Blog Post # 12

My feelings about technology have changed. I feel much more comfortable when I think of using technology. I don't feel afraid to explore unknown technology. It's seems to have opened up a new world of exploration, such as my purchase of Corel Painter 11. I think that's the best thing I learned. I'm pretty amazed at how far I've come. I put off taking this course for a couple of years because I dreaded having to deal with technology. But, I don't feel that way any longer. I'm must confess I'm impressed with all I've learned and appreciate the simplicity of instruction and patience shown to someone with my background.

Blog Post # 11

The Computer Delusion article points out that we need to evaluate technology based on whether or not it improves teaching practices and student achievement. From the information so far, it doesn't seem to. The article itself states that there is a discouraging record of student and teacher performance with computers. Part of the problem, I think, is that the software development companies are not skilled in child development and learning. Who are these companies developing the mainstream software? The answer may be linked to the revelation within the article that the government task force was made up of thirty-six individuals who were tech advocates, with 2/3 from the high tech industry and the rest from the entertainment industry. I also found it interesting that child development specialists hold the position that younger children need a broad based experience, rather than software sequential data experience. The over emphasis of stimulating the left hemisphere of the brain at the expense of the right hemisphere is disturbing. I was also dismayed to read that schools are cutting art, music, and physical education, which contributes to a broad based experience, in order to buy computers. I think government influences with special interests and commercial businesses are greatly impacting the practices within schools and that's not the best thing.

Blog Post # 10

Two posts on class blog.

Blog Post # 9

Two posts on class blog.

Blog Post # 8

I had put off taking this course because I dreaded having to deal with technology and I thought it would be boring. At this point in the course, though, I can say I've been pleasantly surprised and am having great fun, even though in class I'm a little anxious. I think that is due to the time constraints of the class. At home I can take as much time as I need making mistakes and figuring out how to make corrections and do it properly. For someone who found technology intimidating, I have found the instruction to be simple enough for beginners. I'm not an auditory learner, so I do find that part challenging. I do hope I continue having fun learning about technology that is unfamiliar to me. The only suggestion that comes to mind, and this only pertains to those of us who have not worked with lesson plans, is to have to create a lesson plan integrating technology. It would have to have proper supports because curriculum and lesson planning is a 500 level course and we don't take that until after MD400. As anxious as I might get in class, I am having fun learning about and using this technology. In fact, I purchased Photoshop (on sale at Costco for 49.99) and Corel Painter 11.

Blog Post # 7

Implications of Copyright Issues for Educators:

Pretty simple for me - PROTECT - yourself, your school, school district, students and their parents. It's probably prudent to have a list of public domain sites, other sites students can use, and a list of legal rules, one for teachers and one for students. Post the student list in the classroom and send one home for the parents with an explanation of copyright laws. Reviewing copyright laws and their purpose with students throughout the year to drill these laws into their brains would be useful, as they will need to apply them for many years.

Blog Post # 5B

I found the concept of of Universal Design for Learning, while valuable for all students, particularly applicable to students of special ed who require highly individualized content, instructional presentation and technical accomodations. The inclusion of enhancing student engagement as a foundation principle was particularly notable to me since my classes have stressed the struggles and failures special ed students may have repeatedly experienced, resulting in low self esteem and a reluctance to engage in learning. I also found it interesting that the principles and elaborations within the UDL/digital media article point to using these tools in supporting student weaknesses to reduce or eliminate barriers to learning, while at the same time challenging student strengths to assist them in moving to new levels.