What is TPACK? Reflections

1- Describe a classroom where 'technology integration' takes place. You may find a video on Teacher Tube to provide this answer or you can write a narrative about something you have seen in relation to the information in the article above.

I have very intrigued by the idea of teachers using iPhones in classrooms.  The babysitter that we use for our kids is in high school at Jack Brit in Hope Mills, NC.  I asked her last night about the use of technology in their classrooms and she mentioned that they do in fact use them in 2 "test" classrooms.  These classes have been allowed to test the use of iphones during class time.  The idea really baffles me because I would think that kids would be distracted and not focus on the lesson, but "play" on the web or social media instead.  She said that that does happen, but that there are good things about it as well.  I found this video on youtube that explains positive things to use an iphone for in the classroom.
The iphone has built in features that are good for the classroom lessons.  Photography, videos, recording, and the web are all great features, if used right, that can be used in a lesson.  Beyond that there are a lot of apps that can be downloaded to use for lessons.  If used properly, this device can capture student learning, help students to communicate with each other, and engage students into the lesson.  I think that it would be a fun and exciting way to involve each child.
This elementary teacher from Welcome to Mrs. Terhunes Class (a blog) wrote about how she cleverly created a learning center where children would each have their own iPhone with ear buds to play learning games.  She asked parents to donate their old iphone and created a center that was fun and engaging for students.  She downloaded literacy and math games.  No wifi was needed for any of these games which takes the temptation away for the kids to get distracted.  She made sure that each iPhone had been wiped clean of any photos or other information before use. The children loved it!
http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=1638938041&blog=3884361&link=aHR0cDovL21yc3Rlcmh1bmUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLzIwMTMvMDkvdXNpbmctb2xkLWlwaG9uZXMtaW4tY2xhc3Nyb29tLmh0bWw&frame_type=fb

In this video, children gave their little testimony about why they love using iphones and ipads in the classroom.  It gave me some idea of how they are using this technology.  The iphone was used in one lesson to record children jump roping in P.E. for a jump rope contest.  Other students used it to take notes for Spelling and other classes.  They commented that it was a great way to save paper and waste, which is a great way to go green!  A number of students mentioned various apps that looked fun and engaging for the students to learn lessons on spelling, math and problem solving.  

2- In your discipline area, what are the essential components in a classroom where "technology integration" is appropriately utilized? Why?

 The essential components are accessible hardware and software.  It's important to have accessible hardware and software so you can meet the needs of all abilities, knowledge and experience of students.  For instance, if I have a child with a learning disability, I need to make sure that he/she has the components he needs to fully participate with the class.  If I have children who are not as experienced with the mouse and the basic functions of the computer, then a touch screen system would be useful.  I would also pair them up with student that have experience so that they could help and learn from each other.

3- What instructional outcomes are possible when embedding technology in classroom instruction?

 http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html

There are many positive outcomes from embedding technology into a lesson plan in the classroom.  First of all the students will have an intimate knowledge of the lesson becasue they are having hands on learning.  Interacting with each other through technology creates an ownership and pride in learning.  Second, by using technology for themselves or in a group they are internilzing what they have learned and not just memorizing the information.  Third, there is an increase in self-esteem that comes from the excitement of using technology.  Knowing how to perform various functions gives them an independence and confidence that they can go into the world knowing this skill.  Technical skills are built on the more teachers introduce new functions and programs.  Social skills is built on as they work with other students.  There is also an increase in public resources that is explored and used.


http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-description