Chapter 2

Chapter two was a great chapter for us to reflect on; it not only gives tips as classroom structures, management but ideas on use of technology and diversity use in the classroom. What I took from the chapter are things I will be able to use in a classroom of my own one day.  Having equal access to everything available in my classroom is a big deal. Making sure students with disabilities both physical and mental are able to use any equipment or follow assignments discussed in class is important to me. The chapter talked about other technologies outside of computers and I was trying to figure out how I would be able to integrate these into the classroom and I thought about it. Being a future language arts teacher I decided that the use of cameras can be used for the students to document their progress in the class and other literary projects: presentations, poems, discussions etc.  Microphones can be used to speak into the computer and hear themselves and how they annunciate words.  The chapter said that the 3-4 students should be together for group computer use but I say 2-3. Big groups cause more problems. There is always some student that is not willing to pay attention and not participate in a larger group; with a smaller group they reason do not have much of a choice.

When have technology in the classroom or not at all, I believe it is important to grasp the attention of each student and engage them in the activities. You can have the student participate or more interested by letting them come up with their own sentences for examples with assignments. Encourage the students to want to work in a group; I believe having one person talk all day is boring and cause one to start day dreaming, if they are in a group they will have the opportunity to learn from other students that might know a little more than them and that can relate more to the student that might need a little assistance. Finally, focusing on the essential question and making sure the purpose of the assignment have been served.

Of course the chapter reminds you to make sure you understand technology yourself or the program before having your students use the program. I remember when I was in high school, my professor got everybody hyped and ready to do an assignment and she wasn’t able to explain it to us on how to use it herself once we were in the lab. Embarrassing.

Chapter two talks about five guidelines which I found to be helpful:

·         Incorporate principles of just in time learning.

·         Differentiate instruction.

·         Teach in a culturally responsive manner.

·         Adopt materials to be accessible for all students.

·         Balance content and tools.

I understand that students are different. Some may not like the use of technology and prefer the “old school” way of brainstorming while others might need the assistance of a computer and another might need a little verbal guidance.  As a future teacher of America, I am ready for the challenge. I understand my assessments must be integrate in the learning area and have to remember the whole aspect of the assignment.

Remember to do a usability test on anything I do evolving students be it with or without the use of technology.