Class Projects

Blog Post 2: Handheld Devices

On the topic of handheld devices in education, I found some points from the article called, "Potentials of Mobile Technology for K-12 Education: An Investigation of iPod touch Use for English Language Learners in the United States." This particular article highlights a study where a large school district incorporates iPod touches 24/7 to teachers and students of English Language Learners for two years. The study was presented at the elementary and middle school levels. Through this study, the results revealed the iPod touch was used to support language and content learning, provide differentiated instructional support, and extended learning time from classroom to home(Liu,Navarrete,Wivagg 2014). First, the article revealed that iPods and other mobile devices helped ELL students develop their language skills. The iPod devices gave these students an opportunity to practice the English language through internet projects and audio support. Students were also given the opportunity to collaborate with other students or teachers who were more advanced in the English language. As a result, these students enhanced their reading as well as their writing skills. The iPod increased student engagement and allowed the students greater connection to the "U.S. popular culture"(Liu,et. al 2014). ELL students gained an interest of the topic and wanted to know more about the culture of the United States. Next, the article shows that using handheld devices such as the iPod provide differentiated instructional support. Students were able to learn in a different style. For example, students who were audio learners, where able to listen to text. The students not were not only able to see what they were learning, but also able to hear the information given. Holding the handheld devices also helped students who were hands-on learners touch and feel the lessons. Students' mathematical skills also improved by having game-based learning. This brought a different approach for learning in the classroom. Finally, the article highlights learning time from classroom to home. Handheld devices makes it possible for students to be mobile and not forced to only learn in a school setting. The value of this type of learning is that students can continue learning after they leave the classroom. Students are given the privilege to still collaborate with teachers, librarians, and other students. In my own library, I would allow students to use handheld devices such as an iPod to look up the library's catalog. With the handheld devices, Students can look up books, articles, or journals in any location. Students can also use handheld devices in the library to collaborate and share information. Liu, M., Navarrete, C., & Wivagg, J. (2014). Potentials of Mobile Technology for K-12 Education: An Investigation of iPod touch use for English Language Learners in the United States. Journal of Educational Technology and Society, 17(2), 115-115.

Technology and Weaknesses

Based on the ISTE's - Nets, I believe my strengths include meeting the needs of all types of learners through technology and a willingness to engage in professional growth (ISTE, 2014).  Through tools such as a smart board, I have met the needs of students who were visual, audio, and kinestetic learners.  I have found this to be very important when teaching in the classroom.  To meet the needs of the visual learners, students were able to view the learning concepts on smart boards to learn by seeing pictures and other graphics.  Audio learners, were able to hear learning concepts through videos and audio tapes in order to learn.  The kinestetic learners, were actually able to write and put there hands on the visuals presented to meet their learning need.  So the smart board and other technical tools become a great resource in the classroom and one of my strengths.  I also believe my strengths include engaging in professional growth.  I have fallen behind in many of the latest technical trends, but I have a willingness to attend workshops and classes to adapt to learning the newest technology.  It has been many years since I have taken computer courses, but I am always willing to try to grow in the area of technology.
Some of my weaknesses include being behind on the newest internet trends such as Twitter and Instagram.  I am also weak in the area of creating visuals such as pictures and graphics on media sources.  I am also weak in the area of communicating information with parents.  To overcome my weaknesses, I plan to research and take tutorials in the areas where I can use improvement.  I will take such tutorials such as  how to create a twitter page as well as how to instagram.  To become stronger with communicating with parents, I plan to reach out to parents more through email or facebook.  Through this communication, I hope to give parents tools they can use at home to help their children such as "Think Through Math" or  "I station."
As an educator, I plan to continue using technology such as smart boards, personal computers, videos, and digital calculators to reach all learners.  I will also continue to grow as a professional by communicating with colleagues and going to workshops and seminars.
In conclusion, I would like to learn how to post pictures and graphics on my blog and other media sources.  I would also like to learn about more classroom tools such as a smart board.  I am also hoping to get a Twitter page soon to know how to navigate though this tool.