Technology+Issues

 **Technology to support higher order thinking (11/12/09)**

1. How can technology be used to support higher-order thinking?

Technology can be used in many different ways that promotes higher-order thinking. It can be used to expand the minds of children by having them learn things in new and fresh ways. The advance of technology exist specifically for us to learn more knowledge. It makes you think out of the box and not think along the same line that we would usually think. Technology also allows for abstract thoughts by solving problems and learning concepts in ways that were not thought of 20 years ago.

2. Give an example of a technology that supports higher-order thinking and be specific in describing HOW it supports higher-order thinking.

An example of technology that supports higher-order thinking is the use of blogs in the classroom. Blogs in the classroom gives students a chance to interact with peers through writing outside of the classroom. It gives students a chance to share ideas in a non-academic setting which will encourage them to share all ideas and not feel restricted. It also gives teachers a chance to be more creative with assignments and communicate with their students in a different setting. It can provide the students a chance to let the teacher know how well they are understanding concepts that are being taught.


 * Using Technology to Affirm Diversity (11/19/09)**

1. How can technology be used to affirm diversity?

Technology can be used to affirm diversity in many different ways especially in the classroom. One of the main ways in through the use of various website that promote and work to teach diversity to students. Through websites, students can hear audio clips of people from different countries speaking. This will introduce the students to hearing a new accent or way of talking that is probably different from their own. Students can also view pictures of people from different cultures to see the clothing style and compare/contrast it to their own. Also, through various websites and pictures the students can be opened up to new environments that they haven't seen.

2. Give an example of technology that affirms diversity and be specific in describing how it affirms to diversity.

An specific example of technology that affirms diversity is the language converters that are online and even in books. You can go to a number of websites that will convert hundreds of languages word by word, or even in paragraphs. The main example that I have used in the past is google language tools. You just enter your current language and the one you want to translate too with the text and it translates. It may not be 100% accurate but its pretty close. This could be helpful in communicating with students of a different language and also their parents.


 * Response to** **News and Notes podcast (11/19/09)**

1. How may a lack of access to technology impact a school or classroom?

A lack of access of technology impacts a school or classroom in many ways. Kids in schools are asking for technology. Without having technology in a classroom it blocks out students learning about the outside world and all the developments that are happening. Technology gives some kids a reason to come to keep coming to school and not drop out. The reason is they will have the opportunity to learn things that are way beyond their level or learning. Technology provides the students with the ability to see what others are doing and what they can be doing in the future. Without it in the classrooms, they wouldn't get that same effect.

2. What are some ways to increase the technology in your classroom?

Ways to increase technology in your classroom is using various resources that are available that not many people know about. Getting grants from the federal government is a main way to increase technology in the classroom. They have specific loans and grants that are just to get more technology into schools that would not able to afford it. Some others ways to increase technolgy is to know that technology can pave the way for students in the future. Schools have to know the reason why they are spending money and realize that technology is moving at a rapid pace and their students need to be at the same pace. having the thought that technology can pave the way for the future of the students.

3. List some strategies for increasing students’ access to technology in your future classroom.

In my classroom, I would do everything to ensure my students had access to technology in the future. In the classroom, I will use the various grants set aside for technology and even get help from the local community. Also, I will provide students with resources at home if they need their parents to invest in technology. For example the parent purchases, where parents get things at a discount when its for the students use in school. Another example is computer for schools, I will tell my students if you have old computers that you don't use donate them to this organization and someone in your classroom may even be able to use. Then, I will encourage parents to look online for the free office programs that are a lot like microsoft but free. These opportunities will encourage parents to have the same technology for their child outside the classroom, thats inside of the classroom. I will be sure that all my students have a fair access to technology.