Summary:
The article, Implementing Technology Elementary Schools, highlights what it takes to implement technology in an elementary school classroom. One of the biggest challenges for teachers is learning how to be a facilitator in a technology classroom where students are on the computers. Limited space and supplies also contribute to some of things to be considered when implementing technology. For most technology classes, the best assessments are portfolios where students compile all of their worksheets, daily journals, sketches and any other work done in class. Even though technology education is still in the beginning stages of becoming a program, most teachers are making an effort to integrate technology in their classrooms.
My Thoughts:
I think that a technology education class should be implemented in elementary schools in every grade. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to try to have many computers in the classroom so a computer lab with a teacher that specializes in technology education would be more realistic. Students could go to technology class twice a week for 30 minutes or less or more frequently depending on the grade level. As long as students are receiving some exposure to technology each year, it would definitely be beneficial in their future.
Reference:
Implementing Technology in Elementary Schools. (2004, December). Technology & Children, Retrieved April 19, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Girls' Interest in Technology
Summary:
The article, Promoting Girls’ interest in Technology through Technology Education, is about a study about the promotion and interest in technology for women. This study came about because there are a low proportion of women in technical occupations, studies or subjects. The study was aimed at 3rd grade boys and girls. One group was not given education about technology and the other was given formal education about technology. Then, boys and girls are given a survey both before and after the education. The essential elements of the interest were a positive emotional relationship to technological objects and actions; personal value and cognitive knowledge. The results from the study show that the interests of both boys and girls were aroused by technology education. Also, the difference in interest between gender was greatly reduced. This means that early exposure to technology education at school will lead to a higher level of technological interest of both boys and girls. As a result, they can build a relationship with technology that enables them to have long-term interests in technology.
My thoughts:
To me, this study seemed to solidify the obvious. In order for students to express an interest in a subject area, it is important for them to become familiar with it; and technology is no exception. As technology is the way of today and will be even more so tomorrow, it is vital that students get exposure to technology as early as possible. This will give all students the opportunity to set a foundation for technology. Furthermore, more students will find technology interesting and can pursue careers in technology which will benefit everyone.
Reference:
Mammes, I. (2004, May). Promoting Girls' Interest in Technology through Technology Education: A Research Study. International Journal of Technology & Design Education, 14(2), 89-100. Retrieved April 27, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.
The article, Promoting Girls’ interest in Technology through Technology Education, is about a study about the promotion and interest in technology for women. This study came about because there are a low proportion of women in technical occupations, studies or subjects. The study was aimed at 3rd grade boys and girls. One group was not given education about technology and the other was given formal education about technology. Then, boys and girls are given a survey both before and after the education. The essential elements of the interest were a positive emotional relationship to technological objects and actions; personal value and cognitive knowledge. The results from the study show that the interests of both boys and girls were aroused by technology education. Also, the difference in interest between gender was greatly reduced. This means that early exposure to technology education at school will lead to a higher level of technological interest of both boys and girls. As a result, they can build a relationship with technology that enables them to have long-term interests in technology.
My thoughts:
To me, this study seemed to solidify the obvious. In order for students to express an interest in a subject area, it is important for them to become familiar with it; and technology is no exception. As technology is the way of today and will be even more so tomorrow, it is vital that students get exposure to technology as early as possible. This will give all students the opportunity to set a foundation for technology. Furthermore, more students will find technology interesting and can pursue careers in technology which will benefit everyone.
Reference:
Mammes, I. (2004, May). Promoting Girls' Interest in Technology through Technology Education: A Research Study. International Journal of Technology & Design Education, 14(2), 89-100. Retrieved April 27, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.
Technology & Special Needs Students
Summary:
The article, Technology and the Writing Skills of Students with Learning Disabilities, is about how students with disabilities can benefit from technology in the classroom especially students with writing difficulties. Where students with disabilities can typically feel held back or self conscious about writing, word processors can help them to express themselves. Technology isn’t necessarily for improving writing skills. Rather, it is used to encourage disabled students to write. Instead of having a negative experience with writing on paper, students can have a more positive experience by using a word processer as it is much less strenuous. Furthermore, the computer program Robo-Writer was designed to help students with learning disabilities and that are performing below their peers or below grade level. In conclusion, computers encourage writing for students who find it challenging.
My Thoughts:
I can see that there can be many benefits of technology for students with disabilities, especially when it comes to writing tasks. This way, writing will not keep students from expressing themselves through writing. Not only will computers aid where students are lacking mechanically, but also there are plenty of computer programs that are designed to make writing seem fun while practicing and learning. I believe that all students can benefit from using computers. Even ‘gifted’ students would be able to use a computer program that is set at a level to challenge them , so that they can continue to learn.
References:
Zhang, Y. (2000, Summer2000). Technology and the Writing Skills of Students with Learning Disabilities. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 32(4), 467. Retrieved April 27, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.
The article, Technology and the Writing Skills of Students with Learning Disabilities, is about how students with disabilities can benefit from technology in the classroom especially students with writing difficulties. Where students with disabilities can typically feel held back or self conscious about writing, word processors can help them to express themselves. Technology isn’t necessarily for improving writing skills. Rather, it is used to encourage disabled students to write. Instead of having a negative experience with writing on paper, students can have a more positive experience by using a word processer as it is much less strenuous. Furthermore, the computer program Robo-Writer was designed to help students with learning disabilities and that are performing below their peers or below grade level. In conclusion, computers encourage writing for students who find it challenging.
My Thoughts:
I can see that there can be many benefits of technology for students with disabilities, especially when it comes to writing tasks. This way, writing will not keep students from expressing themselves through writing. Not only will computers aid where students are lacking mechanically, but also there are plenty of computer programs that are designed to make writing seem fun while practicing and learning. I believe that all students can benefit from using computers. Even ‘gifted’ students would be able to use a computer program that is set at a level to challenge them , so that they can continue to learn.
References:
Zhang, Y. (2000, Summer2000). Technology and the Writing Skills of Students with Learning Disabilities. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 32(4), 467. Retrieved April 27, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.
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