Do You Have A SMART Classroom?

Imagine you are sitting in your classroom right now. It's summer and you are working on your classroom management plan for the upcoming Fall semester. What do you want to teach? How do you want to teach it? Should you teach traditionally? Or should you included technology? 

You properly evaluate each student and come up with the best IEPs and lesson plans; and finally come to the conclusion that you want to involve technology. Why not? All your students are capable of using it. But, what software and technology is best for your classroom?

This is a question I asked myself my first time incorporating technology into my classroom. Over the course of my 13 years in the education system, I have used different types of software in my classroom. As you will  read on, you will see I am no stranger to trying new methods when it comes to teaching my children. Children are all unique so you must try everything to see what fits best. While I may use one specific software for one child and another for someone else, I make sure that I keep track of what works and what does not. With that being said, here is a glimpse into how I run my classroom. 

• Drill-and-Practice Teaching Functions
• Software functions providing exercises in which students work example items at one time. Typically students receive feedback on their correctness when using these type of software.(Roblyer &Doering pg.81) I usually use this type of software for my lower functioning students. When using Drill-and-Practice Teaching functions in my classroom, I use flash card and chart fill-in activities. Each activity level is based upon the child's individual strengths. This helps students prepare for high-stakes tests. By using the software entitled, Quizlet. I can create  personal flashcards for each of my students to study. I typically make the cards based on each child's individual goals.

Create Your Own Quizlet Flashcards HERE!

• Tutorial Teaching Functions
• This brings me to my next software. Tutorial Teaching is often confused with drill activities because good tutorials typically need one or more practice sequences to properly check each student's comprehension of the the activity, (a quality typically related to drill-and-practice functions) and because of the confusion between the feedback provided by the activity. (Roblyer &Doering pg.87) Regardless to the confusion between the two, I still incorporate tutorial teaching within my classroom plan.Tutorial is much more of a self-contained instructional unit and is one of the least used software. Some students are what we call "do-ers". They like to sit down alone and work. While we as teachers encourage collaboration; it is good to embrace students natural learning ways. I typically use this software with my fairly good readers. I usually encourage my students that are taking foreign languages to use the Rosetta Stone software. Sometimes, students need a break from verbally practicing learning a different language. This software gives them the chance to sit down by themselves and learn, without people judging them. This software is good for outside practice. 

TRY IT FOR FREE: Rosetta Stone

• Instructional Game Teaching Functions 
• Instructional game teaching is technology based games that are used to bridge the world of gaming and entertainment with education. (Roblyer &Doering pg.94) This software takes more of a fun attempt to teaching students. I typically use this form of technology in my classroom as a learning treat. If students finish their work correctly and promptly, I usually allow them to play games such as Jeopardy. With the addition to iPads being added into the classroom, I introduced a new integrated learning game for my students. I have noticed that the game, Word With Friends has greatly improved my students vocabulary. If the student(s) fit all the requirements I mentioned earlier, I will allow them to check an iPad out and play against each other.

Check Out Some Instructional Game Software HERE!

• Collaborative Learning Software
• One software I found extremely useful throughout my teaching career has to be collaborative learning software. While education is the primary goal for students in school, teaching students how to collaborate with each other is also very important. It is very important for students to know how to work with others. A software I found very handy is the SMART Sync Classroom Management Software. Out of all the software I have used, this has seemed to be the best. The software gives students the chance to work individually, in groups, as well as; with you personally. When the software is opened, the teacher has full access to each students computer, who is working on whatever, and if any one is off track. The software can be used to also take the pressure off teachers. No more constant getting up and walking around, trying to check each students internet activity. I can simply look at each icon to see what they are doing. The software also gives the teacher the privilege to block certain websites and internet activities. I can personally message my students, as they can to me. While I can assign individual work, I can also design group activities. Students can interact between each other for projects, discussion board questions, and observations. SMART Sync Classroom Management Software has made it much easier for me to manage my classroom, it prevents less distractions. Which allow them to become engaged in my lessons. With the incorporation of  SMART boards and software, it allows a much more relaxed learning environment. 

See How SMART Sync Software Works HERE!

Below is a video I found that depicts exactly how the SMART board is used in today's educational system. It shows the importance of collaboration in youth's learning process. Rather, its interacting online through the computer or being up front at the SMART board doing hands on activity; collaboration must be used in the classroom (regular or inclusive).

#ED505UWARAY This video better depicts SMART Sync Software! SMART Sync classroom management software http://t.co/rPvl5ACmrK via @youtube

— Costella Tucker-Duke (@CostellaTuckerD) June 25, 2013

Are You Smarter Than A Fourth Grader?: Laptops vs Traditional Style Learning

"Will fourth grade students that participated in a one-to-one laptop program have more successful test scores than those participating in the traditional learning program?”

I want you all to think about that question... Do you think that schools should begin the integrating of technology at such a young age, ( 9 or 10 years old) or enforce the forms of traditional learning? While, I think it is essential for a child to learn how to write his or her own name and work out a math problem; I think that lack of proper technology exposure can make or break a child. Below are the answers to the questions from the article critique along with my personal opinion.

1.    Provide the complete article title and author

The article title for this article is, "Laptops and Fourth-Grade Literacy: Assisting the Jump over the Fourth-Grade Slump". It was written by Mr. Kurt A. Suhr, David A. Hernandez, Douglas Grimes, & Mark Warschauer

2. State the intended audience. (What is empirical research and how does it help the classroom?)         

The intended audience for this article could possibly range from someone as simple as a parent of a fourth grader to the teacher of a fourth grade class to possibly even a Language Arts teacher. After greatly examining the article and its material, I was highly impressed with the number of potential audiences. Even principals of elementary schools would benefit from this article and its research. The empirical research was very evident when reading the article. Empirical research is defined as research based on an observation. An by looking at the research in this article I discovered that school districts were still struggling to see how exactly they could integrate technology into the classroom without waiting to late on in a child's life. Technology is the building block to a successful life and career, so why not expose children to it early on? By exposing younger students to technology (laptop instructional  education planning students stand a much better chance at being both visual and auditory learners.

3. What is/are the research question/questions or hypothesis/hypotheses?

After carefully reading this article I came to the conclusion that the hypotheses question was that of, “Will those fourth grade students that participated in the one-to-one laptop program have more successful test scores than those participating in the traditional learning program?”

4.   Describe the subject (participants) and the procedures (methods) used by the researcher(s)?

 There were 106 fourth grade participants broken down evenly into two groups: treatment group and the control group. Each group was eventually reduced to 54 students each. Both groups were comprised of different classes with a different set of teachers each year. Once the groups and plans were set, the researchers began to focus in on the procedures (methods) of the experiment. The controlled group (laptop) were supplied with personal laptop on a daily bases at school. They were granted varying degrees of computer access. This not only included the personal laptop, but in-class desktop computers, computer labs, and mobile laptop carts. As the students aged, the amount of access increased slightly due to greater availability of mobile carts, and etc. In no class, did students in the control group have regular individual access to computers for more than the standard six hours per week, which was an incredibility different from the computer access for the treatment group. Then studying of the groups went from there.

5.  What were the conclusions of the researchers? Do you agree or disagree with the conclusions? Support your position.

  The conclusion of the researchers was that laptop students outperformed non-laptop student. The   areas that the students did the best in were writing strategies and literary response and analysis. As a promoter of technology in the classroom, I most certainly agree with these conclusions. When it comes down to writing and reading, computers can be one of the greatest tools to help improve these areas. To properly use a computer you must know how to read, and to properly type on a computer you must know how to write.

6.  What suggestions for further research do the authors suggest? What other suggestions for future research would you suggest?

I would suggest that in the future, researchers should maybe prolong this study. Maybe start each group off in the fourth grade and go all the way up until senior year, then study the scoring difference in ACT results. I would also suggest maybe doing this in a public school setting; although the article did not say exactly if the experiment was done in a public or private setting. I just think the environment might make a difference in the results. Because of course; students from higher income families have a better chance of being exposed to technology outside of the classroom. 

After reading this article it got me thinking a lot about one-on-one computing. Both the topics within the article and one-on-one computing tied in so well together. One-on-one computing is considered to be allocating a school computer for each student. (Roblyer & Doering pg. 17) Chapter 1 discussed how they felt like it was pushing schools into decreased funding and less money for other areas. When enforcing one-on-one computing a school must be well aware of the cost. Technology has never been cheap and the cost is steadily rising. Chapter 1 also mentioned, the fact that some educators are fighting back against the subject. Claiming that the teaching and learning relationship has not been clearly established between teachers students yet.(Roblyer & Doering pg.25) 

As educators I want you all to take a moment and think...while technology use is very essential to the new generations education and career, how can you get that career if you cannot hold a respectful conversation with your employer? While I am a strong advocate for technology, I believe if we do not take a step back and find other ways for students to learn, we will lose the simple things in life. Like being able to hold a proper and interesting conversation. Below is a link that explains why some schools are looking for other options besides one-on-one computing. While this article did highlight the pros of one-on-one computing there are always cons to every good thing.  

Why Schools Must Move Beyond One-On-One Computing

- Here's an excellent video on one-on-one computing! http://t.co/0W5htWfj8g via @youtube #ED505UWARAY

— Costella Tucker-Duke (@CostellaTuckerD) June 17, 2013

Digital Citizenship - Who Will You Be?

Digital Citizenship Project

Digital Citizenship Project are the guidelines for responsible, appropriate behavior when using technology. This includes: cyber bullying; technology access and the digital divide; online safety privacy; copyright, plagiarism, and digital law, and more. A combination of hardware/equipment, software, and other programs to perform different functions all are technology integration strategies. (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 11)". Digital Citizenship is more than a teaching tool, It prepares students/technology users for a society full of technology. When children, teens/other individuals sign up for email, post pictures online, or participates in any electronic function, the process of becoming a digital citizen goes beyond simple activities via internet. Chapters 1 and 6 discuss the history of technology in education. The issues in educational technology includes: issues in society, education, cultural, and legal issues. (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.29)". Technology uses have a way of responding to societal needs and problems and creating a new set of issues with society-wide implications. Social issues which involves technology overuses/misuses, and problems due to harmful attacks on computers all shape educational use.  In educational issues, there are four kinds of implications in the way technology was used are: a lack of funds for technology, teacher/student accountability of progress, best practices with technology, and increase in distance learning education. In cultural issues, technology can divide societies ethnic and socioeconomic groups. The legal issues involves how technology activities are being used. Technology uses should be closely monitored to avoid the different misuse and cheating. Online classes causes educators to question the identify of students. The remote proctors are enforced so that professors can view students as they take their online tests. (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 19)".  In the early 2000's, different devices such as the iPhone and iPad made internet access and computer power widespread. (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.9)". Technology can be a motivation for students  in the classroom in order to get their attention.  It enhances their learning by making their work more efficient and productive by giving them access to other sources they would not have. These chapters provides us with technology to prepare our students for the twenty-first century.
We as educators must understand that these technologies can be very helpful in our classrooms, but can also be very harmful if not used properly. Below is the link to a website I found to be very useful when studying digital citizenship.

www.digitalcitizenship.net/Resources.html
http://en.wikipedeia.org/

References

Roblyer,M.D., & Doering, A.H. (2013). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

#ED505UWARAY here's a awesome twitter page on Digital Citizenship!! It promotes various articles on the topic. #GreatResource

— Costella Tucker-Duke (@CostellaTuckerD) June 12, 2013

Week 1 - My Favorite Technology: The iPad

The 21st century is filled with all different types of technology. Living in such a high tech world makes it much easier for students to excel in the classroom. As you saw above in the video I am becoming a huge fan of the Apple product, iPads. Within the past few years, iPads have developed amazingly and made tasks like note taking, recording, and emailing entirely more simple especially for college students.

While there has been many up and downs when it comes to technology; universities have recently learned to embrace it for all its positive attributes. This previous year UWA joined that team by giving students free iPads. For you all who have not been on campus recently, UWA has developed a new program called STEM. This new program was developed to promote interest in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. STEM challenges students to brighten and enrich their minds. The iPads were given not only as an award but as a tool to utilize for coursework, projects, and presentations. Research shows that the STEM program students had some of the highest GPAs by the end of the year. UWA as well as myself believes much of that was because of the focus put on technology.

Technology is becoming a huge part of the University of West Alabama. Not only have they invested thousand of dollars in the STEM program but they have also placed heavy emphasis on a traditional learner by developing iCommunicate. iCommunicate was governed a Board of Trustees appointed to the university by the governor of Alabama. Not only is the mission of the development centered around the importance of iPads and technology (iCommunicate, iPad; get it?) but it will teach students the proper way to communicate effectively. Developing the proper communication skills is essential to learn before entering "the real world". Not only must you know how to speak but you must know how to properly send an email and present a presentation. All these factors bring me back to why I think so highly of iPads. They are a convenient way to communicate.

iPads are also being utilized in elementary and high school setting. School Boards across the country are starting to encourage their teachers to add more technology into the course curriculum. With the evolution of Smart Boards and other technology teachers see that it is essential students know how to work these things for future coursework and career paths. One example of iPads in the school system I have read about recently is, the Idaho elementary situation. An elementary school in the UK decided to do away with pens and pencils; and iPads in replacement of textbooks. The school not only saved 20,000 copies of paper but it also introduced the students to technology at a early age.

In the text, it highlights the variety of behaviorist theories. (Roblyer &Doering, 2010, p.38-39) In my personal opinion, I feel as if iPads are advancing the learning process for students. Instead of having to raise their hands and answer questions one at a time students are getting to actively participate in EVERY activity. It also limits the child's time to say, "I'm done." or "I'm bored." They are constantly working and learning; which increases knowledge and decreases behavioral problems. Because some students do feel as if some topics are boring or "too easy" for them. (Roblyer &Doering, 2010, p.55) iPads can be used to have work to fit each child's individual needs. They also lead to my second resource found in the text, by offering unique benefits to teachers.

While experts have given their opinions, I want to know what you all think. Below I have posted the link for the article on the Idaho Paul Elementary iSchool. If you can read it and watch the video and answer my question below.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ipad-idaho-elementary-school/

 "Do you think putting tablets in classrooms is beneficial to your children’s learning, or would you rather they stick to pen and paper in their face so they don’t become tech-depending at such an rather early age?"

Tweet Me Here!

@J_Taylor61811 iPads are an excellent tool. Especially for young kids. Check out the Paul Elementary iSchool YouTube video! #greatresource

— Costella Tucker-Duke (@CostellaTuckerD) June 6, 2013

Welcome to My Blog!!!

Hey, I am Costella Duke and this is all so new to me. I have never did a blog before so bear with me. I am married and have one beautiful daughter named Chelsea. They are a joy to me!