EDLD 5364 Week 2 Learning Reflection

     The information that was shared this week helped me to gain some insight on technology strategies that can have a big impact on the education of diverse learners.  While it is clear that classroom management, experiences, and relationships play an important role in educating students, technology is a tool that can be used to enhance the experience in the classroom.  Page (2002) states, "Numerous studies have demonstrated that young children's self-esteem or self-concept directly affects their academic performance."  The article also mentions that the use of technology in the classroom helps students to have a better self-esteem about themselves and their education.  It also mentions the increased academic performance on achievement tests and the improved performance for at-risk students.  
     Pitler (2007) suggests the use of good teaching strategies along with using technology to improve and engage student learning.  For example, he recommends setting objectives in four different ways that will help students to become involved in goal setting, improve communication between school and parents, link student learning to previous and future learning, and will allow students some freedom in the way they learn.  Pitler also suggests the use of tools such as a KWL chart.  Students could implement the use of this tool through Microsoft Word, and it would be used to help students map out what they already know, what they want to learn, and what they learned.  
     It is obvious that technology has an important role in the classroom today.  Research shows that all students can benefit from the use of technology in the classroom.  Some students may need to be completely engulfed in the use of technology while other students may use it on a limited basis.  Reguardless of the amount of its use, technology is a tool that helps students to learn.  Now, teachers must become accepting of this ideology, and they must become proficient in determining the how and the amount that technology is used in the classroom.  It is all about doing what is best for our students.

 Page, M. S. (2002). Technology-enriched classrooms: Effects on students of low socioeconomic status. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 34(4), 389–409.  Retrieved from the International Society of Education at http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm? Section=Number_4_Summer_2002&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&ContentFileID=830

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Chapters 1, 15-38.