This week’s lessons, discussions, and information focused on technology in schools whether in administration or the classroom. Each school district, school, and classroom is different. I personally have liked to use Electronic spreadsheets in my classroom. I thought about how I have used spreadsheets in research to perform statistics for genetics research. Student needs to see real-world examples which provide them great access to understand the technology and how it is beneficial. Also, this helps them with some of their basic computer science skills and statistical skills.
My thoughts for integrating electronic spreadsheets are, of course, focused on science classes. For biology, I would use spreadsheets to show how students can use the data to determine what happens during an event. An event could be looking at changes in species populations. Students can take records from a digital model and then they can run the statistics via the spreadsheet. This can come from real research studies or create data that is an example of “real” information.
A great example of electronic spreadsheets and how it can evolve into something more would be an educational program call ClassCraft. This program started as an excel spreadsheet where a physics teacher would have students create a character and keep up with the statistics of that character. It took off and became a website and then a digital app. This shows how using an electronic spreadsheet can inspire students and students are left wanting more.
In education, no matter what technology a school district, school, or teacher incorporates it must be for the benefit of the students. I know some teachers use technology because they must, but it is so much better for everyone when there is buy-in. If we know that technology will help teachers and students, then we need to share that vision and help train teachers in the usage of that technology.
Michael's Reflections of ETEC 589 