WebLob Query 2

Based on your reading of the Zhao, et. al. article linked below, please compose five (5) thoughtful and significant queries, questions ideas, etc. that you would really want to study and discuss tonight in class.  Defend the queries that you composed.


1.  The first idea that stood out to me was the notion of using technology effectively to improve student learning.  Although it is great to have the latest and greatest in technology, if the user doesn't know how to use it to improve student learning, it is essentially useless.  Remembering the goal as educators is to improve student learning should always be applied.


2.  When looking at the different projects that the teachers who applied for the grants came up with, one really jumped out to me.  I like the idea that the group of four teachers had to start a technology club.  I think these teachers hit the nail on the head to have students become experts at certain computer programs and then use the students to train the teachers.  I instantly thought what a great confidence boost this would give to these students...that they are teaching their teachers!  Also, many times students are better with technology than teachers, why not capitalize on this.

3.  Overall, I thought the notion of not only knowing how to use the technology, but how it works as a whole was so important.  In a lot of the projects, the teachers didn't get to see their vision come to life because of the above fact.  They knew how to use the software for their project, but didn't know the technological infrastructure.


4.  Another interesting idea I found in the study was success of a project often was reflected in what the authors called "distance from school culture".  They found that a project was more successful if it was closely related to the beliefs of the school, or what teachers were already doing.  Projects that were more distant from the culture of the school were not as successful.  I believe this shows just how important school culture is on many different levels.


5.  The final idea I wanted to reflect on was the idea that the projects were much more successful when they were done in teams and had peer support.  This makes so much sense and makes you realize how important collaboration between staff members is in order to make a better learning environment for students.