Chapter 4: New Tools in Schools

Cool Schools

            New technology is being tested at schools in order to create a learning environment, which is based on teamwork, communication skills, and critical thinking.  With this technology, students are able to receive real-time feedback.  Such a system contains, assessment rubrics, communication tools, curriculum, and live grade books.

Using the Tools for Learning

·         Writing Process (blogs): taking the place of a hand-written journal for classrooms

·         Collaborative Writing (wikis): students are able to work together on the web and teachers can track which students are participating

·         Student Feedback (podcasting): students are able to record their reactions and easily share them

·         Digital Storytelling (flickr): it combines photographs, music, and writing and allows students to create their own media story

·         Digital Diplomacy: allows students to easily share their digital stories with others including all over the world

Classroom Applications

·         English and Literature

            o   Teachers are beginning to use blogs in order for students to easily share their ideas with others

·         Media Literacy

             o   Teaching students to check the reliability of the web source they are getting their information from

·         Social Studies

             o   Students are able to record interviews with others about history and post them on podcasts

·         Journalism, Broadcasting, and Video Production

             o   Schools are now publishing their newspapers online as well as broadcasting them on the web

·         Math

             o   Teachers have begun posting questions online and allowing students to work together and learn from each other

·         Geography

             o   Students are able to look at a 3D map of the world and some cites allow students to add their own information to the map on what they are learning

·         English as a Second Language and English Language Learners

             o   Students are able to compile the information they have learned into one location and be able to easily look back at it

·         Science

             o   Students can create and watch videos of experiments and watch them and learn from them

There are so many tools used in today’s world that students and teachers can use in order to learn, teach and collaborate with others.  The applications that can be used for educational purposes are endless.

NETS • T Standard

3.      Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum:  I think this standard applies to the chapter because it allows teachers to implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning.  It also relates to the chapter because this standard facilitates technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards.  Teachers can also apply technology to develop students’ higher-order skills and creativity.

Source:

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0, new tools, new schools. Eugene, OR: Intl Society for Technology in educ.