Key Issues in Educational Technology

Developing Information Literacy and Technology Skills in Students

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I feel as though this particular issue in educational technology directly relates to my Dream IT project. As many of the literacy activities we will be doing will require the students to get online and navigate the web, so-to-speak, teaching my students technology skills will play a huge role in the success of my Dream IT project. Also, the students will be learning to use the SMART Board, the SMART Response Clickers, as well as the MP3 players and software such as Audacity (to use for the recording of audio books). Overall, this project will be a perfect example of developing information literacy and technology skills within my students. I feel as though the combination of the Reading Street software and the controlled classroom setting provides the perfect opportunity and safe environment in which to help my students develop these skills.

Meeting the Diverse Needs of My Students

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One of the greatest features of the new reading program is the ease of which it allows for differentiated instruction. The program provides activities for below-level, at-level, and above-level literacy learners. Furthermore, as the students will have their own online accounts through the reading program, they will be participating in activities within their zone of proximal development. Also, through the use of the SMART Response Clickers, I will be able to receive immediate feedback as to my students’ individual performance on specific literacy activities, thus allowing me to adjust my instruction and the activities to meet the individual needs of my students. The recording of audio books also allows for the chance to differentiate instruction, as each student will record books at his or her appropriate level.

Social and Ethical Uses of Technology

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Again, as much of this Dream IT project involves the online component of the Reading Street program, this is perfect opportunity to teach my students about the safe and appropriate ways in which to use specific technologies, especially online resources. Even at such a young age, this is a great time to begin teaching my students about the possible dangers of using the web and particular technologies inappropriately. This will also be a chance for me to educate my students and their families about the multiple technologies out there, which they can and should take advantage of to further their literacy development. Overall, given the controlled computer lab and classroom environment, I feel this will be a wonderful learning opportunity for my students.

Using Technology to Facilitate/Develop Creativity and Critical Thinking Skills in Students

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I truly feel as though my Dream IT project will offer me the perfect opportunity to help facilitate and develop creativity and critical thinking skills in my students, especially creativity. This past year, many of my students demonstrated interest in learning how to use the SMART Board software (SMART Notebook). By the end of the year, many of the students were creating word family and sight word games we would use for whole class literacy activities. My ultimate hope is that I can spend some time teaching my incoming students how to use the Notebook software, so that they too can create literacy activities the whole class can participate in using the SMART Response Clickers. Furthermore, the online component of the reading program will offer students multiple opportunities to engage in critical thinking activities.

Using Technology to Engage in Professional Development and Leadership

  • Click here to access the Year 2 EL Summer Cohort wiki on using technology to engage in professional development and leadership. 

When it comes to integrating technology into my classroom, I consider myself to be a lifelong learner. I realize that I have much to learn and I am eager to do so through my continued coursework as part of the MAET program, through the implementation of my Dream IT project, through my work on the East Lansing Public School's Technology Committee, through professional development, through my work with colleagues, etc.

With this new reading program will come a learning curve for me; it will be as new to me as it is to my students. Furthermore, although I have used the SMART Board and MP3 players, I have not yet used the SMART Response Clickers, nor the online component of the reading program. Thus, this will be a learning experience for me as well.

Just as I will be learning and growing along with my students, I realize this will also be an opportunity to share my findings and knowledge gained regarding using the SMART Response Clickers, MP3 players, and online component of the reading program, with my colleagues. I know I will have much to share with them regarding my trials and tribulations throughout the implementation of my Dream IT project.

I look forward to all that I will gain from this Dream IT project experience!