With all of today’s advance technology education is not as up to date with the latest trends. But slowly educators are finding ways to reach students on a new level with technology through Online learning, iphone, and interactive games.

Bridging the Gap

This article discusses the differences between teaching online and in person. Teachers have found that blending the two together works best for students and teacher. They find to utilize time, deliver assignments quickly through the internet, have discussions in the classrooms and online, have the students engaged and feel that the class is worth their time. This is what they call the hybrid balance.

“In general terms it still remains foundationally a blend in methodology as mode of delivery, and it is important to think intentionally about some of the benefits from each mode so that a blended balance can take place”-Ruth Reynard

Online learning vs. on ground learning

Online is :self directed, direct communication,Flexible with students schedules and information online is easy to find.

On ground: face to face interactions, immediate responses, educator is available , able to build relationships with other students.

My a-ha moment from reading this article is that the hybrid teaching is being used in all of my classes today. Through the use of computers and online assignments.

This article caught my eye because it was trying to find a way for students and teachers to be able to learn in a modern way that doesn’t waste time, and has more affective was of communication. I like how the showed both methods and compared them side by side.

K-12's Stab at the Killer Iphone App-article

Two K-12 schools use the popular Iphone to communicate with students and parents by having an app available to download. Both schools in the future would like to be able to take attendance from the iphone.

The Latin School of Chicago has it available for parents, students, and staff to view schedules, calendars and school announcements. The principal admits it does create “Iphone-envy” but feels that it is a step in the right direction with keeping up with technology.

SCDS in California uses their app for students, parents, and alumni to access school information in an easier manner. Its also used for parents to contact other parents. They have not had problems with the app and hope to advance the program to more class use things like sending homework.

“At first, we questioned the idea of targeting just one platform, but then we learned that we had a lot of Iphone users, we really haven’t gotten much criticism for choosing this platform.”-Shandor Simon

A-ah moment: I couldn’t believe that a school systems are actually encouraging use of cell phones.

This program could change the way we use email today. I think it is a great idea to make school programs more accessible to all. I would be afraid that it would cause some students problems if they couldn’t afford the phone or were on a different plan. So picking one phone with that access isn’t a wise choice.

Study-article A study conducted found that lower

income families whose teachers incorporated videos, games in the class room as part of the Ready to learn program had more prepared literacy skills for kindergarten then those who were not exposed.

400 students in 80 preschool classes from 47 different centers were assigned 10 week-curriculum that focused on letters, sounds, and knowledge of letters in name.

“If media can be harnessed to help close this literacy gap, as this study has shown, it’s a powerful new tool for preschool teachers”. – William Penuel

A-ah moment: This title caught me off guard but as I continue to read if this is what it takes to help children improve, I say keep going with it.

This study showed a vast improvement in the preschoolers scores after they were exposed to video and games in the classroom. This would make sense that kids can learn from watching and playing games it is something fun that entertains them.

These three articles were very different but had one common goal of educators advancing with technology and meeting the needs of their students. In all ages they showed us that our generation excels when new technology is involved.