W1 Reading

by Ginny Holm 
     While in ETC course, we are heading further into our Action Research. This month I have to find all 25 of my resources. Next month our Literature Review is due. I’m trying to stay focused thinking about graduation in 2011... I found the articles at various sites. I’ve attached included a link below to my AR Literature Resources page for those who want to delve further for more information.

Reading 1 by Kennedy, Judd, Churchward, Gray, & Krause: 

     Research and data by Kennedy, et. al. (2008) had shown that a majority of students were exposed to technology on a daily basis and had a wide variety of technological skills. These skills and exposure however, varied by student. Technology usage was mostly for socializing. Students did however, express an interest in learning through technology but could not relate how they would utilize technology to do so.

Reading 2 by T. Armstrong:

     This book was intended to be used as a guide for educators in the practice of teaching to multiple intelligences. It suggests new ways for both teachers and administrators to improve their teaching experience teaching to multiple intelligences. There are also ideas suggested by the author at the end of each chapter that help the reader to incorporate the material learned in that chapter into their instruction.

Reading 3 by L. Griffin:

     This article pointed out the value of video in the classroom. Video engages students and can give them a more hands on experience of the topic. Using video in the classroom allows teachers to stop and explain and discuss what the students are seeing and experiencing. Video can only work if use effectively. It should be used as a teaching aid and previewed by the instructor before introducing into the classroom.

Reading 4 by Smith & Woody:

     Students were divided into two groups and presented with the same course information except that one group was given straight lecture, while the other group had multimedia incorporated into the course. The study found that students from one group did not overall outperform the other. It found that students who prefer visual input did not do well in the straight lecture class. Predictably, students who preferred verbal input did not do well in the multimedia enhanced class.

     Well, that was my reading for week 1. I have to say I was a little disappointed by the study in Reading 4. I had hoped to find more positive results on incorporating multimedia into the classroom. Maybe it’s all about a balance, so that you teach to everyone in the classroom without isolating anyone. I am seeing a subtopic in my AR as somehow adding Multiple Intelligences and left and right-brained learning style.

Ginny's AR Literature Resources Page

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