Production Tools

To prove learning in the classroom--students can create or produce something to show their development. Production Tools give students the opportunity to show what they have learned and it gives the teachers the availability to assess student progress. Production tools help with planning, reasoning, creativity, visualizing the concept, and organization for both individual and group work in the classroom. Production tools do not only assess knowledge of topics but also of the concepts those tools require.

Examples of Production Tools:
-Movies
-Wikis
-Pictures (photography)
-Book Report
-Brochure
-Blog; Journal

Communication Tools

In class we discussed basic communication patterns: One to one, one to many, and many to many.
Examples:
one to one- telephone, letters, tin cans
one to many- teacher teaching kids, web (blogs), you tube, watching television, video conferencing
many to many- chat room, discussion board, oncourse, google calendar

We also discussed the different between asynchronous and synchronous communication (types of interaction).

Asynchronous communication means that you are communicating, but not at the same time. Some examples would be e-mail, forums, blogs and text messages. Synchronous communication means communicating at the same time such as a chat room, discussion boards, and skyping.

Synchronous communication is good for getting feedback and information immediately, but asynchronous communication gives time for development in responses and makes communicating with people around the world possible. All kinds of communication are helpful and useful in the classroom-a teacher just needs to make the conscious decision when to do and use what.

Content Exploration Tools

In class we discussed tools for exploring content. Some of the main topics we touched on were reference, drill and practice, tutorials, educational games, and integrated learning. Me, specifically, wanting to teach Language Arts, would focus mostly on tutorials and integrated learning techniques. This is because with a tutorial my students will be given information and be tested on their understandings. Integrated Learning would also be a great technique for my teaching specification because games and references are sometimes necessary. First, educational games will help keep my students motivated while references are sometimes the easiest and most effective way to communicate facts and or literature.

Productivity Tools

I think productivity tools can be very helpful in the classroom. They are used to do more and to do those things in less time. An example of a productivity tool is word processing. This tool is useful because it gives students access to spelling and grammar assistance, making changes directly in the text, and allows collaboration. It also gives teachers the availability to make their own comments directly on the word document. Productivity tools can also be used for organizational and management reasons. They can be used for scheduling, templates, and grade books -- all things that are very present in classroom today. Productivity tools are not always necessary, but can quicken a process. Take a calculator for instance. If the point of the math problem is not the math, but the answer--a calculator is a productive tool to have in comparison to a pen and paper. Productivity tools will increasingly become more important and present in the future of education.

G-R-A-D-E

G= Goal
R= Requirements
A= Availability
D= Decide
E= Explain

G.R.A.D.E. is a good format to go by when making decisions and giving directions.
The goal is basically the standard and what you hope for your students to learn. Requirements is basically asking, what do you need? What resources or tools are neccessary? From there, you need to look at availability. What resources can you access? Then, you decide. Decide what toos and or resources you will use. Once you have decided what you will use, explain. Explain why the tool you chose address to what you are teaching. It seems somewhat elementary to me and almost like common-sense, but maybe that isn't a bad thing and this only plays as a reminder when making decisions about what and how to teach.

The Three E's

Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Enhancement; the key to student achievement. In class we discussued the three E's in regards to technology in the classroom. First off, efficiency. Technology should be used when it will speed the learning process. Also, to make educational materials because with technology you can do this in a much easier way. Also, rather than having your students write drafts on paper they will do it on a word document. This will eliminate the long process of editing and re-writing because it will already be accessible on the computer. Second, effectiveness. Technology can be used to improve student comprehension, transfer of information, and achievement. Basically, technology can be so effective becasue it betters the comprehension with the availability of visualization and reinforces ideas. And last, technology enhancement. Technology has the power to motivate and engage students which is one of the biggest battles teachers struggle with. Technology can sometimes make the impossible--possible such as connecting with others around the world. This is also an example of an exceptional learning experience. Technology is not always neccessary, but it is great when it is efficient, effective, and enhancing!