Reflection over Budget Matrix

Link to Budget Matrix: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HPDgTr4L_9wkt_fXj4SfG7gL0UmJCphbDgsg9DOGOtM/edit?pli=1#gid=0


Blooms Taxonomy:

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Retrieved from missrumphiuseffect.blogspot.com

 

    Bloom's taxonomy allows teachers to think about what their lessons are asking students to do as well as how they are showing what they know. Technology allows teachers to really move students from the lower order thinking zone to the higher order thinking zone because it turns students into creators whose projects can potentially be seen around the world, provided parents have consented. 

 

The 1:1 technology configuration and the 25 Chromebook configuration really lend themselves to the higher order thinking realm of Bloom's taxonomy because technology is available for all students and students are not being forced to have to work in large or small groups to accomplish task that ask students to be innovative. 

 

The other technology configurations could be used for higher order thinking projects, but like I said above the technology would have to be shared with a group limiting each individual student's access. 

 

Pros and Cons of configurations:

 

One Computer classroom--with projector and Mac Mini

 

Pros:

• You have technology in your room at least
• Your projector can be used to display information and instructions (Remembering/Understanding)

Cons:

• Limited access
• One student can use the computer at a time
• If teacher is using the computer then there is no access for students
• Unable to differentiate and really reach the higher order thinking level

Small Cluster of Computers in Classroom:

 

Pros:

• More access to technology
• Allows for group activities
• Able to differentiate
• Able to accommodate students with special needs
• Can be used to research (Remembering, Understanding)
• Can be used to create a project or a paper (All levels of Bloom's Taxonomy)

Cons:

• Most projects will have to be group projects
• If using these with individuals only, then a time card would need to be kept so that all students can use them.

Portable Computer Cart with 25 Chromebooks:

 

Pros:

• Better access to technology for your students depending on class size
• More can be done which means all levels of Bloom's can be met
• Students can record video and audio with Chromebooks (Creating, Evaluating, Analyzing)
• Allows for differentiation
• Able to accommodate all students
• Can be used for research (Remembering, Understanding)
• Files less likely to get mixed up with another students (Taylor, n.d.)

 

Cons:

• May have to share cart with other teachers which can limit access
• Chromebooks are not super durable, so even though you have 25 on any given day you may have less

Computer LAb 1:1 technology for all (30 iMacs):

 

Pros:

• Every student has access to technology
• Every student has the same amount of time to complete assignments (Taylor, n.d.)
• Assignments/Activities can meet all levels of Bloom's Taxonomy

 

Cons:

• May have to share the lab creating limited access (Hertz, 2013)
• Technology removed from the classroom (Hertz, 2013)
• Room layout (Hertz, 2013)
• Hard to use when coupled with a lesson that blends technology with non-technology (Taylor, n.d.)

 

BYOD:

 

Pros:

• Student files are easily contained on their own devices and will not get mixed up with another students (Taylor, n.d.)

 

 

Cons:

• Not all students may have devices
• Students who do not have the latest devices could be excluded or bullied
• Students may not charge devices adequately

 

Obstacles and Surprises with the Budget Matrix

No matter what you do, when it comes to technology you will encounter obstacles. It is important to know what you have available to you and create lessons around that availability. It is also important to have alternate assignments because technology will throw you curve balls. For instance a couple of months ago I was having students complete a lesson I created online and then our internet went down. I did not have a backup plan at the time and had to scramble to find something quick for the students to do. It is always important to come up with an alternative way to do things in case something doesn't work out.

 

When completing the budgeting matrix, I found it interesting to see how much the equipment cost, but it did not surprise me that it would be expensive. The one piece of equipment that surprised me the most was the cart for the chrome books. I looked for the one I have in my classroom and was floored to find out that it cost $565. I had figured it cost maybe $200. It was also interesting to see how much an Mac mini cost and to see what it was. I do not work with MACs in my school so this was a learning curve for me. For some reason it was hard to come up with all the concerns that might arise. I thought because I work with technology on a daily basis that I would be able to complete that part no problem; this was not the case. In was a great assignment to complete. It helped put into perspective for me how much the equipment really costs as well as made me brainstorm possible problems that might arise from using it.

 

References:

 

Hertz, M. (2013, January 9). The pros and cons of computer labs. Retrieved December 23, 2014, from Edutopia website: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/pros-cons-computer-labs-mary-beth-hertz

Taylor, K. (n.d.). Pros and Cons of Single Computers Vs. Computer labs in schools. Retrieved
December 23, 2014, from eHow website: http://www.ehow.com/
info_8465500_pros-vs-computer-labs-school.html