"learning to learn"

Whie reading Chapter 2, a small section continued to sitck out in my mind. The beginning of the chapter talks about how education is changing and evolving so quickly that many educators believe education should focus on more general capabilities such as "learning to learn". That continued to get my attention throughout the chapter because a huge part of learning to learn has to do with technology. Just think about it! Think about how much we use technology in our daily lives! for instance, we want to go to the movies on Sunday but we don't know what time the shows are playing. What do we do? We go online to check and see the films, where they are playing and the movie times. My husband and I constantly get into little debates about various things, for example which state has the smallest population. I thought RI but, thanks to Google, he was able to prove me worng! This leads me to Figure 2.14. This chart shows various learning problems that arise in classrooms, the technology solution and the advantage that the technology solution offers. I teach Kindergarten and am on the constant search for different ways to involve technology in my classroom. There were some things on this chart that we do but there were also some great ideas. For example, it talks about using word processing instead of handwriting. We use Word to practice typing our sight words and spelling words. It also said to use instructional games. We do not do this as often as I would like. I am convinced that we are going to begin using the computer more for learning games. I really don't know why we haven't. Another thing we do was at the end of the chart where it says internet and email projects are great for quick access to information and people who are not locally available. For example, we were studying the ocean my kids got so into the giant octopus. I decided to Google it on my break and I found this amazing video of a giant octopus eating a shark! I showed it to them and they really enjoyed it. when we study insects we also go to this website where they have real time films of ant farms. When we study Lois Ehlert I found a website where it has an interview with her talking about her illustrations. I show it to the children and they just can't believe that is really her! I often Google any of our themes and try to find neat things to share with the chidlren.

What is technology?

This question came up in our blackboard discussion. I thought now would be a good time for me to respond with my answer. Technology is modifications and inventions made by humans to meet their needs and wants. The majority of things refered to as technology was designed to simplify life by making many things faster and easier. I remember when I was in elemntaey school and we had pen pals. We would write to them and get responses only a few times a year. Why? Because it physically took alot of time for the post office to deliver the mail! Now, my class has e-pals with another kindergarten class. We sit around the computer and decide what to write and I model the proper way to write and send e-mails. The children love this! We were actually on a field trip to the pumpkin patch and we ran into our e-pals! It was so neat! When they learn to write we actually send things through the mail as well like Valentine cards. Another example that we do is STI for attendance. We used to take attendance each morning on a sheet of paper and have to send it to the office. Now, we just click on a child's picture on the computer if they are absent and it sends it straight to the main computer in the office. It is so much easier! What is technology? Inventions or modifications made my people to simplify their lives!

Week of Jan. 15-22

In response to our readings I chose to write about Ch.1. Mainly about the progress of technology. More specifically about wireless networks. Seeing as I am on a small vacation over the long holiday, writing this only because of the hotels wi-fi. Honestly, I was worried about not being able to complete this assignment because we are staying in a new hotel we have not stayed in before. I am so pleased that they have wireless and I do not have to miss anything. I feel that it is far away, if ever, that there will be an end to the progree and changes of technology. I can still remember when I didn't have a computer. Now I don't know where I would be without mine! As of checking in to the hotel I have; checked my email accounts, completes homework assignments, downloaded music and mapquested palces we are going tomorrow! My goodness, what would I have done without my laptop! I also think that wireless internet would be great for schools to have. this would allow students and teachers various places to access the internet throughout the school building, their desks, music for a performance in the gym, a powerpoint for a PTA meeting in the lunchroom. some schools that I have visited have wireless access. However, my school doesn't. I feel like wireless access in schools will in the future be like a Cd player; it is accessable to many classes.

We are supposed to add a photo and I already miss my dogs!!!!!!

January 8, 2008

Today we had to learn how to create a blog for our technology class. It was so much easier than I had aniticipated! It literally took me five minutes! We just googled free blogs and followed the simple steps. I am interested in seeing how my blog will transform as I use it more in depth as this class continues. My only complaint is that I wish they had a wider variety of templates to choose from. Oh well.