Chapters 9 - 10

1. How does this tie in with what we have learned so far?
I feel that this is the icing on the cake, as it connects to everything. Technology is very important in the learning process. We learned about the positive effects of multimedia at the beginning of the semester. The benefits of technology are countless. Most of the programs described coincide with those themes. We also learned about the importance of motivation. The chapters explained several ways to include technology and enhance real-world situations. These real-world experiences promote motivation and the transfer of knowledge. We also know that deep-processing and personal connections promote better understanding. All of the these things take place when using the programs described.

2. What am I still not clear on?
I understand the reading, but as I continued to read, I grew more and more overwhelmed of what I could do in my classroom. I wanted to jump in and start using some of these great programs, but I knew that I simply could not do that. I also began to think about scheduling as I grew interested in these activities. We all know that adding something new means that something old must be removed. Wow! I feel so pressured about what I need to get done each year. I know that with time, I could modify these activities so that they included more of the needed skills. I think that starting small is the only way to go.

3. How will I incorporate this in my teaching?
I was very interested in the Project GLOBE activity. This had children of all ages learning about their environment and communities by taking responsibility for researching and answering questions. I would like to try to implement some of the concepts of this project in my own room. I think that I would make this a student-centered project. The students should decide what questions need answered in our community. We would spend a great deal of time on the planning aspect of this unit, but I think it would be beneficial.