My IT 443 Experience

This quarter I learned a lot about instructional technology! Technology in the classroom is a subject that I have not spent much time with and it wasn't until IT 443 (this course) that I really looked at technology as the “way of the future”. This course helped me realize just how much technology can transform a classroom into an inclusive learning environment for all students. I learned so much about the various web 2.0 tools available to enhance my instruction as well as the learning process for students. I think it is amazing that technology is breaking down the walls of a classroom and connecting students all across the world.

In my (future) classroom I am looking forward to using things such as Skype, Animoto, and Wordle (just to name a few) to make my (future) student’s education more meaningful. This course has really opened my eyes to the power of technology. I have also learned that technology is something that is doable and for the most part easy to learn (if I can do it, you can do it too).

One thing that I would still like to look into is how I can obtain some of these programs and devices at a reduced price or even better free. Technology for a whole class can be costly and I may end up in a district that doesn't have technology in the budget; so it is important that I am able to seek out ways to get these tools into my classroom. I would like to learn about some grants available for teachers as well as more (free) web 2.0 tools. As I continue to take steps to becoming a special education teacher I am hoping that technology becomes more and more available.

I am excited to continue to expand my technological horizon and implement the use of technology in future practicums and one day my own classroom. My IT 443 experience was very useful and I learned so much. 

Image Courtesy Of: 

Strickland, L. (n.d) Kid Sitting with a Tablet Image. (Clipart) Retrieved February 4, 2014,

from http://www.mycutegraphics.com/graphics/technology/kid-sitting-with-tablet.html

Web 2.0 Tools in the Classroom

After reading a post from Edudemic I was shocked about how many technology tools there are being used by teachers in classrooms all across the world. The post list the top 35 web 2.0 tools and there were a couple in particular stood out to me. 

The first web 2.0 tool that I really like is Animoto. Animoto allows you to create short videos (using images and a small amount of text) for virtually any topic or subject. I find myself having a hard time learning new technology, it often seems too complicated for me; but Animoto is so easy to use and it takes no time at all. (If I can do it, you can do it too.) After exploring Animoto’s website I found out all the amazing ways that our teachers, schools and even universities are using Animoto. For example teachers use Animoto to have their students create book trailers (like movie trailers but about a book) instead of the traditional book reports. Schools are also using Animoto to document student events (competitions and fairs) as well as class reunions and alumni events. I also found various videos that cover everything from historical events to a twist on the traditional alphabet song. With Animoto students are able to demonstrate their learning and teachers are able to present content in fun and creative ways. 

The second web 2.0 tool that I really like is Wordle. Wordle allows you to take a list of words and turn it into a artistic word cloud. When creating a word cloud the words that are listed more than once become bigger (basically the more times the word is listed the bigger the word will appear in the word cloud). Wordle is a very simple tool to use and the results look amazing. With Wordle you can customize everything from the color of the text to the shape of the word cloud. There are so many ways that teachers are encorporating Wordle in their classrooms. I found a post that list 46 ways that teachers are using Wordle and every single one was really innovative. For example one teacher had their students create an "All About Me" Wordle. Students type in words that represent them (repeating any words that are more significant) and then create a world cloud! This is such a cool idea because it is an new way to learn about your students in a way that is way less intimidating the answering the question "who are you?" in an essay or a poster. Another interesting way teachers are using Wordle is by having their students analyze character traits of the characters in a story. This is not only a fun way to teach your students about character traits but it can also help boost their reading comprehension. Wordle is a a great tool that can be incorporated into many different lessons. 

With these web 2.0 tools, as teachers we are able to extend our student's learning beyond the walls of our classroom. Each one of these tools allows us to enhance a student's education and really make learning meaningful. Web 2.0 tools will definitely be apart of my future classroom. 

Classroom Websites and Blogs

Recently I took a look at some classroom websites, which are created for the students in the classroom rather than other teachers. I really love the idea of using a website to connect myself and my (future) students beyond the walls of our (future) classroom. I think that using a classroom website would also help make classroom content and activities available to families so that all students can answer the question “What did you to in school today?” with confidence and evidence. My (future) classroom website would also be a place for me (the teacher) to answer questions, post helpful videos, and provided other supports for my students when they are not in my class. Although a classroom website is a very useful tool I will need to keep in mind that some students do not have access to internet, so I will make sure that access to our classroom website is not a requirement but rather an option. Having a classroom website will be a very good resource for my students and me.

As I was looking at various classroom websites a couple stood out to me. The first classroom website that I like is Huzzah! This classroom blog is well-organized and the overall layout is easy to navigate. On this blog there are also links to the student’s own personal blogs which is such a neat idea. I think that having students create and maintain their blogs help them take charge of their learning as well as participate in a different setting other than the classroom (which can help them stay engaged). Another blog that I really like is Mrs. Yollis' Classroom Blog. I like how this blog focuses on learning and building friendships among the students. There are plenty of academic post (videos, writing, reading, etc.) but there are also post just for the students to share a story or photo. I like this idea because it helps the students have fun and get to know their classmates in new and exciting way. Both of these blogs model a classroom that is embracing technology and progressing student learning. 

Technology Integration

I think that Technology Integration into the classroom can make a positive impact on a student’s education.Technology in the classroom can be anything from computers to Smart Boards; basically any electronic device that helps a student succeed better in the classroom is a form of technology. Technology allows for all students (with all types of needs) to be apart of a classroom setting; it essentially levels the playing field for students and paves the way for full inclusion. With technology students who would be limited in a classroom setting before are advancing in the classroom now. I have seen many students progress in all subject areas because of the use to technology. For example in my practicum at Fairhaven Middle School I saw a student use an iPad to help him complete his reading assignments. This student had a very difficult time tracking words as he read across the page of a book; but when the iPad was able to read the book to him, his comprehension increased and all of a sudden the text became meaningful. I also saw a student using a speech to text device in order to write an essay. 

Technology can be used in all subject areas as well as in all classrooms; however there are certain circumstances when technology should not be used. For example if the technology does not help but rather hinders a student’s learning than it should not be used. (i.e. becomes distracting and/or progress in learning is not being made) Unfortunately all students may not have access to technology at home; in this case technology can become a frustration for students and may not be the best thing to use to meet their learning needs. (However I would encourage the use of technology at school.) I believe that it is very important to establish guidelines and rules (which are understood and acknowledged by students) prior to using technology in your classroom so that the technology is as beneficial as possible.

I think that Technology Integration is a wonderful tool that should be a part of all classrooms. With Technology Integration all students are able to learn in a classroom that is diverse in teaching methods and exciting .  As technology continues to develop so will our classrooms.