Multimedia Presentation part 2

Introduction:

The integration of technology is important in education because it is all around us. So many schools and teachers around the world are learning in the name of Education. Learning to grow and mature from their old school ways and bring in new technology to partner up with the knowledge content that is already known. It can be used hand in hand with traditional learning, so that students have an easier time of transition to their education in technology. Technology can be used to teach reading, with read a long books for students who are audio learners such as “Green Eggs and Ham” By Dr. Seuss (1960) these books can be taught hand in hand with the traditional book so that audio learners can hear what they need to learn how to say and pronounce things. Dyslexic learners can also benefit from learning in that manner as well since dyslexic learners need several different types of ways to learn effectively hand in hand technology with traditional learning in ways to suit their needs and learning styles.

Interactive Whiteboard

Interactive Whiteboards are great for classroom learning, in all aspects of teaching and learning. Both roles in the classroom can benefit by using this piece of technology in a classroom. With a just a touch instantly a teacher is connected to software programs or the internet. Engaging students in interactive lessons that can be taught with the help of student teaching as well as a visual way of displaying videos, diagrams and interactive learning. The idea that it is a glorified chalkboard is wrong, in fact teachers find it to be more validating to student education according to an article from Scholastic Instructor “Mary Jo DeWitt, a fourth grade teacher at Allen County Intermediate Center in Kentucky, loves the interactive experience her whiteboard provides and its ability to expose her students to whole new worlds. For instance, she recently did a unit on the intertidal zone. “I've got kids who have never seen the ocean before,” she notes, “but with the whiteboard they are hearing it, seeing it and labeling the salt marshes that they're seeing right in front of them.(Shorr, n.d)”


Chrome Books

Google Chrome Books are small net books that are just as capable as a traditional laptop. Students and teachers can use them to interact online, with google docs and or skype. These little computers are more cost effective than laptops or ipads and they also come with keyboards for student typing. They update automatically over time and unlike laptops do not slow down over time, their batteries also last much longer than a traditional laptop which make them more compatible for classrooms since they do not need to be charged after a few short hours. Google claims “Virus protection, multiple layers of security, and verified boot help keep you safe from viruses, malware and other computer nasties.(Google, n.d)”


High Speed Internet Service

Internet service is key to bringing technology to classrooms, without it, it is impossible to connect to the worldwide web. Internet providers in the high country or even rural areas are slim pickings and more often than not schools are trying to use satellite internet as if it has the capacity to work as well as high speed internet. In bad weather or to many users will slow down that already limited technology to a slow crawl until it finally stops. Schools can get all the gadgets and toys they want, but without the technology to connect to the web, software or online programs such as Google docs or powtoons, students and teachers have nothing to work with.


Pros and Cons of using Technology to Facilitate Learning

The many pros and cons of technology to facilitate learning start with a good internet connection without it, that already makes it a con. The common core is here to stay in most states, some states have already broken ties with the new standards and others have marched on fearlessly. Other positive aspects of learning with technology is that students will be more prepared for college, they will know how to type papers, make power points and even videos. They will be more experienced then perhaps their own parents in the ways of technological advances that have become the norm to the every day workforce but also those in our schools. Knowledge is true power, even technological knowledge falls into that mentality. But it is not everything, if perhaps there was a day when we lost power for hours or days we could not rely on electronics to tell us where to go or to dial “1” to reach a loved on on a cell phone. We should still teach students basic “old school” skills to have a vast knowledge of everything that is around them.



Wired and Wireless Classrooms (100-200 words)

Wired classrooms are great in having traditional desktop computers, however in homes and businesses around the country have moved to wireless internet. The more powerful, longer distance seems to be the goal. Most classrooms still have wired services, with traditional desktop computers which limit how many will be available due to space constraint. Yet, still able to provide internet access and computer programming software. Wireless internet has unlimited boundaries, multiple devices can connect to the internet at the same time. Students could be on laptops, chrome books and iPads all at the same time as long as the wireless capabilities were high bandwidth and there were enough devices to go around. Space constraints do not really matter other than storage for smaller devices. They both have pros, in that they both provide internet access. The cons for wired methods means that there is a limited computer access, as in devices themselves. Wireless would be more appropriate for whole classroom learning so that all students can connect to the internet at the same time, to the same material. There are more benefits to wireless than there are to wired, teachers will be able to have whole class lessons and instruction at the same time with many devices. A more preferable learning approach for most teachers who most likely do not have aides in classrooms anymore to help out with smaller group learning due to funding cuts.


Conclusion


There are many things that a technologically advanced classroom should have, most importantly a wireless internet connection so that students and teachers can connect to the vast knowledge that the world wide web holds. Teachers can create lesson with interactive whiteboards and students can write presentations up together with chrome books and edit them together simultaneously as they make corrections or find new information to add to group projects. But most importantly, a solid high speed internet connection with enough bandwidth to carry classrooms of students and their learning devices.


References



Meet Chromebook. (n.d.). Retrieved September 22, 2014, from https://www.google.com/chrome/devices/features/

Seuss, D. (1960, August 12). Green Eggs and Ham. Retrieved September 22, 2014, from http://www.audible.com/pd/Kids/Green-Eggs-and-Ham-Audiobook/B002V8N4C0

Wheaton Shorr, P. (n.d.). The New Digital Wave | Scholastic.com. Retrieved September 22, 2014, from http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/new-digital-wave