Digital Blog Post #L Chapter 12

Technology is a great tool to interpret into schools today. Although technology can be expensive, things like laptops and tablets are being seen more and more in school. Teachers are trying to find creative ways to integrate technology in the classroom that will make the learning experience more enjoyable and more engaging for students. Three concepts that I found interesting in chapter 12 were Infusion, one to one laptop computing and digital textbooks.

                Infusion means that computers and other information technologies are ongoing features of teaching and learning in all academic subjects at all grade levels. They are a continuing part of the day to day educational experience of students. I liked the concept of infusion because it is allowing students to work with and understand a variety of technology tools. They can select certain tools and use them for a specific purpose on a regular basis.  Student’s regular use of computers will be infused with the classroom daily learning. I think infusion is really good because it gives those tech savvy students a chance to be on the computer and learn new things. Teachers can really choose what technology they want to bring into the classroom. I think in many academic subjects technology can be infused to make a fun learning experience. A teacher’s knowledge of the technology will also increase the interest of students.

     One to one laptop computing means every student in a grade school, or district has her or his own computing device too use in school. The main concept of this is to reduce digital inequalities by providing each student with their own laptops. This cost about 18 million dollars per year. When I was observing in a 8^th grade classroom they had laptops and tablets that they shared among the 8^th grade classes. The students really enjoyed having the laptops to work with for fun games like Kahoot. They also watched a science video on YouTube with Bill the science guy. One concern that was mention in the book about one to one laptop computing was that schools face the challenge of finding the right blend of digital devices because technologies have become more available. I think that laptops will become replaced with tablets and when the new best thing comes out it will replace that. Technology is always changing that’s why students are so fascinated with it.

        Digital textbooks is a dynamic way to integrate computer technology into the teaching of academic material. It is now a national educational policy priority to move away from paper materials to digital textbooks. Many schools carry only a class set of actual hard cover textbooks. Students can now access their textbook online and any course material that goes along with that textbook. Teachers can use a single computer to make digital textbook formats to work successfully.  They don’t have to have a computer for each student. I think digital textbooks can be a good idea especially for those students use to doing most things online. I personally like to have a physical book so I can highlight or take notes, but I think moving into a more digital direction can not only be good for the environment but also allows students to access homework assignments and textbooks anywhere which is great.  

         Technology is something that all teachers can use to make a more creative, interesting and fun learning experience for all students in any grade level or age. I think teachers have to educate themselves on the technology they will use to truly successfully execute their lesson plan. I think Infusion of technology is something we as teachers will see more of and will become like second nature to integrate into teaching. One to One laptops is such a great idea to have to get kids prepared for using computers because that’s what is used in college and at work. Digital textbooks is another great tool for students and teachers assignments and text is all in one place. Technology is always changing and there is so many great tools, apps, software to be used to help students learn and have fun doing it.

Ella bubblus

Resources:

Bubbl.us by Ella Kies

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

TIM: The Technology Integration Matrix | A video resource supporting the full integration of 
technology in Florida schools (Technology Integration Matrix)

http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/infusion.php

PowerUp - The road toward one-to-one computing. (2014, October 17). Retrieved April 16, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW6NB25ncUY