DIGITAL TOOLS IN TODAY'S CLASSROOMS

Chapter 3

Reflecting on What I know:

1. Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing?

For our children to succeed in the 21st Century we must invest in the technology that is being developed if our children are going to be able to compete in a global society. Technology that is being used and developed today offers an array of opportunities for students and teachers to broaden their methods of how they research and gather information, how they use the information to solve problems, and make decisions based on the information they gathered.

2. Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile devices, so why do teachers need to 
    use both?

Having computers that are both stationary and mobile allows the teacher and students flexability. The desktop computer offers sability as it can not be damaged as easily as a laptop or ipad. Both devices have pros and cons far as their advantages and disadvantages. But by having different types of mobile devices in the classroom provides the users with opportunities to have real life experience with the devices.

3. How can the cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are often
    limited in number and scope?

Many times people think that just because something is new it makes it better. There are some devices that do not need to be update for a few years. It is also important when buying digital devices to make should if it can be updated or have more memory added. The way to justify purchasing digital devices is to make sure it will be relevent to meet the needs of your students and the impact of having it will out weigh the cost of the purchase.


COMPUTER SOFTWARE IN TODAY'S CLASSROOMS 

Chapter 4

Reflecting on What I Know:

1. There are so many types of software; how do I know which ones to include in my lessons?

The National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S) provides five categories in which to follow when choosing educational software for the classroom. "By following a well-thought-out integration plan, such as the NTeQ lesson plan, a variety of software applications can become an integral component of a lesson (p. 92)." Another way in deciding what types of software to choose when planning a lesson is the librarian. She or he will have a wealth of information that will assist in lessoning planning.

2. I understand why students should sue educational software and the internet, but why sould my
   fourth-grade students learn to use spreadsheet, database, or video editing software.

The use of spreadsheets, database, or video editing software provides more than just a surface learning. Spreadsheets allows the student to do calculations, create graphs and charts. When students work with spreadsheets it enhances their "analytical abilities" because of the "connection between mathematics and the use of spreadsheets (p.96)." 

3. How can student use of different types of software help improve scores on state tests?

The use of different types of software will help improve scores on state tests when they are aligned with The standard course of study and ISTE'S NET for students. Using software as a learning tool is only as beneficial as the link it has to the content knowledge being taught. I think the type of software used will be what determine how it improves scores. A good indicator of how successful the software is being used in the classroom is to check the progress of the students using different assessment methods.