From Wikitechbook--the student-developed, technology textbook
Welcome to the Technology Issues page. This page was designed to instruct future teachers in possible issues they may face and some general troubleshooting techniques. Included on this page are related resources, information on issues that teachers may face, and some "quiz-yourself" questions. This page also includes separate pages on various developing technologies including hardware, software, as well as some troubleshooting strategies and a page on attitudes.This page will discuss the layout, technology, learning methods, and many other aspects of the future technology classroom, asElliot and Cathy Masiestate in one of their blogs, "technology is a constantly growing factor in classrooms." Throughout this page there are videos which improve the topic of technology and further learning. Hopefully, you will find this page beneficial to your learning endeavors.
Too often do teachers use powerpoints, slides, videos, etc. as an excuse for them to sit idly behind their desk and convince themselves they are still fulfilling their role as an educator. How can a student be expected to be engaged if the person who is suppose to be presenting the information approaches his/her role with complacency? A teacher should be excited about the subject they are teaching! After all, they spent years in college to earn their teaching certificate. The web is a magnificent resource for teachers and students. Web sites such as Education World are great places to start when seeking knowledge about their subject.
What are issues?
When faced with the question, what are issues, one usually believes that issues are things inherently wrong in any topic. That is one true definition to what an issue is; however the word "issue" can cover more than just problems. In publications, an issue is an edition, in speech and debate, the issue is the topic in discussion, but for the future teacher and technology, an issue is the topic of what is to come. Dictionary.com, in its definition of issue, also gives the synonym emerge. This page will explore the newest issues that will emerge in educational technology and how they will affect a future teacher.
RSS In Plain English
What is RSS? According towhatisrss.com RSS stands for Rich Site Summary and is used for "delivering regularly changing web content." It is a way of staying up to date on all news related information without having to search the web.Here is a video demostration how to use a RSS Feed, which could be useful in finding new information on the subjects you are teaching.
Things You Should Know
Hardware is the mechanical equipment that compose a computer. The knowledge for these systems is essential for one to operate a computer.
Software plays an important role in computing, in that it is the interface between the user and the computer. This is an everchanging world in which one must keep up to date on.
Attitude is a crucial component to any classroom and the ability to mold student attitude is vital to any educator.
Strategies make learning, teaching, and curriculum easy for they save time in the classroom and produce long lasting repercussions.
Social Computing is an evolving field in which educators must become more informed and aware of what theirstudents are doing.
Smart Board is an large, interactive, touch-controlled screen that works with a projector and a computer.
Blogis a way to write thoughts or ideas on a topic and keep it online for others to read. Linked is a video titled"Blogs in Plain English" by Lee LeFever.
Distance Learning is a way teachers and students can communicate and learn so that they do not have to be oncampus. They communicate electronically via the computer.
What issues do I need to consider as a teacher and for my students?
Technology is constantly growing and emerging. It is hard for teachers to keep up with the everchanging technology. Professionial development in new technologies is critical for teachers so that they can successfully incorporate these new technologies into their classrooms. There are many different issues that you must consider as a teacher when integrating these new technologoies into your own classroom. You must present the material in a way that is going to be safe for the children in your classroom. A wiki is a way to do just that. With a wiki, you have a new and exciting tool for the students to use and it is convenient for the teacher also. While resources like wikis, WebQuests and blogs are interesting to the students, it may put a little bit more work on the teacher's back until they get comfortable with the technology. This particular method of teaching lets the student express themself, but how far can they go with out putting too much information out on the web? These are issues that you, as a teacher, must monitor when making assignments. Researching and staying updated on technology can be time-consuming and frustrating, but it's worth the effort to keep current for the sake of reaching your students in a whole new way.
Safety: Teachers need to be especially careful when doing internet searches in the classroom.
Ethics and Netiquette: Online 'principles of conduct' and netiquette about using the internet
Misconceptions: Misunderstandings teachers have about using technology in the classroom
Ever-changing Technology: Here you can read about ways to stay up to date with new technology and work around a school budget,yet still obtain new technology for your classroom.
Copyright Laws:This link provides teachers with a resource that enables them to see what they cannot do because of copyright laws. This link will also identify special copyright priveleges given to teachers.
Classroom of the Future
The following video provides a detailed description of what a classroom of the future might look like. The narrator describes how large projection screens, magnetic walls, lightweight furniture, soft lighting, appropriate acoustics, and quiet air conditioning all enhance learning in the future classroom. Teachers will act as "wanderers" in these classroom settings. As students work in groups, the educators will wander the room observing group activity and guiding learning. The rooms will physically be large enough for organized chaos. This allows students to feel free to move about and create, to a certain extent, mess. All of these aspects are intended to have the sole purpose of enhanced learning in a comfortable environment.
Below is another video describing and showing the future classrooms and technology.
Online Courses
Futuristic classrooms also include online courses. These classes are more geared toward adult students because they allow them to take a class from their own home and fit into their own schedule. However, online courses can be geared towards high school students as well. In the article "Highschool.com" it discusses funding for online classes, brief history, and some of the downfalls that can occur. This way they can experience the classroom without ever stepping foot into a classroom. Technology is ever expanding, even into the homes of people.
Online courses allow those that work full-time to be able to access their class anytime they want when there is an internet connection available. This also true for stay at home parents who must watch their children all day. Twenty-four hour access to course material also provides a distinct advantage for those students who are unable to work during typical school hours. There are some drawbacks though, for example without physical connection to a teacher some students may have a harder time understanding the material because they can’t ask questions in person. Also, from the teacher’s perspective online education also takes more time because developing the material takes longer than it does for a traditional class.
What are some topics of issues dealing with technology? (a) Safety (b) Special Accommodations (c) creative website (d) Both A and B
Predators can record what files have been opened, websites visited, and keystrokes typed very easily. (a) True (b) False
All a person needs to set up a blog is computer with internet access, a blog website address, and the ability to remember username and password? (a) True (b) False
A Grant is: (a) when your principal gives you the right to use new technology. (b) an award for being an excellent technology teacher. (c) when the government gives a school money for a specific purpose. (d) the newest software program for elementary schools.
There is a technological gap between teachers and students in today's schools. (a) True (b) False
Quiz Answers
(d) Both A and B
(a) True
(a) True
(c) when the government gives a school money for a specific purpose.
Comments (0)
You don't have permission to comment on this page.