Technology and Diverse Learners

Technology serves education, and not vice versa. Using technology effectively for learning takes time and effort. 

View and Smile:

This Sesame Street video is not only cute, but so true! There is literally an app for everything and if there isn't an app you can Google or YouTube it, but why don't you create the app yourself and make a living off of it?---Now that's food for thought.

My Thoughts: I like the idea if digital learning in the classroom, especially the use of overdrive. This program allows  for students to become strong readers by exploring and engaging in the program. It also provides students easy access to books they like. The books are available right there on your computer, in front of you; especially if the library doesn't have the book you want in-stock. The only reason I would be against this program is that libraries wouldn't get much use by the younger generation and I feel that by going to the library and physically checking out a book gives them a break from all the technology.

Chapter 8 Overview:

What Does Technology Really Mean?

• Instructional Technology (tools used to enhance learning)
• Assistive Technology (Designed to aid students with learning disabilities)

Why Use It?

• Assists science by providing tools that enhance inquiry
• Provides dynamic modeling through simulations
• Enables higher-order thinking
• Enhance evidence-based learning (WebQuests, Ask a Scientist, Probes, Digital Microscope, Virtual Imaging, Simulation, and Authentic science experiences)

Use Technology to Communicate Results:

• Interactive Whiteboards
• Provide bridge between static presentations and flow of the classroom
• Enables various modes of technology to be integrated into class lectures
• Games
• Can be valuable for reviews
• Does not inspire higher0order thinking
• Tutorials
• Provide children with self-paced learning

E-text Video:

The Potential of Technology in Teaching Science to Students

My Thoughts: We need to embrace technology because young lives are/and will be determined by technology.

Websites:

NASA-This website provides information all about space, astronauts, and missions. On the front of their webpage it displays events that are taken place monthly. This website has many tabs where you can connect with other sources of social media, picture galleries, and resources for students/educators.

US Geological Survey- This website provides information about natural hazards that threaten lives, and livelihoods; the water, energy, minerals, and other natural resources we rely on.

Worldwide Telescope- This website lets you look at the earth and all the planets up close and personal. It is an astronomers dream!

GLOBE- An international science and education program that provides students and the public worldwide with the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of Earth's system and global environment.

NSTA Freebies for Science Teachers- This website provides an enormous amount of science books and resources for teachers. It also has lessons, videos, kits, and publications to choose from and use in your own classroom.

ViewPure-Educates you on how to keep YouTube videos without the adds, so they can be appropriate for your classrooms.

Share your experience on your blogs:

1. GenoChoice: Create Your Own Genetically Healthy Child Online  I said this was fake
2. Dog Island  I said this was fake
3. Exploratorium I said this was real
4. Save the Endangered Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus I said this was fake
5. Science Kids  I said this was real

What do you think? Am I right or wrong?? Comment on my blog if agree with my answers or if you got something else.

Check Out My Poster: Guidelines for Appropriate Use of Technology in Science Education

Chapter 9 Overview:

• Creating a Science Learning Environment for Children from Diverse Cultural Backgrounds
• Reading Materials for Non-English Speakers
• Reinforce Reading and Language Arts Skills
• Organize Peer Tutoring
• Foster Parent/Classroom Science Connections
• Integrating Children with Special Needs in Science Education
• Inclusion Challenge
• Differentiated Instruction
• UDL
• Accommodations & Modifications
• Science Experiences for children with visual, hearing, physical impairments, emotional problems, and learning disabilities. 
• Addressing Needs of Children with Special Gifts and Talents
• Accelerative Approaches
• Enrichment Approaches
• Challenge Projects
• Individualized Instruction
• Fostering Collaboration with Colleagues
• Work with Special Education Team to Include Students with Disabilities
• Consult IEP's
• Speak with Students' Guardians
• Use All Resources to Optimize Learning For All Students

View the video  from our eText, p. 139. What is the main message of the video? 

My Thoughts: As a future educator, it is important when communicating with students from diverse backgrounds to be aware of how they learn and interact socially, so that you can create an atmosphere conducive to learning for all students in your classroom. 

Discuss how you can provide equal learning opportunities for diverse learners in your science classroom that will keep them active and engaged?

1. Use Manipulatives
2. Hands on Activities
3. Have  Science Materials for Non-English Speakers
4. Provide Enrichment Activities (advance material)
5. Challenge Projects (unique talents and abilities)