to learn new things everyday that, without technology, I would not have a chance to learn.