EDTECH 541 Blog Post Comment List

Week One - Vision Statements:

http://ashleyeivins.wordpress.com/2012/06/08/vision-statement/

http://jenniefinafrock.wordpress.com/2012/06/09/vision-statement/

Week Two - Acceptable Use Policies


http://jodenedevan.wordpress.com/2012/06/18/acceptable-use-policies/

http://heathergaddis.wordpress.com/acceptable-use-policies/

Week Four - Multimedia in Education

Ashley Eivins: Ashley, you do a very nice job providing specific examples of how you've used multimedia in the classroom. Specific videos from science - allowing us to see into the human body, for example, give students access and exposure to a world they literally cannot see with their own eyes. Your example of the "virtual frog dissection" is a great example of how technology can be used to provide students with experiences that otherwise would be cost-prohibitive. I also appreciated your passion and enthusiasm for using multimedia and engaging students with the modes they're already so familiar with. Good work!

 Jennifer Justis: Jennifer, I was very impressed with the interviews you did with fellow colleagues on the use of video in the classroom. You mentioned video's ability to take students on virtual field trips. I also wonder about Skype, and the possibilities there for allowing students to conference and chat with authors, business people, and other teachers and academics. The music teacher you interviewed talked about using recordings of students from a nearby school to observe things like posture and gestures and how they factor in to the overall performance. Overall, great examples and nice way of involving your co-workers!

Week Five - Voicethread

http://jonfreer.wordpress.com/2012/07/02/walled-gardens-voicethread-post/

https://voicethread.com/#q.b3225998.i17096879

Week Six - Internet Safety

https://joannamarcotteedtechlearninglog.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/internet-safety/#comment-25

http://jodenedevan.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/safety-on-the-web/#comment-16

Week Seven - Technology in the Content Areas

Jen: Thoughtful post. Your argument about students acquiring the skills needed for a technological knowledge-based economy echoes one of my contentions. The concept of interest and diversity afforded through technology is certainly one more reason why tech integration is a good thing. I remember being bored in a number of my high school classes, as the curriculum was so ridged, as were our expectations.

 While I agree that technology has a lot of potential, there are currently a number of hurdles to the utopian vision of online publication, virtual field trips, and simulated experiments that you present. Lack of equipment and training are two of the chief reasons why the potential impacts of technology are tempered.

 I think that being able to dictate an action plan to implement technology is as important as knowing what to do with the technology. Without the proper tools and training, the “edutechnology” rocket will never get off the ground.

Amy: Hi Amy. Some great insights and observations about technology’s impact and role in education. You are definitely right that technology can move teachers toward more collaborative, student-centered activities.

 You mentioned something about the “correct combination of off and on computer activities.” I would be very curious to know what that “correct” combination is. Is this something you found in your research?

 You have some great quotes from a variety of disciplines on how to integrate technology into various curricula.

 I wondered at the end of your post if our job as teachers is really to help change instruction. I assume you mean change for the better, but it’s important to note that change isn’t always good. And, unfortunately, it seems like everyone BUT teachers are changing what instruction looks like in our classes. It’s definitely important for us to take control of our classrooms and exert our authority and autonomy.