Journal Post #11 Engaging Teachers and Students in Learning and Self-Reflection

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Tech Tool 11.1 Digital Portfolio Building Resources

     Tech Tool 11.1 discusses the importance of using digital portfolios. Not only can you completely make your own but you can use pre-made templates as well. TaskStream, iLife and EduTools are all examples of sites you can use. TaskStream involves portfolios, lesson plans, and tools to create classroom units. iLife is software that allows you to alter your images to include text and transitions. EduTools is a site that includes online reviews for educators. These include reviews for different ePortfolio programs as well as various courses. 

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Focus Question: What is performance-based assessment for teachers and for students?

     It's important for educators to assess both each other and their students based on their performance. These assessments are based solely on the work that has been finished as oppose to the entire course. For example, one week an educator might want to assess student growth with writing, and another week it could be how well students work in a group. This section also mentions dual focus- educators being evaluated by higher ups as they're evaluating their own students.

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Chapter Summary

     Chapter eleven focuses heavily on the importance of evaluating ourselves and our students in order to measure our learning growth. While educators are evaluating students, educators themselves are being evaluated by their bosses and so on and so forth. It also discusses the importance of using ePortfolios and presentations to assess students. Additionally, the chapter touches on surveys, student participation and how to increase overall engagement.

References

Maloy, R. W. (2011). Engaging Teachers and Students in Learning and Self-Reflection. Transforming learning with new technologies (p. 304-329). Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.

Journal Post #10 Promoting Success for All Students through Technology

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Tech Tool 10.1 Extra-Large and Online Calculators

     Tech Tool 10.1 first discusses the popularity of extra-large calculators. Though large in size, these calculators do not weigh much. They also have large, visible, easy to use buttons. The section continues on to discuss the creation of place value using objects and giving symbols to numbers (1, 2, 3, etc). Using calculators allows students to understand the relationship between place value and written equations. The section then discusses the importance of making written equations applicable to everyday student's lives. For example, how many boxes of cereal can you buy with this month's paycheck, etc. Finally, Tech Tool 10.1 briefly mentions the use of online calculators. Specifically, it mentions using an online site with thousands of different programs for making calculations. This is a great way to tie in technology and computer use.

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Focus Question: How does assistive technology support efforts by teachers to reach all learners?

     Assistive technology supports efforts by teachers to reach all learners in many ways. Assistive technologies are exactly that -- assistive. Not only for competent students but for those with learning disabilities as well. Things like large calculators, audiobooks, dictionaries, and screen enlargers can be incredibly helpful in a classroom setting. Aside from in the classroom, these technologies can also be helpful when students are doing homework at home, without the immediate aid of a teacher.

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Chapter Summary

Chapter ten discusses reaching all students, despite various learning styles and disabilities, through the use of technology. Differentiated Instruction and Universal Design for Learning are discussed in depth, followed by assistive technology and a tech tool. Multiple NETS-T standards are discussed as integrating technology and applying it to a curriculum for diverse learners encourages student success via technology. 

References

Maloy, R. W. (2011). Promoting Success for All Students through Technology. Transforming learning with new technologies (p. 274-303). Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.