Reflection: Media Integration; Multimedia and Powerpoint

I agree with the idea that “intentionally presenting the same ideas and details using different media and/or using different speeds should increase deeper integration of the ideas” (Houghton). All I have learned in this graduate program to prepare me to be a master teacher echoes this exact idea. We know that students all learn in distinct ways. As teachers, it is our duty to ensure we are presenting information in ways that recognize the diverse learning needs of all students in our classrooms. On top of this, students will retain and hopefully comprehend new ideas more readily when multiple media sources are used to present new information. I know that for me, when I search out new information I try to read about the idea, ask friends about it, and sometimes find a related film or documentary.
The idea that WNC could end up on the “wrong side of the digital divide” is highly significant for educators. As much as the geography of our lovely region makes for a great place for tourists to visit and an even better place for rural communities to maintain their mountain heritage, it also can impede technological progress for its inhabitants. As the population of our area grows with the increase of folks and businesses moving here to escape urban life local government and educational institutions have to step up to address the issues of information technology and how to keep WNC up to speed. I was happy to read about the programs and initiatives already underway to keep WNC competitive in this arena.
The short movie Warriors of the Net provides a good explanation of the internets inner workings. The simplified terms used helped to break down the basic principles of how information gets from one place to another. It is good for users to have this sort of background to better understand exactly what systems are at work in order to make internet usage possible for the public. I am glad, however, that the movie wasn’t any longer than it was. The music was a bit much for me.
I am glad that eNC has included the mandate to encourage everyone in the state to use technology, including the internet, “to improve their quality of life and their economic prospects.” It can not be denied that the internet is now and will continue to be an integral part of daily life for those in our state, this country and beyond. There is no stopping the technological advances already made in the past century, what’s best to do is fully accept it and do all you can to understand it.
“Until a critical mass of computer technology is available to the teacher, beginning with at least a projection system in each classroom, the incremental investment of digital resources for instructional purposes in classrooms is largely wasted” (Houghton). Here, here! The idea of spreading out the wealth and giving each classroom too little to effectively integrate technology is rediulous. It makes much more sense to me to fully update entire classrooms, one at a time, as opposed to spreading out the technology in such a way that it is not useful. It is a shame to see situations in which a teacher feels like he or she is not doing enough to integrate technology but is only given one classroom computer for 30 students. It seems like a naive move by districts that make this choice.