Chapter 8 Section 4

1.     Why is it important for teachers to teach students to think critically?

It is important for teachers to teach students to think critically so they can judge if something is true or false and decide what belief or action to take.  

2.     What is the difference between spreadsheets and databases?

The difference between a spreadsheet and database is the spreadsheet is more of the tools used to organize numerical information where as the database is the collection of the numerical information.

3.     What are two ways that spreadsheets are powerful tools?

Spreadsheets are powerful tools because they are dynamic which means the data can be changed and the totals will automatically recalculate. They also allow business to predict future conditions.

4.     In what way is an electronic database a powerful tool?

An electronic database is a powerful tool because it allows you to search for information quickly.

5.     Explain five ways that using spreadsheets or databases can make you more productive as a teacher?

Five ways that using spreadsheets or databases can make you more productive as a teacher are, one; providing contextual learning. If you have students use these formats in the classroom over real-world issues they are more likely to use them in their own lives to solve problems. Secondly, they promote higher levels of thinking. Based on the way these forms of technology are set up they aid students in understanding math and science concepts, solving problems, interpreting patterns and trends, and engaging in historical inquiry. Third, they aid in assessing student learning.  Through using charts and graphs it is easy to track student progress. Fourth, they can assist in analyzing teaching performance. If the charts and graphs you construct of student outcomes are all showing low scores. That might be a sign that you as a teacher need to reflect and think of how to improve the lesson plan. Finally, they make administrative tasks such as mail merging easier. If you have all your student info entered you can quickly send out memos, permission slips or student awards.

Assignment 2.3 Section 11

1.     List each step of the ASSURE model of lesson planning and briefly tell what you as a teacher will need to describe in that part of a lesson.

The first step is to analyze learners; as a teacher I will need to be aware of who my audience is. The second step is state objective, as a teacher I will have to state to the class what we will accomplish in the lesson and what I will be doing that day. The third step is select methods, media and materials, as a teacher I will assess what method of teaching will be the most appropriate and what media and materials will help create an environment in which my students to comprehend. The fourth step is to utilize media and materials, as a teacher I will use the media and materials I have chosen to help demonstrate the lesson plan. The fifth step is to require learner participation; as a teacher I will do an assignment, asks questions or see if anyone needs helps to ensure all students understand the new material. The sixth step is evaluating and revise, as a teacher I will see how the lesson plan worked for the topic and if the students accomplished the learning objective.   

2.     Why are Bloom’s Taxonomy and key verbs from this taxonomy so important when writing learning objectives? 

Key verbs associated with each level of thinking are words that you will want to include in the task or behavior part of your objectives. The more you can use these key verbs in your learning objectives, particularly from the highest levels of thinking; you will be including many of the 21st century skills that students should be able to use, particularly when students use technology in the classroom.

Assignment 2.1 Section 5

1. Name the four major theories of learning and address the following questions for each theory:  Behaviorist, Directed Instruction, Cognitive Learning and Constructivism

a. How does this theory describe learning?

 Behaviorist Learning: Knowledge that is transmitted from one person to the next

Directed Instruction: teachers present instruction, provide an opportunity for students to practice learning, and then give feedback

Cognitive Learning: learning by focusing on the mental processes, or cognitive skills, such as thinking, memory, knowing, and problem-solving

Constructivism:  learning is constructed in the student’s mind

b. How does the teacher shape learning?

In Behaviorist Learning the teacher discovers the best consequences, positive or negative, that will shape behavior. In Directed Instruction the teacher shapes learning through giving information and then an opportunity for students to practice and ask questions. In Cognitive Learning the teacher helps students learn by letting them focus and practice different skills. In Constructivism the teacher helps students learn through giving the student an opportunity to think and practice with his own knowledge.

c. What are two types of technology that support this view of learning?

Two types of technology that supports Behaviorist Learning are computer assisted instruction and PowerPoints. Two types of technology that support Directed Instruction are watching tutorials and drill and practice software. Two types of technology that are used for Cognitive Learning are simulations and concept maps. Two types of technology that are used for Constructivism is power points and a smart board.

2. Briefly describe at least nine major categories that you should consider when differentiating instruction for different types of learners. Explain how technology could be used to provide some form of differentiated instruction in each of these categories.

1. Learning style: is how the learner prefers to read, how they prefer to receive the information

2. Intelligence Preference: Students may have multiple intelligences that teachers should be aware of

3. Gender: Researchers have found that members of gender tend to use computers                              differently.

4. Culture: Teachers should consider the context of the material, the students level of preparation and the appropriate use of collaboration among students.

5. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: This disorder is commonly diagnosed with kids and some of the symptoms are lack of being able to pay attention, hyperactivity and impulse behavior. This makes it difficult for students to pay attention but there are strategies and medicine teachers can try for them to be successful in the classroom.

6. Index of Inclusiveness: Teachers should make the materials include representations of many group of students, including those in the classroom.

7. Universal Design for Learning: Meeting the Needs of All Learners: teachers should be able to customize and personalize learning activities to address student’s diverse learning styles, working strategies, and their abilities to use tools and resources

8. Grouping Students: Facilitating Meaningful Learning: Grouping is one way teachers can work with the multiple intelligences of students, this is one way to personalize learning for the student

9. Assistive Technologies: Students with Physical Challenges: is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.