Technology In The Classroom

During my time as a student I have noticed that many professors (and teachers) seem to rely very heavily on powerpoint.  While powerpoint is an easy way to pass on information to students, I feel that powerpoint has become the go to method for lecturing.  The scariest part of this is that in the various math classes I have to take for my major (I'm looking at you chemistry and physics...) the professors prefer to read off of their powerpoint slides instead of carrying out calculations on the board.  I have to say, I feel that the prevalence of technology in the classroom is actually making it harder for students to learn.  When we stop actually performing the tasks, and simply talk about them, how could you possibly learn how to do anything?

Interactivity #4

I have always had an interest in astronomy and the finer points of outer space.  That interest is what primarily led me to using the Eye in the Sky lesson plan that I found.  I also felt that the lesson plan itself used a variety of technological tools which would help facilitate learning.  However, upon review I discovered that the learning unit itself did not contain many clear cut goals and objectives.  While the process was laid out, the author left the reader struggling to figure out just what should be accomplished by the student.  It took a lot of thinking on my part to figure out just what could be viably completed through this lesson, and then narrow these goals down to ones that were more relevant to the grade level.  I feel that, as this lesson plan is heavily laden with tools, focusing on the ideas of data gathering and models for evaluation and reflection were the most appropriate roads to follow in this aspect.  The technology itself is essential for the completion of the lesson assignments, however it is important to keep in mind the fact that gathering data isn’t the end of learning.  That is why I added in the points of reflection and multiple forms of discussion amongst the class and individuals.  With all of the different assignments and objectives within this learning unit I feel that time must be taken to analyze what has been gathered before continuing on to each new segment.  As such, while I did like the lesson as a whole, I feel it is lacking in allotted room for analysis and time for critical thinking.

URL to lesson plan: http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/lessons/indiv/bryan/summary.html

URL to Spread Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmZuP1NhqQzvdFpzaTRudXJUODI3TkRjQmwwUlpUMHc#gid=0