EdTech eBook Review

I thought that this ebook was very interesting. It went over a lot of different types of technologies that we can incorporate into our classrooms and into our lessons as well. I have been skeptical about whether I would use the technology we have learned about thus far in my classroom because I will be in special education, but this ebook showed me a lot of other technological tools that I know would make a big difference in my student's learning.

I especially liked the section on Ipads. I have used a Kindle Fire in my P.P.C.D (preschool program for students with disabilities) classroom and was amazed at the level of attention and the duration of attention of all my students. I was able to work with one group on color identification and another on motor skills by popping bubbles. Being able to bring that kind of technology into the classroom is not available to all classes, but if you do have the opportunity this ebook is a great place to learn the best ways to make the most out of it.

How can I use blogs in my classroom??

While looking through the Warlick website I saw some interesting posts, but wasn't convinced about using blogs in the classroom until I saw the video about .99 repeating equals 1. this video was really neat and the author did a great job. The video is her drawing and writing with different color sharpies while explaining the reasons that .99 repeating equals 1. the drawings are set up to go faster than normal because she wouldn't be able to go that fast in real time, but she speaks clearly and is easy to understand. The concept is something I had never considered but the way she put it, it made sense. It also gave me an idea about how to use blogs in the classroom.

I am a special education major, so depending on the age group I teach I may just use the blog as a way to let parents know what is going on in the classroom at all times in case their child is sick or they just want to stay informed. 

Speaking from a teacher in a general education classroom, I could use it as a way to upload videos of concepts that students need more instruction on. After assessments, if there are some students that need just a little extra practice and guidance I can just upload a video like the one in the link of me reteaching a concept. Our time in the classrooms is so valuable that I won't be able to take the time and reteach every lesson that a student needs, so this can be a helpful tool that they can use at home or at school during a time like centers.  

Inquiry and Project Based Learning

Inquiry-based learning is a strategy to use in the classroom that involves students in their own learning and encourages questions. It steers students away from just memorizing facts that the teacher lists and starts discussions. Along with project-based learning in which students are encouraged to explore their interests through research, students are no longer just sitting in their desks copying definitions and forgetting everything they learn the minute the test is over. Instead, they are learning with a more hands on approach that takes their own interests into consideration and puts everything in real world perspective through research.

In the unit that takes a look at how we impact our world, students will look at the big picture and how our choices effect our environment through research and observations. They will take that information and answer questions like; how they can be good citizens to help out their own community, how is our world effected by pollution, and how can we all work together to improve our planet.

These question will all evoke their own set of question that the students will look into using several forums of media and their own observations. The information gathered by the students during this lesson will bring the outside world into the classroom and will ignite problem solving skills.