Reflection 5

Video Case Analysis Instruction and Guideline Questions W301 Integrating Technology in Teaching Name: Brittany Class: Thurs.
“Leapin’ Lizards”
http://www.edutopia.org/video/movie.php?reset=cookie&keyword=037&id=Art_1251
Watching the video was quite surprising for me! If I can recall, the video captured a 4th grade class involved in a year round project that integrated all subjects. Math, science, social studies, art, and writing were all prevalent in this assignment. The project dealt with the horny toads in the state of Washington and the 4th grade students worked in conjunction with a University in the state as well as local farmers within the school district.
Many different technologies were used throughout the year. The students used certain computer programs to graph data obtained by observing locations and numbers of horny toads. The students also used a computer art program for various tasks. GPS systems were used on site. The researcher from the University provided the GPS devices and taught the students how to use the GPS devices to locate specific sites. A tracking system was also brought on site trips. Students were able to use the tracking system to find a horny toad that had the tracking device attached to its back. Looking at all of the technology displayed, it is easy to say that the students utilized the technology. The teacher and researcher may have instructed the students how to use the technology, but the students were encouraged to use the technology and understand why using that technology is helpful.
Watching this short video honestly surprised me. The students had an advantage over most students of the same age across the United States because such an opportunity was given to them. The technology used in this particular project was abundant, comprehensive, and engaging. I believe that most 4th graders do not know how to use a GPS device. I know that I do not. The technology did enhance this experience for the students. The students understood why such technology was being used and they gained knowledge on how to use that particular technology and apply it to their learning.
The uses of the particular technologies in the project were used over the course of a full school year. Much planning had to occur for this project to take place. The teacher obviously worked in conjunction with the University’s researchers and I am assuming that the researchers provided the GPS devices and the tracking devices. The teacher must have worked closely with the researcher to construct such an elaborate lesson. The teacher must also have kept in mind the academic, as well as the technology, standards that are mandated. This project must have taken quite a while to construct because it expands over an entire year. Of course, the teacher also had to consider that students have different technological knowledge. The film, however, portrayed the students learning the particular uses of the technology at the same time, which would make it a little easier for the teacher, allowing her to teach everyone at once.
The advantages of using the technologies are obvious. Without the use of the technologies, the project could not have existed. The GPS devices and tracking systems allowed the students to collect data and locate horny toads. Without such technologies, the students would have been running wild in the fields. This was also an amazing experience for the students. The students probably felt proud of their accomplishments using and collecting from such devices.I am not sure what question 8 is asking. Of course, integrating this sort of technology in any classroom would be difficult given that most schools do not offer such resources.