Journal 4

It's In the Bag

Basham, J. D., Perry, E., & Meyer, H. (2011). It's in the bag. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(2), 24-27. Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20110910?pg=26&pm=2&fs=1

The article, "It's in the Bag" seemed very interesting. It discussed a new idea about students carrying a digital backpack which carries three specific forms of technology. The first is foundational technology, the core hardware and software of the backpack, such as a laptop. Next is modular technology which are devices for specific instructional goals such as an ipod touch or digital camcorder. Lastly it mentioned instructional support materials which are curriculum resources that provide structure and specific information for learners to learn and be guided. These materials included instructional documents, podcasts, videos, and content-based apps.

These backpacks are modified to be specific for different age groups by altering the materials for different leveled curriculum. They were tested in the fields that the content was based in, specifically for Elementary schools, Middle schools, and High schools. These field experiences tested the students' ability to learn using the different forms of technology and proved to be successfull in all three fields. Although it may not be realistic to provide each student with a digital backpack, this idea definitely did teach me that using forms of technology can be very useful in the learning process of students. It will help my future with incorporating many different forms of technology into lesson plans, but also helped me currently with my nanny job, as I help children with homework every day. These lessons might help my approach in helping them to understand.

Questions:

1. The article showed that the students were able to learn at a higher capability with the use of technology. Why do you think the technology improved the students' ability to learn so well?

2. How might a teacher be able to incorporate this idea into an everyday routine? What types of technology could be effective?

Answers:

1. I think children learn well when they are presented with material in a way that is hands on. When they are able to participate by doing, instead of listening or writing, it may be more understandable.

2. A teacher could incorporate all three technologies in lessons by using a variety of specific technologies with specific material. Some examples that could be incorporated into the lessons would be videos and photography, for a visual understanding photography, certain interactive computer software, for the hands-on understanding.