EmergingEdTech eBook

The EmergingEdTech website contains a free eBook on the most recent deveopments of technology, and how they can be utilized in the classroom. The book itself, is really a plethura of links to any number of sites that contain various information on different types of technology and how they can be implemented. Among the topics I thought were the most fascinating were the use of iPads and smartphones in the classroom. I had some prior knowledge on the implementation of iPads, with many districts using them across the board, even replacing hard copy textbooks. The chapter of the eBook devoted to the iPad provided various examples of how helpful they can be, with links to various studies. Also included were specific ways the iPad can be utilized in schools. One of the coolest things I learned from reading this, was how easy it is to use an iPad as an electronic whiteboard. Links are also provided to websites containing information on how to acquire the cord necessary to hook up the iPad to a projector system. This can prove extremely helpful for special educators, as it gives a sensory tool to use with students, as well as ample opportunity for hand over hand activities.
The other topic I found fascinating was the use of the smart phone in classrooms. This can be a game changer in middle school and high school students. The eBook provides several links to sites containing strategies and other specific information on how to use smart phones to assist in education. This chapter was something of an eye opener for me, as I had never thought about this before. Something that teachers have been fighting for years now, can only be used to aid in learning, but also to keep students engaged. A student is likely to be much more engaged in something that interests him/her. That said, if we use smart phones (whether an iPhone app, or something else) we can win the students' attention back without fighting cell phone use. Some of the information provided in the eBook enlightened me about how many possibilities there are. Reading, writing, mathematics, it is all there. Even Twitter can be an aid in getting students to respond or answer quicker.

Click this Link for my answers to the 3 assigned questions for each chapter of interest

Possibilities...

As this blog comes into fruition, I can see more and more where I might be able to utilize it in the future. Yes, blogs and education can work together for a common good, and I believe our society is headed in such a direction that bloggers such as David Warlick can have  growing impact in years to come. As a preservice teacher I can see infinite possibilities for blog use in my future classroom. Not the least of which include homework assignments, student responses and even blog-based research projects!
Obviously the world we live in is changing. Textbooks are slowly being replaced by tablets, and whiteboards are giving way to smart boards. If we as educators are going to make a complete shift toward technology in the classroom, I think using a blog in the classroom is a no-brainer. In conjunction with other newfound technological goodies blogs put many things in the student's hands that kids tend to enjoy. When the student has to make a blog post for homework, it is much more appetizing than many of the alternatives.

Inquiry-Based and Project-Based Learning

This is the first of many posts on this blog in which I hope to highlight some important aspects of my learning in this class. That said, my Unit Plan has highlighted the importance of inquiry-based learning (IBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) through exploring the different levels of Bloom's Taxonomy as well as Gardener's Multiple Intelligences. Both of these learning concepts involve an emphasis on the student's individual learning experience, and puttin gthe student in charge of his/her learning outcome. In order for a student to learn effectively from my Essential Question (EQ) and my Unit Questions (UQ), it is paramount that IBL and PBL be implemented. to ask the question of
"what makes a good citizen?" without requiring of the students to investigate and delve intothe topic themselves would be silly. This EQ covers such a broad range of topics within one subject, and is a subject so relevent to children learning in today's society. Clearly while society may tell the student one definition of a good citizen, it is truly up to the individual to discover for his/herself what being a good citizen means to them.

EQ: What makes a good citizen?

UQ: What are some things a person should know about his/her country?

UQ: What can people do to avoid water shortages?

UQ:Why is good sportsmanship important?