Friday, September 12, 2008

Chapter 3- Multiple Choice

Question 1
Which software function could best give students opportunities to match English words with their German equivalents?

Correct: Drill and practice
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Question 2
When using drill-and-practice software functions, avoid:

Correct: overuse.
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Question 3
Which software function might be useful if there was no teacher available to teach the topic?

Correct: Tutorial
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Question 4
What is one classroom application of tutorial software?

Correct: Self-paced review of learning
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Question 5
If a teacher wanted to demonstrate genetics principles by mating fruit flies and letting students analyze features of their offspring, what would be the best software?

Correct: Simulation
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Question 6
Which is an issue related to instructional uses of simulations?

Correct: Fidelity of the system
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Question 7
Instructional games are most frequently used:

Correct: as alternatives for simulations.
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Question 8
An issue related to instructional use of games is:

Correct: confusing game rules with real rules.
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Question 9
Which is a good use of problem-solving software?

Correct: To foster use of learning strategies
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Question 10
One controversy related to use of problem-solving software is:

Correct: a definition of problem solving.
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Question 11
What is one characteristic of an ILS system?

Correct: It includes a management system.
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Question 12
What is a common research finding related to ILS use?

Correct: It sometimes shows higher achievement than other methods.
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Question 13
What should one look for when evaluating courseware's graphics?

Correct: It does not interfere with learning.
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Question 14
One concern in evaluating a courseware's pedagogical soundness is:

Correct: its readability level.
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Question 15
What is a criterion that teachers should especially focus on when evaluating the quality of drill-and-practice software?

Correct: Feedback is appropriate for correct answers



Behaviorist and Constuctivist

Behaviorist Theory: observable, the feelings (behavior) that is a result of observing


Constructivist Theory: what people learn from their own experiences in life. (hands-on)

I would have to say that I feel a constructivist theory is the best way to learn technology. There are only so many things that you can watch; but exploring on your own gives you so much freedom and also allows you to learn better and with your own understanding.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

My Dream Classroom

I have always had a dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher. My class would not be real large or real small. I think that children at that age have such a great imagination and are so open to events in life that many adults do not even think about anymore. I would like to have lots of colors in my classroom and toys/ centers to keep building on imaginations. Children these days are expected to grow up so fast; I think that kindergarten should be a time for learning and a time for play and a transition into school, More of a fundamental.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Chapter 1 Short Answers

Question 1
Name two advances or developments that have occurred in technology since the 1970s that you feel have had significant effects on education, and explain why these technological changes had such effects.

There are many advantages and developments that have occurred in technology since the 1970's. The first one that I feel that had a great effect was the internet. There used to be so many books or other recourses that as a teacher/ student you would have to look for that some time you would do minimal effort because it was difficult. Now with the internet so available to each of us we are able to learn more about certain topics and even branch off of that topic to learn more; I think that it makes learning more enjoyable for kids.



The second advancement in technolgy is games. Along with learning things more easy there are also more ways to have fun with learning. I know from working with young children that if it is not "fun" or a game they are not interested and you loose their focus right away. I have even found that something that I thought was going to work so well ended up not working at all. So I feel that having games are a great way to see what interests a child and also how they learn. For young children an example is (www.starfall.com); it has done wonders for the children that I have worked with.



Question 2
Discuss one emerging trend in technology and the effect it could have on classrooms and schools.

One emerging trend in technology that I feel will effect the classroom or schools is all the online "Life." Now a days everyone has another life or identity online. There are now blocks on elementary school computers that won't let you go on certain sites but when they are at home you or maybe not even their parents are aware of their actions. In some colleges such as Lock Haven we have a technology school; students have computers every where are that is how they communicate or on a cell phone. Some people don't know how to properly communicate with a real person unless they are behind a screen. Younger and younger children are brought up with cell phones and computers and I feel that children are going to be less apt to communicate with classmates then before.



Question 3
Explain reasons for developing an electronic portfolio.Not Scored:

In todays society everyone would like to have things given to them are readily available to them. From year to year a lot of papers are kept to be in the portfolio of a child. When they get to the end of their years at that school that is a bunch of information and such things that may not all be significant. I think that having an electronic portfolio makes accessing information easier and you are able to see/adjust information in a structured manner. Electronically you are able to save more information as well. It is also easier to see progress in work as well.Documentation of skills and learning for self and others, demonstration of accomplishment.

Chapter 2- Short Answers

Question 1 Describe the relative advantage of using graphic tools to help students learn new concepts.I think that there is an advantage by using the grapic tools. I think that visual examples clarify concepts. Some time children may not understand the way that you are teaching a certain topic and if you have a graphic tool the students will be able to take from it what they need. Having this also helps with application because students are also able to take it home a look at it again and continue thinking about things outside of school.

Question 2 In Phase 2 of the Technology Integration Planning Model (TIP), teachers focus on the outcomes expected as a result of integrating technology into instruction. List four methods teachers can use to assess the outcomes of the plan.There are many ways that as a teacher you can integrate technology into education and get results. The first one is when testing are doing projects you can grade using a checklist or rubric. There are also surveys that you can take to assess the attitude outcomes. When others ways dont work there is always observation instruments for behaviors. There should never be another student left unassisted.

Question 3 Describe two advantages of required school and district policies such as policies regarding Internet use, legal and ethical use, and equity.When using the internet there are so many things that children can get into. If the schools have make policies, it will ensure appropriate behavior and behaviors. It will keep everyone safe and all students will have equitable treatment.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

First Blog for Instructional Media


Hello, my name is Tiffany Wanous and I am currently a junior here at Lock Haven University. I am a Early Childhood Education major. I am from northern New Jersey but decided to venture to a new state for school. I am a Resident Assistant in High Hall and love having daily interaction with such a diverse group of students. I also love being outside and playing tennis and I am a Jersey girl; I love the beach!

I minimally work with technology everyday, such as: TV, DVD players and computers. I am not a fan of computers, I find them confusing and get frustrated. Sometimes I do surf the web or just my computer to learn more but have never ventured enough to gain a great understanding.

In this class I would like to gain understanding of computers and how to use resources that are available to me. I would also like to be able to help out others (future students) with technology problems that they are having. I have already learned things that I never knew how to do such as: igoogle and this blog.