Comments for Technology in Learning

Comment on Going Global With Alan November (Nov. 27) by gadgetwoman

gadgetwoman — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:14:27 +0000

You’ve nailed it on the head with the “interpret”….in my opinion we talk a great “game”–with lofty goals but until the day a principal is comfortable saying “the SOLs are NOT our sole indicator of success” and we provide teachers with formative assessment tools that are NOT multiple choice—but receive more emphasis than the multiple choice tools we are currently providing them with; nothing will change. Bravo to you for starting the dialog with the teachers.

Comment on Copyright in the Classroom (Oct. 16) by gadgetwoman

gadgetwoman — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 02:16:12 +0000

Lots of “ifs” here–if the excerpt is less than 10% and there’s an “immediate need” then you’re probably OK—if it’s something you do every year–then you probably need to ask permission.

Comment on Web2.0 in the Classroom (Oct. 16) by timstahmer

timstahmer — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:49:14 +0000

For many teachers the best way to get them using new technologies is to show them a very personal application. We got them to look at mail merge by using Christmas card lists and labels. They started using email after we showed them how they could communicate with their kids in college. We need to find some personal ways of using these tools.

Comment on Project Rubric (Oct. 9) by Tim

Tim — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:49:41 +0000

Very good. It looks like a lot of thought went into your rubric.

I only have a couple of suggestions. First, you may want to revise or simplify the language in your descriptors. Some of it may be a little vague for 6th graders. Remember that this is intended to be a set of guidelines for the students in addition to a grading tool for the teacher.

Second, a couple of your categories are a little subjective. For example, I’m not sure how you would quantify “creativity” and, more importantly, describe how you applied the rubric to the student.

Comment on Blogs in the Classroom (Oct. 1) by Sue Powell

Sue Powell — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:09:15 +0000

Thanks for a concise review of this article and for the rationale for using blogs in instruction. I am struggling to understand the value of this forum – but I am encouraged by what you discovered in your article.

Comment on Blogs in the Classroom (Oct. 1) by mfabrams

mfabrams — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 18:21:02 +0000

When used effectively, blogs can be effective tools for students. But I must emphasize my started words “When used effectively”.

Teachers must become engaged in the technology and the process of blogging. I have started exploring this method through Blackboard with several of my teachers and have found most say “blog – what is a blog.” As technology leaders, we must provide the foundation that will guide many of the teachers over the technology hump when blogging. In addition, many administrators and county officials need not to react negatively when using this “tool” as well.

MySpace has created such a negative perspective for all internet related tools. We may have to work twice as hard to overcome the objection just to get to the true objective.

The use of text messaging symbols in rough drafts is another method being frowned upon by some when it has been presented. As instructors, our goal is to reach and then teach. Text messaging tools are just another method to get students involved.
I believe it can be used to help students express themselves. However many do not share my feelings but I’ll keep pushing. Someone’s going to catch on.

Comment on Instructional Technology (Sept. 25) by Moe H.

Moe H. — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:55:39 +0000

TO: Technology in Learning
I liked your ideas to incorporate technology into curriculums and lessons.
Moe H.

Comment on Instructional Technology (Sept. 25) by mfabrams

mfabrams — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:48:21 +0000

I can recall these days. For my time, interactivity was the Oregon Trail on TRS-80 computers. The technology was new and quick to bond to. It was exciting and refreshing to use. The impact you refer to is larger and continues to be larger today. I believe it continues to grow and may have exceeded the initial expectations it was designed for.

Comment on Instructional Technology (Sept. 25) by ixtapan

ixtapan — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:20:39 +0000

“Let’s take the lead from our students. Listen and learn what technology they are using at home, a friend’s house, the library, or in other classes. Then, see how that technology can be brought into the classroom to enrich our lessons.”

Well said – and I agree 100 percent! This generation will be the first generation to benefit from the spectrum of technology in our world today and in the future. Our grandparents had their horizons expanded by the motor vehicle and now their great grandchildren will use all kinds of 21st century technology to expand their horizons!

Comment on Instructional Technology (Sept. 25) by LRupp

LRupp — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 04:01:05 +0000

Nice Job! You are right, when I think back to my elementary education – What I remember are the couple of hands-on activities we actually created. Not only that but if our students today leave us without having good technology skills, then they are at a big disadvantage compared to other students and we haven’t done our jobs!