Effective Use of Technology in the Classroom

I read this article that had some good ideas about how integrating technology in the classroom is effective. I think using technology in the classroom can be both effective and ineffective. We shouldn't use technology for the sake of using technology. If it's not serving an educational purpose, helping students develop skills, or helping to teach a lesson then what's the point? When using technology you should have a clear point or objective. From my own experience, sometimes I hated doing projects or homework that required me to use technology if I didn't see a point to it. Some of us would rather answer questions in the book than go through all the work of putting together a powerpoint presentation, creating a video, searching the internet or using excel. I definitely can see the uses of these technologies, but doesn't mean they are the best way for all students to learn, if that makes sense.

Critique of Videos Using Copyright Guidelines (IP&T 286)

The first video I watched from teachertube is called "Powerpoint Games at Wilson Memorial School." This video broke copyright laws in its' use of music. This video was about some games that two teachers came up with on powerpoint that students could use as an interactive way to learn grammar and help them in language arts. It appeared that the powerpoint games were the teachers' own original ideas and work, but in this video there was a particular song that played. The song was very audible in some portions where you heard less than 30 seconds at a time, but when the teachers would come on to talk about their program the volume of the song was just turned down so it was still audible. Since these students used the powerpoint games in a library I am assuming that the powerpoint software was purchased or licensed. Either way it is obviously being used for educational purposes.



The second video I critiqued is called "Geometry Chapter 6-6 -- Kites" and it was made by students of about middle school age. They used printed material (geometry theorems and their textbook) in the video which is allowed according to copyright laws that "Students may incorporate text into multimedia projects." However, the students used music as well and they used portions of songs longer than 30 seconds against copyright laws.

Gospel Insights on social networking

IP&T 286 Blog topic: Gospel insights on what the implications are for this new world of social networking.

In "Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet" by Elder M. Russell Ballard (Ensign July 2008), he states, "With new technological tools, you can further the work of the Lord by joining the ongoing conversation about the church....the internet allows everyone to be a publisher, to have his or her voice heard, and it is revolutionizing society....Social networks on the web can be used to expand healthy friendships..." as well as make connections for job opportunities, rally people to vote on specific issues, advertise a new product or idea, exchange recipes or lesson plan ideas, share your beliefs and opinions-- the gospel in particular, and keep in touch with family and friends. There are many benefits to the internet and social networking, if it is used wisely. Like all good things, Satan has a way of twisting them to also be detremental if not used appropriately. The article goes on to talk about the benefits and cautions of using technological tools today.

First Time Blogger in IP&T 286

My name is Tegan Binford and I am a social studies teaching major. I'm in IP&T 286 and this is my first time creating a blog. I'm a little nervous about the class, because I am not good with technology (it's like a foreign language to me sometimes). However, I'm excited to learn new technologies that I can use in my future classroom and become more comfortable using technology.