Why should we???

Some teachers ask, "Why should we use technology? We have textbooks, pencils, and paper...", and "Pencils don't break down on me, computers are too much trouble." A presenter at last week's Region VI technology conference gave this response, "Pencils break on me all the time... You sharpen them, and continue."

We need to stop making excuses, and sharpen our technological skills to prepare our students for the future - not the past.



We also need to have a sense of urgency when it comes to our students' educations.  Our students are capable of learning from other students from around the world, so why would we restrict their learning to our classroom walls?  They can collaborate, share, and respond to other viewpoints from other cultures and perspectives, so why would we limit them to their 20 classmates?

Literature Review

As technology changes, the world of education should change, too.  The Horizon Report and The ECAR Study of Undergraduates and Information Technology report gives us the information we need to become aware of the upcoming trends.  After reviewing the most current of these reports and a few related articles, I created this Prezi to give a quick look at the future of technology in education. 

Innovation with Ford SYNC

Walking through the State Fair of Texas autoshow, I was introduced to Ford Motor Company’s plan to innovate the communication interaction with our cars in 2007.  Initially launched in the affordable Ford Focus, the SYNC voice-controlled communications and connectivity system enables drivers to operate their Blue-tooth capable digital media players and mobile phones via voice commands or with steering wheel controls.  While greatly influencing my own personal vehicle purchase, the SYNC system has also been installed in more than 2.5 million cars, trucks, and crossovers (Ford Fact Sheet, 2010).  This system combines the features of a digital media player, mobile phone, GPS system, and automobile diagnostic center into one voice-activated piece.  This innovation is already receiving improvements to sustain the innovative qualities.  In 2011, AppLink will launch in the 2011 Fiesta model which will allow drivers to access and control smart phone apps using the SYNC system.  MyFord Touch will be launching in the 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX.  This will replace many of the traditional vehicle buttons with SYNC controlled commands and clear, colorful LCD screens (Ford Fact Sheet, 2010).        

I, too, am looking for new ways to communicate among my campus and school district.  Our district has many great programs, several strong school leaders, and some very talented and creative people.  Unfortunately, we are all feeling pressured to focus on the never-ending TAKS test push.  So much of our time is spent preparing our students to pass the state requirements; we have little time to collaborate on ideas that will bring more than just the basics to our students.   Truly integrating technology is pushed to the backburner because teachers don’t have the time to explore new teaching strategies using the ever-growing technological advances.  Using my blog, I plan to communicate the possibilities that teachers can implement immediately in their classrooms. 

According to Ford market research, 32% of SYNC owners said the SYNC system played an important or critical role in their purchase decision and 60% of the owners are using the voice commands.  If I could get 32% of my campus to read and comment on my blog, then I could start a conversation with my colleagues about technology and the possibilities of today. 

What are we doing? Why are we doing it?

FOLLOW ME TO FREEDOM

            Chapters 7-9 start out by reminding us it’s not all about us.  I’ve been attending several district-level committee meetings this week.  As a representative of my campus, sometimes it’s hard to put aside my own needs and focus on the needs of the bigger group.  As we talked about our common goals, it was easy to lose focus of what our ultimate goal should be – to show our students the possibilities of the world around them, to give them the best education we can, and to be positive role models. 

            We talked about some of the positive activities we are providing for families, but someone pointed out, “The kids that need it the most aren’t the ones attending Family Focus Night…”  That simple statement pointed out that, yes, we are doing positive activities.  But it’s not about all the good we are already doing.  We still have so much more to do, and that should be our constant focus.  What more can we do? 

            When I start to lose focus and lose faith in what I’m doing, I go talk to the kids.  I walk out into the library and watch them picking out their books, reading, and deciding what’s interesting.  That’s what I want for every child.  The ability to read, yes.  But even more important is the love for books, the love for learning, and the  knowledge that no matter how much money my parents don’t have, I can learn….

ACU Connected - How connected are you?

Abilene Christian University is leading the way into mobile learning.  I received an iPad a few months ago to use as I work towards my degree.  While I have enjoyed the games, it has amazed me how much I have used my iPad for my classwork!  My textbooks are all in e-book versions on my Kindle app, I can watch podcasts and videos on the way to Ben’s football games, and I can reply to discussions and posts anytime and anywhere.  How could this apply to your classroom?

One great example is ACU Connected.  This resource shares how ACU is using technology and mobile learning to change the way we teach and learn.  This website shows blogs in action, has videos and podcasts that show how they can be used in the classroom, and gives a glimpse of how education will look in the very near future. 

This chart from the Convergence and the 21^st-Century Classroom compares the classrooms of today and yesterday:

ACU Connected shows how learners can connect to share information, and shows how teaching can take on a new meaning.  As students and teachers, we have all had our “Charlie Brown moment”. 

Allowing students to use an iPod to view a virtual field trip or a short video that demonstrates the meaning of the word power can lead to meaningful learning. 
Look at how this 3rd grade classroom uses their iPod touch in the classroom...

Start a classroom blog to communicate with parents about what is happening in the classroom and letting your students be the communicators.  This turns students into active participants in the learning process.  Isn't that what teaching and learning is all about?

ACU Connected is leading the way in communication within education.  Every school website could be a powerful communication device with the addition of classroom blogs, educational videos and links, and a look at what our dreams and goals are for our students.  Let's join the future of education today....

Electronic Books in the Elementary Classroom

Another trend that is on the horizon is the increasing popularity of electronic books, commonly known as e-books.  With the help of the Kindle app on my iPhone, iPad, and laptop, I have been using the digital editions of my textbooks and several novels in the past few months.  Some of the benefits of the e-book format:

·         ability to have a multitude of books in one mobile device,

·         the resources available within the readers, such as a built-in dictionary and thesaurus, and

·         prices are generally less expensive than hardcover editions of books.

Some drawbacks are:

·         availability – not all students have computer or reader access,

·         cost  - electronic devices are costly for the initial investment, and

·         the unpredictability of technology compared to opening up the textbook to read. 

How can this upcoming trend be used in the classroom? 

Buffalo Elementary adopted the Houghton Mifflin reading series, Journeys, for our reading textbook this year.  Houghton Mifflin has included a subscription to their website, www.think-central.com, as part of that adoption.  Teachers and students have access to all of the reading stories, decodable texts, and links to interactive games to increase comprehension and review related skills.  This format is a great bridge to the e-book format because it is freely accessed through the internet.  Students don’t need a dedicated reader, yet can access their reading books anywhere a computer is available.

Bookpals is a free website that offers books read by members of the Screen Actors Guild.  While not a true e-book format, students can access these books using iPods, desktops, or netbooks.  Students can be very excited about using technology, and it would be a great thing to expand that enthusiasm to reading through technology!

While this technology is still a few years away from mainstream educational use (Horizon Report, 2010), I think the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks and the electronic book format will continue to grow in popularity.  Have you tried an e-book in your classroom? 

Mobile Computers in Today's Elementary Classroom

As teachers in today’s elementary school classrooms, we are being asked to meet ever-changing goals while meeting the diverse needs of our students.  Times are changing, kids have changed, yet most teachers still teach using hardcover textbooks, workbook pages, and notes on overhead projectors.  Most teachers have access to technology, but lack the training and time to use that technology for innovative instruction. 

Mobile computing is changing the look of education (Horizon Report, 2010), and I wanted to share some related articles and links that give you ideas on how these devices can be used in your classroom tomorrow.

First, we need to define mobile computing.  Simply put, those iPod touches in your desk drawer, that iPhone you use to check the weather and Facebook, and the netbooks in the classroom cart are all examples of mobile computing.  Students are usually proficient in using these devices, but if not, they are quick learners.  The school’s wi-fi access turn these mini-computers into real-time input devices, tools to individualize learning, and help our students prepare for life in the 21^st century. 

This article talks about iPod touches in a university classroom, but the discussion postings and polling abilities can be used in our classrooms today. 

http://www.cmich.edu/CMU_Media_Channel_Home/iPod_technology_in_classroom.htm

This link takes you to “Trashcan Math”, a math game using the iPod touch.  Students link to the game, a simple spreadsheet, and then use their devices to input numbers to build either the largest or smallest numbers. 

(link coming soon)

This last link is a list of popular apps used on the iPod touch for classroom use.  I can see real-world possibilities for the iResponse (classroom response system), Sketchy (building storyboards), and the StoryKit (make your own book) apps.  I have a third grader who would love to make a story on the iPod to demonstrate story comprehension…

 http://sqworl.com/geglw4

 What ideas do you have for using mobile computers in your classroom?