Technology Reflection

Technology Reflection

Technology is everywhere in today's world. It is the way the world functions and without it many of the things we do today would not be possible. Technology follows us from the moment we wake up to when we close our eyes to sleep at night. Many people use their phones as alarms and when they wake up they get on them to check thier social medias or the news. It is in our homes, such as the wifi, computers, laptops, ipads, and smart tvs. Technology follows us even to our professions such as teachers, lawyers, doctors, and office jobs. I cannot imaginge teaching without technology because it makes thing easier. Technology has made things easier such as communication around the world. People are able to communicate with loved ones that are living in another country withing seconds. Technology has also helped further advancement in the medical field. Technology has helped make new medice, new procedures for surgeries, and many other thigns I cannot name.

Technology has really revolutionized teaching and shcools. Technology has really brought many advantages to teaching. When used appropriately it helps with differentiating teaching styles in lessons. Everyone learns differently and being about to accomodate teaching styles is very important. Technology provides many resources that teachers and students can use to further explain a lesson. With technology virtual classrooms have become possile. There is an application called google classrooms which allows a teacher to create a classroom online. The teacher can put assignment, take attendance, make test, and grade all in one place. It makes it easier for the students to keep up with assignments and get help faster from a teacher even if they are home working on thier homwork. The only negative thing about technology is that students can use it to cheat since everything is on Google.

Technology has really advanced medicine as well. Doctors are now able to 3D print organs for people who need them. Instead of people waiting months, or years for a match or a donor they can just have one printed out. Technology has really advanced other medical procedures such as surgeries and medication. Doctors are able to perform certain surgeries that they could not do in the past. With new technological equipment pharmacist are able to create new vaccines and medications for certain diseases. Technology has really helped save many lives.

Albert Einstein wrote a quote that says "I fear the day that technology surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots." I think that he makes a great point. Technology has really changed the way people interact and communicate. Some people cannot hold a good converstaion face to face but through online they can. It is not right that people are losing their communication skills. Therefore people need to find some form of balance with technology. Some people spend 24/7  on their phones on social media and not interacting with the people in their lives. I personally try not to spend more then two hours on social media or on my phone in general. People are going to be alright as long as people find a balance.

3 Articles

TPACK

• Technology has become an issue in the way that people communicate and interact. As technolgy becomes more advanced and grows will communicating become a greater issue?
• Will teachers have to compete with techonology to keep their position?
• How can teachers effectively learn and apply TPACk into their classrooms?

Net Generation

• Many teachers do not know how to use technology. Who will effectilvely teach teachers how to use technology and incorporate it into their classrooms?
• Is social media a professional communication source between a teacher, parents and students?
• With the ongoing fast advancement in technology will teachers be needed in the future? 

Teaching and Technology Apple

• Does technology make learning and teaching easier or harder for the students and teachers?
• Everyone learns different wether it is visual, verbal or kinesthetic. Will technology make it dificult to diferrentiate teaching?
• With online teaching how will teachers help kinesthetic learners learn? 

Khan Academy and TPACK

Khan Acadamey is such a great resource. The video I watched was over subtracting decimals. My video showed how to subtract decimals in different ways. The video was very helpful because it provided many examples on how to subtract decimals. I was constructing a lesson plan over subtracting decimals and I did not know what examples I should use. After watching the video I knew exactly what to do.
I am a visual learner and that video was very helpful because it was showing step by step instructions. I know many students learn visually especially for math and having a video as a reference is very helpful. Students need to be able to see why and how things work and Khan Academy does just that. Being a visual learning, I would reccomend this resource to parents students and other educators. That way they know about it and can use it as well. Coming from a family that did not speak Spanish and my parents could not help me with homework Khan Academy would have been such a great resource for me to use to complete my homework. Many students come from families where English is not thier native language this would help those students when they are at home. Khan Academy provides a visual way to help understand and comprehend lessons.
The connection between Khan Academy and TPACK is the technology usage. TPACK is becoming more common in classrooms with the advancement of technology. Classrooms are being structured to fit technology into lessons. TPACK is a type of guide that helps educators succesfully incorporate technology into their lessons and classroom. Khan Academy is a great technologycal resource to incorporate into the classroom. It is a great website for all ages to use to further comprehend lessons and concepts. Teachers can use Khan Academy to add further explanation into their lessons, to help struggling students, or to give furhter practive to students to master a topic. It can also be used at home if a student is struggling with homework. TPACK and Khan Academy are great resources to incorporate into classrooms.

Link to Khan Academy video: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/cc-fifth-grade-math/subtract-decimals/imp-subtracting-decimals-intro/v/strategies-for-subtracting-basic-decimals?modal=1

3D Printing

3D printing provides a fun and engaging way to teach students. Creating a lesson around 3D printing was very interesting and different. Many kids are visual and kinesthetic learners and for them to have something that they can touch and feel and look at can be beneficial. Making tools with 3D printing can be exciting for the classroom.
3D printing has had a great impact on the world and especially in the medical feild. The greatest thing about 3D printing is being able to print out a fake organ to transplant into humans to save thier live. Instead of waiting for an organ donor they would just have to wait months, or years they can just have one printed out. I am sure there will be further advancements with 3D in the medical field.
Many people wonder how can 3D printing be incorporated into the classroom? Well, with 3D printing teachers are able to make tools to use during lesson. 3D printing tools can be incorporated into any subject or lesson plan. Students can watch and see their tools and inventions being formed infront of their eyes. It can spark interest in students and learning can become more effective.
The only negative things about 3D printing is that the machine and materials can be expensive. There can also be lack of training, technology networking issues, and it can be time consuming to make certain projects with the 3D printer. However, there are more good thing than negative things.
3D printing can really help teachers engage their students more to the lessons and make learning more fun. Students will be shown a piece of technology that is rarely seen in other places. There is also a tinkercard link that can help students create their own design for 3D printing which is really cool. 3D printing sparks invention and creation.

Flipped Classroom

What is a flipped classroom?  it is a new and different teaching style that goes against traditional teaching. With a flipped classroom students must read and gain knowledge about a subject beforehand. The instructor will then guide students to actively and interactively clarify and apply that knowledge during class. Teachers are flipping their classrooms  because the students learn more deeply. There is frequent feedback, discussion and deeper understanding of the content being taught. Students become more active in their learning. The interaction between students increase and they start to learn from one another. The teachers and students get more feedack and the teacher is able to see if the students are able to apply their new found knowledge.

TPack Lesson Plan Reflection

Alejandra Hernandez 

Fifth Grade 

Science 

  

1. Oklahoma State Standards – MS-ESS1-1 Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patters of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.  

2. Objectives for this lesson – Students will understand how the phases of the moon are created and be able to name or label the phases of the moon on a chart. 

3. Materials and Resources—  

1. Activity 1 & 4 KWL chart: https://www.google.com/search?q=kwl+chart+for+1st+grade&rlz=1CAXGER_enUS777US777&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=rNq4jhvZ16LZLM%253A%252CDzwwezfDkz-auM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kQ6TxQ4JcIFTVSqZXQSnE9qKBgb5Q&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14oLnha7hAhVH1qwKHa0lCnMQ9QEwAXoECAkQBg#imgrc=rNq4jhvZ16LZLM:  

2. Activity 2: 

1. Presentation: https://prezi.com/view/8rxee5CZ7bUmdKYGqY65/  

2. Blank Diagram: https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Phases-of-the-Moon-Worksheet-009831600-1373486774-1500873490/original-765298-1.jpg  

3. Activity 3: 

1. Kahoot: https://create.kahoot.it/kahoots/my-kahoots 

2. Game: https://matchthememory.com/BESLclass 

4. Markers, color pencils, pencil, paper. 

4. Instruction  

1. Introduction – The teacher will let them know that for the next week they will be learning about the phases of the moon. This lesson will give students a broader understanding of how and why the moon changes phases. This lesson will continue what the students have already learned about the moon. 

2. Instructional process—  

1. Day 1 Activity 1(Verbal, visual): The teacher will handout KWL charts. As a class list facts or things, the students already know about the moon on the K part of the chart. Then discuss what the students would like to learn about the moon and list them on the W part of the chart.  To get the students to interact ask: “Does the moon always appear to be round?” “Does it change shape?” After discussing with the students let them know that they will be learning about how the phases of the moon occur.  

2. Day 2 Activity 2 (Verbal, Visual, Kinesthetic): Using the Prezi App, the teacher will give a presentation on the Phases of the Moon. The teacher can then talk about how and why the moon changes phases. How the rotation of the sun, earth, and moon causes the different phases of the moon at different times of the month. They will learn new vocabulary with the names of the phases. The teacher will also handout a blank diagram that the students will have to label as they follow the presentation.  

3. Day 3 Activity 3 (Verbal, Visual): We will review over what we have learned the previous day. Then we will play a game of Kahoot! to test their knowledge. This should take around 7 to 10 minutes. The students will have to use the ipads to connect to the game and play. Using the smartboard, the students will play a matching card game that’s for the phases of the moon.  

4. Day 4 Activity 4 (Verbal, Visual, and Kinesthetic): Students will fill out their L part of the KWL chart with the new things they learned. I will let them know that they will be taking a test over the phases of the moon the next day and to take their labeling charts to study.  

5. Closure – The teacher will ask if the students have questions and review with the students and answer any questions they might still have.  The students will be given a short verbal quiz at the end of class.  

  

F. Assessment – Students will fill out two blank charts depicting the Phases of the Moon. They will also have identified which of the charts is being depicted from the solar system or from earth. 

G. Adaptations/ Accommodations – For my visually impaired students I will have instructions and worksheets with bigger print for them and print out the presentation as well. For my ELL students I will have the instructions in both their native language and in English for all the activities as well as the assessment.  

H. Reflection - You cannot do this step until you have actually taught the lesson. At that time you should list the changes you must make because of time constraints, student abilities, or materials that were not adequate. Or perhaps you find that your teaching was not adequate and will do things differently next time you teach this same material. 



Reflection Questions over TPACK

1.         How well the use of this technology may support your teaching strategies in this activity. 

Technology is very efficient to use for almost anything. It is a really good tool for educators to use in their classroom. I believe that by implementing technology in my lesson it will help every student learn in some way. Technology makes it easy to differentiate the way the lesson is taught. Students are being provided with visual and verbal learning styles that will help them be more engaged in their lessons.  

2.         How effectively the use of this technology may enhance students' understanding of and learning from your particular content in this activity. 

To enhance a students' understanding and learning a teacher must know how each student learns best. Every child learns differently, and teachers must know how to differentiate their learning to accommodate each student. Technology makes it easy for educators to differentiate instruction as needed. If a student is a visual learner, the teacher can provide a video that might help that student. If a student is an auditory learner, they can listen to audio. A kinesthetic learner can learn by playing games in an internet program provided by the school. 

For the technology that I used for my activities was a video depicting the rotation of the moon and earth around the sun to show how the moon phases occur. I used a presentation app called Prezi to make a presentation to show the students. Prezi makes it fun to do a presentation because of the format of the app and all the animation and effects it has.  I also make a game of Kahoot! With question about the moon phases to review as a class.  

3.         What are your strategies and why do you think your strategies are appropriate to teaching this specific content?  What makes you believe it would help your students comprehend this particular content? Give specific examples from your described activity. 

I always keep a couple of strategies in mind when I will be teaching a lesson. I like to keep my students engaged in the lesson and I like to keep in mind activities that they like to do. If students like to watch a video over something that we are learning I will make sure I have one to show them. If they enjoy playing some sort of game using the smart-board I will find a game that goes along with the lesson plan that the students can play. I like to keep them engaged in the lesson using ways they like to learn or things they like to do. If the students are engaged and interested, they learn quicker and easier.  

For this lesson one of the strategies I used was to have a presentation with the information ready to be taught. There was a video and pictures in the presentation to show the students visually what I was talking about. Then we moved on to a review game using Kahoot! Students enjoy games especially if it’s with the whole class. It also allows them to learn from each other which sometimes it is more effective. 

4.         What would be some conceptions and pre-conceptions that students of different ages and backgrounds bring with them when learning this particular content? What would you be concerned about students' prior knowledge, experiences, motivation? Again, focus on the content and your teaching strategy, not the technology! 

Some of my pre-conceptions for my students would be, do my students know what the moon is? What do they already know about the moon? Are they interested about learning about the moon or space? Have they struggled with science before? 

To know where my students are in science, I would need to have a pre-assessment to help me figure out where they struggle the most. Science is not a topic that is taught from grade to grade which leads the students to learn a massive amount of science in one school year. Science is a topic that is neglected in many schools and it should not be, and students are usually excited to learn science.  

Fifth graders do not have a lot of experience with science and that is why they are very interested to learn. Students are excited to learn new things especially when it is a new topic such as science. Since the student will have their own motivation and interest it will be my job to use that to my advantage and to make the teaching effective. It will also be my job to keep the motivation and interest up all year long that way they will want to continue learning.  

5.         What main instructional strategies would this technology use serve in your activity? How would using the technology support the way you teach this activity? Please give examples and be specific to your described activity. Think about your main teaching strategies that this technology would support. 

I used the smartboard as my man instructional strategy. I showed my presentation of Prezi using the smartboard. I also had a game of Kahoot! That I needed to use with the smartboard. Without the smartboard my lesson would not have been as effective and engaging. The Prezi presentation had all the information for the lesson. The Kahoot! Game had all the review question that I wanted to practice with the students.  

With the technology strategies it really helps me keep my students engaged and the lesson interesting. It also helps differentiate instruction much quicker and every student learns in their preferred learning styles. Students have grown up using technology and for them to have something that they are familiar with and comfortable using helps them learn better.  

6.         What different classroom management strategies you might need to consider when using this technology in the activity? Give examples and be specific to your described activity. 

I think the main classroom management strategy that I will need to focus on is that the students are respectful to each other. That they do not laugh or make fun of students who answer wrong. I will also ask them have patience for each other because everyone learns at their own pace. I want to create a safe classroom environment where students feel comfortable answering and asking question. Kids learn from each other as well and letting them know that they are a team can help them learn in a fun and safe way.  

7.         How would using this technology enhance the way the content is represented in your activity (e.g. demonstrations, explanations, examples, illustrations, analogies, and etc.)? That is why you think the selection and the pedagogical use of this technology may enhance what you teach (the content in your activity). Give specific examples from your activity to support your answer and keep in mind the learning objectives that you stated previously. 

I think technology really enhances the way content is represented and taught because it makes teaching easier and more efficient. It allows teachers to easily differentiate their lessons where students are being taught verbally, visually, and kinesthetically. Teachers can teach every child effectively. Technology really allows teachers to stray from the traditional teaching and make teaching more fun and interesting. Keeping students engaged is difficult but when they are being taught in ways and with tools that they enjoy using is exciting.  

Prezi is an example of how technology enhanced this lesson. The students had videos and pictures that they could connect the information to. The Kahoot! Game was another example. It creates some competition, but it also provides a fun way to review information that has been taught without the pressure of a regular quiz or assessment. 

8.         In what different ways students practice or understand the content in your activity that would otherwise not be possible without the use of the technology? In addition to motivational benefits, what else can students do with this technology as they are learning the content? 

Without technology it would be hard for me to teach the lesson and keep the students engaged. I would have to print out the information and read it to my students. It would not be effective because the students would lose interest and stop listening. Instead of a Kahoot! Game I would have to give them an actual quiz which would take out the fun out of the lesson. I feel that the lesson would not be as effective.  

Technology does bring motivational benefits to the lesson. The students are more engaged, and they enjoy using tools that they are familiar with. If students still have a hard time with the lesson, they were just taught the teacher can easily find more information or videos for that student to look at and have. Technology also allows the teachers to put all the teaching styles in one lesson and that helps the students learn in the preferred style that they like.