Annotated Bibliography

Just, P. (2004, August). PDA Handhelds: Improving Student Performance. Media & Methods, 41(1), 23-24.

 Summary:

The article discusses the many uses of PDA’s in middle school and its positive impact on reading and language arts at the Wayne School District.  The author focuses on the positive influences that this technology has had on individual learners and discusses the aspects he feels are important in using this technology.  The benefits associated with this product range from having the ability to access such necessary tools as spreadsheets, Word documents and concept mapping software as well as utilizing the wireless capabilities of the tool.  Students can share their ideas with others and turn in assignment wirelessly; the students’ ability to use a keyboard allows them to write directly onto their PDA and simultaneously transfer their thoughts to other students or the teacher.  An important characteristic of this technology is the ability to access such features as calculators, periodic tables and spreadsheets, as well as other interactive tools.  Teachers have the ability to create tests with the included software and assess students’ knowledge in a particular area.

 Review:

The article is informative and an easy and interesting read, however, the author glosses over the potential negatives about using PDA’s in this environment.  Although the author mentions many positive features that enhance learning he fails to mention the need for training of staff to deal with the eventual issues that come from using technology.  The need to train teachers to become comfortable with this technology and use is consistently and purposefully is mentioned only in passing.

 

Shuler, C. (2009, March). US Schools Leaving Mobile Devices Idle. T H E Journal, 36(3) 12-12, 2/3p

 Summary:

The author of this article willingly concedes that PDA’s, iPods, cell phones and other mobile devices are a part of everyday life and as such the discussion of allowing them in education to enhance learning is mute.  She focuses on using the technology to promote learning and create other viable educational benefits with them.  Her emphasis is on creating an acceptable mobile learning model, a digital teacher corps to promote and train other educators, investment in research and development into the technology and political activism to promote mobile innovation.

 Review:

Although the report mentions “pockets” of successful use of mobile devices in learning the thought is that the US if falling behind countries in Asia and Europe.  This lends support to the individuals (educators, vendors and policy-makers) who which to bring US schools in line with other countries who have successfully implemented technology.  The author makes many valid points and gives though provoking ideas with which to work with.

 The article is informative and is an interesting read, especially for those who have a stake in education, this includes parents who do not want their children to fall behind in the technology driven global economy.

  

Harris, H., & Park, S. (2008, May). Educational usages of podcasting. British Journal of Educational Technology, 39(3), 548-551.

 Summary:

This article discusses the educational usages of podcasting.  It begins by mentioning some of the basic features of podcasting and very simple uses that over time evolved to take on more complex and educational characteristics.  Using podcasting in universities shifted from basic uses such as relating school policy or library hours to new students to using podcasting for distance learning opportunities’.  The author of the article broke down the characteristics of podcasting into four categories;

1. Teaching-driven podcasting:  meant to improve the quality of teaching and improve the learning experience.  This type of podcasting has the potential to improve communication between students and teachers and create an ongoing dialogue.
2. Service-driven podcasting:  this method allows for the university to disseminate information to the student body.  It provides news and timely information to a harried student.
3. Marketing-driven podcasting:  this has strategic implications in marketing.  Universities use this tool to recruit prospective students.  This marketing delivery system increases customer retention.
4. Technology-driven podcasting:  in this case just using the technology, especially aimed at teachers, will help in using the technology for educational purposes.

The author stresses three perspectives, the lecturers, the students and the universities.  He asserts that all three are stakeholders in this innovative learning model.

 Review:

Interesting article, the author focuses on the benefits of podcasting; he views the technology as a natural extension of the learning process.  I understood the differences in using this technology and his explanation of its characteristics were compelling.

  

Nardo, R. (2008, Fall). Music technology in the preschool? Absolutely!. General Music Today, 22(1), 38-39.

 Summary:

Referring to the advent and subsequent explosion of children’s musical toys and other interactive musical products, the author makes a case for the continual use of digital learning in preschool.  He focuses on the importance of other forms of activities and materials of early education and the need to have the child connect their virtual experience to the real world.  He believes in creating an environment in which children are encouraged and supported to develop, apply and express what they have learned via instructional technology to the real world.

 The author has identified seven ideas from the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) that he believes all musical teachers should focus on:

1. It is the early childhood professional who makes the judgment about which technologies are appropriate in the given situation.
2. The use of technology in early childhood programs has the potential to enhance the child’s cognitive and social abilities.
3. It is important to integrate the appropriate technologies into the regular learning environment.
4. Computer access must be equitable among learners.
5. Stereotyping and violence in electronic play forms is to be avoided.
6. All early childhood professionals and parents should advocate for more and better technologies for children.
7. Early childhood professional development can be enhanced through technology.

 Review:

The article was informative, parents and teachers of young children would find this articles suggestions worthwhile.  This article was short and sparse and it did not offer much more than an opinion and some facts regarding children’s musical toys.  These mobile learning devices set the stage for later acceptance and mastery of technology.

  

Cowan, J. (2008, November). Strategies for planning technology-enhanced learning experiences. Clearing House, 82(2), 55-59.

 Summary:

The author of this article uses a series of practical strategies designed to help support the development of a technology-rich curriculum and the necessary guidelines needed to achieve success.  The author stresses the need for greater use of technology in the classroom and the barriers to making technology a part of the curriculum.  He brings into the discussion the cyclical pattern that dominates the field of education and education reform: the lack of freedom teachers encounter and the strict schedules and guidelines enacted by No Child Left Behind, along with issues of underfunding and lack of resources.

 Six strategies were created to support the understanding of teachers and design effective and successful learning environments based on technology.

1. Understand the larger context of technology, curriculum, and education reform.
2. Understand the basic modes and appropriateness of computer use.
3. Conduct reconnaissance.
4. Create a detailed plan.
5. Do not reinvent the wheel.
6. Plan for alternative assessment.

 The article offers a detailed discussion of each of the six strategies.  The basic modes of computer use focused on three separate modes and the necessary understanding and skills needed, along with examples.  The author emphasizes the need for alternative assessment, flexibility and freedom; it also lists several informative websites.

 Review:

This article was very informative and an easy read.  It provided a lot of information that anyone involved in the education of an individual (a parent, a teacher, or a district administrator) would find relevant and applicable to education.  The author understands the current atmosphere of reform that surrounds the area of education and offers insights into what is needed to produce results with the use of technology.