Overview

In the article “Tools for the Mind” Mary Burns starts off by looking back at articles from the early 1990s and how they had a more hopeful outlook on the use of computers and education. Unfortunately, computers are not being used to their fullest potential in the classroom.

Many times classrooms use software for “show and tell” rather than higher level thinking. This can be seen by the use of PowerPoint presentations rather then using spreadsheets to analyze data. The presentations don’t require much complex thinking, as opposed to the numerous tasks that could be done with spreadsheets.

In order for students to use technology to the fullest they must not only use information, but create it. In order for this to happen teachers need to ask themselves questions about what they are using and why they are using it. Bottom line is figuring out if the technology they are using is helping the students achieve a higher level of thinking.


Reference Points

“Computers can provide transformative students learning experiences that would otherwise not be possible.”

Computers can provide students with “eureka” moments because they are able to model different scenarios using spreadsheets.

“Many districts have concentrated on professional development that trains teachers in skills instead of teaching them how computers can enhance student learning.”

“Students generally use the Internet as an electronic textbook, often without questioning, validating, or evaluating the information they find.”

“Higher-order tools, for the most part, are not as user-friendly or visually appealing.”


Reflection

The science class that I am in right now does not use a lot of technology so I have not thought about this area of technology very extensively. The only lesson plan I have created for an on-line assignment was looking at topo maps. The website was free and students could look at any location in the United States. It was a really fun activity, but looking back on it there was not much of the higher level thinking. The computer basically served the same purpose as a paper map. However, it was very nice having so many maps available.

In science it is very important to learn the skills of using computer for data analysis. This is something that could easily be incorporated into multiple lessons. Looking at different lab groups data and then charting, along with a wide variety of other assignment. I totally agree with this article. If schools are going to push technology we should take the time to utilize it to its fullest potential. I have to admit that I am not all that familiar with technology so it would be harder for me to have the students use programs that engage higher level thinking. I would need some more training, or just time to explore the available options.

Energy Project Presentation!

Here it is! After collecting data, putting it into Excel, analyzing it, making a PowerPoint, and doing a presentation, you finally get to see it ALL. If you are interested in the advantages and disadvantages of switching from incandescent to fluorescent bulbs, you should check this out! Click here to see the presentation!


Presentation Review

It is an odd thing watching yourself present. How you picture yourself is nothing like what you really look like. Things you think you are doing well look bad, and then there are the things you have no idea you do. After looking at the presentation of Melissa and myself I took some notes on my strengths and weaknesses. Here it is:

Weaknesses:
One of the first things I noticed was how I didn’t have any emotion during the presentation. It doesn’t even look like I am remotely interested in what I am doing. Second I don’t look like I know what I am talking about. I read off the screen a lot and it seems that I am just reading what someone else wrote rather then talking about a project that I did. When I was talking about the graphs and other things I just stood in one place, I should have moved and pointed to what I was talking about. I shouldn’t assume that a viewer knows what everything means, especially when the graphs were only up for a short time. My body seemed very stiff and conveyed a lack of interest and comfort with what I was doing.

Strengths:
My words seem to flow pretty well together. There were only a few times that I stumbled over my words or needed a second to think about what I was saying.

How could this be better?
Add life to the presentation! Make it fun and something I would want to watch. It seemed like just a bunch of data and didn’t really seem like something an average person would want to see. I also need to add enthusiasm to the way I talk. Especially when presenting to students I need to make sure I am lively in the way I talk. If I don’t sound interested why would they be?

Energy Conservation PowerPoint

Well here it is! After a week of looking at the usage of lights in the house I have found out just how much energy goes into lighting my house. It was not too hard to figure out how long each light was left on, and once the correct formulas were in place in Excel the math was done for me!

Knowing how much energy is used to light the house I then calculated what the difference would be if I changed the incandescent light bulbs to fluorescent bulbs. I found that I would save a LOT of energy it I switched to fluorescent bulbs. However, there is always a catch. What is that catch? Well you will have to look at my PowerPoint to find out!

To See the PowerPoint click here!