Module 5 Discussion

Grant Proposal
After searching through many sites for grant ideas, I finally settled on Computers For Learning to focus my technology grant.  The school I am using for my TI Initiative, as well as the Grant Proposal, is sorely lacking in technology resources.  Unlike most of the schools in my area, this one does not even have SMARTboards in their classrooms.  There is one computer lab for the entire school (and no laptop lab at all), and most of the equipment is outdated.  Each individual classroom is also severely lacking in technology.  It is almost impossible to find working speakers or projectors for the class, and most teachers use their personal laptops to teach.  If the printer in the computer lab ceases to work, as it does frequently, then all production is halted.  I could not find an active grant for SMARTboards, however, I feel that adding computers to this school would be an excellent first step, and make the integration of technology much more smooth.

Chapter 9
I agree completely that schools should reflect real life.  Everything I have ever learned about teaching has said that students need to learn in the concept of the real world, that they need to be able to take what is taught and make it concrete based on what they know.  If students are not taught in relation to the real world, then it's difficult to make the information concrete.  Students also need to be able to function in the real world, and they prefer learning that relates to that.  They are increasingly more excited about being able to apply what they've learned, and become more engaged if they're able to do so.  At some point, students will leave school and take their knowledge with them, so it only makes sense to teach them in a way that reflects real life and prepares them for that moment.

Chapter 10
Clark Hall sounds like a wonderful learning environment.  The description giving of it, a building full of lounges and soft seating, sounds amazing, and I can imagine that it is an encouraging place for students to work.  The problems they faced in the beginning, with slow networks, banned sites, and slow laptops is something I've seen in many schools.  Networking problems make it very difficult to get anything accomplished when working with technology, and I believe it is a major contributor to the lack of technology integration often seen in schools.  What I like most about the learning environment established in Clark Hall, though, is that it seems to contribute to all forms of learning styles.  There is small group work being done, one-on-one instruction, and individual work.  This sort of freedom in instruction gives teachers more opportunities with their students, and helps to reach them better.