Tech Trends

I was amazed and excited by the tech trends described in the 2013 NMC Horizon Report.  Reading about new trends in technology, I was filled with excitement thinking of how these trends would affect education.  The realization that many of the trends described are currently being implemented was amazing.  

• Cloud computing- We have Chrome Books in our classrooms and use the cloud daily to save and share student work.  
• 3-D printing-  Earlier this month I had the opportunity to watch a 3-D printer and take home a real object it had replicated.

These are just two of the wonderful trends that have already become a part of our world.  I am thrilled to see where they lead us.

The trend I chose to research and try was virtual science.  I spent a lot of time searching through websites trying online simulations of science experiments.  Many of the online science experiments were targeted at secondary education and I had to refine my search to find elementary level sites.  However, I am glad I continued my search because I found several wonderful free resources.  Many sites have labeled their activities by grade level and/or subject.

The lesson I chose to teach was on mixtures and solutions using a FOSS website  http://archive.fossweb.com/modules3-6/MixturesandSolutions/activities/junkyardanalysis.html .  I combined the use of the science book, a chart for recording data, a short video and the website to give students the lesson background before moving on to test their predictions of each object.  The students were very enthusiastic about the use of the Chrome Books in science.  They were also able explain the characteristics of mixtures and solutions.

This lesson was taught the during our science week when we have several guest teachers come to our school to do hands-on science with our fifth grade classes.  When students were asked about science week, the mixture/solution lesson using a virtual site was ranked above two of the hands on lessons.  I knew the students had been engaged during the lesson, but was surprised that the virtual lesson would be more popular than one taught by an instructor with hands on materials.  It did not however, rank higher than making slime.  That is just one lesson that will always be better in real life!

I believe this lesson has changed how I will teach science in the future.  When using an online experience, there is no gathering materials, cost, or clean up.  I don't think an online simulation should completely replace hands-on labs, but I think it has its place and is an effective way to experience science.

My lesson plan

and presentation.

EdTech Research

Completing each objective of this assignment was a valuable learning experience for me.  Beginning with creating a learning objective, I learned that sometimes you have to work through a process using trial and error to complete a task.  The ability to pinpoint the exact outcome you will expect from a lesson allows you to focus on how you will achieve the goal.  The next objective was completing the research.  Using the Boise State Library and the Google research tool, inspired me to teach my students a better way to research their topics.  The final objective, creating an annotated bibliography provided quite a challenge for me.  I had to learn each element in the bibliography separately to complete my assignment.  APA format was quite a learning experience.
As far as my research experience, I have a greater understanding of WebQuests and even a feeling of confidence as I evaluate the web quest I created for my Edtech 502 assignment.  The last few weeks of learning became validated. So many of the topics I have learned about in my first few months in the Edtech program were addressed by the sources in my research.  In one article I about how RSS could be incorporated into web quests to keep the research current.  Upon completion of my research, I felt confident in my ability to create my own effective web quest without using a WebQuest website.
This assignment has been a valuable learning opportunity for me.
Edtech Research