Week 13 (Chapter 11 & 12)

What advantages can broad bandwidth and wireless networking offer schools? Describe the current technologies available for wireless connectivity.


Wireless networking is a giant step in progress for classroom instruction. This advancement in technology is important for both the teacher and the student. Wireless and the Internet are key to future of instruction and learning. The first advantage for the use of wireless is in cost to the school district. With wireless communication, there is no need for extra desks, extra cables, extra plugs, extra anything! Now, the classroom can improve the physical layout and accessibility by using handy laptops in lieu of the bulky desktop cpu and monitor configurations.

Another advantage is for the instructor. The instructor does not have to be tied down to one location for use of the internet. Oftentimes, the room had to be physically configured around the site for the instructor’s device. Now, more mobility makes it less cumbersome for all involved. This wireless technology allows students and teachers to access personal class information from anywhere on campus. No longer does the instruction for that class end once you are outside the four walls of the classroom. Now, without taking cumbersome books and materials, the class can easily be relocated to a field trip, library, outside activity, or another room to accommodate repairs, etc.

For Internet access, WiFi (wireless fidelity) is the most familiar term to the general population of wireless computer users. This technology allows you to access the Internet from practically anywhere – limited the same way a cell phone is limited – no tower. This technology is a great advancement for the classroom. It is quick, easy, cordless, cableless, and keeps information at the fingertips. Almost obsolete is the dial-up connection to the Internet.

The current technologies available for wireless connectivity include Bluetooth technology. This is a key improvement for all involved in cost, configuration, and instruction in education. Again, this technology allows the communication of various forms of technology without the use of cables, cords, etc. The various communications with other devices make teaching and learning a much more mobile approach. The best example of the great development is printing. Now, the computer can send the print job to the printer without the use of cables. If you have ever had to purchase a cable for your computer, you know the economic impact of this development. Further development of this technology will make the classrooms much more compact, but much more physically attractive and conducive to learning!

Week #11 (Chapters 9 & 10)

What is visual literacy? Where and when is it learned? Why is it important? Contrast Internet broadcasts, live cams, and Net meetings. How can each of these Internet-based video technologies be used in teaching and learning?

 Visual literacy is the ability to interpret graphics accurately. One of the easiest examples to understand what visual literacy is is to think about the term “universal sign”; this is something everyone can understand. The most frequent use of universal signs/visual literacy is road signs. Every road has some sort of visual cue for the driver. Think about it – hospital, interstate, highway, zoo, emergency route, parking, eating, restrooms, and other such important signs. It is possible for all to understand these symbols. These types of visual meanings are learned over time; familiarity is what makes these signs have meaning.

 Visual literacy is important because our society has become a much more visual world. The availability of information is so much faster, and comes from all over the world. The need to communicate to different language-speaking folks is imperative. We travel more, and we hear more from other countries so the visual component of communication is big!

 Time is also of importance to people. There does not seem to be the interest to sit and read news and information as in the past. Now, people want news in a microwave fashion – in 30 seconds or less. The only way for that to happen will be a picture (which is worth a thousand words) and the meaning needs to be clear and concise. It seems that comprehension is in segments; no long novel type information for the busy folks of today.

 Various types of visual communication are now available to everyone. The Internet broadcast, live cams, and Net meetings each have a place in visual communication in the classroom. The difference in each of the medium is significant. Each of the methods would have a specific use in a classroom. The Internet broadcast would have best use for announcing information to a large group at the same time. The information could be from anywhere in the world. It is a one-way communication that would not require everyone be brought together in a single room, but each group could see/hear the information over the computer in the individual classes.

 The live cam is a great way for learning from all over the world. The video is directly from live cameras placed strategically to gain educational information. The limitation is that if a camera and Internet access are not available, then you do not get the information. This is ideal for learning about animals, ways of life in all parts of the world.

 The Internet meeting is the optimal for active communication between participants. This is a relatively inexpensive means of sharing information, brain-storming, and general communication. This is an ideal method to communicate with classes around the world, and to see the class as it takes place. Meeting the students and freely communicating right then is a great way to learn!


So much is available to use to learn, and sometimes there is just not enough time to learn it all.

Course Reflection

I remember what I thought when I saw the list of projects for this class. Wow, this will be great was not among the thoughts I had. This class consisted of new information to me. I was scared from the moment I read the syllabus. Maybe I had a little experience with one or two of the lessons, but overall, it was foreign to me. I admit that most of what I was reading initially interested me. I am curious by nature, and I like to think I am informed about new technology.

 Hindsight reminds me that the lessons were step-by-step instruction, and there was no need to be apprehensive about accomplishing any of the assignments. It was just the getting started that made this such a tough class. I admit that once I started a lesson, it was simple. The instruction was clear, concise, and the explanation on use made this an enjoyable assignment each time.
 I struggled with the concept of blogging. I do not like to blog, or to read blogs. I do not like the idea of using them as a learning tool in class for my high school students. I think a blog is too unstructured for student use, and for teacher use too much of an opportunity to bloviate. I am glad I had the opportunity to develop a blog site, but since most schools do not allow use, I am not sure when I would use it again.
 The flyer assignment is a great tool for me as a teacher. One area of improvement for teachers should be written communication between students and parents. How much more interesting would be simple instructions, meetings, and the like, if it was more creative and visually appealing. The visual reinforcement of information is a powerful tool. I guess I was just waiting for someone to give me the go-ahead to communicate like this with students and parents.
 The progress chart is an excellent tool for teachers. It seems that most schools have a program designed to track required information. I do believe there is more class specific information that would be better understood if tracked on a less formal way; this progress report is a good tool. I will be able to use it right away in my class since it is a unique program, and no formal format is in place.
 It is impossible to ignore the use of the quiz in the classroom. Using PowerPoint to present a quiz is a fantastic way to check student progress. This is especially helpful for visual learners. Once the quiz is set up, it is easy to make it a permanent fixture for learning. This tool can also be designed to any subject matter for the classroom.
 The other tools I worked with were the puzzle maker, test maker, and the Rubric. Well, I can tell you that these tools have a place in the classroom every day. With the varied learners in each class, these tools will make it possible to meet the needs of many students. The Rubric is one tool I knew something about, but I never thought about its utility. I now understand the need for the Rubric. The Rubric is especially important to me, because it will help me focus on what I am trying to accomplish. The student will see this as a value in understanding expectations for an assignment.
 A Web site has a lot of potential for a classroom. I did not know anything about the design and set-up of a Web site before this class. I plan to use this tool, even if it is not specific to my class. The school has a Web site, and I cannot do anything online for my class. Again, I think some school systems have space for teachers to do a small Web site, but that is not everywhere. I also believe that the Web site will require a lot of time, if it is to be effective. The information on design was helpful. Not only did I learn how to best design for my class, but I now know how to look for the best designed sites for parents and students. My recommendations should be credible.
 TrackStar is an excellent tool for teachers. It will provide information about useful Web sites for the class. Since there are so many Web sites, it is imperative that the teacher provide help in determining which the best are for both parent and student. The Listserv is a tool useful to create easy-access to information for your specific audience. I see the utility, but am not sure how useful it is without a Web site.
 Lights, camera, action. . .this tool is fantastic. I do not believe it should be used just for a Web site. This is a tool for classroom use. The students can collect, organize, and evaluate information to present in a movie. At my school, there is a requirement that the students tape the reading of one essay. How much stronger this will be, when the student uses Movie Maker to complete this assignment. The student will be able to see what they are doing – doesn’t get any better than that for learning!
 For me, I still have a lot to learn. I will need to continue to use these tools to become proficient and comfortable in using them. I have to be careful not to let these tools take over my teaching. I still have a place in the classroom as a teacher. I want to be innovative, but I must let these tools find a place in the lessons. I plan to continue developing better ways to use technology in the classroom. If I stay with the school where I am now, the smallest amount of technology is big. The most useful tools for me in this setting are all the tools that do not require access to the internet.
 I highly recommend this class to anyone who will be teaching. I also see it as valuable to anyone involved in training, or general communication to a group. Once more, it was scarier looking than it really was to accomplish.