Chapter 4: Give two examples of technologies that were used when you were in middle school (it could even be as simple as the chalkboard). How have those technologies been transformed and what replaced them today? If you could choose only one of today’s technologies for your classroom, which one would it be? Why?
It is apparent that the technologies between now and when I was in middle school have changed drastically. I specifically remember in middle school math using what we called an "ELMO". This was basically a projector where the teacher had to write math equations with a dry erase marker on a clear slip to teach. This form of technology was used in several of my classes as well. Whereas at the time I thought this was such an effective form of teaching, I see how there were many complication that needed to be reinvented. As this technology has progressed, we have seen it in many forms. The form of this technology that we would see today is the SMART board. The SMART board allows the same capabilities as the ELMO such as writing equations or problems, but it also always the streaming of a presentations, videos, programs, and so much more. Another major technology that was used when I was in middle school was the use of a computer lab. The computer lab consisted of several rows of desktop computers that were just as long as they were wide. We would utilize this lab for research or for writing essays occasionally. We got to use this less than once a month and it was such a privilege. I remember being so excited when my teacher would announce to the class that we would be in the computer lab for the day. Today, these computer labs don't really exist. In my district, we are one-to-one which means that all students in our district are provided with a technological device. Elementary students receive ChromeBooks and secondary students receive MacBook Laptops. It is very convenient for the students to be able to just use their technological devices in the classroom and teachers now do not have to fuss with booking the computer lab, but there was always something so special about being rewarded with using technology. If I had to choose one of today's technologies to use in my classrooms, it would be the use of visual presentations. I personally am a visual learner, so even if it is just words on a powerpoint, it helps me understand the lesson when I can visual see the topics that are being taught. My students respond in the same way. They like being able to see the words, pictures and even embedded videos of the topics we are learning. Chapter 5: Recall a class where presentation software, such as PowerPoint, was used. Did you enjoy the experience? Was it easy to take notes? Did you stay focused on the presentation, or did your attention drift into other thoughts? Could the presentation have been modified to make it more interactive, more interesting? How? Select a grade level and subject matter that you would most want to teach. How you would use three different types of academic software to teach a specific topic. Explain why you selected these three academic software packages. PowerPoint is one of my favorite and most preferred form of learning. I greatly enjoyed the experience of learning through a PowerPoint when I was in school. Visual presentations such as this one helped me personally with being able to visually see what was being discussed. I liked being able to visual see pictures and words and use those to guide my note-taking. My teachers did a wonderful job presenting information through these and I do not think they could have been enhanced any more than they were. As of now, I teach 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. We use several different types of technology in my class. PowerPoint is the biggest form of technology, but we also utilize Canvas Learning Management Tool and EdPuzzle. These three technological tools are imperative to success in my class. These three tools are used for teaching, learning, submitting assignments, remediation, and enhancement. My students respond extremely well to them and even enjoy learning with these technologies. Chapter 6: Learning content within the framework of a language that is not your native language can be challenging. Consider how you would respond to this challenge. What technologies would help you if you were facing learning new content in another language? Working at 6A school in a very diverse area means that we have several students who are classified as English Language Learners (ELL). English is not their native language and some of them do not speak much English at all. If I were in their shoes, I know that this would be a great challenge. I would respond to this challenge by using the advancements in technology that are available to me. In today's culture, we are all about inclusivity. Most platforms have a translation option to translate text or even describe pictures. These are the technologies I would utilize to translate learning content to my native language. As a teacher, it is imperative to be sensitive and aware of those you teach that are ELL students. Taking the initiative to translate certain forms of learning content to their native language helps set these students up for success.
4 Comments
Eli Morgan
6/13/2021 08:16:59 am
Hi Michaelah, great work this week on your responses! I definitely resignated with you on the use of PowerPoint (or now for those of us that use the Google Suite: Google Slides) and how different yet enabling that software can be! I myself saw many of my students choose visual presentations over traditional essays when I gave them options to do so in my class. I think that definitely speaks to the visual nature of learning, and I am glad to see that you like that method as well! Visual mediums are also a great way to overcome language barriers as well, which I do believe you touched on in your third response. Great work this week!
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Sarah Holder
6/13/2021 08:43:47 am
Hi Michaelah!
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Carletta S Hurt
6/13/2021 07:56:29 pm
Hi, Michaelah!
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Kimberly Jefferson
6/13/2021 08:49:53 pm
Hello Michaelah,
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About AuthorMy name is Michaelah Martin and I am a Human Anatomy and Physiology teacher in the Jackson Metro area. I love teaching, dancing, and DIY projects! Hope you enjoy my blog! BlogrollVictoria Parker
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