Issues+in+Educational+Technology+KP

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=Using Technology to Support Higher Order Thinking=

My definition of higer-order thinking is not just learning facts and concepts but integrating new teaching or learning methods to do so. One good example of this is Bloom's Taxonoy. This pyramid shows a series of objectives in the learning process. I feel technology highly supports higher order thinking because it allows you to see things in a new perspective. Students can then construct their own method or idea and learn through their own processes. They no longer are being told the concept and just using their memory. Technology can also encourage students to develop critical thinking skills when they use tools like presentation to publish, and share project results. It can also help with problem solving processes helping with developing a solution.
 * How can technology be used to support high-order thinking?**

Illuminations is a site that allows students to play games and learn math. It provides lessons in game form where students engage in math problems. One example is a game where the student needs to add up fractions by combinging bricks. The trick is to use multiple fractions with different denominators. Even though fractions are a simple task, they are also working on problem solving. Another great tool on this site is LightBounce. This is a lesson on how light reflects off mirrors and how to calculate the correct alignment. This technology involves higher-order thinking becasue students are learning more than just the facts. They are actually measuring out and visually watching the laser beam reflect. Their learning process includes experimenting, evaluationg, and analyzing the situation. The illuminations website provides many great tools and options for students to learn by advanced methods that encourage critical thinking.
 * Give an example of a technology that supports higher-order thinking and be specific in describing how it supports higher-order thinking.**

=Using Technology to Affirm Diversity= Technology allows more access to video or audio that gives students a better understanding and more knowledge than what you find in a book. It helps the children relate to the culture and show more respect toward that diversity. Coming into contact with these cultures and people shows the students how to celebrate their own culture and be proud of who they are. Hearing and seeing can be remembered and have a larger impact. Technology can offer information that is overlooked or not discussed. CELEBRATE IT, RESPECT IT, and MODEL IT.
 * How can technology be used to affirm diversity?**

One example of technology that affirms diversity can be found on the National Geographics website. Here you can find information about any city or country you can imagine from A to Z. One example we discussed was learning about Afghanistan. We have been in war for many years and all we hear about is the people fighting. Students hear the news about killings and the bad their country has produced. What our students need to be learning about is the people behind the front lines. There are families and students just like them. This site provides facts about Afghanistan such as population, language, and religion. There is a short summary provided along with many photos. Learning about another country or culture can be so much more effective through technology because you are placing the students in a position where they can relate. You can find information at the click of a button that is accurate and unbias. Technology helps affirm diversity because it helps students better understand diversity and it lets them make their own connections.
 * Give an example of a technology that affirms diversity and be specific in describing how it affirms diversity.**

=Using Technology to Support All Learners= **How can technology be used to address the needs of learners with special needs?** Technology can be used as a tool to replace or assist a student with special needs. It allows these students to participate in the classroom along with allother children. It gives the students a way to build self-esteem and feel confident participating and fitting in. These technologies also help these students with special needs to access the normal curriculum. It helps them not get left behind and keep them communicating with their classmates. All these tools that allow students with a disability to function in a normal classroom.

Simulations are a technology that imitates doing something that is real. There are many different types of simulations but one I would like to use in my classroom is the kind that relates to a virtual world. A student with special needs or diverse needs may not be able to participate in the dissection of animals in biology class for example. Using a simulation tool can allow them to dissect the animal in a virtual world. The simulation assists the student and allows them to access the normal curriculum. As I looked further into simulations I found one on a pig. I sat at my computer and completely dissected a pig. It was extremely easy and was explained in great depth and detail. I feel students who need to use some type of simulation in any future classroom will learn a great deal of information and will not get left behind in the curriculum. It also serves as a great review tool for later use.
 * Give an example and explain how it would support students with special/diverse needs in your future classroom.**