EDOL533 Lesson 1

I learned many things that surprised me. I guess I just really didn't think about the word "technology" in a broad scense. The first thing I thought of was computers and software. I hadn't even considered things like books, tv's, handhelds, and all the other types. When I read chapter 1 and saw the figure on page 6, it made me realize how many things fit into that category. Technology can be old or new. I generally think of the latter.
The ideas of all the different associations, societies and standards are somewhat confusing. What I basically got from all of it was they wanted constistencey thoughout the educational system to ensure the same standards were being met and training was done the same way. I am surprised that the states can either adopt or refer the national standard. It would make scense to me to get more uniformity between the states. We all want the students to recieve the best education. More uniformity between states may help keep the states equal in what they provide.
I think it is a good idea to have both the technology standards for teachers and students. Each need something different in order to achieve that education goal. Students need to be kept up to date on what is available for them to use to better themseles. I am surprised to see in my class the number of students that are only exposed to the internet at school. They do not have internet at home or something like powerpoint. These are necessary things they need to know in order to continue their education. In this time, they are as necessary as pencil and paper.
Teachers should be able to model for students. Teachers pave the way for students in many ways. From us, they can learn more that just what is taught in books. If their "old" teacher can learn something technologically new, it may challenge them to learn more themselves. This is why teachers should model new technology. It also exposed the students to what they may see in college or a better way for them to learn or get more information.
In chapter 2, learning styles were described. At my school, we have discussed this. At the beginning of the semester, the students are asked to fill out an index card describing interests they have, favorite subject or books, and how they like to learn. We ask if they like to study by themselves, with one other peron, with several people, or with a group. They are given a sheet with some statements they can agree or disagree with. They count the group where they agreed with most of the statements, and it tells use how they learn(auditory, visual or kinesthetic). We can use these cards to group them into learning groups and to see if we have a majority of one style in our class. It helps us with our teaching style to better serve to students academically.