Issues+In+Educational+Technology+NO

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= = =Using Technology to Support Higher Order Thinking:=

__Question:__ How can technology be used to support higher-ordered thinking?

__Answer:__ There are many accessible technology based programs and tools that support Higher Order Thinking in students. Higher Order Thinking involves the learning of complex judgmental skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Online resources such as Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and interactive educational websites all give students a chance to develop these skills. Using these programs they analyze, develop, and apply what they have learned in an online scenario. These technological outlets also give students experience in using technology and give them a chance to express their creativity.

__Question:__ Give an example of a technology that supports Higher-Order Thinking and be specific in describing HOW it supports higher-order thinking.

__Answer:__ Blogs are a very valuable technology that support Higher-Order Thinking in students that use them. Students that operate a blog for educational purposes may use them to post and expand (analyze, develop, apply) on class assignments. Students can also use creativity to design and manage they're blog.

=Using Technology to Affirm Diversity:=

__Question:__ How can technology be used to affirm diversity?

__Answer:__ Students may use various technologies to explore cultures, and religions that are different than their own. They can learn about other cultures/religions histories, traditions, and languages. By learning about different heritages students are more likely to be accepting of others differences.

__Question:__ Give an example of a technology that affirms diversity and be specific in describing HOW it affirms diversity.

__Answer:__ A specific technology that can be used to affirm diversity is an interactive educational website. Sites like the smithsonian and living voices give students the opportunity to get an inside look at the lives of others different from themselves. This allows them to have a new appreciation for how people from other cultures and time periods lived their lives.

=Using Technology to Support All Learners:=

__Question:__ How can technology be used to address the needs of learners with special needs?

__Answer:__ Technologies in the classroom can be used to help accommodate and assimilate kids with special needs into the classroom. These technologies make a teachers job and a students learning much easier.

__Question:__ Give an example and explain how it would support students with special/diverse needs in your future classroom.

__Answer:__ Hearing aids for students that are hard of hearing are a prime example of an assistive technology in the classroom. Students that are not able to hear clearly have a hard time answering questions and participating in class because they simply do not know what is going on. By having a hearing aid, they can understand lessons, and participate in class because they are now engaged in what is happening around the room.