Saturday, July 20, 2013

Reflection


Reflection
Fortunately, I am grateful for the experience I have had with Twitter it was great I have found that Twitter is an effective way to broaden participation in classes. Additionally, the ubiquity of laptops and smartphone has made the integration of Twitter a virtually bureaucracy-free endeavor. As I reflect back on using Twitter I have learn that it forced me to express my thoughts within 140 characters, improved my grammar skills, and based on this character limit, Twitter also helps establish rules for effective communication. It was a great way for me to follow classmates and other professionals whose interests align with the class being taught.
During this online class, as a student I have tweeted comments and had questions answered with the use of my laptop and cell phone it was an easy way to get answers to questions for class without embarrassing myself. Twitter has motivated me too participate academically while fostering communication with my online classmates. I did not know what hashtag was until taking this class (Educational Technology) I have learned that with the use of a hashtag (#), it was and is an incredibly easy way for the professor to follow the information that is associated with our class. In my mind I am saying “What an awesome way to use Twitter to keep up with students assignments.”
I have shared and received interesting links from my followers on Twitter. It’s a most common use for Twitter I’ve learned. I have also learned to use Twitter for my own advantage by saving links and tweeting interesting educational links to co-workers to read to help prepare for class in the coming months. The dynamic is that I have learned that students fall into their assignments and share contentious issues with one another which would otherwise end if they were in a traditional class, because discussion ends when class is over. Fortunately, Twitter has no time limit. In fact Twitter chatter during online class spills over into the student’s free time. As a result, I have learned that conversations have become productive as classmates were more willing to talk and be more respectful of others.
How can I use Twitter for my own professional development and or my classroom? I can use twitter, as a tool, giving students and co-workers an easy way to communicate that goes beyond the classroom hours. I will be able to send reminders using Twitter on my smartphone to ensure that students receive notification with the latest class news and instantaneous prepare student for their class ahead of time. I will use Twitter to encourage students who are more likely to keep quiet in a classroom to join the conversation which will help get them beyond the fear of speaking in class.
Furthermore, with the use of a simple hashtag (#), it will be easy to curate tweets, giving students an easy way to follow the information that is associated with specific class assignments. Alternatively, as a teacher I can create a Twitter account to list specific to a course that students can then follow, making it easy for them to find each other on Twitter. I now know that Twitter can also replace many tools I already use such as mailing lists through email or printing announcements. I like it how social media in general have completely changed the way that students submit and receive their assignments. As a teacher I can easily collaborate with my co-workers on Twitter too, exchanging ideas and teaching tools. Now that I understand hastag, it will be easy for a group of the teachers I work and communicate with to connect on Twitter.  Also hashtag will give me an instant access to links, thoughts, and tweets from educators from all over the world. Access to an instantaneous network using Twitter is invaluable, and definitely beats using meetings.
 

Three tweeters I found most helpful during this assignment and why are the following:
 

 
1. How Twitter Made Me A Better Teacher
 
I found this post helpful because I need to be kept up to date in my field. In the same way that you would want your car to be reliable when traveling on a long trip to get from point A to B which means you want a 2013 model which is dependable. Therefore, I need to be knowledgeable in new methods, treatments, and techniques, I want to be a teacher who is continually learning about the best my field has to offer and revising my practices accordingly. As stated above I will use Twitter to encourage students who are more likely to keep quiet in a classroom to join the conversation which will help get them beyond the fear of speaking in class.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>How Twitter Made Me A Better Teacher <a href="http://t.co/lcDNYCHZ8a">http://t.co/lcDNYCHZ8a</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edchat&amp;src=hash">#edchat</a></p>&mdash; Edudemic (@Edudemic) <a href="https://twitter.com/Edudemic/statuses/358638854061830145">July 20, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>




2. A Snapshot of How Technology is Used in Education 
I found this post helpful because there is no question about it technology has made changes to 21st century education through social media. Technology has made it possible for students and teachers to communicate during and after school. I will be able to send reminders using Twitter on my smartphone to ensure that students receive notification with the latest class news and instantaneous prepare student for their class ahead of time.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>I like how technology is being used . Please view! <a href="http://t.co/k604DvEPZ0">http://t.co/k604DvEPZ0</a>  <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ED505UWARAY&amp;src=hash">#ED505UWARAY</a></p>&mdash; Mary Ann Turner (@LadyturMary) <a href="https://twitter.com/LadyturMary/statuses/352142383976169473">July 2, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



3. Technology for Children With Learning Disabilities
I found this post helpful because I am a special education teacher who work with children that have different types of physical and cognitive disabilities. Recent developed electronic have been transformed for education to help meet the educational needs of children with disabilities. Technology has provided opportunities for children with learning disabilities to be educated/learning, productivity, and be independence that otherwise would not be able without the use of technology.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Mitchella8096">@Mitchella8096</a> &#10;Socialmedia aiding students with disabilities <a href="http://t.co/UdSzzfjW5q">http://t.co/UdSzzfjW5q</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ED505UWARAY&amp;src=hash">#ED505UWARAY</a></p>&mdash; Mary Ann Turner (@LadyturMary) <a href="https://twitter.com/LadyturMary/statuses/354749699938463747">July 9, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Two of my own Post not included in my Blog:
I found these two post helpful because they both are helpful for teachers and student to enhance learning as a teacher and as a student. 
1. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/anne_j3">@anne_j3</a> Tech. tools transformed teaching/learning for students w/disabilities <a href="http://t.co/Yj4CcypA0F">http://t.co/Yj4CcypA0F</a> … <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ED505UWARAY&amp;src=hash">#ED505UWARAY</a></p>&mdash; Mary Ann Turner (@LadyturMary) <a href="https://twitter.com/LadyturMary/statuses/357003194569736192">July 16, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


2. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Technology offers opportunity for individualized learning.<a href="http://t.co/whLnBGW5L0">http://t.co/whLnBGW5L0</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ED505UWARAY&amp;src=hash">#ED505UWARAY</a></p>&mdash; Mary Ann Turner (@LadyturMary) <a href="https://twitter.com/LadyturMary/statuses/347189823582380032">June 19, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



 
 

 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 


 

 
 
 
 
 
 


Wednesday, July 17, 2013

L2 Technology


L2 Technology

Area where listed as Endangered Oceans:

Whales and Dolphins

Scientific Name: Balaenoptera musclus

 

·         Video on Blue Whales



 

Researched information

The blue whale is the largest of all whales and is said to be the largest animal in Earth’s history. The average length of an adult blue whale is 79 to 88 feet and the average weight is 130 to 150 tons. Blue whites are blue to blue-gray and may sometimes appear to have a faint yellow skin color because of the many microorganisms that accumulate on their bodies as they travel through colder waters. Blue whites prefer cold waters and open seas and prefer not to venture near coastal areas. However, some whites have been seen off the coast of Peru.

The blue whale eats mostly krill (small shrimp-like crustaceans) by using its baleen plates lining its mouth to sieve krill from the water. It can consume several tons of krill daily. Researchers have believed that the blue whale only eats in the summer, seldom eating during the rest of the year. But recent research has suggested that some blue whales of the north may eat year-round and that blue whales found traveling with empty stomachs may stop eating during migration and resume feeding at wintering areas. Blue whales only mate in warmer waters and the gestation periods last 10 to 11 months. The females give birth to only one calf in the spring which gives the calf the entire summer to grow a layer of blubber needed to protect it when traveling through colder waters. The calves nurse for around seven months.

There are three subspecies of blue whites. The blue whites of the northern and southern henispheres generally come together for mating, but they are considered two separate subspecies, Balaenoptera musculus musculus and Balaenoptera musculus intermedia. The third subspecies, the pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda), is smaller than the others, and it is found in the sub-Antarctic waters of the Indian Ocean and the southeast Atlantic Ocean. Over 350,000 whales have been hunted and killed, by the 1960’s blue whales were on the edge of extinction. There are probably only around 2500 blue whales left in the oceans and they are now legally protected despite opposition by the whaling industry.

 Twittering  
> #ED505UWARAY&mdash">https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ED505UWARAY&src=hash">#ED505UWARAY&mdash; Mary Ann Turner (@LadyturMary) July">https://twitter.com/LadyturMary/statuses/357601158879125505">July 17, 2013


More Links about the Blue Whale:

Reference Links:

Blue Whale- American Cetacean Society, http://www.earthsendangered.com/reference.asp#dis

Conservation Links:

Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society,  http://www.wdcs.org/
 
 

Work Cite

 

Glenn, C. R. 2006. “Earth’s Endangered Creatures – Blue Whale Facts” (Online).

       Accessed 7/17/2013 at http://earthsendangered.com/profile.asp?sp=927&ID=10.

 
 
 
 
Watch the Video on steps to create a Blog
 

 
 
Watch the video on Twittering
 
 
Watch Video on Wiki


 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 

 

Monday, July 15, 2013

Assistive Technologyt

ED 505 Technology and Education
 
Assistive Technology

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the (Public Law 05-17) mandates that every individualized education program team consider assistive technology (AT) to provide individuals with mild disabilities, moderate and severe disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, at-risk behaviors/situations and students gifted and talents opportunities be educated/learning, productivity, and be independence that otherwise would not be available http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module_outlines/ .
First, and for most, in order to meet the educational needs of students with disabilities as a teacher I must be educated and trained on how to implement and evaluate AT. One resource of assistive technology used to enhance a teacher’s knowledge is the STAR Legacy Modules Web-based instructional materials (https://bb.uwa.edu/webapps/portal/) that will provide knowledge on how to work with students with disabilities.

Second, the authors of Integrated Education Technology into Teaching provides information in meeting the needs of students with mild to severe cognitive disabilities teachers can use a strategy call reading skill software, such as text-to-speech products, and interactive story books, in the area of reading for student with mild disabilities (405). A resource can be the WizCom’s Quicktionary Reading Pen, http://www.wizcomthech.com.  On the other hand, using software to help teach reinforce functional skill like money management, daily living employ ability for student with severe cognitive disabilities.

Another educational device is the Equals a Pre K-12 curriculum that provides mathematics instruction for educators work with students in special education or in alternative education program. It encompasses pre-readiness math skills that includes: attending, cause and effect, fundamental math skills which includes numbers and operations, measurement, and estimation, and higher order math skills that includes data analysis, probability, spatial sense, geometry, algebra, and problem solving. Each lesson provides three levels of instruction for students with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities.

Third, resources and strategies to help students with physical disabilities educational need provide alternative methods of accessing keyboard, mouse, and monitors and determine the best placement of adaptive technologies, and provide training to ensure the student is able to operate in independently. The AbleNet’s (http://www.ablenetinc.com) Connect offers a wonderful device the iPad a mobile device for users with significant physical disabilities. Connect provides cutting edge accessibility, brilliant sound, and exceptional design to create a one of a kind solution for the iPad.
Fourth, resources and strategies to help meet the educational needs of student with sensory (students who have the loss of their hearing over vision and other learning disorders) an educator may consider using devices from the Enablemart a world leader in assistive technology such as: devices as large key and large print keyboards, Braille displays, alternative input devices, switches and amplified phones.  They also carry the Dragon Naturally Speaking, Edmark Reading and the Claro and Livescribe pens. Teachers can use resources such as the VoiceCue (http://www.visioncue.com) and the TeleSensory (http://www.telesensory.com) to aide in the educational need. A helpful strategy may be to use a computer that has a screen magnification control panel or close-circuit television magnification systems for the visually impaired. For the hearing impaired teachers may consider using a FM amplification system a listening device.

Fifth, At-risk behaviors/situations students who may lack of motivation to engage in school work will benefit from the strategies TrackStar (http://trackstar.a4teachears.org) or using Equals a PreK-12 curriculum that provides the best in mathematics instruction for educators who work with students in special education or students in an alternative education programs. Teachers should search for and locate software on websites that provide powerful and motivating opportunities to engage students in learning activities such as Brain Pop (http://.brainpop.com) online free an education resource for the classroom. It is an animated, curricular content that engages student in learning.
Six and last, how to meet the educational needs of gifted and talented student’s need through assistive technology. Teacher may want to use resources such as the Creativity Web, the center for Creative learning (http://www.creativelearning.com) or numerous distance-learning opportunities, such as Destination Imagination (http://www.destinationimagination.org). Geo Thentic (http://It.umn.edu/geothentic) and Alien Resource (http://aliencrescue.edb.utexas.edu
) student use technology to show off their knowledge through products such as using podcasts, the multimedia projects to documenting dramatization with technology.

 

Chapter 15

In studying and reading chapter fifteen about assistive technology it has been revealed, that individuals with mild disabilities, moderate and severe disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, at-risk behaviors/situations and students with gifts and talents have been provided through assistive technology the opportunities for education/learning, productivity, and be independent that otherwise would not be available. In order for students with disabilities to be successful in their education teacher must be educated and trained on how to implement and evaluate assistive technology. Furthermore, in studying chapter fifteen read that one way for teachers to understand or know their ability to implement technology in their classroom is to do an assessment known as the Tech-PACK a self-assessment of their knowledge to know where they are deficient and how they can improve their strengths. The authors, Roblyer & Doering (2012), writes of Integrating educational technology into teaching 6th edition, wrote, “To integrate technologies effectively, teachers must have a combination of physical education and health education content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and technological knowledge. Strategies for improving your Tech-Pack in physical education and health education are recommended.” (p.392)

 
Please follow me on Twitter:  

> #ED505UWARAY&mdash">https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ED505UWARAY&src=hash">#ED505UWARAY&mdash; Mary Ann Turner (@LadyturMary) July">https://twitter.com/LadyturMary/statuses/356998777829195778">July 16, 2013









 
 
Resource
 
Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2012). Integrating educational technology into teaching  
        6th edition. Columbus, Ohio: Merrill Prentice Hall.             
 
 





 







 

 

 

 
 

 

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Web 2.0 Resources

    ED 505 Educational Technology

Web 2.0 Resources
 
Globster, Animoto, and Voice Thread

 
 
 
The Globster, Animoto, and Voice Thread to me are all considered wonderful educational tools.  As I reflect on all three Web tools I came to understand that they are resourceful tools for educators and students.  As a teacher’s tools the Globster and Animoto can contain whole teaching units, including text, linked video, and audio. They can link to resources or assignments stored on the internet. For students both Globster and Animoto will capture student’s excitement, and engage their learning by stimulating student’s creative self-expression and provide a rich multi-sensory outlet for expression. Also both the Globster and Aminoto are fun and imaginative and stimulate integrated learning experience. The Voice Thread also provides some of the functions as Globster and Animoto but with a few differences.  The Voice Thread is an interactive tool that allows for collaborating, sharing, and commenting, it is a free program that can be operated by students and easily monitored by teachers. I like it because it benefits the classroom where as teachers and students can use Voice Thread as a storytelling tool, a deep thinking tool, a research tool, a communication tool, and even an assessment tool.    
 
In chapter 6 the authors Roblyer & Doering (2012),writers of  Integrating educational technology into teaching 6th edition discusses how today’s 21st students are growing up in a digital world  and learning new and different ways therefore, education need new and creative ways to make learning real and significant. They define multimedia (means more than one media) and hypermedia (means linked media) of the mid 1945 to the 60’s were separated but joined over time. They both impact education through developed hypermedia interactive such as presentation software, video-based products, hypermedia programming software, audio, graphic images, text, and virtual environments.  According to Roblyer & Doering (2012), "The current widespread educational use of hypermedia systems appears to be fulfilling predictions that classrooms of the future will be increasingly multimedia environments. Educators recognize and use these systems when they see the powerful capabilities they offer to enhance classroom learning." (p.176) As a high school special education teacher I along with the general education teachers whom I work with and students whom I educate  using some of the above hypermedia programs in the classrooms and throughout the school to enhance education. For example, I help students with learning disabilities review their created presentations and help provide knowledge on creating research project. Today in this 21st century  classroom educational technology has made it possible for teachers and students to explore, communicate, and collaborate with the touch of a finger.  
In Chapter 7 & 8 the authors Roblyer & Doering discusses the history and current perspectives of education how the Internet has become more broad and evolved over time providing opportunity for education to be more intimate and personalized and more individualized through distance education. According to Roblyer & Doering (2012, "Most of us cannot remember a time when cell phones and text messaging were not the norm; when we couldn't "google" something we did not understand; or a time when emailing was not a daily activity. Technology is changing every aspect of society as we know it. The technological norms are no longer the typewriter and the telephone, but the laptop, tablet, and smart phone. Even in the rapid environment of technological evolution,   remarkable changes in communications, in particular, have come about with incredible speed." (p.204) Instructional activities have been developed using social networking and collaborative tools. This allows freedom to access information needed to empower them without having to travel. With some many advanced technology tools  such as the smart phone, iPhone, digital tables  there are applications (apps) that runs on mobile devices which has also added  to people making the choice to learn in a classroom or take the road to distance education all because of the more advanced Internet.



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Reference
 
 
Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2012), Intergrating educational technology into teaching 6th
         edition. Columbus, Ohio: Merrill Prentice Hall.
 
 









 

Tuesday, June 25, 2013


Instructional Software
 

Educational software programs are generally designed as activity centers, where the user can choose what to do, or as goal oriented mission or adventures where the path is set and the user is working to a specific objective. Either way, learning is done through puzzles, games and activities which are developing and testing a skill or eliciting knowledge.

Educational software programs have all kinds of interactive elements that will allow students to learn or test their retention of the material presented.

Educational software programs for older students and adults can become very sophisticated in terms of constructing a complete learning path for the learner defined by their specific learning interests. Programs like these rely more on the quality of learning content delivery, interactivity, and instant performance feedback rather than game type activity.
Educational software tends to be predominantly skill focused or knowledge focused. Skill focused programs are going to be in such areas as reading, mathematics, visual arts, or  creative writing and the knowledge based programs are going to be on areas such as history, geography, or specific areas of science.

Regardless of the overall design, the intent is to engage the students to the point where they are willing to participate in learning or skill building exercises. The program’s quality of design and depth of content will determine the teacher’s and student’s desire to use the software. For educational software to work, it has to be entertaining and engagingly interactive, and the good ones are. It is important to recognize that educational software complements the teaching and learning experience and is not a substitute for teacher guidance. Below are a few educational software programs designed to enhance teaching and engage learners to participate in learning.   
 
 
Drill and Practice

Flash cards can be an excellent learning and teaching tool especially when introducing new vocabulary or drilling familiar words. I usually use them in a variety of activities and even post them around the classroom for students to reference to. Drill and Practice (Brain Pop) –Allows learners to work problems or answer questions and get feedback on correctness. flash card activities, chart activities branching drills, and extensive feedback activities according to, (Roblyer & Doering). (pg.83) The Brain Pop is an excellent software program.

Tutorial 


 Tutorial acts like a human tutor by providing all the information and instructional activities a learner needs to master a topic. By engaging students in a one-to-one learning situation with a trained tutor, they will receive the opportunity they need to proceed at their own pace while improving skills with methods designed especially for them. In addition, student’s self-confidence, including their willingness to read aloud, is increased measurably when they work with a reading tutor in a private setting. Presenting an entire interactive instructional sequence can assist in several classroom situations. According to,  (Roblyer & Doering) "self-paced reviews of instruction, alternative learning strategies, and instruction where teachers are unavailable." (pg. 78) Please refer to the below web site


Simulations
In working with high school students using simulations software program to use in the science department. Simulations offers a somewhat risk free environment, one where learners are free to experiment, make mistakes, and rethink and redesign without fear of destroying something that cannot be easily replenished in a traditional setting. For example, a classroom set of frogs might be the ultimate method for teaching biological concepts though a dissection activity.  According to, (Roblyer & Doering)  "In place of or as supplements to lab experiments, role playing, field trips, clarifying a new topic, fostering exploration and process learning, and encouraging cooperation and group work. (p.79)   
Digital Frog:  http://www.digitalfrog.com

Problem Solving 
Problem Solving is one teachers direct through explanation and practice the steps involved in solving problems;  helps learners acquire problem solving skills by giving them opportunities to solve problems; promotes visualization in mathematics problem solving; improve interest and motivation, and prevent inert knowledge according to. 

Word processing is created documents consisting of pages with text and graphics. No other technology resource has had as great an impact on education as word processing. Not only does word processing offer high versatility and flexibility, it also is model free instructional software; that is, it reflects no particular instructional approach. It can be used to support any kind of directed instruction or constructivist activity. This is what (Roblyer & Doering 2012) provided, "support the learning of writing processes, using a dynamic group product approach, assigning individual language, writing and reading exercises, and encouraging writing through the curriculum." (pg. 120-121)

 Presentation

Presentation software allows the students to present his/her material to their peers and teachers. Software such as Power Point, Hyperstudio and Applewords all allow students to create a presentation that integrates English Language Arts outcomes in speaking, viewing, reading and writing with the outcome of the presentation itself. According to (Roblyer & Doering 2012) "it help organize thinking about a topic, enhances the impact of spoken information, and allows collaboration on presentations according to." (pg. 133)

 I cannot explain desktop publishing to plainer than authors (Roblyer & Doering 2012),  "The desktop publishing allows students to produce elaborate, graphic-oriented documents (flyers and posters, brochures, newsletters and magazines, and books and booklets), and teachers can structure some highly motivating classroom projects around these products. It motivates children’s self-esteem when publishing work, heightened interest in writing and motivation to write for audiences outside the classroom, and improve learning through small group collaboration according to. (pg. 143-146)

Graphics 
Teaching at a high school I see a lot of drawing and painting software tools that help me along with other teachers and students create graphics, insert into documents and web pages. Graphics software programs include draw/paint programs; image editing tools; charting/graphing tools; and clip art, photo, animation, sound, video, and font collections. Many of my students are in a multimedia designers class therefore, I see first hand students created graphic designs. According to (Roblyer & Doering 2012), "students may use graphic programs to illustrate their work or help convey information in reports." (pg. 157-161)

 

In the past families have kept sets of encyclopedias  in their homes to provide support for their children's education. Research and reference software include electronic encyclopedias, atlases and mapping tools, and dictionaries and thesauruses. According to (Roblyer & Doering 2012), "Research and reference software "Help student research any topic, learn about and use local, national, world, and extraterrestrial geography and be provided definitions." (pg. 161-163)


 
 A wonderful Instructional Video for Reading

 
 

Also, please visit the following web sites

 
Please follow me on Twitter: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Very good for Kids, teens, and adults All Educational Software <a href="http://t.co/myJFTbUIx6">http://t.co/myJFTbUIx6</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/ShareThis">@sharethis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ED505UWARAY&amp;src=hash">#ED505UWARAY</a></p>&mdash; Mary Ann Turner (@LadyturMary) <a href="https://twitter.com/LadyturMary/statuses/349691684172480514">June 26, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

 

Reference
 
Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2012). Integrating educational technology into teaching
           6th edition. Columbus, Ohio: Merrill Prentice Hall.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

One-to-One Computing


One-to-One Computing 

 

After rereading chapter 1 and this article I have learned that in the field of education, one-to-one computing means that every learner and teacher has access to a computer at all times one computer, available to one person. The computer could be a personal computer (PC), but is more often a laptop, a netbook, or a handheld computing device. A one to one computing classroom situation is different from that of a computing room visited by learners on a rotational basis. Learners have limited access to technology and can engage with it only at fixed times. The whole idea behind one to one computing is that learners can use the computer anytime, anywhere.

1.      Provide the complete article title and author

One to One Computing: A Summary of the quantitative Results from the Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative

Authors: Damian Bebell & Rachel Kay

2.      State the intended audience. (What is empirical research and how does it help the classroom?)

The intended audience are students and teachers from five western Massachusetts public and private middle schools.

An empirical research is a research that reports the results of a study that uses data derived from actual observation or experimentation. The empirical research observation and experiment showed that one to one computing helped to improve teachers and students in a few areas, according to Bebell and Kay (2010), “The efficacy of a one-to-one laptop initiative in trans teaching and learning in a traditional middle school setting. Specially, the targeted outcomes of the BWLI included; enhancing student achievement, improving student engagement, improving classroom management, enhancing students’ capabilities to conduct independent research and collaborate with their peers, as well as creating fundamental changes in teaching strategies and curriculum delivery.” (p7-8)   According to author Devaney, (2010) “Schools with one-to-one computing programs had a slightly higher (70%) increase, but I was 85% in schools with one-to-one computing programs that employed certain strategies for success, including electronic formative assessments on a regular basis add frequent collaboration of teachers in professional learning communities.” (p.10)                                                                                                        


3.      What is/are the research question/questions or hypothesis/hypotheses? 

The research questions/hypotheses as was to determine that efficacy of a one-to-one laptop initiative in transforming teaching and learning in traditional middle school setting in the following areas: 1. To enhance student’s achievement; 2. To improv student’s enagement; 3. Fundamental changes in teaching strategies, curriculum delivery, and classroom mangement; and 4, To enhance capabilities among students to conduct independent research, and collaborate with peers.

 4.      Describe the subject (participants) and the procedures (methods) used by the researcher(s)?

There were 633 participants (seenth graders) who started in January of 2006 from seven participating pubic and private schools combined (Conte, Herberg, Reid, St. Joseph, St. Mark, North & Sount of Westfield) from grades 6th-12th grade. During the 2007/08 sschool year there were 1700 +/- students participating. The procedures (methods) used according to Bebell & Kay, (2010), “The three year study empoyed teacher surveys, selected teacher interviews, student surveys, student drawings, analysis of existing school records and test scores, as well as classroom observations to document and track the impacts of 1:1 computing on teaching and learning practices across the five experimental settings. Student achievement was examined examined using student level MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensie Assessment System) test data in the three participating public schools and two comparison schools in a non-equivalent comparison group design study. Lastly, an additonal student writing assessment was undertaken in Spring 2008 whereby 1:1 seventh grade students were randomly assigned to complete an extended wtriting eercise using either their laptop or using traditional paper and pencil.” (p.7)

5.      What were the conclusions of the researchers? Do you agree or disagree with the conclusions? Support your position.

In the conclusion of this research  there were positive educational results (writing,teaching practices, student’s engagement, students research skills and collaboration and achievement improved) from the one-to-one teachesr and students computing program. I like the way Bebell & Kay (2010), stated their outcome. “One of the central project outcomes of the study was the documentation of fundamental changes in teaching, particularly teaching strategies, curriculum delivery, and  classroom management.” (p.17)

I am in agreement with the authors conclusion  that one-to-one laptop initiative computing program for teachers and students can enhance and improve teaching and learning. I like how the authors provided readers with data derived from actual observation and experimentation of how effective one-to-one laptop computing programing had a positive effect in on teachers and students. According to authors Bebell & Kay (2012), “After two or more years’ experience in a 1:1 setting, teachers reported improvements were most concentrated in their student’s interest/engagement in class, motivation, anduality of work. In addition, the majority of teachers epressed that the  program had also served to improve the quality of their students’ work. This observaciton was found across all three types of student groupings.” (p,29)


6.      What suggestions for further research do the authors suggest? What other suggestions for future research would you suggest?

According to authors, Bebell & Kay (2010), “These long-term effects, however, cannot be understood without the quantification and documentation of technology use in the shor term. Again, before any of the proposed benefits of an educational technology can be explored, the research team must be able to document if technology use is actually occuring. While there is a strong desire to examine the impact of technology on student achievement, research suggests that the learning must first be placed in the context of teacher and student technology use. However, through the current pre/post comparison study of teaching and learning practices across BWL schools, it is possible to begin to frame the postential long term impacts resulting for teachers and students from increased exposure to computer-based techologies. Suggested that teachers ans students should be provided with on going resources, and exposure to computer-based technologies.” (p.53)

Most students in the future will have computing devices with them and using them to access the internet or other data which will be part of their daily lives. We won’t be able to control students from having cell phones, computers, etc and shouldn’t. With that said, I suggest that students be allowed to bring their own laptop computers and school provide computers for students whoes are unable to provoide a computer for themselves. I believe this method will take some of the financial burden off of schools purchasing laptops for every student. I believe this would have a great impact on future learning.

 

Please vist the web site listed below of a researched article about one-to-one laptop compting.


Please follow me on Twitter! @LadyturMary
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/BrittLew0712">@BrittLew0712</a>   &#10;One-to-One Computing can be a great for students and teachers if planned and implemented appropriately. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ED505UWARAY&amp;src=hash">#ED505UWARAY</a></p>&mdash; Mary Ann Turner (@LadyturMary) <a href="https://twitter.com/LadyturMary/statuses/347192925299552257">June 19, 2013</a></blockquote>
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References

 

Bebell, D. & Kay, R. (2010). One to One Computing: A Summary of the Quantitative Results from the Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative Journal of Technology, Learning, and Assessment, 9(2). Retrieved [date] from http://www.jtla.org.

 

Devaney, L. (2010, July 26). Study reveals factors in ed-tech success. eSchool  News. /retrieved from            http://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/06/28/survey-reveals-factors-in-ed-tech-success/

 

Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2010). Integrating educational technology into teaching 6th edition.       Columbus, Ohio: Merrill Prentice Hall. P. 10