Lesson 2

http://www.ehow.com/info_7994591_use-databases-classroom.html

The above referenced website has some interesting ideas incorporating databases into daily lesson plans. As a student I had never worked with any database software, not even at the collegiate level. My lack of experience with such a powerful tool is regrettable. Before beginning this course in educational technology I had yet to consider the possibility of using databases as a learning tool. Now, after a little reading and researching of sample lesson plans I see how databases can enrich lessons, facilitate learning, and equip students to live in a technology-driven world.

Of course, I have already used databases to collect information and research all kinds of topics over my years of schooling. My own students started utilizing web-based databases and electronic card catalogs at an early age as well. However, I doubt that any of them have created their own database from scratch. It is the creation of a database that provides opportunities for deeper learning of practical skills and logical thinking processes.

I am an Art teacher, so for me the best use of databases or any other educational technology is in relation to the subject of art making or art criticism. I can see myself assigning students the task of collecting information on an array of important artists across various genres and periods throughout history; then organizing such information in a database, which may be browsed by period, medium, geographic region, or other categories as well as key word searchable.

This assignment would encourage students to do independent research, which would help to improve their study skills. Additionally, the information collected would be retained in their long-term memory due to the manipulation and higher order thinking it would take to evaluate and organize it into the database. An added bonus to the engagement in learning and independence gained would be the acquisition of new technical skills, which would cross over to any subject and possibly into their post-secondary school lives. They could also use their skills in database creation to organize their own work into a portfolio that is well organized and interactive.

I realize that I am probably just scratching the surface of what these databases and other software programs can do to benefit students in their academic, personal, and professional lives. In the 21^st century is more important than ever to give kids the skills they need to succeed in an ever increasingly competitive global marketplace.