There are many things that can effect the way that technology is used in the classroom. One challenge that comes with using new technology in the classroom is how teachers can get new technology. Many time it is people that aren't even in the classroom that make the decision about what kinds of technology can be integrated in the class. they may want to use a kind of technology that teachers don't like, or even hate. The main way teachers can fight this hurdle is tp be flexible. If the get denied access to a kind of technology they really want then the teacher will just have to search for something similar. If the principal wants to use a technology that the teacher doesn't like than the teacher just has to go with it. Adaption is something that all great teachers posses.
I have been in a classroom setting where all the technology I have wanted to use with my students were available to be easily. We used iPads to as a positive reward for the students.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Blog 3: Pros and Cons
This week in class we were learning how to use Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Docs, and Google Slides. All of these tools can be utilized in the class room but the real question is which platform is better? Word or Google docs? PowerPoint or Slides? There were some distinct differences that I experienced as I explored each platform.
I am personally more familiar with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint before I began my journey at LVC. When I received an email that we, the students, would be getting Office 360 for free I was ecstatic because I tried using Google before but I just was not a fan of it. Now that I am in Ed. Tech and am going to learning how to use Google a little more I can see the positive aspects. Everything is all in one place, under one web domain and easy to access. However I begin to fall back as to why I didn't like the Google platform to begin with. I do not think that it is easy to use at all. In an assignment we were asked to format a slide show on Google and I struggled with it. I am not fluent with Google.
Google docs is not as bad as I remembered it being. I didn't think that it was as hard to use as I think the Slides was to use. I actually believe that it has some very helpful features. It allows multiple people to collaborate on it at once. I also am a fan of being able to leave comments on other people's documents. It is an easy way for teachers or other peers to make comments and help others proof read their work before turning it in.
I'm not going to rave about Microsoft Word and PowerPoint about how they are both perfect because they are not perfect. They both have their flaws, but to me, they are just easier to use. I also am a fan of how I can work on my documents when my computer is not connected to the internet. What if a student needs to turn in a document but can't because they can't access a computer with wifi. If they use Word or PowerPoint it is very easy to just put the presentation onto a flashdrive and share it that way.
I think that it makes the most sense to use the Microsoft products with students. The major flaw with the Google products is that you have to have internet access to use them and not all students have that. Google products do have some helpful features but I do not believe that I will be using it in the classroom in the future.
I am personally more familiar with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint before I began my journey at LVC. When I received an email that we, the students, would be getting Office 360 for free I was ecstatic because I tried using Google before but I just was not a fan of it. Now that I am in Ed. Tech and am going to learning how to use Google a little more I can see the positive aspects. Everything is all in one place, under one web domain and easy to access. However I begin to fall back as to why I didn't like the Google platform to begin with. I do not think that it is easy to use at all. In an assignment we were asked to format a slide show on Google and I struggled with it. I am not fluent with Google.
Google docs is not as bad as I remembered it being. I didn't think that it was as hard to use as I think the Slides was to use. I actually believe that it has some very helpful features. It allows multiple people to collaborate on it at once. I also am a fan of being able to leave comments on other people's documents. It is an easy way for teachers or other peers to make comments and help others proof read their work before turning it in.
I'm not going to rave about Microsoft Word and PowerPoint about how they are both perfect because they are not perfect. They both have their flaws, but to me, they are just easier to use. I also am a fan of how I can work on my documents when my computer is not connected to the internet. What if a student needs to turn in a document but can't because they can't access a computer with wifi. If they use Word or PowerPoint it is very easy to just put the presentation onto a flashdrive and share it that way.
I think that it makes the most sense to use the Microsoft products with students. The major flaw with the Google products is that you have to have internet access to use them and not all students have that. Google products do have some helpful features but I do not believe that I will be using it in the classroom in the future.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Blog 2: What to consider when you have students searching the internet?
As a teacher, using technology in the classroom can be a very useful strategy to help students learn about new topics and ideas. There are many benefits of using google searches in the classroom but there are also many things that teachers have to look out for when using these resources. The first thing that teachers should look out for is any inappropriate websites that her students may find when doing a search. The teacher should pre-screen the search that they want their students to do before they assign it to the students to do the search. This will ensure that the students do not come across any inappropriate material on the internet.
Some schools do have some defense mechanisms that can protect the students from viewing some of these inappropriate websites. One mechanism is a firewall that can block some websites that may contain this vulgar media. Another defense mechanism that can be taken is to pre-screen all of the websites that you plan on using in class. This can make sure that all of the content is age appropriate and that there are no advertisements that are not meant for younger children.
All of these mechanisms together can be helpful in protecting the younger children using the internet, but these are not the only solutions that can help. If the school that you are working with has an IT department they can definitely help with finding other solutions to protect the minds of young students.
Some schools do have some defense mechanisms that can protect the students from viewing some of these inappropriate websites. One mechanism is a firewall that can block some websites that may contain this vulgar media. Another defense mechanism that can be taken is to pre-screen all of the websites that you plan on using in class. This can make sure that all of the content is age appropriate and that there are no advertisements that are not meant for younger children.
All of these mechanisms together can be helpful in protecting the younger children using the internet, but these are not the only solutions that can help. If the school that you are working with has an IT department they can definitely help with finding other solutions to protect the minds of young students.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)