Article Review

Validity and Importance of Standardized Tests

In his article, "Teaching To the Test: What Every Educator and Policy-maker Should Know," Louis Volante discusses the issues surrounding standardized tests. Volante argues that the emphasis on student scores alter how teachers are teaching their students. The importance of the tests influences what the teacher teach the students and how they teach. The validity and purpose for the tests decreases once teachers are focusing too much on the content of the tests, rather than the curriculum and students’ needs.

Volante emphasizes that testing needs to be focused on student learning and development. Administrators should be aware of how much time teachers are spending on standardized test preparation, as well as, how to help teachers re-evaluate their preparation techniques. According to Volante, professional development and proper resources need to be provided for schools showing low scores. Finally, Volante states that the public needs to take a critical position of the data presented from education.

Volante makes a number of valid points in his criticism of the emphasis placed on the importance of standardized testing. Most importantly, less pressure should be put on the teachers for having good student scores. The purpose for the tests should be focused on finding where improvement needs to be made. Also, the tendency for students to have anxieties or resentment for tests could be eliminated if there was less dependence on test scores. Students should be rewarded for growth and critical knowledge through-out the year, rather than the rank of their school’s test results.

Resources:

Volante, L. (2004, September 25). Teaching To the Test: What Every Educator and Policy-maker Should Know. Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy, 35, 1-6. Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/EJ848235.pdf

Web Awareness Mind Map

Small Crawling and Flying Animals

Title of Activity:
Exciting Animal Facts!

Grade/ Subject:
Grade 2: Science

Activity Description:
Students will visit the site: http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/kids/animal-facts/animals.asp to find information about three different types of small animals (example: one fish, one amphibian, one insect) native to Alberta. Students will compile facts about each animal while paying attention to habitat, defence mechanisms, and basic needs. When students are finished, they may play the word search game using the "Canadian Animal" category.

Online Resource:
Canadian Geographic. (2010). "Animal Facts." Retrieved on October 12, 2010, from http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/kids/animal-facts/animals.asp

GLOs:
2.10: Describe the general structure and life habits of small crawling and flying animals; e.g., insects, spiders, worms, slugs; and apply this knowledge to interpret local species that have been observed.

SLOs:
2.10.1: Recognize that there are many different kinds of small crawling and flying animals, and identify a range of examples that are found locally.

2.10.3: Recognize that small animals, like humans, have homes where they meet their basic needs of air, food, water, and shelter and space; and describe any special characteristics that help the animal survive in its home.

ICT Outcomes:
C7 1.2: Students will summarize data by picking key words from gathered information and by using jottings, point form or retelling.

C7 1.3: Students will draw conclusion from organized information.

C7 4.1: Students will use appropriate strategies to locate information to meet personal needs.

Rationale for Computer Integration (why use technology?)
Technology provides an intricate network for students to obtain information. Students can use technology to explore specific, as well as a wide range of information. Technology can introduce students to concepts that they would not normally have access to in the traditional classroom.

Effective Technology Integration for 21st Century Learners

Here is the link to my presentation on Effective Technology Integration for 21st Century Learners: http://prezi.com/s9edidah7jyu/what-is-effective-technology-integration-for-21st-century-learners/

Although blogging and using technology has become easier the more I practise, computers still give me a great amount of frustration. This week we were to make a presentation using some factors for making an effective presentation. We were to use an online tool to help us create our presentation. I chose to use prezi. I found this tool easy to use and fun to play with. Although one of the factors for presentations is to keep the slides consistent, I found that the different sizes used in prezi allowed me to focus more on specific points. I thought the movement of the text made my presentation eye catching and appealing. I kept the content simple and concise with short sentences to focus on. I selected a typeface that is easy to read and large in size. Prezi is helpful because I can enlarge print during the presentation. I picked a dark background with white writing and blue writing for my title.

Reflections on Blogging

Blogging is somewhat of a foreign concept to me. I have read friends' blogs online and followed the links to other blogs, but the idea of creating my own blog initially seemed intimidating. If I had not seen friends' blogs before creating my own, I would have never thought there would be a point to blogging. I think blogging is an excellent way to share information and experiences. I have followed friends' trips, home renovations, and work experiences through blogging. I think blogging is an excellent resource to use in the classroom. As one of the videos recommended said: blogging makes students think about what they put on the internet and the quality of the work posted. Blogging also provides a way to engage students in the rapidly changing world of technology. They are most likely know more about technology than I do, and therefore, blogging can provide an outlet for challenging tasks and learning opportunities. Not only can blogging connect teachers to students, but parents may also get involved. If their child's work is posted, parents are able to access it and see how their child is progressing throughout the year. I find technology to be intriguing, and I hope to become more aware of the opportunities involved with technology.

Education and Technology: First Entry

Welcome to my blog. I have created this blog in order to practise my skills in using technology and education. I am an education student at the University of Lethbridge in Lethbridge, Alberta. I have been in Lethbridge for about four years now, and I am originally from Penticton, British Columbia. I live with my husband and our four pets (2 cats and 2 dogs). I spend my free time walking our dogs and playing soccer.

I have little experience with using technology as a learning tool compared to the students of today. I have the capacity to use the internet for access to my university courses, research, and personal use. Although I am not as skilled as some, I am enthusiatic about incorporating technology into my teaching. For our Evaluation and Education class I am currently doing a presentation on the use of the SMART board and senteo clickers for evaluation. In a short time I have learned so much about how SMART boards can bring more opportunities to student learning. I am enthusiatic about technology as a learning tool, but at the same time, I am overwhelmed with how much there is to learn about technology.