Chapter 4 – Q1
The concept of university design suggests that all instructional activities should ensure equal access for all learners regardless of their unique needs. After reading the In-depth feature on universal design and examining its evolution from architecture to learning, consider how you might include universal design in your classroom. Do you intend to adjust your instruction to include universal design principles when you teach? Explain why or not.
Technological advancements in the past 20 years for school systems worldwide has grown tremendously. Advancements such as online databases, electronic card catalogs, virtual reference, and E-books, these advancements have changed the face and functions of schools today. It is important to stay relevant to the time with the technological advancement made. The advancements have to be made available for all students, which is addressed by UDL. These are the principles (I will) and should be implemented in every school and classroom without prejudice.
Chapter 5 – Q2
Discuss the cloud storage. Why is it advantageous for educators to share resources and programs on a network? What concerns are associated with program sharing?
Cloud computing has reshaped current technological landscape in a fundamental way. Cloud computing represents a transition in technology similar to when client/server computing mainframes two decades ago. This model of computing eliminates the need for local servers and complex desktop client software, instead relies on delivering applications through web-based (remote) interfaces or lightweight applications. These new technological services make use of vast processing and storage resources by providing highly virtualized clustered components. This is usually done in large-scale data centers distributed throughout multiple physical locations and among educators the technology can be a cost saver. Data from educators can be accessed from any terminal but the crucial aspect is the accessibility to the internet.
The future of cloud technology shall be interesting to watch as it unfolds. A number of new products seem set to emerge upon the scene. The competition that will play out over the next decade will largely depend on the strength and appeal of the products and technologies and how they can best serve students. Despite some of the really unique new slate of automation products and services, it is clear that some form of cloud computing technology is a must if automation vendors are to remain viable in the education system.
Chapter 6 - Q3
You have learned about the challenges you will face in implementing technology in your classroom. How do you plan to meet these challenges during your pre-service and in-service career? Be specific in describing a strategy to meet each challenge.
Schools are the best way to provide technology to students. They need reinforcing. Every effort should be made to continue to provide a highly skilled service that is able to meet the needs of the student. The service ought to continue to innovate to take advantage of the way in which people are interacting with the service in a different way. Educators and service providers should continue to stay abreast, with classes and workshops, on new technological advances. This is a crucial part for the continuation of bridging the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not. There should also be predetermined steps taken, to the delivery, ensuring the core service is maintained. This ensures the student gets the most advanced technology and service which can be provided by the school system.
Week 2
Lifelong learning is not just a teacher preference; it is also a requirement for maintaining state certification. Technology literacy courses and workshops are some of the most popular learning experiences for certificate extension and renewal. Do you believe that taking additional courses in technology literacy is an important as those for your content or discipline? Is too much emphasis being placed on developing and maintaining technology competency? Defend your view.
The key aspects of contemporary lifelong learning are theory and practice. Due to the advent of technology which rapidly changes in contemporary societies, there is a constant need to acquire new knowledge and skills in order to adapt to changing conditions. There is, therefore, an increased emphasis on the personal dimension of lifelong learning and on the need to reflexively engage in the reconstruction of individuality and identity. One of the most important aspects to lifelong learning is having qualified professionals to assist, teach and service the public. This therefore, means professional skills should be organic. Consequently, as the knowledge necessary to perform the job efficiently alters, so should the knowledge of the professional. Thus, undertaking additional course work to qualify as a professional in any discipline is just the beginning of a journey. This journey may last the lifetime of a chosen career path. Most schools and universities offer opportunities to acquire technology base knowledge toward a professional qualification that would allow the recipient to enter any profession. Most programs of study are accredited by professional associations. Moreover, they are required to meet rigorous standards in terms of curriculum and the professional background of the staff /faculty members who teach the course. However, course work alone will not give the student all the knowledge regarding the profession. Additional knowledge comes with years of experience thereby building on the scholarly foundation received in school. It is often times necessary to update knowledge and skills to remain employable in the modern technology age.
Ch.2 – Q3
You have learned about a variety of technologies useful to support learning in this chapter. With which one of these are you most comfortable? Which are most useful in helping to prepare 21st century learners? Describe the technology and its potential applications in the grade level or content area you wish to teach and demonstrate why it is most appealing to you.
Technology is a part of day to day living. We see it everywhere from the classroom to the bedroom. The advances are forever changing; forty years ago it would have been impossible to earn a degree that was completely online from an accredited college or university. This also holds true with a remote control operating the A/C unit, blinds and even the lights. All of these advances make our daily living more comfortable.
The textbook refers to several technologies but I am most comfortable with support/virtual learning. Support learning is advancing at a vigorous rate thanks to technology. There was a time when teaching was only done in the classroom and calls were only made from a stationary land-line phone. But now, all of that has changed. All made possible by technological advances. Today classes are taught online, degrees are earned completely online. The smart phone software allows students to registrar for classes, complete assignments and attend group sessions from most mobile devices.
In virtual classrooms teachers can share screens for students to view PowerPoint Presentation, Blackboard, video clips and so many other creative instructional means. This alone is crucial for students in the 21st century. There are communicative devices which provide means for students, with speech impairment, to communicate in a classroom setting. Furthermore, students may have access to web cams and microphones to communicate in class in case their not able to physically be present in the classroom. Skype and Snap Chat are a few visual technologies available for virtual learning and can be used as a tool to engage students. Technology bridges the gap between language, gender and geographic barriers. Technology allows family, friends, students, teacher and other professional to network globally.
Ch.3 – Q3
This chapter introduced you that lesson planning was an outgrowth of your instructional design. The DID section helped you see the overall organization of your instructional unit, and this lesson plan section helped you address what you would do to achieve the unit on an instructional day-to-day basis. Now identify, describe and use the most common steps in lesson planning.
Dynamic Instructional Design Model (DID)
DID Step 1
Know your learner.
In this step it is paramount to know the students cognitive style, learning style, their dominant intelligences and any special needs they have. This information can be acquired from the student cumulative records and informal means (observation and communication). A lot of information can be gathered by using, student files as well as classroom assessment tools to identify their needs and circumstances.
DID Step 2
Standards-Aligned Performance Objectives
In the DID model outlines the goals and objectives for the student after instructions have been delivered. The information delivered should be in line with the goals and objectives outline for the course. The Bloom’s Taxonomy is the model used for cognitive levels in objectives. In regards to creating objectives should always be aligned with district, state, and national standards
DID Step 3
Identify Teaching and Learning Strategies
Teaching strategies are those processes and procedures that will be implemented in order to help students to achieve objectives. These strategies should have strong pedagogy. Teaching and learning strategies are designed to maximize student learning. Each objective should be research based, delivered with certainty and dialog from students to ensure understanding.
DID Step 4
Select Support Technologies
The technology is the tool used to enhance the learning experience for the student. First the objectives should be created and then enhanced with the desired technology best suited for the student.
DID Step 5
Assess and Revise
The best way to address the knowledge base of a student by assessment. A student should be able to demonstrate mastery of content through performance standards for each objective. This method is called formative assessment. When the assessment is reviewed the objectives can be revised for better understanding, to ensure students acquire the necessary knowledge needed to master each objective.