Digital Blog # C Chapters 5 and 7

     While all of the content found in chapters five and seven are valuable, I selected three topics that stood out most to me. I selected criteria for evaluating web resources, google earth and google maps, and simulation game on which to reflect..

     First, I would like to discuss the criteria for evaluating web resources. The criteria guidelines outlined in the textbook, Transforming Learning with New Technology, are rules to be followed. I created a rubric for a website evaluation and found that accuracy, authority, objectivity, currency, and coverage are all important aspects of a credible website. I then realized that the criteria also applies to many other aspects of education. For example, textbooks and instructors should meet the criteria of credibility. I have been fortunate enough to have professors that respect accuracy, authority, objectivity, currency, and coverage which is an inspiration to me as a future educator.

     Second, Google Earth and Google Maps has always been a valuable and personal favorite tool of mine. I used to joke with family and friends that I traveled the world and walked the streets of Paris after breakfast. I found that using Google Maps gives me a glimpse into the cultural differences of other countries which are such a valuable tool in social and foreign studies. Additionally, Google Earth is extremely useful in science. I used Google Earth while taking oceanography, and it helped me identify underwater volcanoes and fault lines among other things.

     Last, simulation games are a new concept for me. Personally, I do not believe that I have played a simulated game that incorporates real-world concepts and processes. At first, when I read this part of chapter seven I did not really see the value of simulated games when there are so many other options to educate. However, it makes so much sense that students would become engaged in the creative game that teaches students while they are unaware of it. It is actually pretty genius.

     In conclusion, I enjoyed reading about the criteria for evaluating web resources and seeing the correlation of how the criteria also applies to educators and textbooks. I was excited to see that Google Earth and Google Maps is used in education to teach students in elementary and secondary schools. I learned about simulation games as a valuable and creative tool for the classroom that engages students to learn through play. Also, chapter five and seven provided many helpful websites that  I plan to add to my delicious account!



References

     Futureleaderstoday (2016, February 21). If it is on the internet then it must be true. – Social Media by futureleaderstoday. Retrieved February 21, 2016, from https://www.canva.com/design/DABri58TllU/6p3-TgZipkx3NnYciknj7A/edit

Maloy, R, Verock-O’Loughlin,R. E., Edwards, S. A., and Woolf, B. P., (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc

     Mrsbennett2015 (2016, February 21). ToonDoo - World's fastest way to create cartoons! Retrieved February 21, 2016, from http://www.toondoo.com/privateView.toon?param=sT2w3wEEYHHRNutmdkM9mZQPKXzfi/PvjAjE/vxkGHgHTm7Q4eul1Q== 

Digital Blog Post #B Chapter 2 & 3

     There were so many great elements in both chapter two and chapter three in the textbook, Transforming Learning with New Technology. However, I found that there were three things that stood out among the rest of the content. Namely, responding to innovation and change, using technology to enhance teaching, and teacher-centered and student-centered teaching methods.

     First, responding to innovation and change was informative to me in the sense that it gave me insight as to how other educators handle technology. I realized that I consider myself to be an Early Adapter, as classified in figure 2.1 on page twenty-six while there are educators who refuse to use technology aside from the administrative responsibilities. Change is very difficult to adapt to for many individuals, but I see it as an exciting challenge to engage myself and my students. I hope that when I begin working in education, I find a school and a team that is supportive and forward thinking in technology. No more blackboards! Although, I kind of miss the smell... it that weird?




     Second, using technology to enhance teaching, when done properly is a gold mine! I feel that it is still important for the educator to have the instruction time in which the students learn from the teacher as the source of knowledge. That being said, technology can enhance even the dullest lectures with interactive slides and colorful pictures to enhance the listener’s understanding of the topic. While reading this section of chapter two, I was enlightened to learn that there are many pros to incorporating technology into the lesson plan, but my favorite is motivating students to learn. In an era where technology is our present and our foreseeable future, it is likely that most students will thrive when given the opportunity to learn through technology.

     Third, I want to reflect on teacher-centered and student-centered. When I began down the path of education, I aspired to be like the teachers I grew up with. Students like myself learned from lectures and the teacher being our source of information. We did not use tablets or computers to learn, and our technology was not digital. It feels like a simpler time. However, our society is so diverse now than it was when I was a child. As I continue to become educated about the ways students learn, it makes me realize how many students would have further succeeded if they only had the ability to learn the way they were wired to learn. I love this article about Rick Scott passing a student-centered learning bill for students with disabilities. I can only hope that all students will have the equal opportunity to learn in a way that caters to them as individuals.

     In conclusion, as I continue my journey to becoming an educator, I find myself more attracted to the concept of student-centered education. I am becoming more and more aware of how technology can enhance education, and how I can incorporate technology into my classroom. Further, I have realized that while I am ready to jump ship and learn about all things digital, many of my coworkers, parents, administrators, and students may take a little longer to understand the benefits technology will forever provide.


Below is a lengthy video. However, please take a moment to watch how Sugata Mitra explains how technology changed the way children can learn, and how quickly they learn with access to technology. While this video discusses these changes in other countries, it applies to our students here as well.

Resources

     Bennett, C. (n.d.). Bitstrips for Schools. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/comics/WS58W1/

     Bennett, C. (n.d.). Poetry by futureleaderstoday on Storybird. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://storybird.com/poetry/poem/cxyywxskw4/

     Bennett, L. (2013, July 2). Governor Scott Signs Student-Centered Bills. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Governor-Scott-Signs-Student-Centered-Bill-214065761.html

     Kunnen, E. (2015, August 03). Emerging Technologies to Enhance Teaching and Enable Active Learning. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://er.educause.edu/articles/2015/8/emerging-technologies-to-enhance-teaching-and-enable-active-learning 

 TedGlobal2010. (2010, July). The child-driven education. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_the_child_driven_education?language=en