After reading these articles I was trying to think of ways that all these technology advances with iphones and ipod touches and cell phones. could relate to the elementary schools. Yes, these advances are compatible with a computer or lab top however, they are still cellular telephones. There were many examples of how these new tools were incorporated into many college campus for students to use. However, I am struggling to think of many positives of introducing these into an elementary school classroom. If we have students using them in college then they need to be educated, but when is it a good time to begin educating students on these new technology advances?
Define mobile computing.
http://wp.nmc.org/horizon2010/chapters/mobile-computing/ ...#7
Define open content or open content- textbooks what do they mean? Give an example and explain in your own words.
http://wp.nmc.org/horizon2010/chapters/open-content/...#4 and #5
I worked for three years with a little boy diagnosed with autism who is also nonverbal (he has apraxia of speech). He was given a large Vantage communication device when he was 5 years old. This mobile device is used so he can effectively communicate his feelings and emotions to those around him. After awhile, though, he came to resent the device, as it made him feel like he stuck out in a crowd because the device is very bulky and heavy. The following year, his mother was able to purchase an iPhone with special software that does pretty much the same thing that the Vantage device did. Not only was he able to communicate via a mobile device, but there were more benefits: he is able to listen to music, watch videos, and is free to move much easier without the bulky communication device. He also uses the iPhone to communicate with his friends at school via the video in the phone. They are able to sign using ASL via video chat, something he was not able to do with the Vantage.
ReplyDeleteWhile his is a special case, this is something I was able to witness firsthand of how technology is able to change people's lives. As this little boy grew older, technology changed and helped him adapt to the challenges in his life better. Working with kindergarten students, they go to Computer specials every week, and so I feel that as soon as they begin learning about computers, as teachers, we should give them any kind of tools which are developmentally appropriate for them to use, technologically speaking. When I think back to the first computer games I played in school (Oregon Trail), it's interesting to see how far technology comes with time. Had it not been for some really great teachers sharing technology with their students back then, I would not have the same background as I do now. Children should be given as many tools as are appropriate for them to build a solid base of technological knowledge. As long as there are teachers willing to find, or even to create, safe websites for learning, I feel children should reap the benefits of the new ways we can use it in the classroom.
Wow Marci that is awesome. To be honest I didn't even think about special education. That is such a good idea and I am suer has so many benefits and advantages for students. What do you think about the money aspect of it? Do you think that the parents are held responsible or school districts or maybe the government?
ReplyDeleteI know for this little boy, his mother had sent away for some kind of monetary aid from New York State, which has a lot of resources compared to other states in the U.S. The cost of his Vantage device is in the thousands, but I'm not sure of the exact amount. I think the school districts should also find some way to help out with this kind of technology, especially in the Special Education sector, but with the budgets bring stretched and so many union workers being laid off, it's a very difficult thing to do.
ReplyDeleteI think that children can start learning about technology in pre-k classrooms. I wouldn't go as far as uding cellphones, but computers are a good start. A computer or laptop can connect the child to may resources and activities. I think that some children may not be ready for technology, but starting small is the key. Keep the project stress free and be there to help the children especially in pre-k. I don't like the idea of having children using cell phones because I don't feel it is appropriate to introduce that at such a young age. There are many other types of technology to introduce the children to.
ReplyDeleteI think that technology is such an innovative way for us to educate our students. It provides so many differnt outlets for students to explore different content and topics instead of simply hearing teachers lecture. At the same time we have to be careful of how we go about introducing technology into our classroom. We have to educate our students on the safe ways to use technology. Also I feel like I would not personally want to bring cell phones into my classroom. I think it would cause more distractions than benefits. And computers/net books/ labtops, all provide many opportunties and websites for students to learn and engage in.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone that technology has many advances for a classroom and it can help students learn in a advanced way. I can see in the near future teachers applying for grants or approach companies such as apple to help them provide technology into the classrooms. As we all become more dependent on technology the younger we will need to incorporate these forms of technology into the classrooms.
ReplyDeleteWhen did you all start taking a computer class in school? I remember my first computer class was in the the second grade and it was a keyboarding class.
My first computer class was in 4th grade, we used to play Oregon Trail (yeah I know I'm old).
ReplyDeleteBy the way, that post by Kieran was me, my boyfriend had logged onto my laptop to check his email and I didn't know he never logged off, so that's where the mystery person has come from.