Week 4 Lessons Learned

Designing and implementing student-centered learning using technology such as; computers, digital cameras, scanners and editing software is where this week’s readings and videos led us to. This helped our group with are ULD lesson. We were asked to design a lesson that implements activities that require the use of technology that will assist special needs students and diverse learners. Additionally, the readings and videos provided additional resources that assisted both teacher and learner in implementing student centered projects and lessons that involve technology.

Pitler’s book Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works, explains the importance of designing and implementing activities and lessons supporting cooperative groups. Pitler mentions a variety of ways to teach technology while allowing students to work considerately and collaboratively. Blogs, wikis, online courses, instant messaging, voice, video, and multimedia projects provide an array of opportunities for students to share and produce assignments. In the reading from the research document, Solomon mentions the importance of administration leading by example and establishing funds for various technologies. Administration is always looking to see if teachers are using technology in lessons and activities then send a mixed message when they see students using their own smart phones for research. The inevitable question that teachers often time receive is why are they allowing students to use cell phones in class? Many times they dismiss that the class room may not have enough computers, tablets, i Pads, or other internet capable devices for the students to use for research.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 139-154