EDLD+5364+Week+4

During this week we spent time cleaning up our project.

Also during this week, we read several articles about technology and education. One of the quotes from the //Web 2.0// has caught my attention. Solomon, G. and Schrum, L. (2007) quoted '"Learning is characterized not only by greater autonomy for the learner, but also a greater emphasis on active learning, with creation, communication and participation playing key roles, and on changing roles for the teacher, indeed, even a collapse of the distinction between teacher and student altogether."' In the case of some of the older teachers students are teaching them about and helping them use technology, and with the younger teachers, they are helping them grow as teachers. I see this occurring in my school and can see the progress that some teachers are making in their use of technology. Not only do i see it in the use, but also in way that the teachers act toward changes in the technology.

I found two quotes interesting, because they are a polar opposites, within the same paragraph. Solomon, G. and Schrum, L. (2007) states, "Leaders have to understand that things are changing, how that change is happening, and what is likely to be the result." Which shows leaders in a position of knowing what technology changes are taking place and that they have a vision of what is to come. This can be true, but it can also be very untrue, the authors are aware of this as evidence in this next quote. Solomon, G. and Schrum, L. (2007) states, "They also know that their students are using instant messaging, are blogging and downloading podcasts, and are watching YouTube outside of school. In order for schools to prepare students for the future, leaders must help teachers make the transition to using new technologies and new methods. Policies and actions at the top make it clear where a school or district is headed." You can see from these two quotes that there can be a disconnect at the top of buildings or districts, if the leaders are not aware of the trends in technology.

The impact of technology on cooperative learning can be positive, if the teacher plans in advance. Pitler, et al (2007) states, "Technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face." Cooperative Learning is not something that can be thrown together at the last minute and it be successful.

Reference:

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., and Malenoski, K. (2007). //Using technology with classroom instruction that works.// Alexandria, VA. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

Solomon, G. and Schrum, L. (2007). //Web 2.0: New tools, new schools.// Eugene, OR. International Society for Technology in Education.

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