ED 720 Reflection on being Discussion Director for week #6

It was my pleasure to be discussion director for ED720 week #6 in my IT&DML program at UNH. This week's focus was on technology in science and math. We read a chapter on assessing science and math by and with technology. We also viewed a State of TEC video in which three math teachers, elementary, middle and high school, shared how they are incorporating technology into their classrooms.  

This week we, as a class utilized hangouts on air on  Tuesday and Thursday  as well as written response from those who could not attend either hangout. The links to view both hangouts are listed above, highlighted is the following:

• The first and second prompts addressed assessment by technology vs with technology. By technology is assessment that utilizes technology to replicate paper based tests and assess the use of common tools associated with online testing. When asked if our students were ready for online testing the opinion of my classmates was split, some said yes, others, no; which surprised me. I would have expected more to be on the side of not ready. The biggest concern of those who did not feel the students were ready cited the fact that students are not proficient in  manipulating the tools of technology (keyboarding, manipulation within the text, etc.). On the other hand, those who favored the students' readiness cited observation of the students actually taking the test both regular and special education. We all agreed that online testing is here for the duration. Tim noted the ease of analyzing data collected from online testing as an advantage of the by technology based assessment model. As Joan stated, there is a learning curve that will accompany the online testing format.
• Overall use of technology in the classroom, especially science and math was considered a positive aspect. Technology allows us to move beyond the basic facts and skills and move from a static view to a more dynamic one for example, 3D models used to view molecular models or difficult to understand concept in either math or science.
• Our third prompt was regarding the use of project based assessments where students are given real life problem scenarios and then, with the use technology, they must research, collect, analyze and communicate their results.  Elizabeth spoke of CT embedded tasks within the Algebra 2 curriculum that mirror this model. Use of inquiry skills, posing questions to learn new knowledge, is a concept utilized not only in math and science but also in reading and writing as well. As noted in both written and oral responses, technology, including the new literacy skills, will only serve to enhance these features.
• Lastly, we viewed the State of TEC Video in which three math teachers were interviewed about their utilization of technology in their classrooms. The common consensus of the materials presented in this video was absolutely positive. The teachers interviewed were inspiring. The group's sentiment regarding the move away from teacher centered models towards student centered teaching models was positive. It was agreed that student engagement in the lessons presented is crucial and technology lends itself to increased student participation.

It was a great experience to run the discussion this week. I was a “bit” nervous about facilitating the hangout conversations. Thanks to the preparedness of all my colleagues, the process went well. It is great when we can all talk, whether in text or in a hangout to share our common craft. We learn not only from what we read but also from each other. Thank you to all fellow classmates for a great experience.