Technologies in Education

1. Technologies in Education Amberly Roudybush Jennie Fordyce Jacob Brainerd Arielle Brennan Michaela Diane Gutierrez New Technologies: the ability to use digital technologies to identify questions, locate information, evaluate the information, synthesize information to answer questions, and communicate the answers to others. Leu, D. J., Jr., Kinzer, C. K., Coiro, J., and Cammack, D. “Toward a theory of new literacies emerging from the Internet and other ICT.” In R.B. Ruddell & N. Unrau (Eds.), Theoretical Models and Processes of Reading, Fifth Edition (1572). Newark, DE: International Reading Association.

2. Introducing the SMART Board The SMART Board has taken the usability of the standard dry-erase board and combined it with the emerging technological world. The newest version of the SMART Board, the 88ix2, allows four students to write at once. Such activities permit students and teachers to collaborate and learn from each other. One of the best aspects of this technological tool is that there are numerous features that keep the attention of students. The multiple marker colors and drawing patterns keep K-12 students interested in the lesson plan. Interactive learning programs are also perfect for the touchscreen capabilities of the SMART Board. One cannot forget that year after year students are becoming more dependent on the Internet for education. By introducing the SMART Board, teachers are transforming the definition of public education. “SMART Board 885ix2 interactive whiteboard system.” SMART Tech. Web. 14 Sept 2013.

3. Prezi Knowhow The Prezi is similar to a PowerPoint presentation in that one can personalize a presentation with their chosen colors, script, and photos. What makes Prezi so different is that a student or teacher can create an elaborate and attractive web of slides that can incorporate eye-catching transitions, embedded videos, and any photo or clip art imaginable. Teachers and students need to adjust to the new literacies that the Prezi introduces. Education has increasingly utilized technology in the classroom, therefore students have a higher need for technology to be able to learn. Here are a couple of Prezis that group member Amberly Roudybush created for various aspects of her life; job prezi, class prezi

4. Once upon a time when a student had to locate background information on a subject they would go to the library and look up different works on the subject, using a card catalogue to find that work, flip through the book/newspaper/magazine to find the specific information, take quotes and make copies of these pages, and finally sit down to determine how to fit that information into their assignment. Today, we are lucky enough to have all of the same resources compiled into online libraries and databases available right at our fingerprints on the nearest computer. • Online library search engines, such as the one here at the UA Main library, help us quickly locate material in the largest of physical collections. • Databases, like Ebsco and Jstor, compile thousands of books, newspaper and magazine articles, literary and medical journals, and other forms of resources in a single, searchable, website. These usually cost quite a bit to access, but luckily many schools pay for their students to be able to use them.

5. iPads In The Classroom Recently, iPads have been introduced into the classroom. There are many different applications that students can download to go paperless, and they are proving to be very successful thus far. Some examples of these applications and how they facilitate learning: E-Backpack: This application allows students to submit their work to a dropbox, check their grades with the click of a button, and take notes straight onto a study guide. Study Blue: This application allows you to create flashcards by posting whatever you like (for example, a word) on the front; with a quick and easy “flip” button, students can switch to the back of the flashcard and edit the reverse as they like (for example, the definition of the word). This helps the students to memorize and study custom content. Study Buddy: This application was developed to track and eliminate the distractions that students come across as they study, thus increasing their concentration.

6. D2L: Desire To Learn Students used to have to always make sure they kept their syllabus for a class and document all of their paperwork and grades. Now there is a new organization system that holds all of the information sorted by class. It is a great way for professors to communicate with their students as well as provide a place to get reading material and assignments. You can turn in assignments using the D2L dropbox and even take online classes completely through D2L!

7. Online Labs • Online labs such as MyMathLab or MyPsychLab offer interactive activities, homework assessments, and readings. • Technology has come a long way and has reduced the paperwork and grade sheets that students have to look after. • Interactive activities and assessments enable these classes to become an entirely online experience!