WEEK 2 » ASSIGNMENT
Communications • Networks • the Internet • the Generations
1. Reflection Assignment Part A – Textbook Reading
Write an informal 200–300 word reflection on your textbook readings (pp. 59–97, 100–109, and 517–525) focusing on what you learned. Please do not summarize the chapter readings; instead discuss new ideas and significant insights and how the information can be used to support classroom integration of technology. Reflect and discuss your personal reaction to the readings including how the readings address what you have learned about curriculum–specific, authentic, technology–specific, and kid–specific learning. Please also comment on the topics provided in this week’s Classroom in Action section, including the Classroom in Action videos.
2. Reflection Assignment Part B – Textbook Web Site
Review three Web sites as outlined below from the textbook Web site and write a 25–word reflection on each Web site you review. Select Web sites from each of the following three sections:
- 1 "Teaching Today"
- 1 "Education Issues"
- 1 "Integration Corner"
To access the Shelly Cashman textbook Web site, visit http://www.scsite.com/tdc6/ and click “Chapter 2,” located in the top navigation bar. When the Chapter 2 page displays, locate and click on “Teaching Today” in the left navigation bar. Select and review one scenario and at least one Web site presented in the scenario.
**NOTE: The Web site will open in a new window. To return to the textbook Web site, close the window or click the textbook button in the bottom navigation bar of your browser.
Next, click “Education Issues” in the left navigation bar at the textbook Web site. Select and read one topic listed in “Education Issues” that interests you and review at least one of the links presented. Repeat this procedure for “Integration Corner” and one additional resource.
Again, write a 25–word reflection on each of the Web sites you review.
Before your first visit to the textbook Web site, click on the play button below to view a short video about how the site enhances the end–of–chapter features in the textbook.
3. Application Assignment
This week focused on Communications, Networks, the Internet, and the Generations. Online social networking is a way of life with today’s students. For your application assignment, survey your students, or those you work with, about how they use technology and the Internet at home and when hanging out with their friends. For example, how many of your students use IM, texting, Twitter, blogs, RPGs, MMORGs, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, e–mail, and other online social networking tools? How many have broadband access at home? How many have wireless access at home or another location? If you teach younger students, find out how many use e–mail, and other software tools at home. Write a brief summary of what you learn including what surprised you about your students’ social networking usage. If you are not currently able to survey classroom students, try surveying a few kids in your neighborhood or community. If you are unable to complete this survey, inform your instructor and include why you are unable to do so.
4. Submission Instructions
Type your assignment (items 1–3 above) single–spaced with an extra line between paragraphs. Create your assignment in a word processor and save often. Complete both the reflection and application assignments in the same file. Include the appropriate heading at the beginning of each section (i.e. Reflection Assignment, Application Assignment). Then, copy and paste your assignment into the body of an e–mail message. Do not send your assignment as an attachment. Enter Week 2 Assignment in the Subject line of your e–mail message. Submit your assignment on or before 12:00 P.M. EST on the activity’s due date. Review the Schedule under Course Home for due dates.