Blogging Assignment Number 5

Introduction to Native Americans

http://www.prometheanplanet.com/en-us/Resources/Item/158142/introduction-to-native-americans#.VbaA9_lViko

My favorite thing about this flip chart is the organization. The available information is laid out in an extremely easy to understand fashion. It is also filled with substantive information that is beneficial to students. The use of this flip chart is a prime example of the capabilities of technology integration in reference to the idea of “drill-and-practice programs can replace worksheets.” (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, 52). This flip chart would be beneficial in the class room due to the utilization of quality, easy to access information.

Hardware/Software

Naturally, a mixture of both hardware and software are needed for successful technology integration. (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, 11). This flip chart makes access to these components extremely easy. Since using this flip chart is even in discussion, a computer (hardware) is already available. The software for this flip chart is extremely easy to download and does not have any overly demanding requirements for running the program.  

Technology Use Based on Problem Solving

One aspect of using technology based on problem solving involves “providing support for working cooperatively.” (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, 25). This flip chart definitely takes advantage of this aspect. Throughout the flipchart, there are reviews of the information in the form of quiz questions. This allows students to interact as a unit in terms of the material. Relating to problem solving and technology, It is stated by Roblyer and Doering (2013) that “teachers report that students are often more motivated to work cooperatively on hypermedia, database, and website production projects.

Essential Conditions for Technology Integration

Though there are many positives to technological integration, there are many things that hinder success. One of the biggest conditions preventing integration of technology that I noticed is what Roblyer and Doering (2013) refer to as “a discrepancy in access to technology resources among socioeconomic groups.” (18). Possessing money is an essential condition for integrating technology. Considering the use of my discussed flip chart is pointless if a school district does not have enough money to provide computers in their class rooms.

Software Support Tools

The type of software support tools that relates the closest to my chosen flip chart is the use of images to create visualizations of documents. (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, 141). Many graphics tools are used to present Native American culture in this flip chart. The use of graphics tools makes it easier for students to grasp the material and get engaged.
 

Blogging Assignment Number 4

Advantages of Integrating Technology

Technology can be extremely helpful in the field of social sciences. Digital Storytelling can use pictures and sounds to make the description of historical events easily accessible. (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, 340). Also, if students are studying the field of geography, Geospatial technologies can be used to observe maps and what not. However, I feel that the biggest advantage of integrating technology with social sciences is the use of electronic research. It is stated by Roblyer and Doering (2013) that “Internet sources give students and teachers up-to-date information they could not obtain easily from other sources.” (341). The use of substantive sources are essential when observing history since sources of information are what compose the entire field altogether. Technology in the form of electronic research makes much needed information readily available.

http://www.jstor.org/ This is a reliable archive site filled with countless academic resources that make electronic research easy relating to the field of social sciences.

Disadvantages of Integrating Technology

Although I feel that technological integration in the field of social sciences is an overall positive thing, there are still some cons. Ironically, the biggest con involves an aspect of what I feel is technology integrations’ biggest advantage, online research. Roblyer and Doering (2013) reference an article by Harp (1996) exclaiming “technology has opened the history classroom door to a dizzying array of data, artifacts, and perspectives. Helping teachers to make sense of it all is more than half the battle.” (349).With such a vast amount of resources that are extremely easy to edit, primary sources do have the possibility to be watered down. Proper precautions must be made to ensure legitimate research.

http://primarysource.org/ This is an organization committed to keeping substantive education alive and well in today’s extremely fast and integrated global community.

Specific Activities, Programs, Etc.

An ideal activity in a social sciences class room studying geography would involve the use of Google Earth. This program allows users to observe world environments. (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, 341). Students could visualize maps with “real life” accuracy giving them a better vision of the world. The software is also free a readily available to the public. (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, 342). This interactive and precise representation of geography could also makes students excited and engaged. 

Blogging Assignment 3: Search Engines and Website Evaluation

Search Engines

            In many cases, certain tools are required for carrying out particular tasks. When it comes to finding quality information, search engines are extremely useful tools. Search engines make it extremely easy to narrow the information that is being searched which allows the user to find quality information with ease.

Website Evaluation

            Here is a video outlining how to properly evaluate a given website in terms of providing credible information…

When it comes to history, the credibility of resources is absolutely essential. This video will be relevant to my history class because it will show students how to find legitimate, historic information.

Favorite Web Site 1

http://www.npr.org/

When it comes to the criteria of evaluating website design, NPR is extremely easy to navigate. The home page has a wall of headlines that reflect the top trending stories and tabs are also available at the top of the page for other news. NPR also has a large breadth of news topics that contain follow up and less bias reporting. This would be beneficial to students in a history class setting due to keeping up with current events. NPR can provide students with a large amount of credible information to reflect on and discuss in class.

Favorite Web Site 2

http://resourcesforhistoryteachers.wikispaces.com/Key+People+US

            The strength of this online wiki relating to the evaluation criteria is definitely good structure and organization. There is a menu to the left side of the page that contains links labeled as certain areas of history (EX. Ancient Civilizations, Geography, etc.). After clicking on the desired link, there is a wiki page where people post resources and information relating to the particular concentration of history. This wiki is similar to one I may use in my class due to its concentration of information. Having all of my resources in one, organized spot can definitely be beneficial in terms of organization and efficiency when it comes to learning.  

Blogging Assignment 2: Hypermedia and Multimedia

Commercial Hypermedia Product

One piece of commercially used hypermedia product is interactive story books. It is described by Roblyer and Doering (2013) that "Stories that can be read from a computer screen, on mobile devices, or as print books with interactive buttons are called either interactive storybooks or electronic story books." (175). These types of products are particularly useful because they tend to cater to the student.  Students can interact if they choose and work at their own speed (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, 175). U-Ventures is my product of choice when it comes to interactive story books. Made prevalent by Edward Packard, this product has a flexible structure which allows students to determine the story outcome (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, 175). This is a prime example of how interactive storybooks can cater to students through personal interaction. Interactive storybooks, such as U-Ventures, can be useful in the classroom by keeping students engaged during readings. Rather than droning out during a “read aloud” text book session, students can collectively makes choices and have an impact on the particular story that is being taught. Information on U-Ventures can be found at http://www.edwardpackard.com/ and purchase can be made at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/u-ventures-interactive-books/id594081141?mt=8.

Chosen Multimedia Authoring Tool

Audio and video production and editing systems is my multimedia authoring tool of choice. It is exclaimed by Roblyer and Doering (2013) that “Video production can be very time-consuming for anyone who wants to create high-quality videos.” (188). However, this type of software has become much more normalized which has made video production much easier for students. Many school systems are using this type of multimedia to create newscasts for their institutions (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, 188). This news broadcast style of video software is how I would apply its use in the classroom. However, I would put a little spin on the requirements of the broadcast. Teaching a history class while using Corel VideoStudio Pro, the students would have to make news broadcasts reporting on actual historical events. Naturally, the students would be required to use historically accurate information. Corel VideoStudio Pro allows users to edit video as well as audio with ease. It also provides a simple way of storing and organizing media making it extremely user friendly.

Here is an example of my desired use of this type of multimedia…

Blogging Assignment 1: The "Basic Three"

The “Basic Three”

Referencing 21^st century technology in the education field, the “basic three” refers to the three main software programs that teachers use in the classroom. These three programs are word processing, presentation software and spreadsheets. It is stated by Roblyer and Doering (2013) that these software programs “save time on clerical types of tasks.” (114). Overall, the “Basic Three” aid in making everyday tasks, such organizing and presenting, easier for educators.

Word Processing Software

Word processing typically deals with documents. These documents often include text and/or graphics that can be printed onto paper. This software is the most common and Roblyer and Doering (2013) exclaim that “Perhaps no other technology resource has had as great an impact on education as word processing.” (116). From the perspective of a teacher, this software would greatly benefit the process of written assignments in the classroom. Not only does word processing help the teacher by providing a clean and professional looking document, it also helps the student by providing an easy way to produce and edit the given writing assignment. It is argued that word processing has an issue with negatively affecting handwriting (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, 120). However, I feel that this argument is based in bias nostalgia.

Presentation Software

Presentation software provides a display of information. This display can include script, graphics, audio and/or video in slideshow format (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, 128). I would use this software as a teacher in order to prevent students from getting lost throughout lectures. When used correctly, presentation software can act as a positive guide for students in order to follow along through a lecture. Unfortunately, many educators abuse this software. There are many issues of teachers relying too heavily on presentation software and creating a droned out, repetitive learning environment.

Spreadsheets

Spreadsheet software tends to deal with organizing. Revolving around numerical information, spreadsheets can also calculate and work equations in a systematic and ordered fashion. Roblyer and Doering (2013) do an excellent job at explaining spreadsheets by saying “A spreadsheet helps users manage numbers in the same way that word processing helps them manage words.” (122). Teachers deal with numbers on a daily basis, primarily with grades and performance averages. I would definitely consider using this software for keeping a grade book. An organized calculative chart of numbers will certainly come in handy when it comes to keeping track of multiple student averages. However, this software tends to have an issue with intimidating students. It can take a while for a student to become comfortable with spreadsheet software.  

Topic and Software Choice

While teaching a topic of History, I would use presentation software as an aid. I would provide a power point with my lecture on the given historical topic. I would use this software the correct way by already being knowledgeable about the topic and only including general concepts on the slides to act as a guide for students.

This video explains proper power point use: