Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Blog Assignment #4

Advantages of Integrating Technology
I think the biggest advantage of integrating technology into the history classroom is having the ability to illustrate information in a visual way, “Technology tools make possible a variety of strategies to enhance learning for the varied topics and concepts that comprise social studies content” (Roblyer & Doering, 2011 pg.337). Having history come alive through visualization is something students often have problems with (Roblyer and Doering 2011, pg.338). I think through the use of virtual field trips and other visual technology students can get a better sense of what there history books are talking about, “When integrated into the curriculum and not used as rewards, field trips can be among the most valuable and effective modes of history teaching, especially historic sites” (Roblyer & Doering, 2011 pg.338). If integrated properly I think the use of technology is a great tool that greatly benefits students. Click this link for more information on the benefits of virtual field trips. 
Disadvantages of Integrating Technology
Unfortunately as much as an advantage integrating technology is, it can also be a disadvantage in the history classroom. Students now more than ever have access to all the information on the Internet, rather that’s through their personal smartphones or a school computer. Most likely both these machines do not filter out unreliable or biased Internet sites. These sites can be harmful if students are not taught how to correctly evaluate websites, “many students have been drawn to these types of sites without questioning their accuracy” (Roblyer & Doering, 2011 pg.337). Another downside is that if you do want to integrate technology into your history classroom there is a chance that your school has used it’s set aside technology funds on other subject areas, “school resources such as technology materials tend to be directed to other content areas” (Roblyer & Doering, 2011 pg. 336). Click this link for more information on information overload and unreliable websites. 
Specific Activities, Programs, Etc. 
List the specific activities, programs, etc. you found useful from the readings. 
1.     Electronic Research
2.     Digital Storytelling
3.     Virtual Field Trips
4.     Information Visualization
5.     Adventure Learning
6.     Simulated Problem-Solving Environments


References
Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2012). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.). Columbus, OH: Merrill Prentice Hall.

3 comments:

  1. I think you were spot on in how technology can be beneficial in a history class. I really like the Mobile Apps for Education talked about on page 337. Roblyer & Doering (2012). The "This Day In History App" would be awesome just as a warm up exercise in a history class. Something like this would just put a perspective on the day and get the class started off right.

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  2. I think virtual field trips are awesome, especially for a history class! I could see myself using them for English as well to show the setting of a particular story! Implementing these, like you said, can help students visualize their lesson. Roblyer and Doering (2012) point out that imaging technologies "make teaching and learning more visual" and students often need that aesthetic learning environment (p. 11).

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  3. Great job. You are on for a history class. People like me need everything you can name to keep me engaged in history lol. Virtual field trips would be an awesome thing for history class. Robyler and Doering (2012) pointed out that virtual manipulatives can have a positive impact on student achievement (p.312). Fantastic job!

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