EDLD 5364 Week 3 Reflection

I enjoyed watching the videos because they showed how much kids love using technology in their everyday lives.  Also, it showed special programs available for students who are interested in technology.  I especially liked Cameron, the eleven year old who has such initiative and ambition to create digital projects!  I like the videos of the elementary school and hearing firsthand from students that technology has made school more interesting.  Also, their achievement scores have skyrocketed since implementing the technology program.  I enjoyed the Top Ten Tips for Using Technology in the Classroom video because when watching it I got new ideas on how teachers can use some of the tools available.  I learned that the Universal Design for Learning takes into account that learners have different backgrounds, learning styles and abilities so there is not one design for everyone.  I enjoyed reading “New Tools in Schools” chapter in Web 2.0 book because as a technology specialist, this chapter reminds me that I need to stay up to date on the latest web tools my students can use.

One sentence that stood out to me was According to Harvard researcher John Hattie, who analyzed almost 8,000 studies on learning and instruction, feedback is “the most powerful single innovation that enhances achievement.”  I know it’s because as a campus, we have been focusing on student feedback this year.  My Action Research Plan is focusing on student feedback utilizing the eInstruction Response System.  He included that feedback must be timely.  Research shows that the more immediate feedback is in the classroom, the greater the impact on student behavior.  Technology is perfect for this type of feedback.  Not only do teachers use eInstruction with our students, but they also have immediate feedback options with DyKnow and our Learning Management System.  When this type of feedback is used during the learning process, it will allow for immediate redirection or correction of misunderstandings.  Technology also makes it easier to complete multiple reviewers’ feedback on a student’s work. 

References:

Boxoftricks.net (nd). Top 10 Tips for Using Technology in the Classroom [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiisteObuhk

Edutopia.org (nd). Digital Youth Portrait -- Cameron. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-profile-cameron-video

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works.  Alexandria, VA:  Association for Supervision and Curriculum

Schooltube.com (nd). Kansas Technology Rich Classrooms – Partnership for 21st Century Learning. Retrieved from http://www.schooltube.com/search/?term=Kansas%20Technology%20Rich%20Classrooms%20-%20Partnership%20for%2021st%20Century%20Learning

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: New tools, New schools. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education, 77-98.