Technology, Digital Meadia, and Curriculum Integration

"Strategies for Integration Technology into Teaching"

The best plan for curriculum integration is to put the technology into the hands of trained teachers, make it easily accessible, and let teachers decide how best to use it at the point of instruction in their classrooms. The main thing is to provide a consistent application of technolgy tools to support instructional curriculum areas. Give each student the opportunity to work with computer and related technologies. Planning for itegration of computers in the classroom is essential, just as planning is important for effective instruction. Teachers must decide on the most appropriate technology to achieve the desired learner outcome. Teachers must plan how they will teach the curriculum, what areas they need to cover for content, and where they can use technolgy to meet curriculum standards and related learning objectives. Preparing the classroom environment is necessary, whether using one computer or many computers.

Technology, Digital Media, and Curriculum Integration

Why are Digital Media and Educational Software Applications Important for Education?

Extensive research has shown that when properly integrated, digital media and educational has the potential to affect education in many dramatic ways. Digital media applications are highly effective teaching tools. Studies indicated that students retain approximately 2o percent of what they see; 30 percent of what they hear';and 50 percent of what they see and hear. Surprisingly to me when a student has a chance to hear, see and interact with the learning environment, he can retain as much as 80 percent of the information. Students are motivated and engaged in their learning and it has been directly linked to an increase in student outcomes and reduce drop out rates.
Educational software applications enrich the learning process by providing individualize instruction and exploration; which allows students to examine their skills in a risk-free environment; and provide instant feedback, testing, and review. They are available in many different designs, forms and curriculum levels, and are correlated to state standards. The use of digital media and educational software can increase students motivation, comprehension and retention.

Academic Lecture Series: Lamar University

Angela's Ashes author Frank McCourt visits Lamar University

I had no inkling as to what I was in store for Thursday, April 10, 2008. I had never attended a book lecture apart from the pedagogy courses that I've taken. As I entered into the Lamar Theater thinking that I was a tad bit early (7:20), I noticed the auditorium was overcrowded with people. The seats were filled, people were standing around the walls, and sitting on the floor in the aisles of the theater(which is what I decided to do). Frank McCourt was not a familiar author to me. To be honest, I had never heard of him or his Pulitzer prize winning book: Angela's Ashes. However, I quickly began to form interest in what he had to say. As soon as I heard that he was a retired teacher, I felt an immediate connection to him.

On the program available that evening, it stated that he worked in the New York City school system for 27 years. I knew that he would have some interesting stories to share about teachers, students, and administrators, and he did. Although, I didn't particularly like that he used so much profanity, (which I'm glad I had a baby-sitter for the evening. I noticed that there were children seated in the audience, which made me feel a little uncomfortable for them), Frank McCourt in my opinion is a great story teller. It amused me when he told the story about the student found smoking, eating, and using the restroom all at the same time. I liked when he described so many of the roles teachers play in the classroom: Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, Counselor, Friend, Mediator, Doctor, Attorney and the list went on and on. I thought to myself, "you are absolutely right". I instantly thought of my personal teaching experience. Another entertaining story was that of his flight into Texas, and his airport experience in Houston, the gentleman on the plane that told him that he didn't want to come to Beaumont. I found myself laughing out loud at times.

I quickly learned that Angela's Ashes was to bring to life the difficulty he experienced in his childhood, living in Limerick Ireland. The book talked about many obstacles he had to overcome. It focused on the love he had for his family, while using humor and description to explain the past. In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, Angela's Ashes won many other awards, selling 4 million copies in 17 countries. Although I haven't read the book or any other books that he's written, I could really find myself interested in reading his work.

New American Dream Web site

The New American Dream Web site is one of many resources for ecological data and action groups. New American Dream has partnered with an organzation called 41pounds.org, which promises to completely remove you from up to 95% of the junk mail list by contacting each organization from which you receive mail or catalog. One hundred million trees are used each year to provide paper for bulk mailings. Four hundred and fifty garbage trucks parked bumper to bumper are used to haul off this paper.
In order to begin and complete this process, there are some steps to follow. Individuals should fill out the online sign-up form or call toll-free (866.417.4141) and provide your address, the catalogs you want to stop receiving and any other names of people receiving junk mail at your address. The whole sign-up process takes less than four minutes. Improvement should be noticed witin 2 months. All persons in a single household is covered for 5 years at a charge of 41 dollars.

Integrating Educational Technology into the Curriculum (Chapter 1)

Inevitably, computers have changed the way we communicate information in education dramatically. However, technology use varies from campus to campus, school to school, and district to district.
While the use of digital media is common my home campus and Ridedale High School (school described in text-Chapter1), the extent to which it is used is extremely different and limited on my campus.
The administrators on both campuses communicate effectively to staff members through email. Ridgedale's principal has a more active role in this communication process. The principal at Ridgedale High School , starts his day by sending various emails to teachers and staff. He does research on integrating some digital projects into the curriculum. On my campus, usually the curriculum coordinator has these types of assignments.
The school secretary on both campuses starts their day very similiar, checking emails and voice mail messages to determine if teachers are going to be late .
There is alot of technology equipment on Ridgedales campus, that teachers and students on my campus don't have access to. The is in part because Ridgedale is a high school campus and my campus is an elementary campus. The use of digital media varies from class to class. Some teachers like myself incorporate technology into the curriculum daily and some may not use technology in a single week.
Students at the Ridgedale High School form a production team, from camera operator to reporters. Crew members rotate on a weekly basis through each of the broadcast production jobs. Students present a live brodcast show every morning. The only thing remotely similiar to this on my campus is students rotating a schedule to say the pledge over the loud speaker.
The community isn't interactively involved to my knowledge with students or teachers on campus. However, Ridgedale has a Seniors Online program. Which allows seniors to serve as mentors to special needs children.
It is evident that the use of computers and digital media varies from school to school. However, I am hopeful that the campuses in my district will eventually be compatible with other districts which incorporate technology far beyond the basics.

Technology Application in Communication for Students at levels 3-5

Puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation

Technology Application

http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/

Objectives covered in this lesson: Students are expected to format digital information using font attributes, color, white spacing, data bases to ensure that products are adequate for communicating, and uses spread sheets, and data bases to develop charts and graphs.

This interactive way of greating a graph makes learning new skills engaging and exciting for students as well as elimnate using paper and pencil. This site clearly states the purpose of the website. It is apparent that this site was created by a reputable institution. An author is listed with appropriate credentials, contact information, and provides for questions or comments. The goals are clear and meet all the ojectives expressed in this application standard. The content is valid and is constantly updated. The website loads immediately. The links within this site adds value to the objectives of this site. Although it may be challenging, it would be

very helpful in the students’ learning. Anyone interested in these type of graphics as well as many other content areas would be very pleased with what this site has to offer. I would strongly recommend this site. Out of 36 possible points, this webiste receives all 36.

Technology Applications for Problem Solving at the 3-5 Grade Level

Teachrkids.com

Technology Applications

http://teacherkids.com/

Learning Ojectives for this site: Students use a variety of data software to enhance learning experiences, solve problems and express ideas.

This website is useful for students needing additional help in solving math problems. Students enjoy the interactive activities, while learning skills ranging from multiplication, rounding, fractions, to dividing, telling time, etc. This is a great math tool.

However, there is no way to tell when the site was created or if it has been updated. It is also unclear as to which grade levels the programs are geared toward. Those visiting this site can tell only by the contnt, which is geared toward students at the elementary level.

The information is very relevant to the objectives which include students using a variety of data software to enhance learning experiences and solving problems. Students are always engaged in learning as well as guiding their own learning. The information on this site leads individuals to links on other subject matter, such as reading and phonics.

Eventhough the website was found to be resourceful, there are still several inadequacies with the site. This website receives 18 out of 36 possible points.

Technology Applications at the Acquisitions Level for 3rd grade through 5th

Kidsclick

Technology Applications

http://www.kidsclick.org/
http://www.rcls.org/wows/
Learning Objective supported by this website: The student uses a wide range of strategies to collect information, using search engines with adult supervision, and apply strategies to navigate information.

The Kidsclick program is designed to help students learn at home, and or at school. It provides exciting games, easy to use resource tools for the students, parents, and teachers. There's many activities on different subjects ranging from facts and reference, science and medicine, religion, writing, reading, computer skills, to home and household just to name a few. In addition to the information provided on this site, it leads individuals to links on the subject matter. This site is a project created by Ramapo Catskill Library System.

It doesn't appear to be updated since 1999, and isn't spelled out to which grade levels the programs are geared toward. However, those visiting this can easily tell. It appears to assist students starting Pre-k through possibly 8th or 9th grade. The information is very relevant to the objectives which include students using search engines to collect information and applying these skills to navigate information covered. The links work adequately and in a prompt manner. Students are always engaged in learning as well as guiding their own learning. Since the objetives cover a wide range of ages the information can easily challenge students if needed or provide students with activties at a lower level.

Although some information may be oudated on certain activities, it still provides students with so much information that is very much updated. This site is very beneficial to all visiting. This website receives at rating of 31 out of 36 points.

Technology Application Standards at the Foundation Level for 3rd-5th Grade Students

Gamequarium.com

Technology Applications

http://www.gamequarium.com/

Objectives supported by this site: The students are able to use a diversity of input devices such as displaying keyboarding techniques and adequate speed on short timed assignments using this website.

This website was found to be very beneficial as a resource for teachers , parents and students

trying to enhance keyboarding skills as well as many other skills. It is apparent that this site is

supported by a reputable instutution without bias in the information. An author is listed with

appropriate credentials, and is the creator of the material. The author listed experience, position,

and education. There is also a section available for questions and comments for those viewing the

site.

The purpose of this site is to provide teachers ,students, and parents another way to become

educated online, while teaching skills necessary for the classroom in this technology centered

society. The goals are clear and meets the objectives. The site contains some advertising.

This site supports the objectives of helping students build keyboarding skills and adequate speed.

The content is valid and appropriate for improving keyboarding skills. It is also clearly labeled

and well organized. It is written for Pre-K students through 8th grade.

The links within the site also adds value to the learning experience.The site is arranged by levels. Even if a student is in the 5th grade but needs skills on the third grade level, he/she can work on that level until mastery has been met. The students are steering the activities, therefore are engaged the entire time. This site has been updated this year, 2008. All information is written at appropriate grade level.

The website loads immediately and is readable and easy to navigate. Individuals becoming

frustrated, can always move to a lower level. Anyone that is interested in building keyboarding,

technology or any other skills, which include Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Socials Studies

Skills would be satisfied with what Gamequarium has to offer. Out of 36 possible points, this site

receives 35.