Issues+in+Educational+Technology+BN

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=Using Technology to Support Higher Order Thinking=

Technology can be used to support higher order thinking when the technology does not only test students' ability to recall information and facts. Higher order thinking involves the student applying what they know to a complex problem which does not necessarily have one right answer. For example, the program MathBlasters seems like an effective way to help students learn math, but it does not support higher order thinking. The program, despite providing students with a way to recall important math facts, does its job on a very simple level and can be easily finished by the student using guess and check. Higher order thinking forces the student to do something other than remember information, like completing a task with the application or evaluation of the information.

The Supreme Decision simulator supports higher order thinking because student's don't just recall facts about the First Amendment and government policy, but apply their knowledge to a specific case in which the information is needed. They use their problem solving skills to help solve Ben's case and can even reflect their own political opinion in the outcome of the case. The Supreme Decision simulator uses an example of a court case which is very realistic and has more than one possible correct outcome. Students are required to consider underlying issues relating to the U.S. Constitution and citizen's rights

=Using Technology to Affirm Diversity=

Technology can be used to affirm diversity by respecting, celebrating, and modeling diversity in the classroom and around the world. Technology can be used to show students who may not be part of a diverse classroom different cultures. It can present students with a perspective of cultures from countries they may associate with negative things, instead of thinking about the people and customs of that country, which will widen their world view. On a smaller scale, students can use technology to learn about the background and culture of their diverse peers in the classroom. Teachers can use technology to show students that not all prominent figures in history, the sciences, or other subjects are Caucasian men. Technology is an easy way for teachers to find examples of women scientists, for example, or other prominent people with diverse backgrounds.

An example of a technology that affirms diversity is the National Geographic Kids website. Using this website, students are able to explore countries and cultures from around the world. National Geographic also includes eye-catching pictures which allow students to get a perspective different from the one in their textbook.

=Using Technology to Support All Learners= Technology can be used to address the needs of learners with special needs thanks to assistive technologies, which are any device that help disabled children learn more effectively and efficiently. Assistive Technology can be anything from a pencil grip to a device which allows mute students to speak. Assistive Technologies help impaired students be more directly involved in the classroom and feel more comfortable, making it easier for them to learn in a mainstream classroom.

A couple examples of Assistive Technology include Braille writer and Braille translation software. The Braille writer technology allows vision impaired students to type using the Braille language and even print out their writing. The Braille translation software takes it one step futher and translates Braille writing into standard English. These technologies would be invaluable in a classroom with a vision impaired student, as it allows students to write and share with the class and allows the instructor to read and assess students' writing without needing to learn Braille (although this would probably be extremely helpful).