Group2: Management Techniques

Hew, K., & Brush, T. (2007). Integrating technology into K-12 teaching and learning: Current knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research. Educational Technology Research & Development, 55(3), 223-252. doi:10.1007/s11423-006-9022-5.


Abstract:
Although research studies in education show that use of technology can help student learning, its use is generally affected by certain barriers. In this paper, we first identify the general barriers typically faced by K-12 schools, both in the United States as well as other countries, when integrating technology into the curriculum for instructional purposes, namely: (a) resources, (b) institution, (c) subject culture, (d) attitudes and beliefs, (e) knowledge and skills, and (f) assessment. We then describe the strategies to overcome such barriers: (a) having a shared vision and technology integration plan, (b) overcoming the scarcity of resources, (c) changing attitudes and beliefs, (d) conducting professional development, and (e) reconsidering assessments. Finally, we identify several current knowledge gaps pertaining to the barriers and strategies of technology integration, and offer pertinent recommendations for future research.


Link: http://ezproxy.umuc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=25318467&site=ehost-live&scope=site



Discussion Questions:

1. After reading, Hew & Brush, what do you consider the most prevelant barriers to effective student learning in computer labs or in-classroom computers? What strategies were suggested to overcome these barriers?



2. Do you feel those strategies would be effective? Are they implementable, why or why not


3. As a teacher (or soon to be teacher), what barriers would you put in place to ensure effective student learning?

Classroom Blogging

Ellison, N., & Yuehua, W. (2008). Blogging in the Classroom: A Preliminary Exploration

 of Student Attitudes and Impact on Comprehension. Journal of Educational

Multimedia & Hypermedia, 17(1), 99-122. Retrieved from Education Research

Complete database.

            The use of Blogs is more recently making its way into the learning environment.  They appeal to students because of the social and technological aspects and they allow for learning to be done beyond the confines of the classroom walls.  A Blog is essentially an interactive discussion.  It has been found that students are more likely to take their time and post thoughtful pieces of writing on a Blog because others will be reading and commenting on it.  Communicating with others allows for more learning to be done because classmates can clarify or build upon concepts that are being discussed.  In a sense, students are working collaboratively to learn and discuss a topic.

            In the study referenced above, researchers surveyed college students about their feelings using blogs in their class throughout the course of the semester.  It was found that the students liked the less formal writing format and the ability to interact with classmates from any location.  The students found the most benefit from reading others blog postings rather than writing their own entry or reading comments from classmates.  The researchers were somewhat surprised by these findings.  They would have expected the reflective nature of the students own entries would have been imperative to their learning.  Also, it was surprising that student’s comments were not helpful leading them to wonder or assume that students were too critical on themselves or that the comments were not constructive.  The researchers plan to further study the impact of peer to peer learning.

            As I was reading this study I was thinking of ideas of how I could incorporate a Blog into my classroom.  One idea that struck me was to introduce new classroom topics on a Blog to have students discuss their prior knowledge.  That would give students who had no prior knowledge of the specific topic to learn from their peers and come to class with more direction.  I think one of the most beneficial aspects of using a Blog in ones classroom is the collaboration component which also fits nicely into the constructivist theory.

Digital Storytelling

So this week group we talked about Digital Storytelling as a form of assistance in your classroom lessson. I have been thinking how I could use this type of project in my Health Education classroom. I am a little stuck trying to see how I could use this. After viewing the Powerpoint Presentations. The examples given and especially the website listed below. I really understand how it could be use in other classes other than mine. I know it has to be a way for me ti use it in Health Education if I begin to think outside the box, and not think about my limited class time. Unfourtanatley I only have my students for quarters which range from 40-45 days. I dont know, but I will definetly keep thinking.


http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/storyboarding.html

Group Members

Welcome to the Blog site of EDTC 625 Group 2!

Our members are:

Sherlita Chapman
Dianne Clifton
Bryan Egan
Margaret Eichelberger


We hope that you are ready to get a wealth of information from us!