Friday 7 October 2016

Why eBooks are Essential for the 21st Century Classrooms



eBooks are now a growing trend in the classrooms that allow easy accessibility to books for students.  The millennial generation essentially live on the internet and are highly interested in social mediums such as texting, tweeting, etc.  Twenty-first century teachers should learn to adapt to these changes and embrace the digitized world through the use of eBooks in the classroom.  eBooks are electronic versions of printed books, research papers, short stories, and magazines, just to name a few, that can be read from a computer or any handheld device (Rosso, 2009).  Although utilizing eBooks are widely debatable, I believe that eBooks are beneficial for both teachers and students and the next section will discuss several benefits of why eBooks are essential for the classroom setting.

eBooks are environmentally friendly and cost effective for schools (Sessoms, 2016; Dietzel,2002; Karsenti, n.d.).  According to Sessoms (2016), schools can constantly make curriculum updates electronically rather than buying textbooks, which is costlier than eBooks.  Because eBooks are paperless, it has a lower impact on the environment (Karsenti, n.d.).  Moreover, according to Acedo and Leverkus (2014), librarians would have an abundant array of resources. A school library can have a collection of popular books among the students in eBook format, which is more cost effective than purchasing a large number of hard copies.  Furthermore, eBooks can be downloaded to more than one device which allows multiple student accessibility.

A typical classroom is filled with many different types of learners (Nolen, 2013).  There are three main types of learners: tactile, auditory, and visual.  Tactile learners are described as learning through physical, kinesthetic, and hands-on experiences. Auditory learners learn by listening to someone explaining something rather than reading it on their own. Visual learners need graphics (i.e. charts, tables) and pictures to acquire the material because a loss of interest may occur if they are simply listening to instructions (Learning Rx,2016).  With the use of eBooks in the classroom as a technological tool, it can accommodate all three of these main learning styles.

eBooks can be beneficial for special needs students, visually impaired students (Goodwyn, 2014), and English language learners (Goodwyn, 2014; Martinez-Estrada & Conaway, 2012).  For instance, the useful feature for vocabulary can accommodate this particular group of students who need extra assistance with pronunciation and defining a word by simply clicking on the difficult word itself.  Martinez-Estrada and Conaway (2012), suggest that eBooks are useful for English language learners by improving literacy skills.  Survey results from teachers and students proved that eBooks positively affected their learning development.

Unfortunately, there are several factors that would hinder my progress to using eBooks in my classroom.  Lack of funding would be the biggest challenge that my school district would face.  My students may not have enough computers and/or iPads to utilize in the classroom and that would clearly obstruct the use of eBooks.  Another factor would be the instability of internet/wife access in the classroom.  If an eBook is not downloaded into each computer and/or iPad, then it would not be easily available for the students to use.  Lastly, teachers may lack the training to use technology in the classroom.  Without the comfort and knowledge, then using this type of technology would possibly be more of a hindrance than a convenience.

Nevertheless, eBooks would be a definite plus in my classroom.  I have to be more open-minded and willing to accept change.  Technology can be a scary thing, especially for veteran teachers, but with the right technological training, assistance, and attitude, eBooks used as a tool in the classroom would essentially be one of the best decisions a teacher would make in this digitally-aged world.  Because I teach reading to English language learners and based on several resources, my students would greatly benefit from this type of technological aid in the classroom for supplemental resources and most essentially, improve their literacy skills.

References

Acedo, S., & Leverkus, C. (2014). Updates on eBooks: Challenges & changes. Knowledge
            Quest, 43(1), 44-52.

Dietzel, G. (2002, May). The benefits of eBooks: Learning with an attitude! Teachers.net
            Gazette, 3(5). Retrieved from http://www.teachers.net/gazette/MAY02/dietzel.html

Goodwyn, A. (2014). Reading is now “cool”: A study of english teachers’ perspectives on
            e-reading devices as a challenge and opportunity. Educational Review. 66(3), 263-275.

Karsenti, T. (n.d.) 25 Main benefits of the ebook. Retrieved from http://karsenti.ca/25_ebook.pdf

Learning Rx. (2016). Types of learning styles. Retrieved from http://www.learningrx.com/types-
            of-learning-styles-faq.htm

Martinez-Estrada, P. D., & Conaway, R. N. (2012). EBooks: The next step in educational
            innovation. Business Communication Quarterly, 1080569911432628.

Nolen, B. (2013, October 7). How students benefit from learning with ebooks. Retrieved
            from https://www.southuniversity.edu/whoweare/newsroom/blog/how-students-benefit-from-
            learning-with-ebooks

Rosso, S. (2009). What are eBooks? Advantages and disadvantages of electronic books.
Retrieved from https://whenihavetime.com/2009/03/09/what-are-ebooks-advantages-
and-disadvantages-of-electronic-books/

Sessoms, D. (2016). 9 benefits of eBooks that make them valuable classroom technology.
            Retrieved from http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/9-Benefits-of-e-Books-That-
Make-Them-Valuable-Classroom-Technology.



Sunday 4 September 2016

eBooks? Why not?



            eBooks are now a growing trend in the classrooms that allow easy accessibility to books for students.  Our millennial generation practically live on the internet and are highly interested in social mediums such as texting, tweeting, etc.  As 21st century teachers, we should learn to adapt to these changes and embrace the digitized world through the use of eBooks in the classroom.  eBooks are electronic versions of printed books, research papers, short stories, and magazines, just to name a few, that can be read from a computer or any handheld device (Rosso, 2009).  Although utilizing eBooks are widely debatable, I believe that eBooks are beneficial for both teachers and students and the next section will discuss several benefits of why eBooks are essential for the classroom setting.


            First, a typical classroom is filled with many different types of learners.  There are three main types of learners: tactile, auditory, and visual.  Tactile learners are described as learning through physical, kinesthetic, and hands-on experiences. Auditory learners learn by listening to someone explaining something rather than reading it on their own. And visual learners need graphics (i.e. charts, tables) and pictures to acquire the material because a loss of interest can occur if they are simply listening to instructions (LearningRx, 2016).  With the use of eBooks in the classroom as a technological tool, it can accommodate all three of these main learning styles.
Next, eBooks are environmentally friendly and cost effective for schools (Sessoms, 2016; Karsenti, n.d.).  According to Sessoms (2016), schools can constantly make curriculum updates electronically rather than buying textbooks, which can cost more than eBooks. Additionally, because it is paperless, eBooks has a lower impact on the environment (Karsenti, n.d.). 
Finally, eBooks can be beneficial for special needs students, visually impaired students, and English language learners (Goodwyn, 2014).  For instance, the useful feature for vocabulary can accommodate this particular group of students who need extra assistance with pronunciation and defining a word by simply clicking on the difficult word itself.
            eBooks would be a definite plus in the classroom.  Teachers have to be open-minded and willing to accept change.  Technology can be a scary thing, especially for veteran teachers, but with the right technological training, assistance, and attitude, eBooks used as a technological tool would essentially be one of the best decisions a teacher would make in this digitally-aged world.

 References

Goodwyn, A. (2014). Reading is now “cool”: A study of English teachers’ perspectives on
            e-reading devices as a challenge and opportunity. Educational Review. 66(3), 263-275.

Karsenti, T. (n.d.) 25 Main benefits of the ebook. Retrieved from
            http://karsenti.ca/25_ebook.pdf

Learning Rx. (2016). Types of learning styles. Retrieved from http://www.learningrx.com/types-
            of-learning-styles-faq.htm

Rosso, S. (2009). What are eBooks? Advantages and disadvantages of electronic books.
Retrieved from https://whenihavetime.com/2009/03/09/what-are-ebooks-advantages-
and-disadvantages-of-electronic-books/

Sessoms, D. (2016). 9 benefits of eBooks that make them valuable classroom technology.
            Retrieved from http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/9-Benefits-of-e-Books-That-
Make-Them-Valuable-Classroom-Technology.




Tuesday 28 June 2016

PLN Reflection

I used the word “share” as an acronym and created a definition to describe what a PLN means to me.

S-eek to grow as a professional through learning from others in an online educational community
H-elp other educators
A-cquire deeper pedagogical knowledge and apply to my teaching
R-eflect on my teaching and learning practices
E-ncourage and empower

I chose to be a part of three PLNs: The Educator’s PLN, Edutopia, and TESOL.  These PLNs have great resources and information about middle school teaching, Reading, and ESL.  Educator’s PLN and Edutopia are free to join; however, TESOL has a membership fee.  I think TESOL is a great PLN to be a part of because it is strictly for ESL, which is my specialization.  I am still part of the TESOL Blog and am currently learning interesting strategies to incorporate in my classroom.  There are so many techniques that I haven’t tried and I am very excited to apply them to my teaching.


Administrators, university professors, teachers, and experts from all over the world participate and collaborate in these three PLNs.  They share expertise, insights, resources, strategies, and the list goes on and on.  Because I am newly introduced to PLN, I’m not sure what was lacking or missing.  I feel that I have found something essential to my career as a teacher and I have gained more insights by learning about PLNs.  I will definitely be an active member to Edutopia and considering to join the TESOL membership in the near future.

Please check out my PLN presentation on Prezi:

Sunday 19 June 2016

Power of Technology: Poor, Fair, Excellent?

Assessment of 8 Technology Tools:

       Moodle             iMovie
Google Apps          Wix
       Chrome             Wiggio
   LiveBinders          Emaze

The rating scale is as follows:

Poor:  The tool is not effective and
not user-friendly

Fair:  The tool is somewhat effective and user-friendly

Excellent:  The tool is very effective
and user-friendly.





 Moodle is a free web source that enables teachers and students to productively interact online.  All class information can be displayed on Moodle.  It allows educators to post assignments and forums in advance and provide students the opportunity to upload/respond in a timely manner.  It is also useful for online courses which are convenient for both educators and students.  Initially, it is a bit intimidating, but the more you explore, the easier it gets.
Rating: EXCELLENT



 Google offers a free gmail account that includes free access to useful apps such as Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Slides, Google Sheets, and Blogger, to name a few.
 Google apps are user-friendly and handy, especially for students, teachers, and businesses.  I found Google Docs to be the most valuable for group work in regards to school assignments.  It was a great way to interact with my group members to complete written assignments if we were unable to meet face-to-face.      


I never imagined I would be one of those people to create an online Blog.  But since it was a requirement for class, it was surprisingly easy.  Using a blog to upload written assignments to share with my professor and classmates is actually a smart and effective way to communicate.  Again, it is absolutely free and paperless.  The site is easy to navigate and the tools are pretty straightforward. 
   Rating: EXCELLENT






Because I am a PC owner, I have always been loyal to Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge, but when I was introduced to Chrome, I found this web browser to be faster and more secure.  It is simple to navigate and easy enough to understand.
Rating: EXCELLENT







LiveBinder is a handy tool for teachers,
parents, businesses, and students.  It is a 3-ring binder that is located on the web.  
This tool allows you to share your binder full of useful information to everyone; however, there is an option to make it private for your eyes only.  This tool helps keep you organized  and it’s easy to continue to add to your binder.  Say goodbye to messy papers and a stack full of heavy binders that you once carried around with you.
Rating: FAIR







I was introduced to iMovie when my group had to create a 3-minute tutorial.  Although I do not own a Mac, my group mate gave me the opportunity to try it out in his computer.  It was fantastic.  I automatically fell in love with this tool.  It was simple to navigate, add music, add voice overs, and graphics.  Editing wasn’t even an issue.  Because of iMovie, I may have to switch over to Mac.
Rating: EXCELLENT






Wix is a website creator that, at first, I found a bit temperamental.  However, as I continued to explore, it became easy to use. Uploading images and videos were hassle-free and programming skills were unnecessary.  
My group and I used Wix for our digital safety project and I think it turned out better than what we had hoped for.  We were able to upload videos, images, and use various text to make our website welcoming and interesting.  "Drag. Drop. Done."

Rating: FAIR









Wiggio is a web conferencing tool that is super simple to use.  It is great for all kinds of groups: academic, business, etc.  Although there may be some cons about this web-based conference tool, the pros outweighs the cons.  The best part of it all…it’s absolutely free! 

Rating: EXCELLENT





Goodbye PowerPoint, Hello Emaze!  This online presentation tool really does in fact make your presentations "emazing" with all the cool features (media, graphics, text, color, sound) and awesome templates to choose from.  I found it entertaining for the audience and enjoyable for the presenter.  Emaze quickly uploads videos and images so there is no time wasted.  

However, there is a 14-day trial period and decide to buy the product or not.  Although it is a great tool, the idea of paying for something that you can get free elsewhere doesn't bode well enough for me to give an excellent rating.



 Rating: FAIR