Thursday, February 28, 2013

Chapter #7 Problem Solving and Inquiry Learning with Software and Web Tools

 
Focus Question 3:  How do teachers use different types of software programs to promote problem solving and inquity learning?
  • Educational software can be used to promote skills-based learning, problem solving and inquiry learning, or many combinations of each.
  • Composing and calculating software such as Microsoft Word and Excel provide extensive ways to promote learning through digital writing and computer-based mathematical computations.
  • Skills-based learning software promotes the learning of basic skills such as number operations in math or vocabulary words in language arts.
  • Inquiry and discovery learing software such as the "House" series, Kid Pix, and Google Earth offers students opportunities to problem solve and discover through follow-you-own-questions types of learning explorations.
  • Visual thinking and concept mapping software such as Kidspiration and Inspiration provide ways for teachers and students to organize and outline their ideas on a computer.

Tech Tool 7.1     Squeak Etoys

Squeak Etoys, is a computer software that can be downloaded free of charge.  It can be used in different grade levels and various academic subjects.

Conclusion

Students can either learn from or with computers. When technology is applied to a variety of learning goals and is used to develop higher order thinking, creativity and research skills, students learn with computer. Software applications the come in the form of math and reading games and activities that students find fun and motivating. Also, have a positive reading and math achievement
I absolutely agree that technology helps to engage kids more into education or it just make it more simple for children and also adults to understand. I am working with children four and five year olds at the childcare center and I see the kids – how quickly they learn and are eager to do something you just have shown to them!. The integration of technology is vital in this age.  At the child care, we  do not have any type of technology except a CD player.  You would be surprised how many children these days use IPad’s and Iphones. We live surrounded by technology, I think if I able to introduce techology for these children that I am working right now they will benefits from it. I also very much agree on the fact that children are more engaged and interested in learning with the help of technology.

Resources:

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010). Transforming
teaching with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon


                                                                                                                


1 comment:

  1. Though there are other forms of creative play and learning that can and does happen at the pre-school age, I agree that they are missing out if there is no or limited technology.

    I wish you had written more about the TechTool you indicated - it looks interesting. I would have liked to have heard your ideas for using at your place of employment.

    ReplyDelete