Digital Blog Post #G

Low tech refers to changes that are made easily, inexpensively, and without applying digital or electronic material
Mid Tech involves substantive shifts in organization and delivery of curriculum that may include the use of electronics
High tech introduces changes associated with the integration of computers and other specialized information technologies in the classroom

I would like to have a classroom nonconventional, I want a classroom that does not feel like a classroom. I want a classroom that reads: "we are here to learn not only from the teacher but from each other". I want a classroom with different areas based on activities; a creative corner, a writing booth, a let's do it together table. I want a classroom with the coolest technologies out there in which they can learn about the past and get ready for the future.


Assistive technologies is not only used for students with disabilities, in fact they can be a great tool to make the material more accesible to all students. The goal when using these technologies is to minimize the barriers in order to reach educational success. For example:

1. Electronic spellers and dictionaries
2. Calculators
3. Speech recognition software
4. Text reading software
5. Interactive electronic storybooks (this one is really awesome) 

I think these are all great tools and I don't see any problem in using them in the classroom on a regular basis. I also think that we must keep in mind that these are not replacement they are just tools to help us and our students, and should not be seen as an indispensable thing. Lets talk about calculators for a second. Calculators are awesome,they do the job a lot faster than any human being, but lets be honest and they make us a little lazy. I think calculators are best used to save time when dealing with equations or problems that are very long; for students that math is a challenge that could save them time on a test per say.    

I think encouraging kids to write is an excellent idea; I can't imagine Pride and Prejudice in the future.  Writing makes you think, and meditate in your thoughts. There are so many apps, programs, that you can get to help you in the writing process; some you have to pay some you don't. Here is some of best ones according to an article on the Huffingtonpost    






Resources 

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 1st Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Valladares, B. (2015, October 20). Apps for writers. [Image file]. Retrieved on October 20, 2015 from https://magic.piktochart.com/infographics

Valladares, B. (2015, October 19). Classroom Learning with Technology. [Image file]. Retrieved on October 19,2015 from https://www.gliffy.com/go/html5/9210545?app=1b5094b0-6042-11e2-bcfd-0800200c9a66