Chapters 5 and 6

Considering my own opinion on using technology in the classroom, I find Chapter 5 informative on how the use of technology is not always positive influence.  Students today learn how to browse the internet at an early age, and they learn how to use it outside of the classroom.  Students are teaching themselves how to obtain information from the web and it is not necessarily from the most reliable sources.  Much of what we have learned so far has only been about the advantages of technology, not the disadvantages.  Chapter 5 states four ways on page 113 that the Internet can create a dilemma when it comes to retrieving information.  They include misinformation, malinformation, messed-up information, and mostly useless information.  To control and manage the types of information mentioned, the following can be used: censorship, filtering software, partitions, labels, and critical reading.  The chapter also discusses the validity and reliability of Wikipedia, which we discussed in the previous class.

There is so much information that is readily available to students, but they must be taught how to access and utilize their resources properly.  This is important when students have to obtain information for papers as they must also learn to cite their work and pratice safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of source.  

Chapter 6 lists various educational websites that teachers can use.  I personally think these would be very resourceful.  The chapter also touches on virtual cooperative learning and how students are not only limited to learning and interacting with peers in their classroom, but with students in other schools, in other states, or even other countries.  Students are also able to use technology outside of the classroom to practice and learn on their own and stay motivated and engaged in the learning process.  

    
For Thought...

(1) How would you teach your students the process of obtaining reliable information online?
(2) How would you handle situations of plagiarism?  What would the consequences be?
(3) What is your opinion on online learning and virtual schools?
(4) Would you allow your student to use Wikipedia as a reference for research?

Reflection 10/07/15

Aside from the debate of the usage of technology in the classroom, what is most important is the strategy of teaching.  We must revisit the fundamental theories of education and learning.  these are what supply the base for great teaching.  If a teacher is able to apply a theory, and implement it, they will be providing quality teaching to their students.  It is also important to use one theory across the board; for your lesson, implementation, and assessment.