Reflect on the idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning

Assessments are a necessary tool in order to be able to measure student learning. However, testing is not the only way to objectively measure student growth. There are many alternative ways to measure student growth and it is important as educators that we use a plethora of assessment tools in order objectively and accurately gauge mastery of content. Students need to be given different opportunities to show their understanding. This can be done through performance based assessments, portfolios, authentic assessments, and open-ended questions. It is important that teachers strive and foster higher level thinking and real word relevance. Ultimately, there are many ways for teachers to assess students.

A Technology-Infused Classroom

A technology-infused classroom is a classroom which evolves, as technology itself progresses. It is my vision that a technology-infused classroom would be one that provides students with the technological tools that would enable them to work with concepts or skills in meaningful ways. There are many types of technology (software and hardware) that can enhance instruction and empower students with the tools they need to succeed in the future.

Within a technology-infused classroom there should be computers/laptops available for student to access on a daily basis. Students should also have access to a printer, digital camera, and other technological devices. The teacher should also have an electronic whiteboard, Elmo, scanner and the appropriate software programs to compliment the curriculum.

It would be my goal to educate myself as to the potential of each of these forms of technology and how to best use them to enhance my lessons. I would also incorporate technology in a way, in order for students to be able to relate the curriculum to meaningful, real world applications. Today’s students live in a digital, high-paced society and as educators it is important that we use the tools that they will need in order for them to compete and succeed in the 21^st century.

Visual Literacy and the Internet

Silverman, L.K. (2002).


Primarily there are 3 general learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. In general, “our student populations are made up of 65 percent visual learners, 30 percent auditory learners, and 5 percent kinesthetic learners” (Gangwer, 2009, p.2). This post will focus on how visual literacy and the Internet could be used to enhance teaching and learning within the classroom.

Since the majority of students are visual learners, providing visual literacy materials is essential in order to meet their learning style. Visual literacy teaching strategies can address learners through investigation, discovery, expression, communication, and by using images to make connections with new concepts. Using visual strategies can be beneficial to address the diverse learning styles of students including those that are ELL or linguistically challenged.

Classrooms today need to strike a balance with core curriculum, supported and enhanced with visual materials. Tapping in to the plethora of resources offered via the Internet to enhance lessons is an excellent way to incorporate visual materials. The Internet can offer educational games, stories, reference materials, virtual field trips, tutorials, and simulations that can reinforce skills, concepts, and knowledge.



Gangwer, T. (2009). Visual impact, visual teaching: Using images to strengthen learning, (2nd Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Instructional Strategies

It is no longer feasible to rely solely on traditional lecture and textbook format when educating today’s students. Educating today’s students requires educators to provide students with an authentic and stimulating curriculum that has real world applications. In today’s technologically advanced world, it is imperative that students are given the appropriate tools in order for students to succeed in the high-tech society in which they live.
“Teachers have the awesome task of helping students lay a foundation of technological knowledge and skills that they will build upon for the rest of their lives” (Herndon, n.d., para.3). Teachers also need to do so in a manner that addresses the diverse learning styles of students (visual, auditory and kinesthetic). It is for this reason that educators need to use a variety of instructional strategies in the classroom.
By differentiating the instructional methods and implementing technology, students can meet the curricular objectives by using diverse skills unique to their learning style. For example, a visual learner can complete a report using PowerPoint, an auditory learner could use text to speech to complete a written report, and a kinesthetic learner could create a story board through various software programs. Overall, by ensuring that diversified instructional strategies are being used, educators are ensuring that they are meeting the needs of the diverse needs of their students.

Herndon, S. (n.d.). Technology vs. lecture in classroom guidance lessons. Retrieved from http://teach.valdosta.edu/are/vol1no2/PDF%20article%20manuscript/herndon.pdf

Introduction

This blog has been created as a requirement for my course, Learning in the Digital Age at Grand Canyon University. This is my final course before completing my Masters in Special Education. I look forward to learning how technology can be integrated in the classroom in order to provide students with an authentic and stimulating curriculum that has real world applications; however I am somewhat out of sorts. I have never blogged, and am having a difficult time writing in the first person (not APA format), sharing opinions, and not worrying about citations. So, bear with me as I reflect on what I am learning and have learned, throughout this course :o)