Smart Board in Education

http://smarterkids.org/research/pdf/JessicaPreisig.pdf
I read an article entitled, "Improving Student Motivation and Performance in Math: Utilizing the Smart Board Interactive Whiteboard as a Tool to Construct an Understanding of Fractions." The article was based on the experience two six grade teacher had with the incorporation the Smart board in her classroom. The article was informative. Two teachers decided to do an experiment to see whether incorporating the Smart Board as a learning device would make a difference in a student's ability to learn fractions, and improve their motivation to want to learn math. The author talked about how learning should be an active experience for students. By using the Smart board, she hoped to actively engage her students in the process of learning fractions. In the article, she states that by using technology in the classroom, it could be considered a "mind tool," that essentially, acts as an intellectual partners with the learner in order to create and critical thinking. After doing a pre and post test on math, the students that used the smart board were more comfortable with fractions, then the classroom that didn't. I felt the article did a great job of showing how the Smart Board is a great asset for the classroom.

I feel that the Smart Board will have a big impact in not only the classroom, but will also affect how a teacher will teach. The Smart Board acts an interactive guide to subjects that might seem foreign for a student. By utilising the system, a student gets a more hands-on approach which will help solidfy the new information. Teachers will also be impacted by the new technology. Teachers will be able to use it for several subjects, and can make lesson plans that center around it. Overall, the Smart Board is a great investment for any classroom.

Beginning of Semester Reflection

Technology plays a crucial role in ones life. It allows one to be plugged into current events.It bridges the gap of distance, allowing us to stay in close contact with people all over the world. Technology is everywhere; in the schools, homes, and the work place. Because technology plays such a crucial role, it is essential that teachers utilize it. As children are exposed to technology, they begin to understand the world around them. For students to be successful in the future, it is important that teachers utilize and implement technology in the classroom.
As a teacher, it important that one is constantly aware of the ever changing world of technology. It will allow students and teachers to have a mutual understanding of the latest technology which creates a more interactive classroom.

Assignment: Turning on the Light

In the article, "Turning on the Lights" the author shows the importance of technology being implemented into a classroom setting. The author talks about how students used to be taught in school more then they do now. One of the main reasons students learn outside of school is because they are more "plugged" into the world with use of cell phones, television, and computers. No longer do students need teachers to relay information, they need to have information they have received from outside sources explained. After the article discusses the change in education with the use of technology, it talks about ways of implementing the technology in the classroom to prevent boredom. Overall, I felt the article was pretty strong. At one point in the article, a statistic was used, stating that 50-70 percent of students suffer from boredom in the classroom. The author linked that statistic to the lack of technology in the classroom. In reality, there could be several factors linked to that conclusion. Boredom is not a new trend. Although there were a few statements in the article I didn't fully agree with, overall I thought the article brought valid points for teachers to consider.
After reading the article, I observed a fifth grade classroom. I watched as students learn how to find the perimeter and area of a square. I noticed one of the students wasn't doing the work like the rest of the students. I asked him why he wasn't. He said, "I just don't get this, if I was on a computer I would be doing a lot better." After he said that, it reminded me of the section in article that articulated how students are wired differently due to the technology they are exposed to.

My decision to be a teacher

When I was in high school, I wasn't sure on what I wanted to do as a career. I thought of becoming a music major, lawyer, or nurse. After taking classes at the local community college, I decided that teaching was the career for me. I reflected back on childhood memories, and I realized my most fond memories included times when I taught my brother and sister how to read. After praying and reflecting, I have become confident in my career decision. Since being accepted into the Education Program at Northwest University, I have decided that fourth or fifth graders would be especially enjoyable to teach. Even though I would enjoy teaching those grades, I am open to teach any grade.
During the course of this class, I hope to learn more about the smart notebook, wiki, and weebly. I hope that I will be more proficient at Html also.