I found that the digital imaging class proved to be a very great learning experience for myself. I had no clue what I was doing, and the finished product may not necessarily have been exactly what I wanted, but it did work and I am sure with a bit more playing around new pictures will be just as fun to make.
Now in response to Kyle’s questions:
How will I use digital cameras in the classroom? I think it would be a great activity to do exactly what we just did with students. Also, students can make PowerPoints, Movies, Webpages, the whole works and be able to download their pictures or pictures they have created to make it very interesting. Digital cameras span into areas such as Art and Photography. Many things could be possible with a digital camera.
Will I use digital cameras in the classroom? I feel that this is more a question of if I have the resources that will allow me to have access to them – and if I do, I sure will!
Finally, yes I have been having trouble uploading pictures. I am just not too sure what to do about that though. Maybe we have to save them as another type of file for it to work properly. (Also, I have changed our name to what Laura suggested…with an extra subtitle of my own – “Discussing Educational Technology”.)
I was trying to look at the bigger picture and some questions came to mind (you may respond to these if you would like).
a) What are some other technological advances that may come in handy for the classroom or change classrooms all together?
b) How do you think the above will affect the classroom and what students are able to accomplish using computers or other forms of digital technology?
c) How is the education system changing to meet the advances of educational technology? Will this affect how students are taught in other core subjects?
d) Predict what education will be like in 25 years.
I have found an article that I would like to share with you that answers my first question.
The following is the list of the top 10 technology breakthroughs for schools. Keep in mind my following three questions as you look at this article, which you can find as cited below:
Top 10 technology breakthroughs for schools
Jason Ohler, Jean Shields, David Warlick, Hall Davidson, et al. Technology & Learning Dayton:Nov 2001. Vol. 22, Iss. 4, p. 16-32 (10 pp.)
http://proquest.umi.com.libproxy.uregina.ca:2048/pqdweb?index= 3&sid=6&srchmode=1&vinst=PROD&fmt=6&startpage=-1&clientid= 12307&vname=PQD&RQT=309&did=90144196&scaling=FULL&ts= 1138687045&vtype=PQD&rqt=309&TS=1138687053&clientId=12307
The list begins with virtual learning, wireless networking, collaboration tools, digital video, ASPs (Application Service Providers), handheld devices, optical networking, videoconferencing, XML (for data sharing), and simulations. Many of these advances are great. Will you have access to them at your school? The first one listed probably bothers me the most. Virtual learning can and may be a good thing for some students. I think the students who I will be teaching – remember that I would like to teach middle years students – will need more then my teaching and assignments given to them over a computer. I think this may benefit someone who has a physical inability to come to school, but for many children they need the socialization aspect of school as well as the learning. I think that simulations and videoconferencing would come in real handy for things like field trips (if you wanted to go to an ocean but do not have the resources to take your class you could use videoconferencing as a way to get there but not actually be there). Wireless networking would also be a great thing for schools instead of having to make sure that all of the computers are hooked up the network, with all of the cords running everywhere. One thing gets unplug and the whole network goes down. That is something that would make it easier on the technical support personnel. The entire list above is explained in the article and I suggest you check it out.
I would also like to provide you with a list of four other articles that are worth checking out. I have provided you with a quick overview of each in case you are interested. You have to sign in with your WebCT username and password to access them.
BACK to the FUTURE
Susan McLester. Technology & Learning Dayton:Sep 2005. Vol. 26, Iss. 2, p. 38 (1 pp.)
- Predictions of how education would be, starting with one made in 1981. Very quick read – only one page and quite interesting too.
http://proquest.umi.com.libproxy.uregina.ca:2048/pqdweb?index= 1&sid=2&srchmode=1&vinst=PROD&fmt=6&startpage=-1&clientid= 12307&vname=PQD&RQT=309&did=905962271&scaling=FULL&ts= 1138686644&vtype=PQD&rqt=309&TS=1138686651&clientId=12307
Unlocking success: Lessons learned from three schools
Susan McLester, Judy Salpeter, Amy Poftak. Technology & Learning Dayton:Feb 1999. Vol. 19, Iss. 6, p. 41-52 (1 pp.)
- Identifies the key elements for technologically successful schools.
http://proquest.umi.com.libproxy.uregina.ca:2048/pqdweb?index= 0&sid=8&srchmode=1&vinst=PROD&fmt=6&startpage=-1&clientid= 12307&vname=PQD&RQT=309&did=39100693&scaling=FULL&ts= 1138687164&vtype=PQD&rqt=309&TS=1138687170&clientId=12307
Simply the best
Anonymous. Technology & Learning: Watching Technology Grow Up Dayton:Dec 1999. Vol. 20, Iss. 5, p. 17 (8 pp.)
- Stories about teachers who have used technology in their classrooms to enrich student learning, and have been recognized for it.
http://proquest.umi.com.libproxy.uregina.ca:2048/pqdweb?index= 8&sid=9&srchmode=1&vinst=PROD&fmt=6&startpage=-1&clientid= 12307&vname=PQD&RQT=309&did=62809714&scaling=FULL&ts= 1138687204&vtype=PQD&rqt=309&TS=1138687213&clientId=12307
Turning points 2000
Anonymous. Technology & Learning Dayton:Dec 2000. Vol. 21, Iss. 5, p. 16-22 (6 pp.)
- Stories about students’ lives that have changed because of the use of technology.
http://proquest.umi.com.libproxy.uregina.ca:2048/pqdweb?index= 7&sid=9&srchmode=1&vinst=PROD&fmt=6&startpage=-1&clientid= 12307&vname=PQD&RQT=309&did=65168131&scaling=FULL&ts= 1138687204&vtype=PQD&rqt=309&TS=1138687253&clientId=12307
~Linsey~
