Issues+in+Educational+Technology+MD

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=Using Technology to Support Higher Order Thinking=

Technology can be used in different ways to support higher-order thinking. By giving students access to different programs on computers they will be able to do more complex tasks than what they would be able to do on paper, or by reading a text book. Programs can give students the opportunity to go through multiple steps, and also give them the opportunity to create there own projects and display their own ideas. Computers give students the opportunity to do this because it allows them to be able to create more complex things in a more fun way. Then, not only are students thinking critically, connecting information that they have learned, and creating their own ideas, but they are also learning to use technology at the same time.

Illuminations is a math web site that exemplifies a web page that allows students to use higher-order thinking. The best part about this web site is that it allows students to create their own objects, and projects. By experimenting and constructing their own projects and objects the students are having to think critically. Rather than just seeing a problem, and discussing what it was or explaining it the students are actually creating their own. This is higher order thinking because the students are having to be creative and use what they know to apply it to their own projects. Also Illuminations is nice because it has different categories for the different age groups, so it could be used for multiple grade levels.

=Using Technology to Affirm Diversity=

In the classroom it is important to celebrate, respect, and model diversity. Technology can be used to embrace all three of these aspects of affirming diversity. By using technology, such as computers and the internet, students are able to see a more authentic side of different cultures. Instead of just lecturing on different cultural backgrounds computers and the internet allow students to see pictures, and hear the voices and music of the different cultures. Students come away with a much better picture in the head, and understanding of what different cultures consist of. It could be really hard to try to portray information and experiences without the use of technology. Not only can students see pictures and hear voices, they may also be able to contact a person through the internet. Then students would be able to ask questions and hear from a person from a different culture first hand. Resulting in a broader understanding different cultures and their importance.

The website, National Geographic for Kids is a great site for children to learn about different cultures and backgrounds. On this site kids can explore different countries, people, and cultures from all over the world right on the screen of there computer. This site includes multiple pictures and descriptions of many diverse cultures in a kid-friendly way. The site is very colorful and easy for kids to navigate, making it perfect for elementary classrooms. By using a site such as National Geographic for Kids the students can grasp a better understanding of different people, places, and cultures. Students will see more diversity and understand the importance of diversity much better through the use of a site like this, rather than just listening to a teacher tell them. The many pictures are a big part of this. Students can compare the different pictures, and see the differences much better than they would be able to in the classroom with no technology. Technology is essential in order to affirm technology in the classroom.

=Using Technology to Support All Learners=

Technology, both simple and complex, can be essential in the success of special needs students. Students with special needs normally would not be able to complete assignments and participate the way other students might. However, with the use of assistive technology it gives them the opportunity to participate and class and be able to complete assignments and feel like they are at the same level as other students. For example, a student who cannot speak would greatly benefit from the use of an assistive technology that allows them to press a button and words to come out. By having a technology that allows that student to "say" what they want, they are able to communicate with the other students as well as the teacher. Also, assistive technology could be something much more simple. A simple tool that helps a student to write could also be an assistive technology. It allows a student who struggled, or couldn't write before, be able to do so. Technologies such as these and many many more are key to helping special needs students learn. Special needs students need special accomadations and support in order to succeed, and technologies, both simple and complex are what they need to do that.

Another example of a technology that supports learning could be a tool that helps students to read. Similar to Leap Frog reading games, a tool like this would allow students to run the pen or utensil over words, and say the words highlighted out loud. Students who have trouble reading would really benefit from this because they would be able to hear and see the word/words they didn't know. This would help students with special needs feel more independent as well. They wouldn't have to ask there teacher all the time how to say words because they would be able to use their tool to do so. This would give the students confidence in themselves which is really important in order to learn. This is just one example of many assistive technologies that can support learning with special needs students.