Using technology to increase achievement

The internet is becoming an necessary tool in ever classroom. This trend has sparked debate as to what technology is important and what is just fun to have. Teachers need to evaluate each piece of equipment they are using and make sure they can validate its use. Because vast volumes of information are easily available teachers need to teach students how to evaluate and use this information. By using technology teachers can easily differentiate between student ability. Teachers using technology to differentiate in a classroom need to pay special attention to make sure that the methods they are using are not becoming distraction to the user. Technology can be a catalyst for student achievement, to achieve this teachers must be competent in the use of the technology that they are using.

Week 2

Constructivism is an approach to teaching that removes the teacher as a knower of all knowledge to a guide. I feel that the key to a constructivist education is the ability to assess oneself. In order for students to gain a better understanding of new subject material they need to construct it in a way that it is connected to something that they already understand. I believe that this is done easily through hands on educational projects. Students are able to use their strengths as a learner in order master new content. Through authentic assessment students are engaged in what they are learning and can apply new strategies to solve future problems.