Technology+Issues

 Higher Order Thinking //1. How can technology be used to support higher-order thinking?// Technology can be used to help students remove themselves from the classroom setting and put themselves in other positions in the world. Technology can provide a visual aid to help increase creativity while writing a paper, a student can then visualize a new setting and help expand their explanations and ideas because being able to put themselves in that spot. While creating a project they can analyze a setting and use that information to stimulate creativity. Allowing students to submerge themselves into these different type settings will allow for them to think outside of their classroom setting and explore new ideas. With these new ideas and expanded means of learning can help expand a students' ground for learning by a lot, by providing new stimulation to their brains.

2. //Give an example of a technology that supports higher-order thinking and be specific in describing HOW it supports higher-order thinking.// With the technology of "25 Virtual Learning Experiences," a student is allowed to place themselves in all different locations and situations. There is one area that allows one to explore the 7 Wonders of The World. With this tool a student could pick a wonder and explore it in the 360* viewer. From that the student can get a real view of the area and observe it, from that gather information and write a detailed paper or story based off of the view. Having this tool and being able to get a real life view can help the student get a better idea and therefore extend their creativity and write a more detailed paper. There is also a virtual tour of the human body, that allows one to follow through different areas and systems of the body. I feel that this would be extremely helpful in a science classroom. With this tool a teacher could assign a different system to a student, say the heart. The student can then watch and travel through the heart, giving a wonderful visual to understand the process. This is would be so much more helpful than simply just reading, because it would give the student something to look at and therefor may increase retention of information. It will allow for the student to watch and analyze what actually happens step by step.

Diversity Affirmation Through Technology   1. //How can technology be used to affirm diversity?// Technology can be used to affirm diversity in many different ways. One of the most important ways that technology can help affirm diversity is by providing non-biased information which will help educate others who are not familiar with another culture. Educating ones self about other people is the first step to avoid having misconstrued ideas of others. Technology can also help open the doors of communication to people who may speak in other languages than English by providing translations. It can also provide a chance to showcase different works that are done by different people for the world to see. Allowing to broadcast their works on the internet allows to world to see that everyone is capable of doing great work.

2. //Give an example of a technology that affirms diversity and be specific in describing HOW it affirms diversity.// One example of a tool that helps affirm diversity through technology is the use of Google Language Tools. Through the use of Language Tools one can reach out and communicate with someone else who may not speak the same language. This can provide a sense of comfort because it will show the person they are being reached out to. If anything, a person can look up simple words like greetings or sayings so they can at least say "hello" or "nice to meet you" in the same language. This helps bridge the gap and differences between two or more people through the use of language. It also allows for you to set websites up in different languages, one could work side by side with someone going through information, but use it in each of their own native languages. Allowing for websites to be translated opens up worlds of information to others who may not be able to read in English. Through the use of this tool people can be brought together, more ideas can be shared and greater things can be accomplished.

Supporting All Learners  1. // How can technology be used to address the needs of learners with special needs?// Technology can be brought into the classroom to help students with special needs in many different ways. With the use of computers, students can type in what they want to say and the computer can speak it verbally for them. There is also the use of adaptive communication equipment, which allows one to use a digital voice. The equipment uses pictures and words/letters for the person to pick and then the equipment verbalizes for the individual. With the use of computers and programs like Powerpoint information is presented in the classroom and say you have a student who is deaf or hard of hearing, the visual aid would allow them to read the information, thus allowing them to learn and keep up with the mainstreamed classroom. The use of technology allows the teacher to present information in so many different manners and also opens up communication possibilities for those who may have difficultly doing so the traditional way.

2. //Give an example and explain how it would support students with special/diverse needs in your future classroom?// I really like the technology of the adaptive communication devices, which allow those who are not fully able to verbally communicate a voice and chance to be heard even if they may be silent. I think it would support both students who may be special and those who are fully capable to communicate on their own. I believe this because it will allow for more students to share ideas and expand on each others ideas. I believe one of the most special gifts we have as people is being able to communicate with others, challenge others thoughts, and help each other learn. Through the use of a communication device this will open those doors for that student. It would allow for the student to raise their hand and give responses, which will help them feel included in the class.