Journal #2

Infusion or Integration
Kimberley Ketterer

In this article the author talks about several conferences for teachers that she attended. During some of these conferences she would speak directly to teachers, students, and administrators, and noticed that two key words kept coming up. The only problem was that in some cases the two words were being misused, leading her to wonder if some of the folks she talked to actually know the meanings of each word. So Ketterer goes on to discuss the definitions and differences between "Infusion" and "Integration". She also listed several examples of historical and current forms of uses in the classroom.

1. How has technology benefited students over the years?

Since my days in grade school, technology has always offered an alternative method to educating students. I could remember sitting down to a lecture at the blackboard about whales. I found that my teacher at the time was fairly knowledgeable about the subject. However, when the projector began to run and I could actually see whales as they existed in nature, it brought the creature to me in a whole new way. I feel that the same is true for students today. Films are a great way to present, but now students need something more. Computers and technology can offer that. From reading Ketterer’s article, it’s clear to see that computers can now do the same things it took several different tools to do in the past.

2. Has integration of students and technology been more beneficial for the student or the teacher?

I think that integration of technology and the classroom has been equally beneficial for both. For the student it obviously grabs their attention and allows them to have a closer connection to their work. For the teacher, it allows them the opportunity for a wider spectrum of methods to teach various subjects. They can use PowerPoint presentations to teach math, interactive computer programs to teach social studies, and video to teach biology. There are no limits to what technology can do in a classroom for the benefit of both students and teachers.

Journal #1

Power of the Mashup: Combining Essential Learning with New Technology Tools.
Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss

This article tells of how a teacher in Northern California has used technology to translate literature dating back over 200 years, and utilizing tools that enable his students to live through a literary character's world. This virtual "road trip" as Jerome Burg describes, uses several google tools including satellite imagery, maps, and other three dimensional images to enhance the experience for his students. Instead of just reading about events, the students can now live them.

1. How can the use of technology assist in lesson planning?

Using technology allows teachers to portray different aspects of their curriculum by allowing the students to actively participate in the lesson. With the advent of new technology, lessons once written on a blackboard can now be brought to life in more audience captivating methods. Audio and visual learning has taken on a whole new meaning as technological tools fill the needs for both types of students.

2. Can this type of technology be used for multiple subjects or just literary lessons?

I believe that new technology can be used for any subject. In History, for example, students may be able to travel back into time and relive some of the more prolific events of the past century. This form of education is priceless as it really brings to life what it must have felt like to be one of the first immigrants to come to the new land. In physical education, treadmills and stationary bikes can be used to place a person in a virtual race, or simply cruising along some scenic trails. The possibilities are endless.

My name is Sergio Cesar Guzman. I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco. For those who may not know where that is, I can sum it up by saying that it is the birthplace of Mariachi's and Tequila, (same state), located in central Mexico. I came to the U.S. at the early age of 1 and grew up in Santa Cruz, CA. All my elementary, jr. high, and senior high school years were spent in this sleepy beach town known as "Surf City". I moved to San Diego during the summer of '97 and have since meandered up the coast until finally landing in Temecula.

My use of technology began during my high school years where I used a Mac for a yearbook class. After that short stint, I had my first full taste of the Windows operating system during my years at Heald Business College in San Jose, CA. Shortly after I graduated in '97, I moved to San Diego and worked as a Global Logistics Coordinator for Unisys Corporation and really polished up my skills as all my daily functions were handled through the use of a computer. I would love to really dive into movie making with the use of a PC or Mac. As a youngster I always loved to participate in any stage productions that I could get into, and even now, I still love the idea of making movie shorts purely for the entertainment.

My decision to enter the CSUSM/COE was based largely on my ability to provide educational equity and social justice for a more diversified classroom. Being bilingual, I feel, will enable me to reach out to those who may need a bit more instruction in a classroom setting, but are being held back because of language barriers and other obstacles. I want to pass along information and knowledge that was not always readily available to me, and challenge kids to become the best that they can be in whatever it is that they dream.