Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Case Study Module 2


Patrisha Ramirez
Case Study
Technology applications in the classroom

I great way to engage students in Biology classroom is by using a white board and clickers. The use of the white board will allow students and the teacher to interact in a variety of ways. For instance, students could view a simulation of DNA replicating or watch other interactive sites that will allow them to engage and enhance their learning process. Another advantage that white boards have versus conventional chalkboards is that allows the students to use a stylus, their fingers or a keyboard on a bigger screen. By using this technology the students are able to use a variety of multiple intelligences that help increase their metacognition. This learning model that primarily supports this use of technology is VAK. VAK is based on the “classical and learning style model known as the Visual-Auditory-Kinesthetic learning styles model or inventory”(Gardner, 1983).  Researchers and psychologists have used this principal to address the students that have diverse methods of learning….
 VAK specialists recognized that people learn in different ways: as a very simple example, a child who could not easily learn words and letters by reading (visually) might for instance learn more easily by tracing letter shapes with their finger (kinesthetic). The VAK theory is a favorite of the accelerated learning community, and continues to feature - although not nearly as strongly as it should do - in the teaching and education of young people”(Garder, 1983).
Therefore, after carefully assessing the equipment that is available to you. My recommendation is to use the whiteboard and the interactive clickers. Not only will students be engaged but also this particular technology will allow you to address all students’ needs and diversity.

Works Cited:
Gardner, H. (1983). In Mulitple intellgences multiple theories model. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://www.businessballs.com/howardgardnermultipleintelligences.htm

Sunday, October 2, 2011

My Perspectives on Burmark






Chapter 4

In Chapter 4 Burmark illustrates the importance of audience involvement during a presentation. The author encourages this involvement by stating that the presenter should “get their attention” as well as connect to the audience(Burmark,2011). In doing so, the audience becomes more involved and attentive during the presentation. Other suggestions that support Burmark’s theory are illustrated by Rana Shina. Shina suggests that should walk by the audience instead of staying in the comfort zone near the front. This allows the audience to have “attention grabbing skills”as well as alertness(Shina,n.d). Shina also suggests to engage the audience by the following:
Asking a question
State an impressive fact
Telling a story
Shina and Burmark have both have valid suggestions and key points on how to keep the audience engaged. As a teacher and a Science Department Chair I have constantly have to present to students and staff. I have used these techniques in the past in order to keep the audience engaged and interested.
Works Cited
Shina, R. (n.d.). In Presentation skills: how to keep the audience attention during a presentation. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://www.dot-connect.com/Presentation_skills_How_to_grab_and_keep_audience_attention_during_a_presentation.html

Review of Chapter 1
         In Chapter 1 Burmark initially reviews the do’s and don’ts of effective power point presentations. The message conveyed through this particular chapter is illustrated by using the same principles that you would in a marketing campaign. For instance, Burmark suggests that the colors used in the power point reflect the tone and the dynamics of the presentation. The use of the colors yellow and red are highly suggested because these colors are associated with how visual perception and brain interpretation are stimulated. Burmark supports this recommendation by further stating that out “of all the 16.7 million colors the human eye can see, it will go to yellow first”. These findings are in part based on several psychological factors that influence moods and brain activity. “A person surrounded by yellow feels optimistic because the brain actually releases more serotonin (feel good chemical in the brain) when around this color”
(Precision Intermedia, n.d).
         While the author presents a valid argument about the effects of colors on a presentation, I believe that colors are not the only thing that affects the power of your presentation. I believe that dynamics of a presentation also are greatly influenced by the dynamics of the speaker

Works Cited
(n.d.). In Precision Intermedia. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://www.precisionintermedia.com/color.html









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Sunday, September 18, 2011

Copy right

What I thought was interesting was The Teach ACT which allows educators to use information such as images, films, movies or still life without permission.