Chapter 5 and CoolTools

Chapter 5 was a great review on computers. I really loved working on Web site CoolTools. I put together a slideshow which is what I've been doing most of the night. It takes so long to download pictures. Hopefully it will work..... Let me know what you think.




http://www.photoshow.com/watch/KK8tw7hm

reflection 4

The Skype chat with Mr. Ira Socol was wonderful. I truly enjoyed listening to what he had to say about using technology for students with special needs. The one of the best parts during the chat, was when he shared his personal information about his childhood. I always believed with encouragement children with special needs can be successful, if they are given an opportunity and tools to help them learn. I remember when my son was diagnosed with a learning disablity, nobody really offer any soluations to make his learning a little easier. So I researched on my own to figure out what I could find to help him get through school without getting frustrated and wanting to give up. We took him to a doctor who explain to us how the brain works processing information. Our son didn't process information like the majority of children. So we found different ways to help him read by getting books on tape. We couldn't find information about text books on tape or I would read the book to him. He could process the information better by reading along. He is almost finished with his associates degree. I think molding all students together to learn a certain way is crazy. I know reaching all students is hard in the education field because of the time limit. Maybe asking what kind of technology would help a gifted, culturally, or special needs student learn better would be a better approach in education.

chapter 3 reflection

I really loved Brian Croby's TEDx talk presentation. The children in his classroom looked as if they were enjoying the leaning process in science, writing and reading with the use of technology. It does seem like we are rushing the kids along with learning instead of teaching them to think outside the box. We put so much emphasis on teaching for standardized tesing. I don't think test resuts necessarly indicate academics achievement with a student or reflect how well a teacher teaches. There are many factors within students which can show up on how well a student does on a test.
Chapter 3 had a lot of imformation which enlighton me about the many learning styles and matching it with a learning enviroment to meet the needs of students academics. I was a little overwhem with all the information in the chapter. I know being flexiable is important to students with needs.
I did see how the DID model is necessary in guiding you through your elements of instruction.

Chapter 2

In Chapter 2 the book talks about the key theorists and their differences.  It was interesting to read about the all their views on the characteristics behavior, skills and response to learning.  I agree with Howard Gardner on his theory of multiple intelligences.  I believe there is more to understanding a student then through an IQ test.  I can see it in my own children.  Our oldest daughter had spatial intelligence where she advance in her artistic abilities, the middle daughter has interpersonal intelligence which helped her understand why things affected her and others. The baby of the family our son is a strong body-kinesthetic intelligence.  He is very athletic.  I feel teaching is a holistic systems approach to meaningful learning.  Technology is a way to support learning and teaching.     
Is It Okay to Be a Technology Illiterate Teacher?  No, it is not okay to be an illiterate teacher.  It
is important to keep up with the new and advance technology in teaching.  Sometimes technology can present a more effective way for a student to understand a concept. An example might be a science lesson about cells and the teacher can use a DVD to show a visual view of the concept. I can see how technology enhances the way a teacher brings the information students.