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 * **Please post one of your questions from this week's chapter. Be sure to include your first name. Be sure not to overwrite your classmates responses (if you do, take a look at the history list...nothing disappears from a wiki).**

18 May Questions

What are some of the cons to using these technologies? The book seems to be good at listing the benefits, but what are the negatives to using these products? Matt

​While reading this chapter it seemed as though the technologies being used were very complicated. Is there a way to make these technologies easier? Can any teacher learn these types of technologies in a reasonable amount of time in order to teacher students?

I am struggling with the idea of design projects in a social studies classroom. The programs explained in this book do not seem to have much application to this content area. Can you suggest design programs that would be more appropriate or modified activities for use within the explained programs? -- Pam

Is Musical Sketch Pad used primarily by music teachers or can the compositions be embedded in other projects like a video for social studies or a PowerPoint? Kristen

I think the idea of using design to contextualize and motivate learners to explore at school, especially math and science would prove to be very rewarding. However, the biggest concern I have is where do we get the time to integrate these lessons into the classroom? Some students are much slower than others, when it comes to technology. Plus there is always the issue of students who do not have a computer at home to work from. I have recently taken my students to the computer lab to complete some projects we have been working on, and the students loved it! But of course, I have a couple of students who were absent, and now do not have the time to complete the assignment, unless I send them to the library during class, which means missing all the new lessons. Lisa

__Chapter 8 Question__
Is it possible that a "traditional" art teacher could collaborated with academic teachers to create design projects with the students? Kim

In education we learn about differential teaching. We must incorporate different strategies, modes of teaching to engage all students. Why then do schools not use more technology to engage more students and possibly see some students who were considered before as either below average or average students to excel at the academic content? I have seen through my teaching 5th grade students PowerPoint and then during my practicum at West School that students are extremely engaged whenever technology is involved in the learning process.-- **__ Helena __**

​1. The concept maps shown in the book for this chapter look extremely complicated and confusing even for me. I can't imagine using them in the classroom with high school students. Is there a way to simplify them, but still use them as effective study tools? 2. I know kinesthetic learners would prefer to learn using manipulatives and things that they can touch. Do mindtools work as well with kinesthetic learners as actual materials that can be handled? 3. I can see a lot of students becoming frustrated and not willing to learn using these techniques. How much are these tools being used in the classroom today, and do you think they will become a normal part of the classroom in the future? Lisa === 1. Student has an idea, and I want them to map it. Student starts to use the webmapping technology and finds it to confusing: ideas get shortened and not as detailed because by the time they get started, they are just trying to get something to put in a box. Does using the technology hinder the creativity flow of our minds? ===
 * April 27 Questions**

= = === 2. It's great to play games on them, or creative and avatar, but it seems that the process involved in creating documents, on the internet or computer is more important for students to learn so that the value in cognitive and constructive use of technology is supported and used to better our lives intellectually and creatively. if so, should we be introducing technology uses that are more productive then using games? ===

= = === 3. In the impoverished areas of our community, there is a distinct difference in parental involvement with their child's education - from showing up for parent/teacher conferences to participation in homework. Much of this is due to the level of education that the parents had received themselves. Could using technology to build collaboration actually backfire in these areas? Could this reiterate our need to educate the parents about the computer, the technology that will be used in our classrooms? When do we have time to do this as well? ===

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=== 1. The book mentions the most effective use of concept mapping is to create a concept map on a subject for the entire year. Is the value of this project in the preparation of the concept map or in reviewing the final concept map? It seems like it would be such an enormous graphic representation that it would be almost overwhelming for students to comprehend the details of it. ===

Kristen Wilson
April 20 Questions: Are there any available grants that I could write for my classroom where I could get technology materials for use in my class? I would love to teach my students more about the computer. They know very little about the computer. Next year, we are being told right now that each student will have a computer class. Students will actually learn some basic computer use. Please if any one has any grant info. send it my way. Thanks!--Beth

Question: Can consept maps help students with their presentations? Amy

Question: Why are schools blocking all of these great technology ideas for the kids? All this technology would be great if we could use it but it is either blocked or to expensive why? Sallie

Question: One question I will have for all of you today during my presentation is, "Why is it important for students to write well?" We will cover that question. So, what about this, " Can students still be successful after high school if they can read well but not write well?" Kim

Why don't schools implement the usage of more technology in the classroom? Software such as the concept maps and websites such as kidscribe appear more hands-on and authentic than how students currently are taught research and creative writing skills. It appears that education itself is a barrier to student learning--it is not constructive or hands-on.Research shows students learn better with a constructive, hands-on, authentic curriculum. So, why aren't schools adopting more of this philosophy? Too worried about the OAA's? Helena

Question: I like the idea of using concept maps in the classroom. However, I have not had much experience with this tool. My concern is how to grade them. It seems as though the concept maps should be somewhat individualized. If the student is able to explain his/her map, shouldn't they be given a good grade? Is it possible for students to have different answers on the same map? Lisa

Question: Group collaboration and peer editing seem to go hand in hand. Do you think the student''s should also peer review for the level of participation by each contributor? Pam

Is it possible to use concept mapping software in a meaningful way if students do not each have access to a computer? Kristen

Our time and availability of the computer lab is very limited. What suggestions do you have for using collaborative writing activities during class efficiently? Diana

Question: The book states that you should limit what children are allowed to put in their Power Point presentations because it can become distracting. Doesn't this hinder the student's creativity and discourage them, which hinders their learning? Teri