Week EIGHT

In the Technology Integration Matrix I chose the Collaborative learning environment, Transformation, 1-1 access option. This has students reach out to their peers across the world. Students create a podcast in which they give fellow participants clues about their location in the world. This podcast is then uploaded to the "Where in the World" website where it can be accessed by other students. The students will frequently revisit the website to reply to other students guesses and maybe submit some of their own responses. This project addresses a few teacher skills in the NETS for Teachers standards. In standard 5.a. "teachers
participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning." The activity I chose has teachers helping students to create a podcast to share with other classrooms around the world. Using a podcast to convey information is a very creative application of technology. In standard 4.d. "teachers develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools." I think that exposing students to other students in different countries is very valuable. Students will learn about different places and customs around the world, as well as see how other students might communicate. In standard 1.a teachers "promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness." In the chosen activity students must think creatively to give appropriate clues to their peers. Students must also use the information they are provided by other students to determine their location.

I am pretty surprised about my comfort level with technology after only eight weeks! Prior to this class I had never even thought of writing a blog or recording a podcast. I could see myself being able to do the activity discussed above in a classroom which is the transformation level of technology integration. This activity reminds me of an updated version of international pen-pals. I think it would require a lot of effort and organization and might work best with an older group of students. Having anytime access to computers and working with students who are familiar with technology would probably be factors in the effectiveness of this activity. This activity might be an end of the year project where we could build up to the transformation level of integration by continually using the adaption and infusion stage activities.