Reflect on eBooks

     According to South University (2013), the use of an eBook allows for a more enriching experience than plain text. It allows for teachers to expand their learning opportunities to students who may not have done as well using traditional materials such as paper textbooks. Technology will advance as the years pass so it is our jobs as teachers to get in front of the digital movement and include technology into your curriculum to avoid having to play catch-up when it is required.

     As we know and see, today's generation of children live in a digital world full of tablets, iPads, cellphones, and what nots and students are on these devices at home, at school, and on the bus. According to Miller (2013), recent findings from a Marzano Research Laboratory in Southern California elementary schools suggests that are professionally trained on using interactive technologies in the classroom has a positive influence on student engagement and achievement. Furthermore, with the incorporation of eBooks it fosters a learning environment and creates more interactive reading experiences for the students.
   
     Reading eBooks provide a great motivator for all students because they are able to practice reading on their own. It is especially great for students who struggle with reading because mot eBooks provide support such as text narration. When reading eBooks, student have to choose where to focus and explore different options. This can encourage students to "play," which is a "powerful motivator" (Brueck 2012).

     In my class I will be able to incorporate an eBook by providing my students with one that is instructional and informative. An idea is creating an eBook that has the performance skills and cues for different sports. For example, if my class is learning volleyball, I will have an eBook with instructions on how to perform a forearm pass and many other skills required to play volleyball. Since eBooks are very interactive and provide many aspects then a regular book, I will attach videos for students who are visual learners rather than verbal learners.

References:
Brueck, J. (22 May 2012). DOs and DON’Ts for eBooks in early learning & elementary. Raised Digital. http://www.brueckei.org/Raised-Digital/2012/05/22/dos-and-donts-for-ebooks-in-early-learning-elementary/.

Miller, H. (2013). The future of eBooks in the classroom: New technology will increase engagement measurability and allow you to reach students where they are. Overdrive, Inc. http://www.seenmagazine.us/articles/article-detail/articleid/3525/the-future-of-ebooks-in-the-classroom.aspx

South University. (2013). How students benefit from learning with eBooks. https://www.southuniversity.edu/WhoWeAre/Newsroom/Blog/How-Students-Benefit-from-Learning-with-Ebooks

10 eBook Annotated Bibliography

1. Abram, S. (2010). P-book vs. e-books: Are there educational issues?. Multimedia & Internet @ Schools, 17(6), 13-16.

The author explores the pros and cons of printed books (p-books) and electronic books (e-books) and compares the classroom with the out-of-classroom library use of books. The author states that the pros for printed books are its look and feel, its ability to be shared, safety, and little to no maintenance. Furthermore, the author also states the pros of electronic books are customizable displays, ADA compliance, its GREEN, making and taking notes, support, and having a wider range of choice and access. Also stated are cons of both book types, one is on printed books, though print books can be more beautiful through its layout some eBooks have the advantage of being able to add sound and motion into the book. The author provides a strong statement and says that research show that an increase in reading across all generations is seen holistically; there is an increase in book sales in all formats. In particular, this will assist in strengthening my claims that eBooks have many pros that address many issues seen in a classroom environment.

2. Baird, C. & Henninger, M. (2011). Serious play, serious problems: Issues with eBook applications. Cosmopolitan Civil Societies Journal, 3(2), 1-17.

The author explores the extent to which a digital technology (Apple i-Pad) supports the development of literacy skills. The author’s research focuses on the capacity to understand and even create multimedia, multi-modal texts of digital technologies. Furthermore, multi-modal technologies, many supported by applications designed by third party developers, were seen, therefore, to offer significant opportunities for helping people, especially children to develop literacy skills. The studies results found that a set of heuristic principles needs to be adopted by the developers of applications for digital technologies, so that the digital playground is accessible to all. In particular, this article will assist in understanding the accessibility and usefulness of digital technology for students with disabilities.

3. Springen, K. (2013). It’s complicated. School Library Journal, 59(9), n.p.

The author explores how two high-performing Illinois high schools: New Trier Township High School and Adlai E. Stevenson High School are navigating the transition to eBooks. The author seeks to answer big questions: What type of device do schools prefer? Which are the best eBook providers?  How many student iPads get damaged per year? Do students read more in eBook or print format? The authors

4. Boone, R. & Higgins, K. (2003). Reading, writing, and publishing digital text. Remedial and Special Education, 24(3) 132-140. 

The author explores the current state-of-the-art technologies available for reading, writing, and publishing. The author speaks of ebooks, electronic libraries, and electronic journals. Additionally, the author mentioned that considerable data suggest that supportive digital text can help students who are experiencing difficulty in reading. In the case of electronic libraries they are still being examined for differences than the brick-and-mortar library. The researcher mentions the power of digital information is not in the amount of information that can be included but is in the context in which the information is obtained. In particular, this article can assist in understanding that the way of reading, writing, and publishing is changing due to advancements in technology and the way we learn.

5. Larson, L.C. (2009). e-Reading and e-Responding: New tools for the next generation of readers. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 53(3), 255-258.

The author explores teacher and researchers awareness to address the discrepancy between the types of literacy experiences students encounter at school and those they practice in their daily lives outside the school environment. In the article the author speaks of the features of e-books, it mentions that it employs multimodal features such as video, audio, and hyperlinks, as well as interactive tools. The author observed 10 fifth-grade students reading using an ebook for the first time. The students were using all the features available such as the highlighter and sticky notes. The results showed that all 10 fifth-graders reported that they preferred reading e-books to traditional books because of the tools associated with the e-book encourages readers to actively engage with the text. In particular, this article assists in me understanding the benefits for improving student literacy because of the effecting tools associated with e-books. Ebooks offer new opportunities and extent possibilities for personal interpretation and engagement with text.

6. Grant, S. (2002). Ebooks: Friend or foe? The Book Report, 21(1), 50-53.

The author explores what are ebooks, the advantages, the disadvantages, and how ebooks are read. A disadvantage is that you need relatively expensive devices to read them, such as a computer or handheld device. Another issue deals with having different formats that are compatible with all devices. The advantages of ebooks are it poseslower financial risk for publishers, availability is greater and faster, and there is no reason to shelve and reshelve an ebook. An issue brought up in the article is the disadvantage of E-books reading devices and how it will be overcome by even more powerful technology that will provide better screens, more memory, longer battery life, and wireless high-speed connectivity. The results in the article state that technology will continue to improve, the future will not be exactly as I’ve imagined, and “Change is inevitable”. In particular, this article assists my research because just as other articles mentioned change in technology and reading is unavoidable so we as teachers must just accept the change and learn to accept its advantages.

7. Foote, C. (2013). For ebooks, the future is now…maybe. Internet@Schools, 20(3), 26-27.

The author explores whether ebooks will replace libraries and if students are using them. Libraries ebook vendors take time to make books available for download in the system but most needs of students in K-12 are immediate. Furthermore, the author speaks of the ease of use of an ebook in the school, such issue is the purchase versus checkout model. She also states that we need to make it as easy as possible for students to access the library's ebook collection so that the library's shared collection is meeting students' needs. In particular, this article assists my research because it shows the struggles of school libraries and how ebook vendors have an inability to change and have been paibfully slow to embrace the variety of ways schools use ebooks.

8. Larson, L. (2015). The learning potential of e-Books. Educational Leadership, 72(8), 42-46.

The author explores the incorporation of e-book reading into schools curriculums. She states that effective e-book implementation can enhance student’s literacy experiences. Furthermore, the author saw that struggling readers were the strongest advocates of e-books, suggesting that e-books helped them gain confidence in their reading abilities. The author also provides tips for successful e-book implementation in the schools. The results of the article states that electronic books are not meant to replace traditional book, but it is crucial for students to become proficient readers of many different forms of text. In particular, this article assists my research by providing specific tips for success of e-book implementation; it also states e-books benefits, and its variety of tools that help students learn.

9. Rivera, V. (2013). Digital textbooks: Show me the future! Internet@Schools, 12-16.

The author explores etextbooks, ebooks, e-readers, other e-tools, and more. The article states that in 2010, digital textbooks accounted for just 1% of the U.S. textbook market. Furthermore, the author states that over the next few years, textbooks should be obsolete. No results are stated in the article but the author a list of content providers and supplementary service providers who contribute greatly to the direction in which digital textbooks could be headed.

10. Schugar, H.R., Smith, C.A., Schugar, J.T. (2013). Interactive picture e-books in grades K-6. The Reading Teacher, 66(8), 615-624.

The author outlines four considerations for using e-books with young readers because tablets computers, like the iPad, may alter the ways students consume, comprehend, and interact with text. Interactive ebooks include multimodal features such as sounds, animations, videos, and narrations. The author also states that e-books have the potential to change the way our students red and consume text because of their interactivity and convenience. Also, several factors should be considered: a. Will the e-reader allow access to content that is different or better suited to the task, b. What type of support will your students need to read e-books, c. What will be the ratio of devices to students, d. What financial constraints exist for incorporating these devices into your classroom? The results state that teachers need to model strategies for e-reading, assist students in transferring traditional reading behavior to electronic texts, and select high quality interactive e-books that will scaffold students reading.

Reflecting on a Course Management System

     According to Techopedia, a course management system enables teachers to create online course content and post it on the Web (Janssen, n.d). It also states that it has become and integral part of higher education systems but I believe that there is a place for a CMS in the middle school level and in a physical education course.

     A course management system incorporates many aspects of teaching into one online system. For administrative purposes it includes attendance and a record of student's grades. In regards to the teaching aspect, it includes posting of learning objectives, content standards, class assignments, test, and discussion forums. It is also an excellent way to incorporate teacher to student interaction, student to student interaction, and parent to teacher interaction.

     Implementing technology appropriately into physical education can enhance teaching and learning and contribute to providing a quality physical education program. Technology can assist in presentation of content and help students become a physically educated person who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of physical activity (National Association for Sport and Physical Education, 2004, 2009a, 2009b, 2009c). The integration of a course management system in physical education encourages students to practice skills outside of school facilities. For example, a lesson on the course management system would be dribbling the basketball. Then a demonstration video is posted before and after the lesson is taught to provide practice for students no matter their ability level.

     A course management system is excellent for all students because it keeps their grades, attendance, and activities all together. By having the organisation of all three aspects, students will have a better understanding of what areas in the unit plan need improvements. It is also an excellent alternative to paper based written test because students are able to take tests and quizzes in the course management system which will then calculate your scores and provide the students and teachers with immediate grades.

     I believe that technology and Physical Education is often misunderstood and mistaken due to the difficulty of providing computer, laptops, or iPads in the gymnasium. Through the use of a CMS it provides a great source to check and monitor student growth from class activities, participation, and preparation. Technology is utilised in Physical Education to support and enhance lessons to improve student understanding of skills.


Resources:
     Janssen, C. (n.d.). Course Management System (CMS). Retrieved from: http://www.techopedia.com/definition/6651/course-management-system-cms.

National Association for Sport and Physical Education (2004). Moving into the future: National standards for physical education (2nd edition). Reston, VA: National Association for Sport and Physical Education. 

National Association for Sport and Physical Education (2009a). Appropriate Instructional Practice Guidelines for Elementary Physical Education Reston, VA: Author.

National Association for Sport and Physical Education (2009b). Appropriate Instructional Practice Guidelines for High School Physical Education. Reston, VA: Author.

National Association for Sport and Physical Education (2009c). Appropriate Instructional Practice Guidelines for Middle School Physical Education. Reston, VA: Author. 

Connected, Organized, and A Self-Improver!

            According to Edublogs post by Robert Burt (Burt, 2014), Personal Learning Networks (PLN)'s are about making connections and building personal relationships with everyone around you, while sharing ideas and resources, collaborating, and learning. It is also a global learning network that enables people to share diverse, global perspectives on teaching strategies, educational issues, and technologies. In my presentation, a PLN to me means to be connected, organized, and a self-improver. 

            My first PLN mentioned in my presentation is Google+. Google+ as Martin Shervington (2013) explains it is not another "social network" site such as Facebook, it involves more than "social", "communication", and "people"; it is a way of bringing people together within the context of many Google services. Google+ provides what is called Circles; it helps you stay connected to everyone such as family, friends, colleagues, bosses, and everyone else around the world without worrying about the content on your site. We all know there are some content such as pictures that you would love to share with family and friends but not your bosses, Circles provides the opportunity for you to have as many friends as you would like and select who sees what content is on your site. Another great feature of Google+ is called Communities; it provides people with opportunities to stay connected with those of similar interests. I am a part of the Physical Education community, which comprises of people from around the world who have similar ideas, educational strategies, and issues on Physical Education.

            As a teacher, we tend to feel overwhelmed by the amount of resources and documents provided and given to us on a daily basis. A great way to stay organized is to use a website called Livebinders. Livebinders is a free online binder that can neatly organize your resources or electronic documents that can be shared or presented to anyone around the world. A great advantage of Livebinders is the ability to have an unlimited amount of binders. I have created Livebinders for the many resources I have found for teaching physical education, my created documents for my school content’s Professional Learning Community, and my quad’s Professional Learning Community.

            Professional Development (PD) indicates a teacher’s development of a person in his or her professional role. All teachers are required to attend PD; it provides teachers with new ideas and strategies for teaching in all content areas. Most of the time we do not acquire information that we feel is useful or information was left out that you feel was important to your content area. A useful idea is to be a self-improver and take hold of your professional development by finding resources to help solve issues that may come along in your teaching process. There are great websites for all content areas and are specific to that content, for example for Physical Education, I use PE Universe for personal professional development. It provides discussion boards to post ideas or questions on critical issues in physical education, videos of game ideas for different skills, and a clipboard to post lesson plan ideas or documents to enhance lessons.  

            Overall, my PLN provides an opportunity to connect with other physical educators around the world, to stay neat and organized, and to enhance my capability as a teacher.

References: 

1. R. Burt. (2013, September 23). Step 1: What is a PLN? Retrieved from http://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org/pln-challenge-1-what-the-heck-is-a-pln/

2. M. Shervington. (2013, June 8). What is Google Plus? A Complete User Guide. [Videos and Blog]. Retrieved from http://www.martinshervington.com/what-is-google-plus/