Assignment #1

"Technology Infusion in Success for All: Reading Outcomes for First Graders"
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In this article, the authors discuss research on the benefit of technological uses in the instruction of beginning reading. They talk about how more children are able to gain phonological awareness with computer programs that communicate phonemic sounds through various games. Adding videos to reading lessons uses a combination of both auditory and visual senses which helps students remember much more of the lesson. With a warning, they tell readers that "it is important to note that multimedia is not assumed to be beneficial in itself. Passively watching videos does not teach children to read" (Chambers 3). Videos and computer programs should be used strategically and worked within lessons, but they should not be the lessons themselves. They discuss a program that has used this embedded multimedia approach, called Success For All, in which they tested for one year on a group of students. The results showed significantly higher test scores in reading. Success For All has also assessed students need for tutoring through computer games and found also an increase of reading success. "Infusing multimedia content throughout class lessons and tutoring sessions appears to help make concepts clear and memorable to children, taking advantage of the well-established finding that linked visual and auditory content is retained better than either type of content alone" (Chambers 13).

This article proved even more to me the effectiveness of technology use in the classroom. It helps students use more of their senses in learning and, therefore, keeps it in their memory. However, as it says in the article, technology is not effective on its own. Technology cannot replace a teacher, but it can be a tool to enhance learning. I think I would like to use this embedded multimedia approach in my classroom, but experimentally. For not all learners are the same.

NETS for Teachers

This semester I want to focus on the National Educational Technology Standard (NETS) "Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity." This standard is so important for me as a teacher to be effective in creating an environment that is inviting to children to learn and for me to model what kind of learners they should become. For my students, it will be a pathway to greater knowledge and they will be able to use their imaginations and creativity. Therefore, this semester I will learn about different technologies I can use in the classroom to improve learning. I want to find out about class connections with those around the world in various countries. Additionally, I would like to learn more about virtual projection technologies and how they can be used for learning.

NETS for Students

The National Educational Technology Standard for students "Research and Information Fluency" is very important. For students to succeed in this culture they must be able research and find information. Though they already have it at their finger tips, children must also learn how to use online resources ethically and effectively. In my classroom I will guide my students by showing them where to find good and useful information and appropriate ways to reference that information.