Chapter 4

So this chapter was concerned with using technology as a side-by-side asset to go along with a lesson, along with the major principles involved with learning theories that should be used.  In turn, this can prove to be extremely beneficial towards students.

I want to discuss Instruction and Technology to Engage Students.  I've seen firsthand from my brother, who is still in school, with how important a gadget is nowadays.  All of his schoolwork is done on the iPads given at school, and I was very puzzled when he asked for help and I was like, "Where's the pen and packet?" Little did I know that it was previously downloaded onto the tablet and he was using a stylus to write out his answers on what looked to be a PDF.  Now, I want to relate this towards a diagram shown a couple of pages afterwards in the text.  This displays elements of Lesson Development and what I'm referencing could overlap with all three components.  Academic content are in the form of online databases and textbook PDFs, teaching goals can be seen through WebQuests and Visual Thinking softwares, and assessment and evaluation can be in the form online tests and quizzes, or even games that keep track of a student's progress.  Personally, I've used softwares like these throughout and I would remember a software in my school's computer lab that aided in perfecting grammar.  

I tend to agree with performance testing.  That being said, I want to focus intently on standard-based assessments, or standardized testing.  It is a great concept as it tries to improve the education system and measure the amount of knowledge a student has gained.  However, it has become an evaluation system for some states, which should not happen.  Furthermore, from state-to-state, there are different cultures and resources, so it would be very difficult to given similar exams to these children.  Therefore, while being worried about their own jobs, teachers find themselves teaching to the test, rather than have ideas come more fluidly.  Finally, I wanted to mention that only the teacher truly knows his or her students and can tailor lesson plans to their needs.  They can become engaged and the learning will follow.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is an example where the Lesson Development diagram on page 85 is seen using the technology of today?

2. Which types of test assessments do you agree/disagree with and why?