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FDN 5220: Computers in Educational Settings

Session 7: Communicating with Each Other: Synchronous Communications and Asynchronous Communications

We have explored several ways computer technologies may be used in many ways as mindtools in learning environments. One can also design learning environments in ways for groups to work together on projects who may be separated by time and distance. Real time communications and delayed communications enable students to explore information with other students and experts around the world. The four walls of the classroom disappear and the whole world becomes the learning environment.

  • Find a teacher from another country who teaches the same grade or subject you do and communicate with him/her about how technology is used in his/her school.  You might ask them questions, such as: How is technology used in your school?  In what ways are their students using computer technologies?  To find teachers from other countries, you might try "Postcards from America" (http://www.postcardsfrom.com/) or Epals (http://www.epals.com/).

  • Read Electronics and the Dim Future of the University and participate in the online discussion (Under "Readings"). While this article deals with higher education, one can question similar problems with the emergence of virtual high schools.

    • Find several virtual k12 schools on the web and describe them on the discussion board.  

    • Look for More from E-learning provides some interesting ideas about the development of E-learning environments. How do these ideas conflict with assessment today?

  • Video on the World Wide Web: Check out the one of the movie trailers on this site.  You will need to download QuickTime 4 in order to view this clip.  Also, this will take up a great deal of hard drive space and some time to download onto a computer.

  • To what extent is technology integrated as a tool in the instructional program of your school? What should be the policy of your school system to further develop the integration of technology in learning environments? Please add your ideas to the Threaded Discussion Board under the topic "Technology Integration in Your School."

  • Continue to work on final projects.

ASSIGNMENTS

  • Read Chapters 12 and 13 in the text Mindtools. how would you describe the advantages and disadvantages of using these communication tools in instruction?

  • The NC state technology plan is designed to guide the state districts in implementing technology in schools. Read the current plan and think about ways it is applied to your school. North Carolina State Technology Plan.
  • As we explore tools to connecting the world together, we may need to become more aware of the world around us. Investigate the CIA World Fact Book as a source for information.
  • Explore the following sites for additional integration ideas:
    • www.cln.org/themes_index.html: This site has theme units on a variety of subjects.
    • www.internet-catalyst.org/projects/amproject/toc.html:This is a great project for older students that uses history, social studies, and writing to look at how the American Dream has changed over the decades. The site has teacher and students sections that are helpful to each.
    • www.kids-space.org/gallery/gallery.html: This site is for younger children all over the world. You can read the stories of other children or your students can submit their own stories. You can also submit art and music to this site. There are many topics that you can choose from to read about or add information.
    • www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/cyberguide.html: CyberGuides are supplementary, standards-based, web-delivered units of instruction centered on core works of literature. They are designed for the classroom with one online computer. Each CyberGuide contains a student and teacher edition, standards, a task and a process by which it may be completed, teacher-selected web sites and a rubric, based on California Language Arts Content Standards.
  • Finish your projects for presentation in the next session.

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    © Copyright 2002. Stephen C. Bronack, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.

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