Reflection

This blog is going to help me with reflection. Reflection is a significant part of teaching. It is important to think about what worked and what didn't work and why. There are always things to improve upon. Technology can be used in so many ways so it is important to reflect on the different ways I use it and  how others use it that I might want to try. I hope to reflect on all the projects I complete in this class and how they were beneficial or not in my classroom. Reflection helps us grow as individuals so this blog will be a great tool for that purpose. I am going to enjoy receiving feedback on all the projects and on my posts here. Getting feedback from my students about how they use technology will also be an important part of this process.

Technology Article-Quantity vs. Quality

Lei's article discusses that it is far more important to consider the type of technology and how it was used versus how much it was used. A study was shown between technology use and student learning outcomes. In the last ten years the U.S. has invested more than 66 billion dollars in school technology so we should be seeing some major benefits, if it is being used to support student achievement. This article argues that so far there is not enough evidence to support that student achievement has increased by using technology. The way technology is used in education varies from country to country. Two problems are discussed that contribute to the controversy over the relationship of technology to student learning. One is that technology is often examined at a very general level. Another is that there is more of a focus on the quantity of use of technology versus the quality of the technology itself. The study in this article addresses the quantity (time spent on computers daily) and quality of technology used (how technology was used). Student achievement, technology proficiency, and improved learning habits and developmental outcomes were the outcomes of this study. Seventh and eighth grade students participated in the study. Surveys were administered to assess the outcomes. The results are not surprising to me. It isn't the quantity of time spent that counts as much as the quality. That is where our focus should be as educators. This article is valuable to educators in that it reminds us to consider the technology we are integrating: Why did we chose it? What is it's purpose? Will every child benefit from it? Does it increase student achievement? Is it challenging? Is it stimulating? Is it easy to navigate? There are so many other questions to consider. A student could be on the computer all day but it not benefit him at all.

Reference

Lei, J. (2010). Quantity versus Quality: A New Approach to Examine the Relationship between Technology Use and Student Outcomes. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41(3), 455-472. Retrieved from ERIC database.

Introduction

My name is Shadra Tomei Sparling. The purpose of this blog is to describe how I will be using technology in my classroom. I have taught fourth grade for five years and enjoy using technology on a regular basis in my classroom. My goals for this blog are as follows:
1) Show how I can integrate technology with a focus on the quality of the technology, not the quantity.
2) Show that I have learned how to use new types of technology (i.e.-VoiceThread).
3) Show how I have integrated technologies I am already familiar with in new and innovative ways in my classroom (i.e.- ComicLife and MovieMaker). 
4) Collaborate and communicate with others about technology integration.
5) Regularly journal about my classroom experiences with technology.

I appreciate and welcome all ideas and feedback! Thanks for taking time to read my blog! :)

Technology integration

Hello everyone! My name is Shadra Tomei Sparling. I am a fourth grade teacher who loves to use technology in my classroom. This blog is set up to describe how I integrate technology in my classroom. I define technology integration as:

Technology integration is the use of "tools, both hardware (physical) and software, that help us act an think better." Teachers thoughtfully align GPS standards and lessons with technology tools that will enhance the learning experience of students and give them different ways to meet the standard. Electronic tools are used to differentiate instruction and assist students with diverse needs. Technology integration involves student, teacher, school, and parental support. Training and support must be provided in order to have successful technology integration.

References

Egbert, Joy. (2009). Supporting Learning with Technology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Wedding Day Mugshot

This is my husband and I on our wedding day: June 19th, 2010 at Navarre Beach in Florida. :)