Images in the Classroom

When I first heard that I would be reading articles about using images and digital cameras in the classroom, I have to admit I was skeptical about how applicable it would be to me. The usage in capturing experiements seemed very obvious, but as I attempt to avoid science as much as possible, I did not think I would really be able to make extensive use of those mediums. However, the article pointed out many ways that images can be used in what I plan to teach, which is Social Studies. I remember one of my favorite classes in high school involved looking at covers of magazines from the 1940's, and advertisements from the same time. We looked at these to better understand the attitudes of World War II, and I think that looking at something other than an overhead projector really helped. The authors talk about four ways to use images, and I can see how all of them would be helpful. Aquiring pictures now is easier than ever, and I think that the ability to use archives that are online now will make it easier to do things like my high school teacher did. The authors of the main article and the more subject specific ones seemed to be very in love with the methods of Ken Burns. I have watched the whole Civil War series, and his use of photographs does help demonstrate how valuable they can be in learning. In a world where as we have seen, a lot of students are used to spending hours looking at images on a screen, transferring that to images of the past, or images of a science experiment can help students be more engaged like they are used to being outside of school. I think involving students in capturing the learning process also increases the feeling of involvement, as they take an active rather than passive role. Of course, as we discussed in class, it's important to not overuse techonology. Too much relience on images and image-taking can make students become less receptive to the newness and significance of images in learning.

Technology Use in High Schools

I went to two schools that had very different levels of technology integration. I believe that it's important to introduce and involve students in technology at the same time they are learning the normal subject areas. I have used a lot of what I learned at my highly integrated school as I have continued in college and even in the summer jobs I have. I have also seen other students who are behind where I am and have problems doing things that they need to know how to do. Smartboards I believe should start to replace traditional blackboards when possible. Using different technologies to complete projects should also be encouraged. In my physics class, we were able to run experiments using simulations and other computer programs that stimulated learning. As I am definitly not a science major, it allowed for me to expand my understanding. For students who are similarly confused by topics, I believe integrating technology in demonstrations increase understanding.