Reflective Blog #2 (5) Research in Educational Technology 5/5

Hall, L., Hudson, R. (2006). Cross-curricular connections: Video

Production in a K-8 Teacher Preparation Program, 6

(3), 328-341. Retrieved February 24, 2010 from EBSCO

Host Academic Search Complete.

Authors, Leslie Hall, and Roxanne Hudson created a unique way to better prepared teachers for the diverse classrooms they will encounter. Faculty members are used in one education program to foster integration of content and skills in various courses. Hall and Hudson believe a teacher must have a clear understanding of how content can be included in the use of video productions for all students. This will provide teachers to better scaffold the experience for the children. Students today have learning challenges caused by their diversity due to language differences, poverty, and disability. These authors believe this requires a teacher who is well prepared to teach ALL students in their classroom. One of the problems that prevent this from happening is, only 13% of teachers are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Many preservice teachers do not have the necessary skills to work effectively with diverse students. This makes teaching them difficult, and many teachers are not willing to teach students from backgrounds different than theirs. This study determines if attitudes and knowledge among the preservice teachers have changed. The outcome did show that it had improved; however, it did show also that a large amount of teachers reported neutral responses about their knowledge, and this is troubling. The authors suggest possible solutions to this problem. One thing they can do is; consider the fact that it takes an unusual mature young teacher to venture into relationships with families and communities that are unlike their own. Another recommendation would be to enhance video technology integration in K-12 classrooms. This would make technology integration more authentic in teacher preparation programs. Teachers can use storytelling an opportunity for them to explore personal identities, that will affect their teaching. Weekly video storytelling will also give undergraduate teachers a chance to relate their experiences of working with students from cultural and economic backgrounds different from their own. Undergraduate teaches participated in a 10 week study, using a technology course designed to produce evidence of their learning about diversity. This technology based study enabled faculty members to scaffold the experience for students. The powerful role technology can play in teaching and learning for both student and teacher should increase.

Reflective Blog #2 (4) Research in Educational Technology 4/5

Kebritchi, Mansureh. (2010). Factors affecting teacher's adoption of

educational computer games: A case study. British Journal of

Educational Technology, 41(2), 256-270,

Retrieved February 25, 2010 from EBSCO Host Academic

Search Complete.

Author Mansureh Kebritchi, PhD, is an Instructional Technology graduate from the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida. The purpose of the study is to inform educators and instructional designers on factors affecting teachers' adoption of modern educational computer games. He is a strong believer that educational software are considered effective teaching tools because they use action instead of explanation. It also creates personal motivation and satisfaction to the user. The final results of this study showed that educational computer games are considered powerful tools that have the potential for improving the quality of the educational system. The methods used in the case study were to use experienced teachers who were looking for engaging interactive tools to enhance the teaching of complicated subjects. The three teachers used for the study played the game for 2 hours straight. Dimenxian, the name of the computer game, was used in the study to investigate teachers perceptions on its adoption. It is a game that teaches students how to graph linear equations and understand coordinate system. The key attributes of the study included, was the game compatible, its complexity, the trail ability, and the observability. The teachers suggested that the combination of learning with fun and the learners learning preference were the two main reasons of using the game. Teachers also concluded that the game was helpful for students who struggle grasping concepts like the graph. It also puts a fun twist on learning, kids love anything relating to video games. The findings of the study showed that the game was effective. The game also included gender neutral features. the game consists of compatibility with state and national standards which is important. There also is an opportunity for players to access a trial version of the game prior to purchase. Overall this study will be helpful to identify adoption factors of Dimenxian as well as similar educational computer games.

Reflective Blog #2 (3) Research in Educational Technology 3/5

Duncan-Howell J. Teachers making connections: Online communities

as a source of professional learning. British Journal of Educational

(Serial online). 2010.41(2), 324-340. Retrieved February

20th, 2010 from Education Research Complete.

Author J. Duncan-Howell conducted an online survey to gather demographic data on professional teachers. The goal of the survey is to provide insight of the skills and attitudes of members of online teacher professionals, regarding their professional development experiences. The majority of teachers came from primary school teaching background, and have had over twenty years of experience. The purpose of the survey is also designed to compare PD experiences online and offline. The highest method of learning preferred was learning with your colleagues face-to-face not from your workplace. The second highest method was learning with your colleagues face-to-face from your workplace. The third highest method was learning individually and electronically. The author also brings to light advantages and disadvantages by these methods that teachers prefer. An overwhelming number of teachers identified time as being the number one advantage of online professional development. Another advantage was that this method was targeted to their needs and was authentic. However, there were disadvantages using online methods of PD. Time was also listed not only as an advantage, but it was listed as an disadvantage as well. Careful management of time is needed for a online method to be a benefit. One can become sidetracked if they are not able to manage their time effectively.

The survey showed that teachers with 20 years or more of experience typically engaged in conferences, workshops and courses. The author suggest that professional development needs to be pushed not only offline, but online as well. The results of the survey concluded,those with online opportunities for PD are provided with a rich source of professional learning.

If teachers were given a choice, the study shows that online communities present a worthwhile opportunity for professional learning for teachers. The traditional method offline is yet still very popular, but the survey shows that there is a merging interest in online opportunities.

Reflective Blog #2 (2) Research in Educational Technology 2/5

Miller, D./Robertson, D. (2010). Using a game console in the

primary classroom: EFFECTS OF 'BRAIN TRAINING'

PROGRAMME ON COMPUTATION AND SELF-ESTEEM:

Article, 41(2), 242-255. Retrieved

February 20, 2010 from EBSCO Host Academic Search Complete.

Author, David J. Miller, is an Senior Lecturer in Eduction at the University of Dundee. Primary classroom practice and the effects on children's cognitive and affective development is is primary research interest. Author, Derek Robertson is New Technologies for Learning Development Officer, at Learning and Teaching Scotland, Dundee. The use of gaming technology in primary schools is his particular interest. The purpose of this study is to show that there is a growing interest in temptation for educators to use commercial off the shelf computer games for learning in the classroom. This article takes us into several primary classrooms, to support the fact that game consoles have academic significance in the classroom. The total students assessed were 71 students. School 1 used the game console for 20 minutes everyday. In school 2, 31 children used a technique called "Brain Gym" over the treatment period. School 3, were the no control class. The experiment lasted 10 weeks, and the comparison of the groups showed much detail. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether classroom use of a commercial off the shelf mental game could influence students learning and self perceptions. The authors lead to this investigation by detecting that children have very high expectations of computer games. Although there are many advocates for game-based learning, there is also a need for more concrete evidence of the learning advantages from the use of commercial off the shelf computer games. The students in the games console room was enthusiastic about the learning possibilities. They would play the Brain Training games for 20 minutes each day, four days a week. On the fifth day the student participated in a 'Brain Age Check', which provided feedback about how well they did. The classes that were identified as no treatment control, and the game console class were also tested on the fifth day. The scores were calculated, and investigated to find the performance of the three classes. The results showed that the games console class, and the no treatment control group both showed significant gains in the number of correct answers from the test taken on the fifth day. However, the game console class gained twice those of the control. The study also showed that the slight gain in scores for the Brain Gym class did not achieve significant gain.

Reflective Blog #2 (1) Research in Educational Technology

Lyublinskaya, I./Zhou, G (2008). Integrating graphing calculators

and probeware into science methods courses:

IMPACTS ON PRESERVICE ELEMENTARY TEACHERS'

CONFIDENCE AND PERSPECTIVES ON TECHNOLOGY

FOR LEARNING AND TEACHING Article, 27

(2), 163-182. Retrieved February 20, 2010

from EBSCO Host Academic Search Complete.

Authors Lyublinskaya, Professor at College of Staten Island, and Zhou, Professor at Unversity of Windsor, conducted a study survey; which included many teacher candidates perspectives in the use of graphing calculator technology. The authors demonstrate that the usage of graphic calculators has widely been used in math lessons, but it can be used for so much more. Graphic calculators can be used in science classes, collecting a variety of data which range from respiration rate to EKG's. The study proves that these calculators can increase students' understanding, but science teachers should be competent in technology to implement the usage of such modern technology. Many participants testimonies express that if they use more technology in their classrooms, they will be able to do more engaging lessons with their students, and help them learn more. The survey showed that several of the teacher candidates had only limited exposure to calculator technology. Some participants felt uncomfortable using calculators in conjunction with teaching at the end of this course. However, after the course, a majority of the candidates upheld an attitude that this technology was important to their future students. The conclusion of the study proves that the perspectives and attitudes teachers have depend on their comfort level using graphing calculators. The participants' confidence in using technology, is independent of their perspective. If they perceive technology to be useful to their students, they must be confident to use it. In this study Lyublinskaya and Zhou, demonstrate that when teachers are educated, and are offered opportunities to use technology skills, then it boost their confidence. Confidence along with opportunities to use calculator-based technology will encourage them to engage in other technology methods. The intention would be to change preservice teachers' attitudes towards the use of technology in their future classrooms. This change will enhance their students academic learning.

Classroom Blogs

URL Web Address: http://classofambrose.blogspot.com

Title of blog site: Class of Ambrose

General Topics: There were many topics covered on this blog. The blog showcased articles on how teachers can keep a classroom calendar, and the importance of pictures in their classrooms; It also offered math helps for children, and had tips on how to conduct spelling reviews. The site has an abundance of information to better connect parents, teachers, and the students. The main focus in my opinion was to prepare teachers with the skills they need to be competitive in the 21st Century. It also serves the purpose of allowing the students to post blogs as well!

What I liked/disliked? I really enjoyed viewing this blog. I appreciate the fact that many classroom teachers are trying to improve parent communication by keeping them updated on the latest news at their school and class community. I love the fact that parents can participate in a live conversation through comments with teachers. I did feel like there was too much information, and that parents might not be able to read everything that is posted on the blog. Too many resources can hinder a blog site, and viewers may miss important information.
Would I recommend this blog site: I would absolutely recommend this site to not only educators, but also parents.

http://www.missfrandsensclass.blogspot.com

Mrs. Frandsen's Class

General topics: General topics on this blog were mostly about upcoming events in Mrs. Frandsen's class. This blog included topics and calender events such as upcoming test and quizzes, homework assignments, and general information about what was going on in their class. It did not however, have blogs regarding teacher enrichment or development. The primary purpose of this blog site is to keep the teacher and parent communication lines open.

What I like/dislike about the blog site: Mrs. Frandsen's class blog was colorful, and full of pictures. It included a lot of information, but not too much for readers to be overwhelmed! I don't believe the teacher is a frequent user of the blog, because it was in need of serious updating.

Would I recommend this blog site: I probably would not recommend this blog site. It really wasn't interesting at all. It also seemed neglected. If someone kept up with postings a bit more, it would be a pretty good site.

Educational Blog

Title Blog: Technology for Teachers

http://freetech4teachers.com

• General Topics of the blog: Included; How to set up Diigo accounts, and The 12 Essentials for Technology Integration. It also included how to incorporate technology into your lesson plans.
• The format of the Blog: The color has earth tone features. It is not in my opinion user friendly. It does provide 3D graphics that are pretty cool! It did not have a lot of sites to link to, compared to other sites. Overall, it is pretty good.
• Would I recommend this blog site: I would recommend this site to educators, but would caution to check others out as well.

Title: Megan's Blog Desk

http://megansblogdesk.blogspot.com

• General topic in the blog:This cool site has an invited guest to answer questions the students may have. (approved by the teacher of course!) This colorful/fun (although girly) blog site is specifically used as resources for educators interested in blogging, and to enhance learning environments. It organizes science, reading, history, spelling/language art links that children and educators can use. It also features classroom blog examples. This is a simple, user friendly blog site.
• Would I recommend this blog site: I would recommend to educators. I would also recommend this site to students, because it has some really cool links.