Chapter 5 Reflection

In chapter 5, I learned about being able to identify, evaluate, and apply computer software. There are several computer applications that the chapter goes over and they all have a lot of importance for teachers. Software types like word processing software, electronic spreadsheets, data management systems, and presentation software are all common applications that are used and can be very beneficial to teachers. Word processing software is great to make newsletters, exams, or flyers within the classroom and has many tools to make great documents. Electronic spreadsheets are perfect for doing any kind of calculations like adding grades and finding the class average then displaying a graph or chart. Data management is an important tool for keeping data organized in a certain way. Presentation software is great for teachers who want to present their lessons in a different way and want to incorporate pictures, graphs, and sounds. All of these applications would be very useful for a future teacher.

Chapter 4 Reflection

In chapter 4, I learned a lot about technological devices that will enhance the classroom in many ways. I learned how digital cameras, scanners, graphic tablets, microphones, touch screens, and electronic white boards can make learning much easier and a lot more fun for students and teachers. There are also some output devices that can be used in the classroom such as data projectors, scan converters, and speakers that will provide many opportunities to present information within the lessons. This chapter gives a lot of great ideas about using different devices to incorporate into the classroom. Having these kinds of devices available in the classroom will give students a variety of ways to learn as well as give them some opportunities to have fun with the tools they are given rather that just copying notes from the backboard all day. I want these devices available in my classroom to mix up lesson plans and to make sure students are continuously engaged in the material.

Chapter 3 Reflection

In chapter 3, I learned about a lot of the basics of a computer. Many of the technical names that I was not previously aware of were explained in this chapter. Input and output devices are covered within the chapter and it also explains that these components are important for teachers to know and understand these basics. The chapter also covers different types of storage devices and which one is the most appropriate for specific uses. This is very important for teachers to know because teachers will most likely need to store many files on a short term basis as well as files on a long term basis. These are all important for teachers to know and I would definitely use all of this information in not only the classroom, but just as basic computer skills for everyday life. I would want to save all of the lessons I use to see what I can use for the next year and which ones did not work out so well and should be altered.

Chapter 2 Reflection

In this chapter, I learned about the “design-act-plan” system; a three part system to help teachers create effective lessons for the classroom. Next, I learned about The Dynamic Instructional Design Model, a model to assist teachers in a more flexible teaching approach. This chapter gave me a good idea about what kind of things one must remember when teaching a classroom full of students. It included a lot of good ideas as well as templates for teacher to use. A big part of being a teacher is making sure everything is covered as well as organized and this chapter really enforces that and gives a great outline about what points to cover when getting ready for a classroom of your own. Each teacher will ultimately have their own style of teaching but they usually stem from a more broad style of teaching and I will be able to use this chapter as a reference to remember to cover all of the bases I need covered for being an educator.

Chapter 1 Reflection

In this chapter, I learned about the different ways of learning. Communication is a major part of learning and there can be factors that can interfere. I also learned about different learning perspectives and styles. From this we get an idea about the teacher’s point of view and how technology can be important and useful in the classroom. This chapter was a good overview about technology in the classroom and why we should use it. I gave me a good idea of what classrooms were like in the past sans the technology we have available to us today and it becomes clear why it is a large advantage to students, teachers, and parents. In my own classroom, I would definitely incorporate many uses of technology, not only to help students familiarize themselves with it, but to also cater to many of the different learning styles I will find in one class of students.