Chap. 2 Web Enrichment Activities

1. Learning theory in technology-integrated lessons — Identify the learning theory addressed in a WebQuest. Locate a WebQuest at http://webquest.org/. Click on "Top," "Middling," or "New" and then view a WebQuest for a selected grade level and subject area. As you read the instructions and materials included in the WebQuest, make a list of five aspects of the WebQuest that are informed or supported by learning theory. Refer to Figures 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, and 2.6 in the textbook.

The web quest that I selected was developed for students grades 9-12 teaching them the importance of physical activity. The task involved in this web quest asks one student to act as a coach and develop a week long workout and nutritional plan and another student acting as a sedentary child. This plan should motivate the child to promote a healthy life style. Both of the students need to work together while constructing this activity. There are many aspects of the learning theory constructed in this web quest such as students taking notes to gain proper knowledge about a healthy lifestyle, the students working together as a team, students researching information about the topic, and also viewing other nutritional and workout plans.

2. Assessment of learning with rubrics — To see an example of rubrics developed for a student project, read about Mrs. Gaines' language arts lesson at http://ali.apple.com/ali_sites/hpli/Exhibits/1000734. Click on "The Lesson" to read the instructions to students, and click on "Assessment" to see the rubrics used by the students. Visit the Rubistar website at http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php for templates used by teachers to create custom rubrics. Refer to Figure 2.7 in the textbook and discuss the model that best applies to Mrs. Gaines' lesson and assessment. List three reasons for selecting that model.

After looking at that Mrs. Gaine's arts lesson, I feel that the constructivist model best fits her plan. The first reason being she has her students work together in groups. The second reason being that she makes the students generate a rap from information that they already know about Beowulf and third when the Mrs. Gaines set her students free to do their own work.

3. Information literacy — The American Association of School Librarians and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology have published the "Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning" located at http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/informationpower/InformationLiteracyStandards_final.pdf. Read the standards and indicators. Consider one standard and indicator, and think of an additional strategy that could be added to Figure 2.12 of the textbook to help students achieve the standard.

I am choosing standard 4; the student who is an independent learner is information literate and pursues information related to personal interests. An additional strategy that I would add to figure 12.2 integrate students personal interests into activities.

Chapter 2 Making the case for New technology intergration.

1. Sheingold (1991) said that teachers will have to confront squarely the difficult problem of creating a school environment that is fundamentally different from the one they themselves experienced (p. 23). In what ways is the current K-12 environment different from the one you experienced? Do you feel this presents an obstacle to effective use of technology in your teaching? What are some strategies you feel might help teachers overcome this obstacle?

With technologies becoming more popular everyday they are becoming more available in K-12 classes rooms today. Classrooms today are much different than what I experienced. Computers are now being used by students at a very young age and are sometimes use in almost every class they take. They even require some students to take technology courses so they have the proper knowledge how to access and use certain tools. I feel that by time I become a teacher, students will have so much more experience than I have in certain areas. Something that may help teachers overcome this obstacle is having them take continuing education in technology classes.

2. NCATE's document Technology and the New Professional Teacher (1997) said that, in addition to technology skills, teachers need an attitude that is fearless in the use of technology, encourages them to take risks, and inspires them to be lifelong learners. What current factors and activities can help teachers develop such an attitude? What factors make it difficult for them to acquire it?

With so many new technologies out there, it can be hard for educators to keep up. Teachers need to develop a fearless attitude and take chances. They should try their best to keep up and learn how to use newer technologies to for new ideas on how to educate their students. It could become frustrating for a teacher when students know how to use technologies better than the teacher them selfs. Teachers must not give up and they should try their best and not be afraid to take risks.

Chapter 2 Short Answers

1. Describe the relative advantage of using graphic tools to help students learn new concepts.

Using graphic tools can help students learn new concepts from a visual point of view. It gives visual examples that can help clarify certain materials and information to the user. From my own experience I know that I learn much better from a visual concept rather than lectures and reading.

2. In Phase 2 of the Technology Integration Planning Model (TIP), teachers focus on the outcomes expected as a result of integrating technology into instruction. List four methods teachers can use to assess the outcomes of the plan.

(TIP) Technology Integration Planning Model gives four steps for teacher to focus on assessing the outcomes of the plane. The 1st step is higher achievement outcome is assessing students through tests. Second is cooperative work outcome meaning the teacher uses rubrics to grade certain skills. Third is attitude outcome which is creating attitude surveys to see how satisfied the student is. Lastly is improved motivation which teachers will observe better on task behavior in at least 75 percent of students.

3. Describe two advantages of required school and district policies such as policies regarding Internet use, legal and ethical use, and equity.

Two advantages include placing firewall software on school computers which protect from unsafe websites and viruses. Another advantage includes allowing equitable access and use of technology resources by all students.

Chapter 3 Learning Theories

The behaviorism theory of learning can be summarized as giving positive and negative reinforcement; therefore the student will learn from mistakes and gain from their experiences. Positive reinforcement is supposed to let the student know he did well and this behavior should continue. Negative reinforcement is withholding stimuli from the student concluding he/she will change their behavior.

The constructivist theory of learning concludes that each student learns for themselves. Each individual constructs meaning as he or she learns. The learner learns from his own mistakes rather than someone telling them exactly how to do something.

When I become a teacher, I feel that I will be more comfortable teaching by using the constructivist theory of learning. I feel that a student will learn better if they figure out how to do something themselves. If someone constantly tells students how to do something they will just do whatever they are told and nothing more. They will not go beyond what they have to do to learn

Chater 1 Short Answers

#1 The internet (World Wide Web) and wireless capability for portable devices are two developments that has significant effects on education. The internet completely changed the way education is learned today. Teachers are now able to email students, assign homework over the internet, gain reliable information, and construct and develop notes for their students to learn. Students use the internet for research projects and looking up information on a particular topic. Because of the internet, many colleges and universities use the internet to access notes, grades, class registrations, and even online classes.

Wireless capability also has a huge impact on education. Laptop computers are becoming more and more popular as the years go by. Now students can access the internet through wireless at home or in the classroom to finish their required work.

#2 An emerging trend found in technology that may have an impact on classrooms and schools are the developments in portable devices. With computers becoming more portable than ever, it allows for different learning capabilities and flexible learning in different environments. Some schools today are even replacing all desktop computers with laptops so education and learning activities can still be learned outside of classrooms and schools. I believe one day all schools will require students have portable devices in classrooms.

#3 There are many good reasons for developing an electronic portfolio. It serves as a reliable way for a student to save and present all of their work throughout the students education. Within an electronic portfolio, students can add videos, websites, databases. PDF files, and multimedia software depending on what they prefer. Electronic portfolios provide an easy way to save and present ones work and it allows other to see how a persons skills have developed and progressed. They are being the most popular choice to arrange ones work.

1st Blog

Hey everybody! My name is Adam King. I am a junior here at Lock Haven University and I am majoring in Health and Physical Education. As of right now I am on the five year plan, hoping to graduate in 2011. I come from a small town in Western PA, called Oil City. In high school I participated basketball, football, golf, and the swim team. The last three semester here at Lock Haven I have played on the men's club rugby team. On my free time I enjoy hunting/fishing, working out, and hanging out with my friends. I am a big Steelers fan and I will enjoy watching them on their way to the Superbowl this year!

Throughout grade school and high school I was required to take many typing classes. As my education continues, I have been using the computer and Internet more and more for research. On occasion I have even been required to develop my own Power Point presentations. I am becoming more familiar with the new technologies everyday and I am looking forward to seeing future inventions.

To be honest, I am not really sure what to expect from this class. I am hoping that by taking this class it will help better my understanding of tools that I could use in the classroom and give me new ways to present information to my future students.