Educational Software Models

Question:

We have looked at three very different types of computer software used in education (drill/tutoring; teacher-directed inquiry; and constructivist, student-directed inquiry). How do you see possibly using them in your classroom? Do you gravitate to one type versus another? Why? Or how might you coordinate the different types of software?

Response:

As a former English teacher, I have used both direct instruction and a constructivist student-centered approach to my teaching. However, I have never used any type of educational software in my classes. If I did have the opportunity to use such teaching aides, I would probably like to work with a program that incorporated a little bit of all three models: drill and tutoring, teacher-directed inquiry, and constructivist/student-directed inquiry. I believe that all three have value if used with the correct learning outcome or the concept to be learned.

For example, as an English teacher, I have to teach writing and literature. In my teaching of writing, I often focus on making sure that students understand writing as a formula: introduction, body, conclusion and revision, etc. I also need to make sure that students understand the basic elements of grammar/parts of speech before they attempt to write. I believe that the understanding of basic grammar allows students to self-edit, revise their work, and think about how and why they are writing what they are writing. Questions like does this sentence make sense? To what or whom is this pronoun referring to? Etc. In this case, an educational program that helped review, through repetitive practice is something that I would find valuable because students need to practice seeing and using “proper” grammar before they can become better writers.

Additionally, an educational software program that incorporated both teacher-directed inquiry and constructivist student-directed inquiry would also be of value. I believe that most constructivist student-directed inquiry educational software programs must have some level of direct instruction in order for them to be successful. It may be an instructional mini-lesson but if it is giving a lesson about a concept or topic it is still direct instruction.

I also believe in the value of a student-directed inquiry model but only when it is facilitated by a teacher. Students today are very used to multi-tasking, are easily bored and distracted, therefore leaving them alone to “discover knowledge” without direction is not a good idea. This would especially be the case for those students who need scaffolds and differentiated coaching or assistance. As educators, we cannot assume that all students learn in the same fashion or rate but must always offer them a variety of ways to achieve and be successful.

All in all, I do gravitate toward one method or another depending on what I want the student to learn. Therefore, my teaching style is very versatile depending on the situation, student, or concept that I need to teach. I would coordinate the different types of educational software depending on what I needed to accomplish at the time and the best approach to teach such concept(s).

Kaiser Family Foundation Study

The Kaiser Family Foundation study was a real eye opener for me especially the number of hours that kids spend using non-academic technology like cell phones, texting, video games, and Facebook. I know that kids today are well immersed in technology and are often referred to as "digital natives" and I think that as educators we can tap into their love of technology to enhance their learning in the classroom. Kids today can multi-task better than most adults and learn about technology with better ease than adults. However, as I mentioned in a previous blog post, (January 27, 2010: New York Time's Education section called If Your Kids Are Awake, They’re Probably Online), I do not believe that such multi-tasking and full technological immersion is all that good for kids especially when it affects their education both personal and academic.

Human beings are social beings and need human interaction in order to grow spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, etc. People often use personal social interaction, body language, and social cues to better understand themselves and others. Through social interaction people tend to learn about compassion, empathy, love, trust, and kindness. What I fear most about people's technological immersion is that people may be losing their perspective on what is "real" and becoming less sensitive to the issues of the "real" world. I do not believe that what we need to be fully human, good, honest, kind, compassionate, and respectable citizens, mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons can be learned through artificial media and technology. Like everything in life, kids need balance and I believe that only through balance will we all become better human beings. What I believe to be missing from the excessive use of non-academic technology among kids today is the human factor that allows for personal sociability and growth.

In terms of educational technology, I am all for technology in the classroom as long as it is appropriate. I do not agree that educators should incorporate technology just to include it in the curriculum and wow parents and school boards. Educational technology should support the curriculum, state learning standards, and enhance student learning. I believe that kids today must be exposed to technology but they also need to learn how to interact with others on a personal level that does not involve a computer if they are to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Sources:

Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-Year-Olds. A Kaiser Family Foundation Study. January 2010. http://www.kff.org/entmedia/upload/8010.pdf

Response to: New York Time's Education section called If Your Kids Are Awake, They’re Probably Online

I just finished reading the article in the New York Time's Education section called If Your Kids Are Awake, They’re Probably Online (site link http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/20/education/20wired.html).

The article discussed the growing social networking technology usage among kids: texting, video games, YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc. and how this increase affects their socialization. I think that what technology is doing to our kids is making them better multi-taskers. However, is this really a good thing? Does multi-tasking help or hinder us? Is the human brain capable of juggling five things at once and actually completing them all without error? Think about texting and driving. Research has shown that human beings are incapable of doing both without injuring or killing themselves or others. We just cannot give everything our 100% attention while multi-tasking.

Perhaps I am not thinking broad enough or over generalizing the issue, but I have witnessed kids "studying" while listening to their iPods, signing along, and texting. I understand that I am of a different generation, and thus, will probably never understand or even become as efficient a multi-tasker as our digital natives. However, as a teacher, I have seen the product quality of what kids actually turn in decline more and more over the years. I have also witnessed the growing detachment that kids have toward adults and society. I have witnessed them shrug at human loss, natural disasters, bullying, etc. It is as if they cannot empathize with the world around them or even see themselves as part of the world.

Now, is this just a "natural stage" for the young? Perhaps. Am I turning into my mother? I hope not! I know that teenagers can be very self-centered and can sometimes not see beyond their own realities but what about self-centered adults who cannot empathize either? Can we blame technology? The media? Or our society in general? Perhaps, we have all reach a stage or era called, "The _ell with it!"

I guess my question is how can we use technology to draw kids and adults in toward a community i.e., family, education, social activism, etc.? How can we use technology to help kids become critical thinkers, information literate, and ethical and responsible citizens? How can we bridge the growing gap between kids and adults? Parents and children? Can we bridge this gap with technology? Or, should we turn off all technology and reach out to one another in a more personal way? I understand that for some technology is a way of reaching out to others. However, I do also believe that there needs to be a balance between the human connection and the technological connection.

Sources:

New York Time's Education section called If Your Kids Are Awake, They’re Probably Online (site link http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/20/education/20wired.html).

Philosophy of Education

After re-reading my ten-year old philosophy of education statement, I realized that it has changed but not much. My old statement focused on teaching students the value of community, social responsibility, and diversity through literature. Today, I still believe in teaching students to value social responsibility, diversity, and the notion of community. I believe it is important for students to see themselves as more than just individuals, but as part of something larger, something better, greater. I believe that we as a society have been programmed to go about our lives each day like robots needing to get the "job" done, whatever that job may be. This type of thinking allows us not to see how all the parts fit together and thus makes us look at life and each other as less valuable, less human.

Teachers and librarians today can instill the values of social responsibility in students by finding ways to engage and involve them in the learning process. One way to do this is through the use of technology. Technology in education is not new but a growing trend. Today, students can communicate with people all around the world. What was once small and local is now large and global. Technology in education allows students the opportunity to get involved in the world. Teachers and librarians can help students by teaching them how to become information literate and ethical users of technology and information by creating research-based and project-based learning opportunities involving technology. By doing so, teachers and librarians allow students to go beyond the old Power Point and poster presentations and become invested in their own thinking and learning.

Sources:

Munroe, Randall. XKCD: A webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language. Date Accessed 17 January, 2010. http://xkcd.com/220/

New Dove Commercial for Parents

Hello Everyone:

I am back after a short break. I hope that you all are well. I have been catching up on my emails and blogs and have come across this new Dove Self-esteem YouTube video. I think it is great for parents, teachers, and all of us. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=321Kb8pBu5s&feature=player_embedded

Farewell and Congratulations

As we come to our last LIS 725 class, I just want to thank everyone for their awesome blogs, class discussion, and great workshops. I have enjoyed working with you all and will miss your blogs and class discussions. I look forward to seeing those of you who, like me, still have a few more classes to go. I wish you all the very best!

As for me, I have learned and read so much this summer while taking four classes (LIS 716, 773, 724, & 725) that I cannot even begin to jot it all down. My head is flowing with copyright, collaboration, RTI, NCLB, collection mapping, differentiation, assessments, reading strategies, grant writing, blogging, wikis, websites, voice threads, online tutorials, interviews with SLMS, collection development, leadership, and on, and on, I can go. I feel like this summer has been a super-crash course on what being a librarian truly means. And fortunately, I still want to continue. I truly feel up to the challenge of being a School Library Media Specialist and I look forward to someday working with you all again in some capacity. Good luck to you!

Local Author & Illustrator Showcase - September 12, 2009

Hello Everyone:

I just wanted to share this event with you. I cannot attend because I will be taking my content test that day but perhaps you can pass on the information to your friends!

Center for Teaching through Children’s Books

In partnership with

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

– Illinois Chapter (SCBWI-Illinois)

Present the

Local Author & Illustrator Showcase

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

10:00am – 12: 00pm

National-Louis University - North Shore Campus

5202 Old Orchard Road, Suite 300

Skokie, IL 60077-4409

Exit 35 at Old Orchard Road, Just west of I-94, Free Parking

Third Floor – Room #353 Public Forum Room

Bring your friends; RSVP with number of expected attendees to CTCB@nl.edu

Junko Yokota (http://JYokota@nl.edu) & Gail Bush (Gail.Bush@nl.edu)

The Center for Teaching through Children’s Books is dedicated to excellence in teaching with quality children’s literature.

Thank you for respecting our scent-free environment.
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ISLMANET-L is hosted by the Early Childhood and Parenting (ECAP) Collaborative at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.