Case Study 4 ELMO Document Camera/Visual Presenter

This is a device that allows students to view demonstrations and illustrations from any where in the room.  In this lesson the teacher did a demonstration at the front of the classroom and the students were able to have a better view of the lesson with the use of the camera. It is an effective tool because more students would be involved in the lesson, therefore, the lesson would be more student centered than teacher centered.

Before I viewed the video I thought the camera was only used with books and paper, however, upon viewing the video, I realized the document camera could do much more.   I also realized that it can also be used with a microscope where all the students would be able to view the specimen at the same time.

I would use this tool because it makes the lesson more interactive, which will allow more learning to take place.  I rate this film at 4 out of 5.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIfxPLHI2Eg

Case Study 3 Promethean Teacher Feature- Allison Berry

This is a science lesson on the food chain using the Promethean board.   A variety of Promethean tools were used for the students to be interactively involved.  The students and teacher had access to interactive websites, which help to enhance the teaching and learning process in science.  In using the Promethean tools, the teacher would readily have her formative and summative assessment for the students.  The teacher would also get immediate feedback on the students’ performance.

This board is not new to me, however, unfortunately I have never used it.  I have been to one workshop on the use of the Promethean. Hopefully, before the end of the first semester I should have one installed in my classroom and I am anticipating making the teaching of science more effective and interesting.  I give this film a rating of 4 out of 5.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoQ3NFjosTQ

Case Study 2 Palm Handheld Computers in the Classroom

The lesson is about using handheld technology in the classroom (PDA).  This tool has applications such as word processing, personal organizers, calculator and spreadsheet.  The students can use it to find information online and complete their assigned work.   This would save on the amount of paper that is been used.  They can also send their work to the printer so as to get hard copies if needed.

This type of technology is new to me.  It is would be a tool that would make learning more student -centered and effective because I would be able to manipulate and customized it as appropriate to get the best results.  However, because they are portable I would have to be extra careful to secure them when they are not being used.  If there is a choice between this technology and the computer, I would select the handheld because in my opinion I would have more control and the students will be able to take it on field trips.  I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwzkPUdQJHQ

Case Study 1 Using Wikis in the Classroom

The video presentation discusses the use of wiki in the classroom.  This is an interesting concept because it allows the teacher to have her course outlined online and this is easily accessible to students. The wiki allows students to be able to follow the lesson since it indicates what the students would be working at.  It helps the teacher to teach specifically what she wants the students to learn and they can learn at their own pace using a variety of materials provided. 

The students are also able to read comments posted by other people. Hence they will learn from a diverse group of individuals. 

I would use this method in my classroom because it allows for differentiation.  It also allows organization in the classroom and encourages a student-centered approach.  I would give this presentation a rating of 4.5 out of 5.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pR5yogCmkA