Issues+in+Educational+Technology+AV

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=Using Technology to Support High Order Thinking=


 * Technology can be used to support higher-order thinking by using interactive websites. There are some great interactive websites that allow students to create issues and solve them using their own creativity. This is how students, according to blooms taxonomy, can reach high order thinking. Some websites do not have one definite outcome which allows students to use their imagination and previous knowledge to come up with their own hypothesis on what will happen and then test their hypothesis on the website.
 * A great website is the[| Arounder Virtual Tour of the Moon]. It supports higher-order thinking because it allows students to explore on their own. They are able to think about what they will see and then do some exploration on the website to see if they are right. Another good website that supports high order thinking is the [|Fractured Fairy Tales] website. It allows students rewrite fairy tales. They can insert new characters, change the setting of the story, and how the stroy ends. This allows students to think creatively while learning about the contents of a story such as setting, chracters, and the narrirator of the story.

= = =Using Technology to Affirm Diversity=


 * When working with students and their families from diverse backgrounds it is important to celebrate diversity, respect diversity, and model diversity in the classroom. A way to do this is through technology. There are many wonderful websites that allow students to learn first hand about other cultures. A way to use technology to celebrate diversity is to find a website that explains the importance of different cultures. A way to respect diversity in the classroom dedicate some time to learning about other cultures not typically talked about. A way to model diversity in the classroom is by having students learn about a role model of a certain culture.
 * A good website that can be used in the classroom to affirm diversity is the National Geographic website about Afghanistan, []. This website is great for showing a map of Afghanistan, giving facts about the country, and also includes photos of the area. By having students go to this website it is a way of celebrating diversity because the class would be spending time learning about the culture of this area. This website is also respecting diversity because it is allowing students to learn more about this region other then just knowing that they are at war right now.

=Using Technology to Support All Learners=


 * The only technology that some lower socioeconomic areas have are lower performing or quality computers which will affect how students will experience technology. A way to increase the technology in classrooms especially in areas that are struggling economically are, leasing arrangements, state funding and grants, local community support. How parents view the importance of technology affects parents drive to get computers at their home. Because some families can not afford computers there are some stores who can give computers to parents at a discounted price if they are buying computers for an educational purpose. A positive outcome of having better technology in low socioeconomic areas is that it allows students to experience the outside world and gives them the ability to do what they know other kids are doing. Some ways I could increase access to technology in my future classroom is by allowing students to go to libraries and make use of public computers. I could also see what grants and leasing arrangements are available to increase my future student's access to technology. Because I will be teaching special education I may have students who have trouble communicating. I think it would be useful to have the sound board that the girl had from the video we watched in class.