Blog #7

Chapter 7 dicusess evaluating educational technology and gives integration strategies that might help teachers better utilize these materials in their classroom. To evaluate an item means to determine its value or worth. In order for educational technology to meet the standards of its evaluation it must be considered suitable for an educational purpose or subject, be motivational, and promote learning at a level that will produce academic acheivement. It is highly important for teachers to evaluate educational technology before it is used in instruction. This is the same for sites on the World Wide Web that might be used to add to the lesson as well. The evaluation does not stop there, however. Teachers need to continue to evaluate the technology while it is being used and after the instruction is complete.

Integrating technology into a lesson correctly and effectively requires planning, dedication, and resources. It is important to know if the tools you are using are working. This is why school districts, schools, and teachers take time to evaluate their sources. The best way to tell if it is being used efficiently is to determine if there is student progress. Student progress and development most likely means it is being used appropriately. There are several evaluation techniques used to measure and assess student performance. Authentic assessment, project-based assessment, portfolio assessment, checklists/rubrics, teacher observation and evaluation technology-based student projects are all effective ways to measure, depending on the situation. You must evaluate more than student performance though. Evaluating content, planning, and creativity are also important.

I cannot lie, these blogs are starting to feel very repetitive. I know the information we are learning must be useful, or we wouldn't be learning it. Trying to find the bright side of the situation, I see that it is very important to evaluate sources before you use them. If you are giving your class a faulty program or source then are you teaching them material that is uncorrect. Not only that, but you are not prepared, which is one of the most important aspects of being a teacher. I will definitely try my best to make sure all the sources I use are thouroughly assessed and I use them as effectively as possible.