Reflection Chapter 8

I found this chapter really interesting because the main idea is focused around a lot of what our class does. We have included technology into many different aspects of the class, and I think that is very beneficial. I really like the idea of using many different forms of technology in the classroom because it allows the students to experience things that they normally would not. Students can view bugs from the other end of the world through the click of a mouse. Technology is so important to use in the classroom because it makes learning more authentic for students.
I also like that using the Internet can help teachers to utilize the 5-E Model for science. Students can explore various subjects through the Internet, and teachers can also use different websites and images to get students engaged. Software is another great way to use technology in the classroom. Cameras, Smartboards, and digital microscopes are all wonderful tools that teachers can utilize inside the classroom. I like the idea of digital microscopes because it allows each of the students to see what is going on while I manipulate the microscope.
Another important part of the chapter was data collection. I think that students should learn how to properly observe and collect data since they will do a lot of that in higher level classes. Bass discusses using spreadsheets to organize the collected data and I think that this is a great way to incorporate science, some math skills, and technology all in one. The more knowledgeable students are in technology, the better off they will be in the future. Technology is such an important aspect of our culture, and it will only get more and more in depth in the future.
I do like how Bass addressed the idea of access to technology in the classroom. He acknowledged that not every classroom will necessarily have a computer or more than one computer. For this, he provided some ideas of what teachers can do to help the students’ learning experience. The last topic that was covered in Chapter 8 was the idea of Internet use policies. These are extremely important for teachers to use with their students. Students need to understand that the computer is a tool for learning and not for games or inappropriate content. By telling students early on exactly what the rules are for computer use and also enforcing them, students will understand the importance of the rules.