EdTech 541 - Internet Safety

Internet Safety: The Teacher’s Concern

Today’s students have an endless amount of technology and resources to help in their education. One of the most important advances in technology over the past few years is the use of the Internet. The Internet in itself is not new as it was developed in the early 1990s but it is the way that it is used today that makes it so important for the 21st century learner. It allows collaboration among students from around the world and personalized and inquiry-based learning. It has also allowed students the chance to receive authentic, lifelong learning.

The Internet is an amazing resource for students, however, it can be filled with misinformation and can even put students into some dangerous situations. Roblyer (2016) states, “In many ways, it is a reflection of the best and worst qualities of our society” (p. 174). As educators, we need to be aware of these shortcomings and be able to inform our students on how to avoid the dangers. It is up to us teachers to ensure that students use the Internet properly.

The following guidelines come from Alberta Education – Teacher Resources. This resource offers general strategies to help teachers reduce the risks associated with students misappropriate use of the Internet.

Learn everything you can about the Internet. If you are not completely aware of how the Internet works, find out. Ask your colleagues and students. There are many experts directly in your learning environment. Discuss with your administration or technology coordinator about purchasing a site license for the MNet's Web Awareness Workshop series on Internet concerns. Suggest that your board or school use these workshops for presentations to teachers during professional development time.

Learn about your students' surfing habits. Discuss with each of your students about their personal Internet usage to assess where, how often, and for how long they go online - this can also be a benefit in student learning. Try visiting some the sites that the students frequent.

Make sure that monitor screens are visible. Set up your classroom to ensure that students' computers are arranged so that you can see all screens.

Familiarize yourself with your school board's Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet. Get to know the responsibilities of teachers, students and parents, as outlined in your board's acceptable use policy.

Create a recommended list of resources for class and homework assignments. Research and bookmark safe and relevant Internet sites for your students to visit.

Teach students never to give out personal information online. One of the most important online safety rules for students is to protect their personal privacy. Teach your students that they should never give out personal information such as their full name, email address, street address or phone number on the internet.

With older students, encourage an open dialogue on Internet conduct. It is very important to keep open lines of communication with that of your students. They will at times be curious and explore sites they should not be at. This way your students will feel comfortable coming to you if they get into trouble.

Report any online content or activity that you suspect is illegal. Make sure to report any online crimes to your administration and/or the police. Your or your students may encounter online situations that could be dangerous to your students. These situations could include but are not exclusive to the following; online hate-crimes, harassment, attempt to lure a child, child pornography and physical threats.

There are many other resources located on the Internet that focus on the teacher’s ability to reduce the risks associated with students’ misappropriate use of the Internet. Here is a small list and description of each of the resources:

Media Smarts: Canada’s Centre for Digital and Media Literacy

This is a teacher resource website that helps both parents and teacher to get informed about the latest trends in the digital age. Topics such as cyber-bullying, cyber-security, hate crimes, gambling, pornography, sexting, privacy and more are discussed.

SafeKids.com: Digital Citizenship, Online Safety and Civility

SafeKids.com is one of the oldest sites for Internet safety. It’s founder and editor, Larry Magid, is the author of the original National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s 1994 brochure, “Child Safety on the Information Highway.” This site discusses the newest trends in Internet safety and helps teachers and parents understand the concepts of a safe internet environment.

Identity Theft and Credit Card Fraud – How to Protect Yourself

This is an article from the Wall Street Journal that discusses identity theft and what things can be done if this happens to you or people you know. It also provides information on how to protect yourself from being part of this crime.

Cyber Safety Solutions

CyberSafetySolutions is a website that provides advice and assistance to students, parent and teachers in a wide range of disciplines including internet safety and digital citizenship. It has an excellent section of cyber-bullying.

Keeping our students safe is one of the most important jobs we have as educators. By being aware of the shortcomings of the Internet and knowing our students, we can make their learning environment safe and allow students to use the resources for their intended purpose.

References

Internet safety tips for kids and teens. National Children’s Advocacy Center. Retrieved from http://www.nationalcac.org/prevention/internet-safety-kids.html

Magid, L. (2011, December 11). Is my child at risk from online predators? SafeKids.com: Digital Citizenship, Online Safety and Civility. Retrieved from http://www.safekids.com

Roblyer, M.D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching. (7ed). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Tips for safe internet use. Alberta Education. Retrieved from https://education.alberta.ca/teachers/resources/internettips/

Web awareness workshop series. Media Smarts: Canada’s Centre for Digital and Media Literacy. Retrieved from http://mediasmarts.ca/teacher-resources/licensed-resources/web-awareness-workshop-series

(2015, July 31). Identity theft & credit card fraud – How to protect yourself. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from http://guides.wsj.com/personal-finance/credit/how-to-protect-yourself-from-identity-theft/

EdTech 541 - Benefits of Multimedia - Vlog

Relative Advantage of the Use of Multimedia in the Classroom

This is the only the second vlog that I have produced. I tried to use Camtasia but had all sorts of trouble with the audio. I ended up going to CS6 Premiere Pro but I am not a great fan of the audio in this software either.

I found this took a lot more time than I had anticipated.  The information was quite straight-forward however I found it very hard to talk to myself. I must have had over 50 attempts. Finally I put together the vlog but am not so sure of the quality.

The following embedded video is a video blog - vlog - on the benefits of using multimedia in the classroom. Please click here for the text that accompanies the vlog.

Below are the resources used in this presentation:

Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2011). E-learning and the Science of Instruction (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.

Roblyer, M.D. (2016). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. (7ed). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Wang, T. (2010). Educational benefits of multimedia skills training. Techtrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, Publication of the Association for Educational Communications & Technology, 54(1), 47-57. doi: 10.1007/s11528-009-0363-x

EdTech 541 - the Basic Suite Software

The Relevant Advantages of The Basic Suite Software

Basic Software Suite is a collection of two or more programs bundled together that can be used used in conjunction with each other or as separate applications. Software suites usually have applications that include a word processor, a spreadsheet and a presentation package. Examples of basic software suites that are commonly used in education are Microsoft Office - MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint and Google. Google includes Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Slides - combined under Google Drive.

The basic suite software is one of - if not the most - important and flexible types of software we use in education today. Teachers choose them not only because they have qualities that aid classroom instruction and help make classroom time more productive, but also because they give students experience with  21st- century tools that they will see again and again in their workplaces (Roblyer, 2016). In our school board and province, High School Redesign is paramount in the development of our students. Personalized learning and collaboration are important aspects of this initiative. Basic suite software, especially cloud suite software such as the Google Docs, Sheets and Slides - has enhanced the ability for students to collaborate within the classroom, at home or with students around the world. Roblyer (2016) states all three of these resources are known to have led to “improved productivity, appearance, accuracy, and more support for interaction and collaboration” (p. 109). It has allowed students to publish amazing work in word processing, spreadsheets and presentations.

Word Processing

Word processing is the probably the most widely used software in education. Roblyer (2016) notes that word processing can be used for either type of learning approach - constructivist and direct instruction - and, its aid to teaching and learning, is universally acknowledged. There are many advantages for using word processing in the classroom. Some of these advantages include time savings for both teacher and student; the enhancement of document appearance; the ability of sharing of documents - allows for collaboration of documents; and the support of student writing and language learning. It gives the students the ability to edit and revise their finished work and lets them create some amazing documents. It even allows the students to create artifacts that include desktop publishing and graphics. The correcting functions like spell and grammar checks and the thesaurus enhances the student’s ability to concentrate more on their thoughts. Word processing software that now uses the cloud has led to more collaboration among our students with its ability of sharing documents. It has also allowed more timely teacher feedback.

Spreadsheeting

The advantages of using spreadsheets are it saves time for both teacher and student, it increases student engagement by motivating our students, it help students better understand certain concepts and it takes away menial tasks associated with some assignments and lets the student concentrate on the learning of the concept. I find it especially useful when teaching accounting. It provides many opportunities for the students to problem solve and make “what if” comparisons.  Roblyer (2016) points out that spreadsheets can “encourage logical thinking, organizational skills, and promote problem solving” (p. 124).

Presentation Software

Presentation software is also very valuable, however it does need to be done correctly so as to not take away from student learning. A poorly done slide show can actually have reverse effects when it comes to learning.  We have all heard the expression “PowerPoint overkill.” However, if presentations are completed correctly with proper design principles and interactivity, slideshows are still a great way to organize students and teachers thoughts, enhance the impact of spoken lessons and allow for collaboration in creating and delivering presentations. It can also motivate students and allow for collaboration.

Basic Suite software has come a long way from its beginnings. The use of MS Office has definitely had an impact on education over the last 20 years or so. Now, with the advent of cloud computing and cloud office suites, the basic office suite will start an new era in student learning. The chance for continuous collaboration and personalization, the ability to have our students work work anywhere, anytime, and the benefits of a combined word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software package will give our students an opportunity to be lifelong learners and succeed in the real world.

References

Roblyer, M. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

EdTech 541 - Instructional Software in the Classroom

Relative Advantage of Instructional Software in the Classroom

According to Roblyer (2016), “instructional software is a general term for computer programs used specifically to delivery instruction or assist with the delivery of instruction on a topic” (p. 75). There was a time, in the days of early development of instructional software, the thought was that computers would take over the job of teachers. This, of course, has not happened and today computers and its software are now viewed as a powerful means of support for teachers and learners in transforming education. 

Roblyer (2016) states there are five types of instructional software: 1) drill and practice, 2) tutorials, 3) simulations, 4) instructional games, and 5) problem-solving software. Each type has specific benefits for teachers and students. Throughout the remainder of this blog a discussion will occur on the different types of instructional software available and their benefits and limitations to the business management setting. The reasoning or relative advantage of the use of each type of software and examples of instructional software use in the high school (Business Management) environment will also be given.

Drill and Practice Software

Definition

Drill and practice software, in its most basic form, is educational software that gives students practice problems and immediate feedback. This type of software provides exercises for the student for already obtained knowledge (usually from directed instruction) and then provides feedback on their performance.

Benefits and Limitations

There are many benefits to drill and practice software. It can help in the process of moving knowledge from short term to long term memory. Merrill & Salisbury (1984) and Salisbury (1990) state that drill activities can allow the effective rehearsal students need to transfer newly learned information into long term memory. It can be an effective motivator for students which will decrease discipline problems in the classroom and help students to learn the content more quickly and more deeply. It provides immediate feedback to the student which is important as it prevents students from practicing wrong answers. Drill and practice software also saves the teacher time in developing and assessing student practice work.

One of the limitations to drill and practice software is its misuse. It should not be used to introduce new material. This is not what this type of software was designed to do. A second limitation comes from the constructivist learning theorists. They believe that drill and practice contradicts new learning pedagogy such as personalization and inquiry-based learning and is too separated from the connections of real life.

Relative Advantage and Example

There is definitely a relative advantage to using drill and practice software in high school business management. There are many basic mathematical and spreadsheeting skills that need to be mastered before higher-level learning can occur. This type of software would allow students the ability to work much faster on the menial tasks of spreadsheeting and accounting, thus, giving students the opportunity to use the extra time to understand the more difficult concepts and relate them to real-life situations.

An examples of drill and practice software are listed below:

• Debit/Credit Flashcards - Drill and Practice for Principles of Financial Accounting - Link

This example uses flashcards to allow students to practice drilling the rules of debits and credits. Mastering and applying the rules of debits and credits is a critical concept essential to understanding the functions of the accounting cycle including how information flows through to the financial statements. Instructors can modify the flashcard questions to suit their specific needs.

Tutorial Software

Definition

Tutorial software is considered true teaching software. It is developed to teach a concept without the need for additional outside instruction and should include all the necessary components for students to learn a topic with little to no input from the teacher. Tutorials may include summaries, videos, drill and practice (to access long term memory), immediate feedback and may even include record-keeping to keep track of scores on the practice problems. Doering & Veletsianos (2009) and Roblyer (2016) state that the best tutorials are self-paced and self-contained instructional sequence, allowing students to review concepts they did not understand, or move ahead of the class into new material.

Benefits and Limitations

Tutorial software is very useful with the use of new teaching strategies such as the flipped classroom. The instruction is given at home through the use of tutorials and then frees up time for inquiry work the next day at school. Tutorials are also valuable for students who need more time to understand a concept or have missed a concept altogether. This type of instruction can alleviate some of the stress on students (and teachers) who can not keep up with the class or have been absent for a period of time. There is also the benefit of drill and practice and immediate feedback.

There are also limitations to tutorial software. Constructivists argue that tutorials do not give the student the hands on knowledge required within their learning theories. They believe the use of direct instruction will not allow the students to transfer their knowledge to lifelong learning.  There is also the lack of well designed tutorials. The design of many tutorials do not that take into account all of the research on how to teach a topic well. One more limitation to tutorials is they usually only reflect one approach to instruction. Many teachers feel that the use of a certain tutorial goes against their unique way of teaching. They use certain strategies that the tutorial can not match.

Relative Advantage and Example

The relative advantage of using tutorial software in high school business management is it may reduce the stress on students and therefore give them a greater ability to learn. There are many times that a student has missed class or is unable to understand a concept the first time. Tutorials can be used to catch up a student or have a student review a concept without feeling singled out by the teacher. They will feel like they belong in the class. Tutorial software is usually easy to use and understand and gives immediate feedback and allows self-pacing.

An example of a tutorial instructional software for spreadsheets is listed below:

• Google Sheets - GCF LearnFree  - Link

This tutorial will show you how to use the powerful tools in Google Sheets for organizing, visualizing, and calculating your data.

Simulation Software

Definition

Simulation software is a computerized imitation a real-life or an imaginary environment. They are used in either direct or inquiry-based learning. The best things about simulations is it brings real-life situations to students without the cost or danger of actually being involved firsthand. They can be used for demonstration, exploration, manipulation, imagination and allows students to experience things that otherwise may not be possible.  

Benefits and Limitations

There are numerous benefits of using simulations for learning. First, it saves money. It can save the school board money in the costs associated with a field trip or buying all of resources needed to do an experiment. A second benefit of this type of instruction is it is safe. There are many things schools do now that weren’t possible only a few years ago. Students don’t have to go into space to discover what it is really like on the moon or the have tragedies like accidents from texting and driving. The third benefit of this type of instruction is it fits nicely with the constructivist views on learning. There are endless possibilities when it comes to lifelong learning, inquiry-based learning and personalized learning.

There are two distinct limitations to using simulations. The first is the inaccuracy or simplification of models. This could give students a distorted view of real-life situations. Second, both the American Chemical Society (2008) and the National Science Teachers Association (Davis 2009; NSTA 2007) have come out against using simulations as a teaching tool and feel they should only be used as supplements to regular labs. These associations both feel that hands-on activities are better for students than virtual ones.

Relative Advantage and Example

Their is a strong relative advantage to using simulations to teach accounting. Students really do not feel the concept of accounting at an early age unless they see it in a real life context. Using simulations allows the student to not only use the knowledge learned in class but also understand its importance to everyday life in business.

An example of a simulation in accounting is listed below:

• GoVenture Accounting Simulation - Link

GoVenture Accounting simulation enables you to gain practical accounting skills while running a virtual business. More than learning basic bookkeeping, GoVenture Accounting puts you in the role of a business owner where you can directly experience the impact and importance of accounting in a business.

Instructional Game Software

Definition

An instructional game is educational software developed to help students learn by incorporating some sort of game or competition to reward or motivate students. There is usually a set of rules to follow. These types of games can be used in all sorts of manners - usually taking the place of boring, mundane assignments such as worksheets and can be used to supplement traditional learning.

Benefits and Limitations

Roblyer (2016) states that “a classroom without elements of games and fun would be a dry, barren landscape for students to traverse” (p. 94). Instructional games can add to a classroom. They motivate students to be engaged and give them an entertaining way to learn something new. If students are engaged, there is more learning and a decrease in discipline problems.

The main limitation to instructional game software is the student’s inability to separate the fun from the learning.  The question has always been “is the student learning authentic skills?” A second limitation to using games in the classroom is its misuse. Too many teachers will overuse the software and it becomes a babysitting technique. Some teachers will use it as a reward system for some students instead of using them for its designed purpose - as a tool to help students learn.

Relative Advantage and Example

The relative advantage of this software is its ability to engage students. If the game is used correctly, the motivation behind winning the game will enhance the students desire to learn.

An example of an accounting game is listed below:

• JA Titans Simulation and Game - Link

The JA Titan Accounting Simulation Game enables you to gain practical accounting skills while competing in a competition to see who makes the most money selling Halo Generators in their virtual business.

Problem-Solving Software

Definition

Problem solving software is used to develop student’s problem solving skills. The software can teach in two ways. It can teach general problem-solving skills - teaching the step-by-step process included in solving problems - or can help students acquire the problem-solving skills through authentic work and practice. This software is good for the redesign of high school - to focus on the problem-solving skills students will need to succeed in the real world.

Benefits and Limitations

The benefits of using problem-solving software include the motivation of students. This is done by providing the students with the ability to apply their learning to authentic situations. They stay engaged and on topic for longer periods of time.

There are some limitations to problem-solving software. Many times the skills acquired cannot be easily transferred to real-life situations. The software oversimplifies the concepts and the students therefore do not connect with the real-life situations expected.

Relative Advantage and Example

Accounting is a topic which demands authentic learning. It is essential that students learn the concepts that can be transferred to real-life situations. The relative advantage of using this type of software in business management is that students gain the problem solving skills to excel in this type of career. They will be able to look at a financial problem and do the required things to help the business succeed.  

An example of a problem solving software in accounting is listed below:

• JA Titans Simulation and Game - Link

JA Titan Accounting simulation game enables you to gain practical accounting skills while competing in a competition to see who makes the most money selling Halo Generators in their virtual business. Students must use collaboration and problem-solving skills to make a virtual business succeed.

As a business management teacher, there is always a question as to whether to use instructional software to enhance the learning situation in the classroom. Accounting has always been very rigid when it comes to instruction. However, the relative advantages of the instructional software available to teach business management are overwhelming and must be used in the classroom. The use of drill and practice, tutorials, simulations, games and problem-solving instructional software can all enhance student learning in some way or another. Drill and practice allows the student to transfer prerequisite tasks into long term memory so they can accomplish higher-level learning in the future. Tutorials can help engage the students and reduce student stress by letting students work at their own pace. Simulations are very helpful in showing potential accountants what authentic accounting work looks like. It creates motivation and allows students to enjoy the process of accounting. Instructional games create student engagement by giving students a chance to compete with others in the class about management concepts and how much money they can earn. Finally, problem-solving instruction is important in that it creates transfer skills of concepts to real-life situations. It is probably overkill to use all of the software available but it is nice to know that the resources are out there. It is time for us to use them and get our students excited to learn.

Reference

Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

EdTech 541 - Vision Statement

Educational Technology Vision Statement

Many theorists and authors have tried to come up with a definition of Educational Technology by using the most up to date learning and teaching strategies as well as the most up to date technologies. The fact that education and technology are constantly changing make it very hard to do.  It is very important that the history of education not be forgotten.  The history of education and technology are needed in conjunction with the new theories and technologies of today to enhance the future of our teaching methods and student learning.

Using the following definition as a building block, I have come up with my definition of Educational Technology.  

Educational Technology is defined as the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources.  (Educational Technology: A Definition with Commentary, Januszewski & Molenda, 2008, p. 1).

Here is my definition:

Educational Technology is the practice of facilitating personalized and student centered learning by creating and using technological processes and resources to improve student learning capabilities.

I believe in the Constructivist views of learning. However, some direct instruction is still important and, in fact, required.  Prerequisite knowledge may be needed to truly excel in any given area, however, it is the personalization and inquiry-based projects that bring out true learning.  John Dewey says it all in this short video.  Education is constantly changing but the important thing is the need to look to the future.  Our children will need to be able to learn in a way where there is constant change.  It is with these new learning theories that I believe technology is so important.  It gives us the ability to help the students’ quest for knowledge.  It allows them to step outside the box and create and explore.  It lets us teachers personalize learning for each and every student and lets the student collaborate with their peers from around the world.

Many learning theories have come and gone but the true essence of all learning theories is to enhance learning.  The question of how we learn is the centre of all of these theories.  Roblyer (2016) states that “Objectivism is a belief system grounded in behaviourism and in the information processing areas of cognitive learning theories.” Whether it be the behaviour theory of Skinner, the information processing theories of Atkinson and Shiffren or the cognitive-behaviourist theories of Gagne, this type of learning expects directed instruction - led by the teacher through very organized activities. Constructivism, on the other hand, is the theory that learning is based on the premise of student-centred learning, personalization and inquiry-based projects.  Constructivists such as Dewey and his social activist theories, Bandura and his views on the importance of social settings where observation and motivation are paramount and Bruner’s theory of discovery learning, “instruction in which students construct their own knowledge about a topic through first-hand interaction with an aspect of their environment“ (Ormrod, 2014, p. G-4), believe that “students gain their knowledge through experiences, while teachers serve only as facilitators” (Roblyer, 2016, p.34).

As you can see from my definition, technology has been and will continue to be very important to the enhancement student learning.  High school redesign calls for a more constructive approach to education.  Student-centered and personalized learning, formative assessments, inquiry-based learning, collaboration, mastery-learning (project based), the use of flexible learning environments to mimic authentic real world problems and lifelong learning are expectations in our high schools.  Students will know the processes of how to learn and be able to take their knowledge into their respective careers.  

Technology has been very important to education over the years and is essential in this learning environment.  The creation of the computer and the use of the internet have propelled students to unlimited possibilities. I would like to make it clear that the teacher is still imperative to student learning.  Without these “facilitators” of learning, students would not reach their full capabilities. 

Teachers must change their teaching methods so as to benefit the student.  Teachers are responsible to integrate varying types of technology into the classroom and, although teachers can not keep up to the new technologies, they must somehow make students feel confident in its use. Edutopia (2007) states that the use of such technology tools must be routine and transparent. “Technology integration is achieved when a child or a teacher doesn’t stop to think that he or she is using a computer or researching via the Internet.”

Although there are possible disadvantages with the use of technology (privacy issues, misuse, hacking, cyber-bullying, digital divide, racial and gender equity and digital inequality), the use of technology solves many issues within the learning context.  First, technology motivates students.  A motivated student creates learning for the individual student as well for the class as a whole.  From over 20 years of teaching experience, I know engaged students mean far less disciplinary problems.  Second, technology brings a sense of equality to the disadvantaged learner.  There are assistive technologies for the deaf, blind and mobility disadvantaged that allow for greater learning.  These assistive technologies are now being offered to all learners as Universal Design for Learning (UDL).  

UDL interventions provide multiple multiple means of support to diverse students by providing choice in how they access and engage in curriculum and how they demonstrate what they know.  (National Education Technology Plan, 2010)

Third, the use of programs that allow for collaboration (ex. Google Drive) among students and teachers.  Fourth, students can authenticate real life learning in their assignments with the use of computer simulations.  Fifth, the internet provides more information than any one teacher can provide.  The knowledge the student can be exposed to is limitless. Six, technology has an incredible advantage in personalizing learning.  The student can not only pick topics not possible only a few years ago but gain the knowledge needed that a teacher alone can not provide.

Technology is the support for learning.  It is needed to fully demonstrate what learning can be.  Even with the constant changes to technology, it must continue to be a vital part of our teaching pedagogy.

References

Januszewski, A., & Molenda, M. (2008). Educational technology: A definition with commentary. New York, NY: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

John Dewey.mwv [video file]. (Nov 17, 2010). Retrieved from https://youtu.be/6MlHSgC_SnU

Ormrod, J. (2014). Educational psychology: Developing learners (8th ed.). Columbus, OH: Pearson Education, Inc.

Roblyer, M.D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching. (7ed). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

U.S. Department of Education. (2010) National Education Technology Plan 2010 Executive Summary. Retrieved from http://www.ed.gov/technology/netp-2010

Why Do We Need Technology Integration? (2007, May 11). Edutopia. Retrieved from

         http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-importance