Comments on: Does Using Technology Add Value To The Classroom?

By: mrferlazzo

mrferlazzo — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 12:58:54 +0000

Pat,

Good question. Both classes will be composed of Intermediate English Language Learners, with the majority being Hmong refugees. I’m not sure about the exact percentages yet, but I would guess that about twenty percent will be Spanish-speaking immigrants.

I agree that reflection will indeed be important. I’ve actually begun this process now, since I’m teaching a Government class this semester as a “run-through” for the fall. This class will be spending three-to-four days each week meeting in our computer lab. You might find these posts I’ve written about that interesting:

http://inpractice.edublogs.org/2007/12/21/i-wonder-if-this-is-going-to-work%e2%80%a6/

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2008/01/18/web-20-applications-for-social-studies/

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2008/01/15/more-on-student-social-networking/

Larry

By: Pat

Pat — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:04:44 +0000

I am very interested in following this “experiment” along next year. I think reflection will be extremely important and should be done regularly to make sure any adjustments or modifications need to be made. I was wondering about the makeup of the class. Will both classes be a mixture of different levels (such as special ed students) or will it be a homogeneous group?

By: Larry Ferlazzo

Larry Ferlazzo — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 05:53:38 +0000

Linda,

I probably should have been clearer that I was primarily talking about computer use. I would say, for me, in the Humanities having at least an overhead projector is pretty important.

I can see your point about the role of technology in science. From my reading of your comment it seems that you are saying that some high-tech must be present at all levels for science and math. I wonder, though, if that is really the case for all levels.

For example, I’ve taught middle school math and science classes pretty effectively (I think) without any high tech gear at all. I’m not sure high tech would have necessarily made it more engaging or beneficial for the students.

Larry

By: LindaF

LindaF — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:31:47 +0000

While the benefits of using technology in the humanities may be arguable, in math and science classes, tech is not an option, at ANY level.

I’m thinking particularly of the use of probes to collect data. It both speeds up the process of collection, but also seamlessly provides a way to analyze the resulting data. Having the graphing calculators or computers available, in combination with the probes (temperature, pH, force, motion detectors, etc.) allows use to run labs quicker, more safely, and with the ability to analyze at a higher level of complexity. Also, the fact that the data can be collected more quickly means that, when a lab goes wrong, students can often repeat it.

By: Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites Of The Day For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL » Blog Archive » Technology and Learning

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:23:51 +0000

[...] Tipline– Gates’ Computer Tips has a very thoughtful post sharing another teachers reflections about the role of technology in the classroom. It echoes some of the points I made in the post I wrote for the In Practice blog called “Does Using Technology Add Value To The Classroom?” [...]

By: Delaine Zody

Delaine Zody — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:53:18 +0000

I teach marketing curiculum to inner city students who then use computers to further their classroom learning and to produce a finished product related to the curriculum. This will be the way they will work when employed in the marketing field, and they will need to know how to work independently to produce a finished piece be it a sales presentation, business plan, or an advertisement.

I have to guide and direct their projects at this point so that they do not get waylaid by the myriad of choices the Internet and computers can offer. This is a big problem many of the teachers in our school face when using technology in their classrooms. The students get away from them.

By: Mr. McNamar

Mr. McNamar — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 01:34:48 +0000

Technology is great, but I don’t think it has the great educational effect some would want us to believe that it has. I have used Scholastic’s Read 180 program, 1/3 of which is computer based. The results were great, but other methods get the job done.
Where technology adds is in the appeal. Our students today are so comfortable with computers and gadgets that the “buy in” factor cannot be missed.

By: mrferlazzo

mrferlazzo — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 03:07:34 +0000

Paul,

Good point. Use of technology certainly shouldn’t be looked at as an “either/or” question because of this.

Larry

By: Paul Hamilton

Paul Hamilton — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 06:01:56 +0000

I think it is important to remember that in every class there is a wide range of learning styles and learning challenges. I believe that this means there are some students in every class who benefit more than others from access to technology tools. The beauty of making a range of technology available is that it helps us address the reality that one size does not fit all.

To speak from personal experience, I am convinced that I would have been far more successful as a high school student (in the 1960’s) if I would have had access to today’s digital storytelling options, the technology now available for creating graphics of all kinds, and some of the interactive websites that help to make sense of high school math and science. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I would have been far more engaged as a learner if today’s technology had been readily available to me way back then. On the other hand, I believe that some of my classmates would have benefited to a lesser extent.

By: mrferlazzo

mrferlazzo — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:36:00 +0000

Jane,

You can read more about the home computer project here:

http://larryferlazzo.com/homecomputerupdate.html

The District paid for the expansion of our project this year by providing $80,000.