reflection on CURR 314 and READ 411

            Prior to this project being due, we discussed in READ 411 the various technologies that would be appropriate for each content area.  While a social studies major, I was happy to be placed in a group that is filled with English education majors because I was able to get new ideas about incorporating technology in the classroom.  In Read 411, several English majors discussed how Google blogger can be a valuable resource for reflection essays.  Blogger is both free and simple.  The program allows the user to create their own account and post their blogs.  For English this can be a great way to spread literacy outside of the classroom.  Students would be required to keep daily blog in which the professor could access or require the student to print out.  For social studies, students could post their thoughts on readings and be assigned reflection activities in which they have to post their thoughts on current events.   This technology can really inspire students to become active citizens by posting their thoughts or opinions on some crucial matters.  My READ 411 class agreed that this could be a valuable asset toward social studies education. 

            In CURR 314, my class discussed the importance of technology in the realm of assessment.  Teachers are required to utilize technology in the classroom and challenge students to broaden their minds on several new technologies.  A teacher must formulate a plan to assess their students on their use of technology.  In Social Studies, it would be effective to require the kids to save on Google drive or require them to bring a USB drive to class.  Those two saving methods allow students to realize they are accountable for their work because there are several ways to save their information.  Technology is an incredibly important aspect of education. 

The Most Important Technology in the last One Hundred Years

The use of film in the classroom created the greatest impact on education in the United States.  Film enabled teachers to draw change their approach in teaching.  In the 19^th century, teaching was resigned to remote memorization and authoritative teaching.  Students were punished if they spoke out of place and misbehaved.  Education was seen more as a prison than a place of mental growth.  The film technology opened up new possibilities in the classrooms.  Teachers were able to visually represent pictures to prove points and take the classes attention away from the teacher.  In the mock interview with Grace Dubois, Vanessa Domine writes: “Grandma says that only a few teachers actually used the films, and even then just to appease the efficiency-hungry supervisors. I think the students were probably awed by the new technology, but watching films did not necessarily help them learn  the subject matter better or faster than using traditional methods” (42).  While Dubois doesn’t feel that the technology is that helpful, it did change students perspectives about the classroom. 

The film enabled students to find visual representations of things they were learning which enhanced their experience.  Dubois also states: “The goal at the time was to boost productivity and efficiency through the  use of film, but Grandma Bessie told me that when she  retired from teaching in 1931 she had not yet seen any real innovation in teaching as a result of using film in the elementary school classroom” (Domaine 42).  Domaine argues that the technology increased productivity and efficiency of education, which it did.  It really changed the learning world and is still used today. 

Film in the 19th Century

The Picture depicts Film equipment used in the 19th century in schools.  The camera located on the table is something that would resemble a classroom film piece.