My best experience in educational technology came a few months ago in my EDT 501 class when I took an out dated textbook and modernized it using a Mac computer and software. What transpired is this; I ended up taking the social studies textbook that my fourth graders use in class. The book is extremely out dated with its content and graphics, and the copy right date is from 1989. Using a Mac computer and a program called ibook author, I was able to add updated content and modern/real life graphics. I was also able to add videos in the ibook which took the ibook to a whole new level. The videos were able to give my students a deeper understanding of the content and it provided as great a visual aid to explain the content in the ibook. The ibook was then transferred to my Ipad for students to use.
After the project was completed, I was able to use the ibook with a small group of my students in my class to test it. As it turned out, the students loved using the Ipad, and even retained more information from it. The next day I showed my project to my principal. He was so impressed with it that he arranged for the superintendent to come into my classroom an also view the ibook. The superintendent was equally impressed and is now recommending for the board of education to start purchasing Mac computers for the districts computer labs. It was at this point that I realized the importance that technology plays in education, and how technology can improve the learning of all students.
Wow! Isn't it great to see such a positive reaction? Sounds like your students really benefited from your efforts, as will other students in your district. The support of your administration is to be commended. Congratulations!
ReplyDelete(BTW, 1989 was a good year!)