Week #3

The Role of Gender in the Design of Electronic Learning Environments for Children

"The Role of Gender in the Design of Electronic Learning Environments for Children." Center for Children & Technology. 01 Aug. 2001. Web. 19 Aug. 2010. .

Summary:
This piece of literature specifically addresses the role of gender in designing electronic learning environments for children. The article specifically states that games can play a major role in the development of children’s attitudes toward computers. The problem being, that these games are geared more particularly towards boys. Realizing that the computer game industry for girls is an untapped resource many companies today are gearing up towards the manufacturing of the “pink” software that has taken over store aisles and captured girls attention everywhere. Although, these games are now being distributed they pertain more to the stereotypical female interests such as fashion and dating. This article begins to focus’ on the development of the optimum electronic environment, one that entices both boys and girls.

Reaction:
This article points out a great dilemma. These games that introduce children to the virtual world of computers are highly marketed to boys. The games must be diversified in order to entice both boys and girls to enable them to become fully immersed in technology equally. I like how the article states that in order to find out this information one must study how people relate to technology and the differences within the relationship. We must accomplish this by imagining new virtual environments. This is a great idea! “Our findings indicate how to develop engaging games and learning environments for diverse learners.” This is a great concept. As I browse through my local grocery store and hit the electronics you see the mass amounts of “shoot em’ up” style games geared almost solely for the male population. This enhibits the excitement of technology for the boys. In turn, It more importantly gains negative feed back from the girls. Trying to create the happy medium between the two is a great alternative to keep both boys and girls engaged in technology and these new learning experiences.

Week#2

Assistive Devices Help Challenged Kids Get the Most From Learning


http://courses.wwu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_19898_1%26url%3D

Summary:


Students come in many different shapes, sizes, and types. This article entails an informative overview of how challenged students of today’s diverse classrooms are furthering their education and getting the most from their learning through assistive technology devices. These technologies allow students access to literally thousands of devices to help make learning easier. The article not only talks about students that use these technological advances, but the parents of these students as well. The article then goes into great detail about just a few the devices that the students are using in the classrooms. There are also links provided where you can find some of these helpful devices if you want to further your knowledge of them. The article talks about how many technology companies today are turning towards research and development of these assistive devices. Most of the programs developed are compatible with a personal computer running programs such as windows. The article also states that there is a downside to the technologies. The downside is that if rigorous training is not implemented then the programs are a bust. It is stated that the least effective programs in the classrooms are the ones that the teachers are not familiar with.


Reaction:


It seems today that the big stress in education is diversity. Today’s classroom is much more diverse than twenty years ago. It is our job as teachers to cater to each and every student in the greatest way possible. We must differential our lessons and classroom activities to the greatest degree achievable. This article depicts a great example of many different ways we can execute our goals in the diverse classroom setting. I believe that it is essential to have many assorted tools in our teacher toolboxes. It is very neat that these programs are being created for students that have setbacks or a more difficult time learning in the classroom. With extreme budget cuts I am curious to know how much these programs cost to implement and are they really being implemented to their fullest potential as they should be.

Week#1

Technology Integration: Ideas That Work


Starr, Linda. "Education World ® Technology in the Classroom Center: Technology Integration Ideas That Work." Education World® The Educator's Best Friend. 2009. Web. 19 Aug. 2010. .

Summary:

This article is intended for classroom use. The article states that teachers are less comfortable and less familiar with the technology they use than their students. “ They struggle to seamlessly integrate a growing list of technology tools into their regular curriculum.” The article entails a very in-depth list of technology integration ideas to meet the needs of today’s diverse classrooms. The article offers advice to educators allowing them to make better use of technology tools for instruction. The article is also intended to help students improve their technology skills within the context of the regular curriculum. Integration activities include: activities that utilize the Web, PowerPoint, Excel, digital photography, SMART Boards, and more.


Reaction:

This is a great article in reference to integrating technology into the classroom. Time and time again, I find that teachers are not familiar with the technology they have chosen to use for a particular lesson. In turn, I believe that there is a great deal of trust or faith lost in the teacher. This shows that they are unprepared and did not take the time and do their research for the lesson presented. Then the teacher must figure out how to use the piece of technology integrated, which can cause a catastrophe, our biggest fear, classroom management issues. If the lesson does not flow smoothly with nice transitions and no errors then chaos is about to bust loose. I think that teachers are afraid to integrate technology into the classroom for that exact fear that something might go wrong. As stated in the article teachers need to let their imagination go. If the idea for their integrated technology is a success then fantastic! If the technology integrated fails then teachers can tweak along the way or go back to the drawing board. I think its great that this article touches on technology from an administrator’s perception. This is simply due to the fact that if the technology integrated into the school is not backed and supported by administration then how can it succeed as a whole. It is stated in the article that if administration is not informed most technology integration is fragmented and lacks cohesion. I feel that this piece presents an ample amount of technology integration that is appropriate to the context. This piece shouldn’t only be read by teachers, but by those in the district who can support teachers in making great technological decisions. A structured, supportive go to group of people.