We started our class off with each group creating a metaphor or simile for "Technology Rich Classroom is...". Each group came up with some really creative ideas which I would like to repeat. 

Group 1: "A technology-rich classroom is like an operating room- it has all the tools you need to do the job!"  

Group 2: "A technology-rich classroom is like a double-cheesburger with everything on it! It is fully loaded, with everything that anyone could ever need, with every option to choose from, and is very satisfying. It satisfies the hunger that students and teacher have for the use of technology in the classroom."             

Group 3: "A technology rich classroom is the master key; use it to unlock the doors to the past, present, and future"                                              

Group 4: "Technology-rich classrooms are like grocery stores for Generation "M". Everything you need is at your finger tips!"

We then, with our perspective groups, had to derive 2 questions on the class topic of ISD. Each group was to ask their questions and Dr. S. would pick a group at random to answer the questions, so no group knew which question they were going to answer.

The first question was posed by group 4 to group 1 and group 1 responded superbly! The question: "How can we use technology to differentiate and reach all types of learners? Their response:

"Technology can be compared to authentic instruction, it allows educators to use many resources at once such as webquests, smartboards etc. into their lessons for visual learners, auditory learners, ahnds on learners etc. Technology can be used to fit the different needs of students. Roles in one web quests can address all the multiple intelligences." Group 4 felt the answer was sufficient and explained that their question related to the topic because in the ppt the ladder of learning was mentioned and how each child moved along as he or she mastered the level where they were, of course using technology and blooms taxomony. All the groups were then told by Dr. S. to post their 2nd question to the discussion forum. Then it was group 1 question to group 3, "Which model of ISD would you use to plan for a special education class and why?" Beside myself and one other group member trying to answer the question. No one else in my group participated. I also misunderstood the question and did not realize the question was referring to the different models of instructional system design, which was Using The ADDIE Model, The Elements of Dick & Carey, and the Kemp Model. Needless to say I felt like an idiot because I talked about the insturctional method of teaching special education class as a direct instructional approach and the deliberate arrangement of learning conditions to promote the attainment of intended goals. One of my group members also followed my focus. We were totally off. What made it worse for me was the fact that I knew what group 1 was asking after they started to post their answers. But it was too late. I was disappointed. The rest of the groups did well with their answers.But considering the fact that no one else in my group made an attempt to answer the question - I shouldn't feel all that bad for trying.