Monday June 19, 2006
Concept Mapping
Description:
A concept map is a special form of a web diagram for exploring knowledge and gathering and sharing information. They are also used to develop an understanding of given information. It is an extremely useful tool in the classroom. The teachers can actually see if the students understand key concepts. Teachers can use concepts maps to learn the students? prior knowledge and they process information. Concept maps look like a big web connecting different ideas. Students are now able to complete concept maps using computer software. Most concept maps software are free to educators and can simple be downloaded to the computer. The students are able to use the mouse to move the circles/nods around and connect each concept to the correct term. Then students are required to explain the relationship between the two terms. This ensures to the teacher that the students understand and are obtaining the needed knowledge.
Key Findings:
Concepts maps enable the students to control their own learning. In Royer article, a teacher argued that there was no one right way of designing a concept map. The students were just required to relate the correct terms to the different concepts. Royer also stated, ?if used properly concept mapping activities can engage students in learning.? The articles focused on using handhelds, but concept maps can also be used on computer, laptops, and even tablet pcs. The article also pointed an important fact, that concept maps should not considered only graphic organizers?remember the students are required to link related terms.
I am astonished that I did not know about concept mapping before this class. I sometimes use thinking maps or graphic organizer but never thought about using concept maps. Concept mapping really helped me understand the articles and see the relationship between the terms. It also ensured that I was learning the information?I was forced to think. Many times student will fill in a graphic organizer without thinking. They will look for subheadings in their readings and think they are the correct answers. I think concept mapping will become a fun tool for the students because they love using anything with technology. They hate the standard lecturing and note taking. If they were given the opportunity to use this software, I know their reading level and comprehension would increase.
Integration:
I can see myself using concept maps in both my Civics and Economics and African American classes. Civics is an required EOC class and the students have to learn over 300 terms in a semester. Concept mapping would extremely be helpful for them because they are not only memorizing the terms but will also be able to apply it to different concepts?which is how the EOC is made.
I can see myself using concept mapping during my primary sources reading in my African American History class. I require my students to read various slave narratives and other primary sources. At times that do not understand the readings but hopefully through the usage of concept mapping?it will make it easier for them.
Posted at 08:54PM Jun 19, 2006 by BERRY, LATOYA in General | Comments[0]
Simulations
Description
The use of simulated activities in education is widely becoming recognized as an important tool in schools. Teachers and students are now able to use simulation computer software to teach different subject matters. Simulations are ?hands-on? so that students become participants, not just listener or observers. Basically a simulation is an interactive computer program that replicates some real world object or process. Simulations can also been seen as educational games-such as banking or playing the stock market.
Key Findings:
Simulations are constantly used in science and math classes, but can also be used in other disciplines of study. William Dwyer analyzes the usage and benefits of using science simulations. His study proved that simulations can be used effectively in ?preinstructional and exploratory activities.? The article stated it can be good tool to reinforce learned materials. The teacher can verbally and visually give notes on the subject, but then let the students participate in a simulation. The students are able to apply what they learned to the simulation---further helping the students memorize the information.
The article found that overall performance levels increased through the usage of simulations. This article focused a simulation called Exploring Nardoo-which simulated different ecosystems. Teachers can now use this program to show the negative effect of pollution on different ecosystems. Teacher constantly explain the importance of pollution, but it does not spike the student interest. However, students will care, once they experience the simulation and really see the damages caused by pollution. Students retain more information if they actually experience it or participate in it hand on.
Integration:
I definitely see the benefits of using simulations in the classroom. Typically I require the children to write a skit and act it out in front of the class. However I can now take their love for computers and integrate simulation software within the lessons. I currently teach a unit on investment options, which include information on the stock market. The students have a hard time learning the concepts of the stock market. I give them various examples on the board. But they really do not understand it, until I introduce them to an online computer simulation of the stock market.
The students are given 10,000 dollars to invest in various stocks. The computer game use real stock value and costs. A competition begins between each student to see who has the most money. The students will be able to experience the highs and lows of investing in stock. The students will monitor their stock purchases for a two week period. In the end, I will see who has the most money and invested wisely. I will also grade each stock purchases?all students will be required to purchase at least four different stock options. It is very important that the students document daily activates of their different stock.
The students will be required to turn in a stock portfolio on each of their stock purchases. This way the students will research different companies and in real life one day invest in stock.
Posted at 08:25PM Jun 19, 2006 by BERRY, LATOYA in General | Comments[0]
Educational Simulations
Description
The use of simulated activities in education is widely becoming recognized as an important tool in schools. Teachers and students are now able to use simulation computer software to teach different subject matters. Simulations are ?hands-on? so that students become participants, not just listener or observers. Basically a simulation is an interactive computer program that replicates some real world object or process. Simulations can also been seen as educational games-such as banking or playing the stock market.
Key Findings:
Simulations are constantly used in science and math classes, but can also be used in other disciplines of study. William Dwyer analyzes the usage and benefits of using science simulations. His study proved that simulations can be used effectively in ?preinstructional and exploratory activities.? The article stated it can be good tool to reinforce learned materials. The teacher can verbally and visually give notes on the subject, but then let the students participate in a simulation. The students are able to apply what they learned to the simulation---further helping the students memorize the information.
The article found that overall performance levels increased through the usage of simulations. This article focused a simulation called Exploring Nardoo-which simulated different ecosystems. Teachers can now use this program to show the negative effect of pollution on different ecosystems. Teacher constantly explain the importance of pollution, but it does not spike the student interest. However, students will care, once they experience the simulation and really see the damages caused by pollution. Students retain more information if they actually experience it or participate in it hand on.
Integration:
I definitely see the benefits of using simulations in the classroom. Typically I require the children to write a skit and act it out in front of the class. However I can now take their love for computers and integrate simulation software within the lessons. I currently teach a unit on investment options, which include information on the stock market. The students have a hard time learning the concepts of the stock market. I give them various examples on the board. But they really do not understand it, until I introduce them to an online computer simulation of the stock market.
The students are given $10,000 dollars to invest in various stocks. The computer game use real stock value and costs. A competition begins between each student to see who has the most money. The students will be able to experience the highs and lows of investing in stock. The students will monitor their stock purchases for a two week period. In the end, I will see who has the most money and invested wisely. I will also grade each stock purchases?all students will be required to purchase at least four different stock options. It is very important that the students document daily activates of their different stock.
The students will be required to turn in a stock portfolio on each of their stock purchases. This way the students will research different companies and in real life one day invest in stock.
Posted at 08:21PM Jun 19, 2006 by BERRY, LATOYA in General | Comments[0]
Tablet PC
Tablet PC?s
Description:
Tablet PC?s have recently became popular in the
Key Findings:
Tablet PCs are very useful in the classroom. In fact,
Many manufactures have developed educational software for Tablet PCs users. According to Godsall, physics and math students can buy software that enables them to draw formulas on the tablets. This type of technology is not available with laptops or computers. The article also found that many teachers such as Eleanor Brown, found tablet pc helpful in keeping her students? attention. The pen allowed her to highlight and circle important information for the students.
The company Microsoft has started a advertisement campaign for the usage of Tablet PCs in college. The company pushes the fact that Tablet PC can now become the college students? book bag. If every thing become digitalize?the students will be able to download all information their tablet and also take notes?reducing the usage of paper and carrying a book bag.
Integration:
High school students are very much unorganized and can not keep up with their notes or work I pass out. I would definitely use the tablet to help my students get organize. The students would only be required to bring a tablet pc to class. The students would take all class notes on their tablet pc and I would electronically worksheets to the students. Therefore no paper would be required and everything in the class become digitalize. In return the students would electronically send their completed work to me for grading. I return all of their graded work to them.
Each tablet will be checked for organization. The students should have different folders set up for homework, notes, and written assignment. Hopefully good organization will help the students become more successful in class. Because of organization the students will probably be able to study for their tests better than before.
The students will also be required to prepare presentations on assigned subject matter. The tablet pc will enable the students to use power point and internet for their presentations. I will grade the students on their effectiveness use the tablet in preparing their presentations. The students will be required to use different features of the tablet in their presentations such as educational software and the ink enabled application.
Posted at 07:33PM Jun 19, 2006 by BERRY, LATOYA in General | Comments[0]
GPS and Geocaching
GPS and Geocaching
Description:
Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system. This particular tool was original used for military usage but recently it has become an educational resource tool. Teachers especially used the tool in an activity called Geocaching. Geocaching is basically a high tech treasure hunt for anyone who is interested in participating in the activity.
Key findings:
Lynn Lary provided several examples of the usefulness of GPS and Geocaching in the classroom. Lary was able to use GPS in her math class---the students had to think about what a degree is in relation to miles. The GPS tool enabled them to interact with each coordinate and find the correct answers. The students no longer needed to use a boring atlas or textbook but instead participated actively in finding their answers. I also liked her usage of GPS in the lesson on longitude and latitude. I remember using a store bought world globe but now the students were able to learn the activity through completing a treasure hunt.
The author reminded us that GPS is only a tool not the lesson itself. The students still have to think to find the correct answers. This is especially necessary in geocaching- a high tech treasure hunt. In order for the students to locate the next coordinates, they must answer each question correctly. GPS and geocaching really makes learning fun for the students?especially the competitive students.
Integrating GPS and Geocaching:
GPS and Geocaching can be very useful in social studies. I currently teach Civics and Economics and African American history. I found many times that students can not locate simple things on the map. Students in my Civics and Economics class can not name and locate all thirteen colonies. However, even after I taught thirteen colonies?the students still have trouble memorizing the states. I think the usage of GPS and geocaching could help solve this problem. I would give my students notes and the thirteen colonies and allow them to watch the movie National Treasure (this help set up my geocaching activity). Once we are finish with the movie, I will make a geocache activity about the thirteen colonies and the locations of each state. The first group that solves the mystery will be rewarded with extra credit on their quiz.
I could also do a similar activity in my African American class (I also teach about the thirteen colonies in this class). I usually take my students on a field trip to Stagville Plantation. I could plan a treasure hunt on the actually plantation for the students. The students would broken down in groups of five and given a GPS device. At each stop the students will be required to answer the clue in order to obtain the next set of coordinates. The clues will contain exam questions, therefore preparing each group for the Unit test.
I think both of these lessons will engage all of my students and make learning fun for them. They can actually see how useful technology is and at the same time learn about the subject matter. Studies have shown that students obtain more information if they actually enjoy or relate to what they are learning.
Posted at 06:43PM Jun 19, 2006 by BERRY, LATOYA in General | Comments[0]
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