Technology+Issues+for+Educators

= Technology Issues for Educators = = = = = = =

There is substantial evidence that technology is essential to the success of schools. It can be used to improve learning and help our students to be more competitive. It can provide teachers and administrators with the tools they need to assess learning and create targeted lessons. Through use of the Internet and Web 2.0 technologies, it can allow educators and students to collaborate and learn virtually. Through E-learning opportunities, educators can meet their professional development requirements and improve the caliber of their teaching. The use of technology in education is not, however, without its problems. The Beta Group pathfinder presents useful resources in the form of books, journal articles, websites and audiovisual materials for educators on the following issues: Distance Learning, The Digital Divide, Plagiarism and Integrating Technology into the Classroom. The essential questions that we examined are: 1. What are the pros and cons of distance learning for educators and students? 2. What are the implications of the digital divide in the classroom and what strategies can educators use to overcome it? 3. "With the ease of access to information on-line, and the ability of students to “cut and paste” material into their documents, what strategies can educators use to help students understand and respect intellectual property rights and avoid plagiarism?" 4. By what means can technology be effectively integrated into classroom instruction and what types of technology can be used?



// What are the pros and cons of distance learning for educators & students? // Key Words:  Distance Education; Distance Learning; Virtual Learning; Teaching online; Online education; Online groups; Graduate teacher education Subject Headings: Distance Education—Computer assisted instruction—Individualized i nstruction—Internet in education—Education—Computer Education resources Dewey Decimal:  371.358; 373.133; 374.4; 378.73 Books: Barrett, Stacey, Catrina Poe, and Carrie Spagnola-Doyle. //Power Up: A practical student’s guide to online// // learning //. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009. O nline students begin their coursework and are very excited to be going back to school and becomg successful. While taking these courses sounds very appealing, time, technical skills and self deciplin may overwhelm an online student. Hrdlitschka, Shelley. //Sun Signs//. Orca Book, 2005. U nable To Attend School while she battles cancer, fifteen-year-old Kayleigh Wyse tries to complete her classes online by correspondence. Developing a science project on astrology, Kayleigh enlists other online learners as study participants. What starts as a collaborative and supportive project based on the scientific method, slowly becomes unwieldy and then flawed when it is apparent that all the project participants are hiding vital clues about their identities. Maeroff, Gene I. //A Classroom of One: How online learning is Changing our Schools and Colleges. //Palgrave Macmillan, 2003. This book approaches the topic from a sympathetic perspective. Maeroff describes how online education courses are structured and considers their impact on a variety of aspects of education, including the relationship between student and teacher, the time and place of learning, learning outcomes, the meaning and shape of educational institutions, and the traditional goals and purposes of education. Neidorf, Robin. //Teach beyond your reach : an instructor's guide to developing and running successful distance learning classes, workshops, training sessions, and more//. CyberAge Books, 2006. T his guide //Power// to distance learning for instructors at schools or businesses focuses on how to develop course materials. It does not solely focus on web or technology-based platforms. Topics covered are tools of distance learning, including blended learning; demographics of students, with emphasis on adult learners and learning styles; course design and content for interaction; "classroom" management and getting to know students; and creating a community. Williams, Marcia L//. Distance learning: the Essential Guide. //Sage, 1999. This book addresses some of the key questions at the heart of new educational technologies. The authors look at options that are available to institutions considering the addition of distance learning to their programs, strategies for integrating new equipment with existing equipment, and ways of fostering a positive learning environment without face-to-face contact. Journal Articles : Az Haigh, Maria. "Divided by a common degree program? Profiling online and fact-to-face information science students." //Education for Information// 25 (2007): 93-110. In this study, online students were very much more likely than classroom students within the same institution and degree program to believe that online education was of comparable quality to classroom education. This article focuses on the pros and cons of distance education concerning students and teachers. Priscilla, Norton, and Dawn Hathaway. "Exploring two teacher education online learning designs: A classroom on One or Many?" //Journal of Research on Technology in Education// 40 (Summer 2008): 475-95. Classroom or online learning? Online learning is quickly becoming a popular way to earn a degree, though his article has raised questions if online learning is the way to go. As the teacher/student, is this an effective way to learn? There is always positive and negative sides of each side. Web Resources: [|NDLW National Distance Learning Week.] //National Distance Learning Week//. Drexel University Online. 2008 November 10 - 14, 2008 is National Distance Learning Week. Schools, governments, businesses with speak about how distance learning has become very popular across the nation. __ [|The Pros and Cons of Distance Learning.] __ //Instructor Web//. 2002. 25 Oct. 2008. This website discusses the pros and cons of distance education. Before someone assumes to teach/be a student of the online world, know the facts first. Online teaching/learning is not for everyone. Tipton, John. ”__[|Why It’s Never Too Late To Start Distance Learning]__”. //Distance Learning//. 8 Mar. 2007. 25 Oct. 2008. As many people work full-time, have a family and do their other obligations in life, sometimes it's hard to go back for an education. While some students need extra motivation to do the online work, it's still a great way to earn a degree from home. Silverman, Fran. “[|//The pros and cons of distance learning: most students and teachers applaud the flexibility that online learning allows, but teachers unions and some other experts decry this methods new popularity.//]”  2001. Article discusses examples of how online learning is not so great for teachers. The union has pulled away from its original support of online high schools and is influencing educators to be aware of pursuing online courses. As for the future, students may be taking courses from their TV or living rooms. (BK)

** // What are the implications of the digital divide in the classroom and what strategies can educators use to overcome it? //   Key Words:  digital divide; technology gap; Internet; online behavior; media in education; web use; schools; evaluation methodologies; innovation ; innovation Subject Headings: D igital divide -- United States; Information technology -- Social aspects -- United States; Information society--Social aspects; Information technology-- Social aspects; Computer-assisted instruction --Social aspects --United States; Internet --Political Aspects; Internet-- Social Aspects. Dewey Decimal: 303.41; 371.33; 371.334 Books : Kidd, Terry, and Irene Chen. //Social Information Technology : Connecting Society and Cultural Issues//. New York: Idea Group, 2008. Examines ways in which technology and people are shaped by influences within society. Due to the popularity and vast usage of technology there is a need for educators, administrators and others to monitor the trends and social aspects of technology in order to meet the needs of tomorrow. In addition to offering insight into the digital divide, the book also offers educators insight in to Digital Divide and other social issues at a global level. Macho, Steve. //The Impact of Home Internet Access on Test Scores//. New York: Cambria P, 2007. The research in the book provides evidence to the degree of impact that Internet access has on test score performance. The intended audience includes educators, legislators, policy makers, and parents concerned with enhancing student performance. The study within the book reveals various educational, political and social aspects of the digital divide. The book consists of in-depth coverage of the digital divide and the specific effects that it has on education. Journal Articles : Mardis, Marcia, Ellen Hoffman, and Todd Marshall. "A new framework for understanding educational digital library use: re-examining digital divides in U.S. schools." //International Journal on Digital Libraries// 9.1 (Aug. 2008): 19-27. The article discusses the challenges and shortcomings of attempts to bridge the digital divide in elementary and secondary schools. It also discusses how programs that were intended to resolve decrease the divide uncovered new problems. There is also a new framework introduced that is intended to help provide possible solutions for addressing the problem. The article offers educator’s perspectives on the issue as well as possible solutions for at attempting to find a resolution. Mouza, Chrystalla. "Learning with Laptops: Implementation and Outcomes in an Urban, Under-Privileged School." //Journal of Research on Technology in Education// 40.4 (Summer2008 2008): 447-472. The study provided laptop computers to one group of low-income, minority students at a school. When compared to the students who did not have access to the laptops, it was found that the student’s interest and engagement in their studies increased. The access to technology also served as motivation agents for education. The article provides educators with evidence to a possible solution for bridging the gap as well as perspectives from the students. North, Sue; Snyder, Ilana; Bulfin, Scott. "Digital Tastes: Social class and young people's technology use" //Information, Communication & Society// 11.7 (2008). The article examines the relationship between young people's use of technology and social class. It suggests that there is a strong link between class, access to technology and student performance. The article found that a major cause of the digital divide may consist more of social implications than an economical ones. This understanding can allow educators to take social aspects into account when researching initiatives for possibly solving the issue. Thomas, Dianne H. "The Digital Divide: What Schools in Low Socioeconomic Areas Must Teach." //Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin// 74.4 (Summer2008 2008): 12-17. The study was performed in order to confirm if the digital divide existed. It compared the computer access, use and skill level of children who resided in neighborhoods with different income levels. The results indicate that while the digital divide did not appear to be an issue at school, it was prevalent at home. The study offers educators insight into how the existence of the issue in student’s homes affects their performance at school. Web Resources: [|The Digital Divide Network] //. (2008).// The Digital Divide Network site is intended for educators, activists, policy makers and concerned citizens who are working towards solving the digital divide. The online community allows members the ability to publish blogs, share documents and partake in discussions. These features as well as news, events and articles will provide educators will serve as a resources as information as well a means to contact other professionals about the issue. [|National Public Radio]. National Public Radio. (2007). National Public Radio provides audio commentary from technology expert Mario Armstrong who discusses the contributing factors of the digital divide in education. Armstrong shares possible solutions that can be utilized to address the issue. He also outlines the problems and challenges that are involved in attempting to bring technology to low-income students. This resource as well as others on the site provides educators different perspectives of the issue. [|Tool Kit for Bridging the Digital Divide in Your Community]. Department of Education Office of Educational Technology. (2003). The U.S. Department of Education’s “Tool Kit for Bridging the Digital Divide in Your Community” provides educators with a project planning guide that is intended to assist in preparing, constructing and assessing initiatives that attempt to bridge the digital divide. The information offers a ‘step-by-step’ outline that can be used for program development. Audiovisual: //Global Science & Technology Issues//. Prod. Schlessinger Media. DVD. 2004. The film reveals the digital divide issue at a global level. It exemplifies how people are being deserted due to their lack of access to technology. The item reveals the benefits and drawbacks of technology. It is suitable for young adults as well as adults and would be a beneficial asset to a lesson on the topic. (AC)
 * Digital Divide

** // With the ease of access to information on-line, and the ability of students to “cut and paste” material into their documents, what strategies can educators use to help students understand and respect intellectual property rights and avoid plagiarism? //   Keywords:  citation; copyright; cyber crime; digital property; intellectual integrity; intellectual property; plagiarism; works cited
 * Plagiarism

Subject Headings:  Cheating (Education), Internet in education, Internet research -- Moral and Ethical Aspects, Plagiarism, Plagiarism -- prevention Dewey Decimal: 025.04, 025.324, 346.7304, 371.58, 808, 808.027 Books: DeSena, Laura H. //Preventing Plagiarism: tips and techniques//. Urbana, IL: National Council of Teachers of English, 2007. DeSena offers teachers effective strategies for heading off and avoiding plagiarism before it occurs. She suggests using assignments that emphasize students' original thinking. She also advocates the use of primary sources. There is a section that addresses the needs of English language learners in doing effective research and writing. Fox, Tom, Julia Johns, and Sarah Keller. //Cite it Right: The SourceAid Guide to Citation, Research and Avoiding Plagiarism//. Osterville, MA: SourceAid, LLC, 2007. This book is an easy to use citation guide that includes formats for all four of the major systems of citation. It simplifies the process for students, which may discourage plagiarism. Francis, Barbara. //Other People's Words: what plagiarism is and how to avoid it//. Berkeley Hts., NJ: Enslow, 2005. This book provides a clear explanation of plagiarism and its consequences. It offers advice on how to avoid plagiarism including instruction on summarizing and paraphrasing. The audience is students. Lathrop, Ann. //Guiding// //Students from Cheating and Plagiarism to Honesty and Integrity//. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2005. This book focuses on changing the school culture from one that ignores or tolerates cheating into one where honesty is valued and encouraged. There are practical suggestions to be used both in school and at home. It includes sections called "Copy Me" which can be copied and used in the classroom to stimulate discussion. Sutherland-Smith, Wendy. //Plagiarism, the Internet and Student Learning//. New York, NY: Routledge, 2008. The author presents a model of plagiarism, called the plagiarism continuum. It is focused on how students and educators perceive and respond to plagiarism. The book describes the history of plagiarism and includes case studies presenting the views of students and educators. Journal Articles : Everhart, Nancy, and Jerome Dutilloy. "Combating Plagiarism: the role of the School Library Media Specialist." //Knowledge Quest// 31 (2003): 43-45. In this article Everhart discusses how the widespread use of the Internet by students for research has made plagiarism a greater concern. The results of two studies show that teachers and librarians can play a role in teaching students how to locate and use appropriate resources in an ethical manner and developing and implementing plagiarism policies in their schools. Hamalainen, Maryellen. "Useful Tips on Avoiding Plagiarism." //Library Media Connection// 25 (2007): 40-41. One of the biggest tips this author gives to avoid plagiarism is to structure assignments with a twist. Rather than assigning a straight report about a person or event, be creative, have students write a persuasive argument. Another suggestion involves using levels of Bloom's taxonomy, like comparing and contrasting two people, places or things or choosing their own topic from a list of choices and then defending that choice. Johnson, Doug. "Keeping Kids Engaged Fights Plagiarism, Too." //The Educational Digest// 69 (2004): 16-21. Johnson states that educators try to "catch" plagiarism but they are better off creating assignments that require original, thoughtful research and, therefore, minimize plagiarism. Among other things, these assignments are hands-on, engage multiple senses and require the use of different kinds of sources. Ma, Hongyan J., Guofang Wan, and Eric Y. Lu. "Digital Cheating and Plagiarism in Schools." //Theory into Practice// 47 (2008): 197-203. The authors discuss the current lack of concern that many young people have about cheating online and the need for teachers to address this issue and provide strategies to combat digital plagiarism. The article also refers to a peer culture that accepts cheating and to the pressure for achievement that has led to a deterioration of academic integrity in colleges. Villano, Matt. "Fighting Plagiarism: taking the work out of homework." //T.H. E. Journal// 33 (2006): 24-30. Villano suggests using search engines to check text of assignments for plagiarism but also encourages changing the nature of assignments to encourage creativity and avoid giving students the opportunity to plagiarize. Web Resources: [|"Avoiding Plagiarism @ Web English Teacher"]. //Webenglishteacher.com//. 30 Aug. 2008. Links to strategies, lesson plans, online citation guides and detection devices. A wealth of practical information for teachers. [|"Plagiarism Prevention Zone."] //Wadsworth// //Cengage Learning//. 2008. Cengage Learning, Inc. Written for a college audience, this site can easily be used by high school teachers and students. It includes a "crash course on plagiarism", tutorials on taking notes, paraphrasing and summarizing and one entitled: "why plagiarism should matter to you". The site also has tools like citation guides and plagiarism flashcards.

Cooper, Janice. __Nvnet.org__. [|"Plagiarism Workshop."] 12 June 2007. Northern Valley Regional High School. A workshop for high school students that introduces the issue of plagiarism, gives an overview of copyright laws and fair use policy and provides strategies for avoiding plagiarism. Dalton, Deb. [|"Stop Stealing: A Webquest on Plagiarism."] //Oneonta.k12.ny.us//. 14 Mar. 2003. Oneonta High School. In this webquest, students research plagiarism and their products include: a plan for students to follow which will help them avoid plagiarism, a list of consequences, a brochure and an oral presentation. Herzog, Susan. [|"Plagiarism Introduction."] Weblog post. //The Plagiarism Blog//. 12 Mar. 2005. A blog by Susan Herzog, Information Literacy Librarian, Eastern Connecticut State University, entitled: Keeping Current on Plagiarism, Cheating & Academic Integrity. Lowe, Charles. [|"What teachers should know about plagiarism software."] //Aft.org - publications//. Trans. Ellen Schendel. Nov. 2006. American Federation of Teachers.. In this article, the author points out that the use of plagiarism detection software creates a climate of distrust between teachers and students by having a presumption of guilt. The author recommends educating students about choosing to be honest and assigning plagiarism-proof projects. Audiovisual : //Avoiding Plagiarism//. Prod. Schlessinger Media. DVD. 2004. Part of a series of programs designed to teach students research skills, "Plagiarism" deals with the issues of careless paraphrasing, "cutting and pasting" without attributing a source, and buying papers online. This video received a positive review in School Library Journal, Feb. 2005 (HM) ** Integrating Technology ** //  How can technology be effectively integrated into Classroom Instruction and what types of technology can we use? // Key Words :  technology integration; classroom; curriculum; schools; educational technology Subje ct Headings : Computer-assisted instruction; Educational Innovations; Educational Technology; Science – Study and Teaching. Dewey Decimal : 371.1, 371.334 Books : Gordon, David T., ed. //The Digital Classroom : How Technology is Changing the Way We Teach and Learn.// Cambridge,MA: Harvard Education Letter, 2003 This publication is a collection of articles and essays written by both education scholars and practitioners that provides the reader with concise analysis of research and innovative practices in the classroom. Asking current questions, providing some answers, this resource provides varied and informed perspectives on the implementation and impact of new technologies on teaching and learning in K through 12 education. Bell, Randy L., Julie Gess-Newsome and Julie Luft, eds. //Technology : in the Secondary Science Classroom.// Arlington, VA: NSTA Press, 2008. Addressing topics of interest to science teachers, the chapters in this book offer a snapshot of recent trends to stimulate thinking in integrating a wide range of technology into the science classroom. Each chapter includes a summary of current research, best practice guidelines for teaching with specific technologies and some examples of appropriate teaching strategies. Individual chapters are available for free to teachers in support of professional development on the NSTA site. Bray, Marty, Abbie H. Brown and Timothy D. Green//. Technology and the Diverse Learner: A Guide to Classroom Practice.// Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, 2004. This user-friendly guide provides a summary of the latest innovative technologies, and the approaches to implement them in K-12 education. It has a special focus on issues related to disabilities, gender, culture and language. Strategies are included that provide practical applications of new technology, such as software and devices, to support the needs of diverse learners in the inclusive classroom. Coppola, Eileen M. //Powering UP: Learning to Teach Well with Technology//__.__ New York: Teacher’s College Press, 2004. Coppola analyses the results of a 1997-1998 study, exploring how five core subject teachers in a large Vermont public school promoted computer use in constructivist teaching. While school leaders and policy-makers will find this study invaluable, teachers will also benefit from the research –supported recommendations and gain a better understanding of the broader nature of technology implementation. She states that high quality teaching is central to developing high quality and transformative use of technology. Journal Articles: Bitner, Noel and Joe Bitner. “Integrating Technology into the Classroom: Eight Keys to Success.” //Journal of Technology and Teacher Education// 10.1 (2002) : 95-100. While there are many issues, such as funding, planning, hardware and software considerations, the effectiveness of technology integration in the classroom is determined by the skill and attitude of teachers, as well as the involvement of teachers in the decision-making process. Based on years of experience with teachers, technology and research, the authors present eight considerations that will hopefully assist teachers through the change process necessary to enact successful integration of technology. Boyle, Ann. “A Formula for Successful Technology Integration Must Include Curriculum.” //MultiMedia& Internet@Schools// 12.1 (2005) : 30-32. A former assistant superintendent in an Arizona school district shares the successful steps taken to promote student achievement and to increase teacher performance and computer literacy. Computer proficiency was achieved by implementing an online-delivered K-8 instructional system or curriculum called EasyTech, which helped teachers integrate technology with core curriculum. Groff, Jennifer and Jason Haas. “WEB 2.0 : Today’s Technologies, Tomorrow’s Learning.” //Learning & Leading With Technology// September/October 2008 : 12 -15. Two researchers at the MIT Education Arcade analyze the potential of integrating new technologies similar to those used in the online world of today’s learners. The authors encourage teachers to explore social networking, digital games and simulation technologies, in order to understand the potential benefits to students and teachers in the classroom. They provide examples used in real classrooms, such as //StarlogoTNG//, a free program developed by MIT Scheller Teacher Education Program. Taylor, Lydotta M., Donna J. Casto and Richard T. Walls. “Learning With Versus Without Technology in Elementary and Secondary School.” //Computers in Human Behavior// 23(2007) : 798-811. Addressing the need for “evidence-based practices” and “scientifically based research” these researchers conducted a study comparing the learning gains when targeted subject areas were integrated with appropriate technology, versus the same subject matter that was not integrated with technologies. They concluded that students had significantly greater gains with appropriate technology integration, most especially when there was evidence of effective teaching (such as outcomes, clarity, enthusiasm), and when learning strategies (including inquiry, authentic tasks) guided teaching practice. Web Resources: [|edutopia]. Edutopia was created by the George Lucas Educational Foundation in order to provide diverse and innovative media resources and tools to educators. Information about interactive learning environments include classroom tips, best practices, sharing real-life experiences, video presentations as well as making recommendations for educational change, that will hopefully inspire teachers to use innovative technology and inspire students to become lifelong learners in the 21st Century. [|Listings of integrated technology idea] can also be found on the site. Also, Edutopia has a [|Video Library] where users can search by topic to view examples of integrated technology in class or broad topic discussions. [|General Technology Integration.] Teaching Matters is a non-profit organization that provides educators with professional development opportunities in order to improve the public school system. Believing that technology can greatly enhance learning on every level, Teaching Matters designs and provides a number of K-8 classroom programs that support the curriculum and make learning more relevant and engaging. [|kathy's ed tech blog picks.]   Kathy Schrock has created a list of popular, controversial and/or informative blogs that relate to educational technology. At one time a school media specialist, Schrock is currently a Technology administrator in a Cape Cod public school, and active in sharing technology information on her numerous Websites and her own Blog Kaffeeklatsch. Tip: Faxage? Web-based Fax.services. [|Oracle ThinkQuest]. Provides teachers and students with a safe site to develop and practice 21st century skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, communications, creativity, technology, self direction, and cross cultural understanding. Students can publish their creative works and enter competitions as well. [|techLEARNING.com]. This site, owned by the private media company NewBay Media based in New York, provides access to articles in their publications as well as links to tutorials and instruction on how to use ‘cool tools’, such as digital movie-making, flip-books, wikis, blogs, how to take notes online, excel spreadsheet course for teachers, and a how-to guide for technology funding. [|Transforming Teaching Through Technology.] This school district shares a practical plan for integrating technology into the classroom while using instruction techniques that enhance the learning experience. Under the heading of Technology Applications are listed some of the Internet resources shared in our online class, as well as tools such as //Kidspiration// for brainstorming or the inquiry-oriented activities using a //WebQuest//. Jordan School District is the largest district in Utah. (HC)

//All web links were checked and current October 14th- 26th, 2008.//



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