Boldly Applying New Technologies

The registration printout indicates Dr. Dungca would be teaching language arts so it was initially a surprise and disappointment when Dr. Cyrus munificently agreed to teach the class in her stead. The first couple of classes were at best a grouping in the dark without a syllabus, struggling with unfamiliar hardware while trying to keep up with the new software. However, within a few short weeks through the skillful trekking of Dr. Cyrus, we are entering the new frontier of the worldwide web where we are discovering strange and exciting sites that will give new life to our lesson plans and thematic units as we boldly apply new technology in ways we have never attempted before[1].

The integration of technology into the classroom brings “new benefits” and “new challenges” writes J. Sowers (2000) in “Language Arts in Early Education.” Dr. Cyrus led us into this new frontier of the worldwide web with an explanation of “hypertext” which is the backbone of the net. A little investigation of the history of hypertext leads to the explanation, “traditionally data was stored alphabetically or numerically and had to be traced from subclass to subclass. When the data was found one would have to exit and reenter on a new search” (Bush, 1945). The “Memex system,” proposes Bush, would “create an information trail of traveled links which could later be retrieved” (Bush, 1945) and such is the humble beginnings of today’s hypertext which has vast amounts of data being added daily.

Expertly led through hyperlinks by Dr. Cyrus we are discovering friendly sites just waiting to assist us in our quest for the ultimate lesson plan or thematic unit. We now boldly explore various del.icio.us websites for links to “ASSURE” model lesson plans, one way we utilize links. We now appreciate the convenience and flexibility of the “MOODLE” site that hosts our assignments, provides interaction with our classmates and keeps us on schedule.

Through a “MOODLE” posting we took advantage of the suggested “YackPack” to provide a technological tool to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity[2] among students. Through this technology we were able to “design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners.[3]” This was applicable through the analog recording of outdoor sounds digitized for students to match with comparable sound on the computer. The “YackPack” website was user friendly and very effective.

Thus, by following the expert trek of Dr. Cyrus, we have been able to encompass new technological innovations previously unknown and outside our comfort zone. By familiarizing ourselves with these sites we can better utilize the resources to enhance learning opportunities for our students.

References
Abrams, M. (1998). World Wide Web – Beyond the Basics. Retrieved September 18, 2007 from http://ei.cs.vt.edu/~wwwbtb/book/index.html.
Bush, V. (1945). As We May Think [Electronic Version]. The Atlantic Monthly, July 1945. Retrieved September 12, 2007 from http://www.theatlantic.com/ doc/194507/bush.
Sowers, J. (2000). Language Arts in Early Education. Stamford, CT. Delmar Thomson Learning.



[1] Adaptation of the theme of the television series “Star Trek.”
[2] NETS-S: NETS-S.3.A. “Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.”
[3] NETS-T: NETS-T.2.A “STANDARD: Planning and Designing Learning Environments and Experiences. Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology. Teachers: design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners.”