Week+2+Reflection

​ November 28, 2009



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We are now in week 2 of Teaching with Technology, which happens to be Thanksgiving week. Despite the fact that many people are traveling and scattered about, it has been a productive week. In the readings this week, the focus was basically on how technology impacts student achievement. Two of this week's articles focused mainly on the current research of how technology effects the learning of all students-- including students with learning disabilities and of low socio-economic status. An article titled //The Impact of Education Technology on Student Achievement// by John Schacter conducts a meta-analysis of research of over 500 individual studies on this topic. The overwhelming conclusion is that students perform better overall (on standardized testing as well as classroom assessments) due to the use of technology as an insructional tool. Another major point the articles emphasize is that computer based curriculum is also having on impact on student self-concept and self-worth. Student achievement is improved because they feel more comfortable and assured with the medium they are using to learn. There is no opportunity to misinterpret what the teacher is saying or to misunderstand. If they are confused about something, they can usually click on a link to get further explanation. Also, computer software can be adjusted to take into account the needs of each individual student.

This week, we also learned about the Universal Design for Learning which uses technology's flexibility and power to meet the needs of all learners, including those with disabilities. With UDL, teachers are able to respond to inividual differences in their classrooms and use technology to help do that. For years, teachers have been asked to modify and accommodate for students with disabilities. Using technology makes this requirement much easier and appropriate for each student to get the individual help or accommodations they require.

In order for any use of technology to be effective, however, teachers must set goals and include students in this process. The reading from our textbook, //Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works//, focuses on setting objectives for student learning and the variety of ways to do that from word processing programs to KWHL charts to graphic organizers. Using such technologies as creating an on-line survey to creating a blog for students, parents, and teachers to access, and even creating a rubric for students to use helps define and specify the goals and objectives for the unit.

As we continue working with our groups, the research about technology and their uses will certainly be used. We are asked to brainstorm this week for ideas on how to address the given scenario for our group project.

Resources:

Source cited: Schacter, J. (1999). //The impact of education technology on student achievement: What the most current research has to say.// Santa Monica, CA: Milken Exchange on Education Technology. Retrieved on October 5, 2009, from http://www.mff.org/pubs/ME161.pdf.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). //Using technology with classroom instruction that works//. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.