Wednesday, May 9, 2007
reflection on my site
My site is very much in progress, however, I am very pleased with how it turned out. It is perfect for what I need right now, however, I would like to make changes before I market it as a "classroom website." I like the class schedule link that a few put on their site and would like to add that feature in the future. I would also like to put a weekly schedule or yearly calendar. I also would like my resume and more pictures of me in the classroom on the site. I have a lot of work to do, however, I think the progress and site so far is looking good.
3 wow moments
Wow moment number one would have to be when I went to my "completed" website for the first time online. The project took a lot of work, but now seems so simple! I was so glad I created the site for the future, and for family and friends to check out! It was such a great feeling to see it on the net!
Secondly, the articles were a wow moment for me because they made me think about the issues of technology facing the education system now and in the future. Through the articles I was able to determine my position on different implications for technology in education.
Lastly, the i-movie, i-photo, garage band, and e-zedia were amazing! I learned so much and now have some great tools to create wonders with! we even used the i-photo program to create our wedding invitations!
Secondly, the articles were a wow moment for me because they made me think about the issues of technology facing the education system now and in the future. Through the articles I was able to determine my position on different implications for technology in education.
Lastly, the i-movie, i-photo, garage band, and e-zedia were amazing! I learned so much and now have some great tools to create wonders with! we even used the i-photo program to create our wedding invitations!
Final reflections on 6 other websites
1. The page that I really thought was effective on Kerry Myer's website was the class schedule. I thought this was a great thing to put together for parents so they could schedule dr. appointments, and classroom visits accordingly. I also applauded her for being almost the only person to put their links horizontally across the top!
Next, I thought Joan's website was very child oriented. It looked like a site that children would love to go to. Much of the content was geared towards this class, however, I thought the layout was very appealing to children. I liked to see the science themed page, and I hope in the future Joan puts some great links and info for kids on her site. Then I could send my class there!
I also thought Kerri Sherman's site was very easy to navigate. All of the buttons were very self explanitory and you weren't guessing where you were going. I also loved her personal page with the pictures of her and her dad. I was glad to see that her personal page was still professional, which is important for teachers! Well done!
Kayla Junneman's website was also very organized. She also put a schedule up and her backgrounds and layouts were very much her style! I think I could have picked which site was hers without her name on it! I also liked how she organized photos by classroom photos and family photos.
I also liked the way Roger's website was presented. Most of the elementary ed. girls have very cute sites. However, I really liked the male touch that Roger brought to his site. I also thought it would have been great for middle school students.
Wow! Talk about a technology guy! Danny's site was amazing and a great display of what could be achieved with these websites. He had animated pictures, a movie on the home page, music. I was just great!
Next, I thought Joan's website was very child oriented. It looked like a site that children would love to go to. Much of the content was geared towards this class, however, I thought the layout was very appealing to children. I liked to see the science themed page, and I hope in the future Joan puts some great links and info for kids on her site. Then I could send my class there!
I also thought Kerri Sherman's site was very easy to navigate. All of the buttons were very self explanitory and you weren't guessing where you were going. I also loved her personal page with the pictures of her and her dad. I was glad to see that her personal page was still professional, which is important for teachers! Well done!
Kayla Junneman's website was also very organized. She also put a schedule up and her backgrounds and layouts were very much her style! I think I could have picked which site was hers without her name on it! I also liked how she organized photos by classroom photos and family photos.
I also liked the way Roger's website was presented. Most of the elementary ed. girls have very cute sites. However, I really liked the male touch that Roger brought to his site. I also thought it would have been great for middle school students.
Wow! Talk about a technology guy! Danny's site was amazing and a great display of what could be achieved with these websites. He had animated pictures, a movie on the home page, music. I was just great!
ch. 17 podcasts
WEEK 17
1. Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: Ideas for international students adopting
Date: 2/9/07
Episode Number: 128
Reflection:
Rachel Tucker’s idea is such a great idea, I can’t believe it isn’t being done more already! I do think that the foreign students from Turkey at Fort Hays visit the elementary classrooms. I’m not sure how many other foreign students here do, but I think it is an amazing idea. In my opinion, this is where technology can reach students in these smaller towns. Through ITV or even the digital videos, students in a variety of towns could here the international students speak and even blog back and forth with them. I think students in my home town, Scott City, should be able to have the opportunity to hear and see international students…especially when they are here at Hays! I think it would be a great addition to FHSU to reach out to elementary schools across western Kansas. I also don’t think this is an unreasonable goal! I’m with Rachel, I’m fired up too! The second interview was interesting too and I am always interested in the improving science and moving students towards the future.
Ted talks
4/30/07
Chris Anderson, the editor of Wired, talks about …
I thought this was a very interesting podcast. I agree with many of the principles, however, displacing an established technology was something I had never thought of. I think the podcast convinced me though, because similar to the DVD example, I think all technology in a way, replaces old technology. At first, I was thinking that DVD’s did not replace an old technology because we still have video players around! But after hearing the entire podcast, I understand what they were talking about. You could tell this guy was very knowledgeable!
1. Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: Ideas for international students adopting
Date: 2/9/07
Episode Number: 128
Reflection:
Rachel Tucker’s idea is such a great idea, I can’t believe it isn’t being done more already! I do think that the foreign students from Turkey at Fort Hays visit the elementary classrooms. I’m not sure how many other foreign students here do, but I think it is an amazing idea. In my opinion, this is where technology can reach students in these smaller towns. Through ITV or even the digital videos, students in a variety of towns could here the international students speak and even blog back and forth with them. I think students in my home town, Scott City, should be able to have the opportunity to hear and see international students…especially when they are here at Hays! I think it would be a great addition to FHSU to reach out to elementary schools across western Kansas. I also don’t think this is an unreasonable goal! I’m with Rachel, I’m fired up too! The second interview was interesting too and I am always interested in the improving science and moving students towards the future.
Ted talks
4/30/07
Chris Anderson, the editor of Wired, talks about …
I thought this was a very interesting podcast. I agree with many of the principles, however, displacing an established technology was something I had never thought of. I think the podcast convinced me though, because similar to the DVD example, I think all technology in a way, replaces old technology. At first, I was thinking that DVD’s did not replace an old technology because we still have video players around! But after hearing the entire podcast, I understand what they were talking about. You could tell this guy was very knowledgeable!
oops...last one was week 16 and so is this
Ted talks
2/6/07
Author Charles Leadbeater argues that innovations isn’t just for professionals anymore.
This article was so true! It’s amazing how technology has weaved its way into recreation. Actually, I’m surprised that there is a market for it, but once I thought about it I understood a little more. I think videogames are a prime example. I had heard on the news how much companies spend in order to get out the best game and it was unreal! However, I can see that the company with the latest technology is the one that gets the most customers. The podcast was interesting because, again, it made me think of issues that I hadn’t considered in the past
2/6/07
Author Charles Leadbeater argues that innovations isn’t just for professionals anymore.
This article was so true! It’s amazing how technology has weaved its way into recreation. Actually, I’m surprised that there is a market for it, but once I thought about it I understood a little more. I think videogames are a prime example. I had heard on the news how much companies spend in order to get out the best game and it was unreal! However, I can see that the company with the latest technology is the one that gets the most customers. The podcast was interesting because, again, it made me think of issues that I hadn’t considered in the past
ch. 15
WEEK 16
1. Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: Electronic response systems used in K-12 classrooms
Date: 2/20/07
Episode Number: 131
Reflection:
I’ve seen some of the electronic response systems used in K-12 classroom in Scott City as well as while I was a student at KU. This is one technology that I don’t think there are any cons to! It was nice to know about Turning Point for financial reasons. My father uses electronic response systems almost every day in his middle school science classroom so this podcast was personal to me! I liked the fact that the Turning Point program uses PowerPoint rather than separate programs. I think this would make it very practical and usable program for teachers and inexpensive for schools, because most schools have powerpoint.
1. Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: Electronic response systems used in K-12 classrooms
Date: 2/20/07
Episode Number: 131
Reflection:
I’ve seen some of the electronic response systems used in K-12 classroom in Scott City as well as while I was a student at KU. This is one technology that I don’t think there are any cons to! It was nice to know about Turning Point for financial reasons. My father uses electronic response systems almost every day in his middle school science classroom so this podcast was personal to me! I liked the fact that the Turning Point program uses PowerPoint rather than separate programs. I think this would make it very practical and usable program for teachers and inexpensive for schools, because most schools have powerpoint.
week 15 podcast
WEEK 15
1. Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: Interractive, digital science explorations
Date: 2/9/07
Episode Number: 130
Reflection:
Wow. This technology is so exciting! I think that science is the one area that does not receive enough attention in the public schools. Often, I think the lack of science in schools comes from the insecurities of teachers. If schools would provide inservices for this technology, it would enable students to gain knowledge and skills of the future. I still think that hands on science is very important, however, this technology allows students to study places and experiements that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to. In addition, I think when students and teachers become familiar with the technology, it has great potential for student lead research projects. Just like all schools didn’t have computers for each classroom at first, I think this technology can be purchased in small numbers and shared throughout the school and for small schools, throughout the district. Why is this important? In order to get something like this started, it has to seem doable! It is!
1. Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: Interractive, digital science explorations
Date: 2/9/07
Episode Number: 130
Reflection:
Wow. This technology is so exciting! I think that science is the one area that does not receive enough attention in the public schools. Often, I think the lack of science in schools comes from the insecurities of teachers. If schools would provide inservices for this technology, it would enable students to gain knowledge and skills of the future. I still think that hands on science is very important, however, this technology allows students to study places and experiements that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to. In addition, I think when students and teachers become familiar with the technology, it has great potential for student lead research projects. Just like all schools didn’t have computers for each classroom at first, I think this technology can be purchased in small numbers and shared throughout the school and for small schools, throughout the district. Why is this important? In order to get something like this started, it has to seem doable! It is!
Ch. 14
WEEK 14
1. Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: Date: 3/17/07
Episode Number: 140
Reflection:
First of all, any program called the purple cow has my vote! This sounds like an amazing resource for the classroom! I like that Internet connectivitity is not necessary to use the program. I think the product sounds very reliable which is very important in the classroom! I do think, like with all of the new innovative programs, that the programs should be used to enhance the curriculum and not replace the curriculum. I think this would be an amazing parent program in order to help students in the summer at home.
1. Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: Date: 3/17/07
Episode Number: 140
Reflection:
First of all, any program called the purple cow has my vote! This sounds like an amazing resource for the classroom! I like that Internet connectivitity is not necessary to use the program. I think the product sounds very reliable which is very important in the classroom! I do think, like with all of the new innovative programs, that the programs should be used to enhance the curriculum and not replace the curriculum. I think this would be an amazing parent program in order to help students in the summer at home.
week 10 podcast
WEEK 10
1. Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title:
Date: 3/12/07
Episode Number: 139
Reflection:
No wonder Wesley is so great! His mom is very modern as well! I loved her thoughts on “digital learners” at any age! My grandpa is a great example of that. He was downloading music onto his computer and burning cd’s long before I was! He takes digital pictures, and he is the one who introduced me to snapfish and Kodak.com! I also thought it was so great that she reads blogs by service men and women and cooking blogs! I actually had never thought about cooking blogs and it sounds like you can get some great ideas! I think it exemplifies the diversity of blogs and all of the great ways you can use it in the classroom.
http://www.ted.com/tedtalks/tedtalksplayer.cfm?key=j_wales
1. Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title:
Date: 3/12/07
Episode Number: 139
Reflection:
No wonder Wesley is so great! His mom is very modern as well! I loved her thoughts on “digital learners” at any age! My grandpa is a great example of that. He was downloading music onto his computer and burning cd’s long before I was! He takes digital pictures, and he is the one who introduced me to snapfish and Kodak.com! I also thought it was so great that she reads blogs by service men and women and cooking blogs! I actually had never thought about cooking blogs and it sounds like you can get some great ideas! I think it exemplifies the diversity of blogs and all of the great ways you can use it in the classroom.
http://www.ted.com/tedtalks/tedtalksplayer.cfm?key=j_wales
week 9 podcast
WEEK 9
1. Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: Date: 3/1/07
Episode Number: 137
Reflection:
Part of the conversation between these educators was a subject that may not hit home to any of the college students but is important for educators to remember. They were discussing part of the conference where a speaker asked them to think about whether or not they would teach differently if their OWN children were in the class! They were inspired by the comment and I was intrigued as well. They talked about how there are many reforms in education but that reforming our own attitudes as teachers is important as well. I completely agree and think that keeping in mind that the students in the classroom ARE your children will help educators be more passionate about their teaching. (However, there are some really bad parents that are teachers, so maybe parenting classes are in order as well!)
1. Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: Date: 3/1/07
Episode Number: 137
Reflection:
Part of the conversation between these educators was a subject that may not hit home to any of the college students but is important for educators to remember. They were discussing part of the conference where a speaker asked them to think about whether or not they would teach differently if their OWN children were in the class! They were inspired by the comment and I was intrigued as well. They talked about how there are many reforms in education but that reforming our own attitudes as teachers is important as well. I completely agree and think that keeping in mind that the students in the classroom ARE your children will help educators be more passionate about their teaching. (However, there are some really bad parents that are teachers, so maybe parenting classes are in order as well!)
Sunday, May 6, 2007
article week 17
WEEK 17 article reflection
BLOGS ARE NOT THE ENEMY
My favorite quote from this article is, ‘Blogs are not about writing, they are about a conversation.” I loved this saying! Blogs take journals to an entirely new level and are about connecting with people from all over the world. I think it is so true that teachers use blogs as a storage place for answering questions instead of as a communication network. I was particularly interested in the article’s view that teachers do not give students enough time to read, reflect, and comment on other student’s blogs. The first red flag that comes to mind is monitoring these blogs, however, you could have students tell you if they read any mean blogs. In addition, another great way to further this article is by blogging in cooperative learning groups! Students could be assigned to blog feelings about stories read in cooperative learning groups and reflect and respond to each other’s blogs! I think this would be a great way to bring up classroom and group discussion, after students have already read each other’s ideas and had time to really think about the issues.
ONE TO ONE TSUNAMI.
The information about Maine’s one to one initiative statewide was review from class, however, I was surprised at how many other states are following suit and looking at similar programs. I didn’t realize that the initiative had slowed down with schools in part because of NCLB, however, I was aware that it was now on the rise. The section I found extremely important was to budget the cost of TCO. I have talked to teachers that said although they have a one to one ratio, the computers are either not working, not plugged in, the internet doesn’t work and there is no support staff to help with the problems or update the computers. Teachers are frustrated and don’t use the computers! What a waste! I think it is important to know as much as we can so that each teacher is as technology savvy as possible and this situation does not occur.
BLOGS ARE NOT THE ENEMY
My favorite quote from this article is, ‘Blogs are not about writing, they are about a conversation.” I loved this saying! Blogs take journals to an entirely new level and are about connecting with people from all over the world. I think it is so true that teachers use blogs as a storage place for answering questions instead of as a communication network. I was particularly interested in the article’s view that teachers do not give students enough time to read, reflect, and comment on other student’s blogs. The first red flag that comes to mind is monitoring these blogs, however, you could have students tell you if they read any mean blogs. In addition, another great way to further this article is by blogging in cooperative learning groups! Students could be assigned to blog feelings about stories read in cooperative learning groups and reflect and respond to each other’s blogs! I think this would be a great way to bring up classroom and group discussion, after students have already read each other’s ideas and had time to really think about the issues.
ONE TO ONE TSUNAMI.
The information about Maine’s one to one initiative statewide was review from class, however, I was surprised at how many other states are following suit and looking at similar programs. I didn’t realize that the initiative had slowed down with schools in part because of NCLB, however, I was aware that it was now on the rise. The section I found extremely important was to budget the cost of TCO. I have talked to teachers that said although they have a one to one ratio, the computers are either not working, not plugged in, the internet doesn’t work and there is no support staff to help with the problems or update the computers. Teachers are frustrated and don’t use the computers! What a waste! I think it is important to know as much as we can so that each teacher is as technology savvy as possible and this situation does not occur.
article week 16
WEEK 16
When digital kids rule the classroom
Kids teaching teachers? I think this article was very interesting. Students today I think should have some input in technology used in the classroom. I think they should be encouraged to create projects such as the one in the article and suggest new things to the teachers. However, I think kids should take initiative in LOTS of subjects! Whenever their learning is authentic and meaningful, they learn more and learn leadership and analytical skills as well. However, the smarter kids get with technology, the smarter we need to be as well! That’s why I think technology skills for teachers are essential because it’s essential for our kids! Teachers should ideally be one step ahead of the kids, however, I think technology is such a fast growing a diverse field, it’s impossible. For this reason, I think teachers need to learn as much as they can about technology and look to the students for input as well.
When digital kids rule the classroom
Kids teaching teachers? I think this article was very interesting. Students today I think should have some input in technology used in the classroom. I think they should be encouraged to create projects such as the one in the article and suggest new things to the teachers. However, I think kids should take initiative in LOTS of subjects! Whenever their learning is authentic and meaningful, they learn more and learn leadership and analytical skills as well. However, the smarter kids get with technology, the smarter we need to be as well! That’s why I think technology skills for teachers are essential because it’s essential for our kids! Teachers should ideally be one step ahead of the kids, however, I think technology is such a fast growing a diverse field, it’s impossible. For this reason, I think teachers need to learn as much as they can about technology and look to the students for input as well.
week 15 article
Week 15
MySpace enforcer patrols virtual streets to keep kids safe
I think it is great that Myspace is being monitored but I can’t imagine how hard of a job it must be. To me, it seems impossible to “control” the internet and especially Myspace. I have heard the messages discussed in the article that end with “if you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online. I’m not sure how the bullying on my space interacts with education. There are so many things that educators are responsible for, and I think there is a fine line as to what we have the right to interfere in. I think it is difficult to justify interfering in what students do on their home computers, however, when the comments from online enter the classroom and school setting, I think that’s when the situation becomes our right to get involved with. Personally, I think students should have to read aloud their comments to their parents and that would probably end most of it.
If wired right, computers do belong in classrooms
This article was very interesting! I never thought that evaluating educational technology programs was a formal topic and that the government would get involved. I agree that it should be evaluated, however, I thought that mainly private companies, principles and especially classroom teachers were the ones evaluating the programs. I assumed the process was nearly identical to the process for evaluating books. I thought that while companies evaluated the technology programs before they went out onto the market, once there, it was primarily the responsibility of the district and teachers.
MySpace enforcer patrols virtual streets to keep kids safe
I think it is great that Myspace is being monitored but I can’t imagine how hard of a job it must be. To me, it seems impossible to “control” the internet and especially Myspace. I have heard the messages discussed in the article that end with “if you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online. I’m not sure how the bullying on my space interacts with education. There are so many things that educators are responsible for, and I think there is a fine line as to what we have the right to interfere in. I think it is difficult to justify interfering in what students do on their home computers, however, when the comments from online enter the classroom and school setting, I think that’s when the situation becomes our right to get involved with. Personally, I think students should have to read aloud their comments to their parents and that would probably end most of it.
If wired right, computers do belong in classrooms
This article was very interesting! I never thought that evaluating educational technology programs was a formal topic and that the government would get involved. I agree that it should be evaluated, however, I thought that mainly private companies, principles and especially classroom teachers were the ones evaluating the programs. I assumed the process was nearly identical to the process for evaluating books. I thought that while companies evaluated the technology programs before they went out onto the market, once there, it was primarily the responsibility of the district and teachers.
week 14 article
WEEK 14
Video helps overhaul district's curriculum
Baltimore County uses video streaming to enhance lessons and engage students
By Laura Devaney, Associate Editor, eSchool News
At the risk of sounding techno-phobic and oldfashioned, I think video streaming and video games are great enhancements to a curriculum but should be used with caution. There can be many benefits to utilizing this technology in the classroom, however, often in education we move to extremes and assert that there is one right way of teaching and reaching students. Videos and video games are tools for learning; however, educators must not become the “bad babysitter” and sit the kids in front of the TV and games all day. Students gain communication skills through teacher/student interaction and discussion. Further, life is not a game, and research has shown many negative effects of playing videogames for long periods of time. Students could get the same information and intrigue from participating in a reenactment or interviewing a person rather than experiencing through videogames. Don’t get me wrong, I think both are great tools and I plan to use them, just use them with caution.
Video helps overhaul district's curriculum
Baltimore County uses video streaming to enhance lessons and engage students
By Laura Devaney, Associate Editor, eSchool News
At the risk of sounding techno-phobic and oldfashioned, I think video streaming and video games are great enhancements to a curriculum but should be used with caution. There can be many benefits to utilizing this technology in the classroom, however, often in education we move to extremes and assert that there is one right way of teaching and reaching students. Videos and video games are tools for learning; however, educators must not become the “bad babysitter” and sit the kids in front of the TV and games all day. Students gain communication skills through teacher/student interaction and discussion. Further, life is not a game, and research has shown many negative effects of playing videogames for long periods of time. Students could get the same information and intrigue from participating in a reenactment or interviewing a person rather than experiencing through videogames. Don’t get me wrong, I think both are great tools and I plan to use them, just use them with caution.
week 13 article
WEEK 13
This article made me furious! This is what I mean when I say educators take a good idea and ruin it! Technology in the classroom does not mean students should not have textbooks. One student in the article stated, “computers are much easier to use than books.” This tells me that students still need books, possibly more than we thought. Computers can crash, and information that is so easy to send out is often easy to faked and misrepresented. I agree that computers are a great research tool, and that the information and benefits are endless. However, completely replacing textbooks is absurd. How are we to learn about our past? Examine the ancient writing on an extinct society’s hard drive? Writings and books are essential. I love technology, but I hate that education always has to be one extreme or the other. The white in the middle is the best part of the Oreo!
This article made me furious! This is what I mean when I say educators take a good idea and ruin it! Technology in the classroom does not mean students should not have textbooks. One student in the article stated, “computers are much easier to use than books.” This tells me that students still need books, possibly more than we thought. Computers can crash, and information that is so easy to send out is often easy to faked and misrepresented. I agree that computers are a great research tool, and that the information and benefits are endless. However, completely replacing textbooks is absurd. How are we to learn about our past? Examine the ancient writing on an extinct society’s hard drive? Writings and books are essential. I love technology, but I hate that education always has to be one extreme or the other. The white in the middle is the best part of the Oreo!
week 12
WEEK 12
Creating rap music for students
Boston Times
I thought this article was creative and fun. This is a great example of using creativity, personality, and reaching students in the classroom! I think it even has more benefits than just the topic rapped about because students can collaborate, gain confidence and public speaking skills. Hats of to this teacher for stepping out of the box and using his personal touch to reach students of all backgrounds and diverse groups! I think every student in American would like this project even if they didn’t like rap. I also think it’s a great way to put more meaning and positive lyrics to rap music. Maybe the artists will follow suit!
More video games, fewer books at schools?
Fri Mar 16, 2007 6:49PM GMT
I thought this was an amazing article because it told both sides of the issue. I am highly skeptical of articles that are one-sided. One of the quotes I liked was "It's the equivalent of giving kids a lot of sweets and then wondering why they don't want to eat regular food.” I guess since I believe that sweets are ok (and wonderful) some of the time, video games are too! I loved the approach the article took that these games were to be an addition to the curriculum. Not a replacement, but an addition. Video games could be used just as could technology as a tool to enhance learning, but not to replace already effective methods. The concern for me is when the article stated that “Several studies have shown that video-game playing corresponds to higher rates of attention deficit disorder (ADD) among children and are associated with aggressive behavior.” Another great reason to use it as a tool and another strategy, but not as the primary form of education.
MySpace establishes election hub for young voters
I think this is another great example of the internet’s positive uses. Myspace is huge right now, and getting voter information available may even increase the number to people getting to the poles! I think it is so important to be an informed voter and this is a great way to get the information out. I think it may also spur debate and conversation in blogs as well! Although all of the information won’t be true, it’s not all true coming from the T.V. either. I think Myspace will give young voters a chance to get in touch with the election and inspire them to research the candidates further on their own.
Survey in schools should use more technology
First, this quote made me laugh, “In older grades, it's all about control. They want to have the rules and regulations over technology more relaxed and want to have more control over when they can use computers." In older grades EVERYTHING is about control and that doesn’t necessarily mean students should have it! I do agree with the survey though, and I am glad to see that parents as well think that schools don’t use technology enough. I think it starts with educators themselves and confidence in their skills. If teachers initiate the push for technology along with parents, I think schools can make great progress!
Montreal district to focus on tech training
In my opinion, this is where a big part of the technology problem lies. Teachers need to be confident in technology and be open to new programs and new ideas. At first, the thought of all of that money going to waste made me sick, however, the more I thought of it, the more I think it happens in more schools than we think. Technology is a diverse area that requires cooperation on a variety of levels. I also think that when teachers do not use the technology, it is an administrative problem as well. Administrators need to implement programs for teachers to improve their technology skills as they did in Montreal.
Creating rap music for students
Boston Times
I thought this article was creative and fun. This is a great example of using creativity, personality, and reaching students in the classroom! I think it even has more benefits than just the topic rapped about because students can collaborate, gain confidence and public speaking skills. Hats of to this teacher for stepping out of the box and using his personal touch to reach students of all backgrounds and diverse groups! I think every student in American would like this project even if they didn’t like rap. I also think it’s a great way to put more meaning and positive lyrics to rap music. Maybe the artists will follow suit!
More video games, fewer books at schools?
Fri Mar 16, 2007 6:49PM GMT
I thought this was an amazing article because it told both sides of the issue. I am highly skeptical of articles that are one-sided. One of the quotes I liked was "It's the equivalent of giving kids a lot of sweets and then wondering why they don't want to eat regular food.” I guess since I believe that sweets are ok (and wonderful) some of the time, video games are too! I loved the approach the article took that these games were to be an addition to the curriculum. Not a replacement, but an addition. Video games could be used just as could technology as a tool to enhance learning, but not to replace already effective methods. The concern for me is when the article stated that “Several studies have shown that video-game playing corresponds to higher rates of attention deficit disorder (ADD) among children and are associated with aggressive behavior.” Another great reason to use it as a tool and another strategy, but not as the primary form of education.
MySpace establishes election hub for young voters
I think this is another great example of the internet’s positive uses. Myspace is huge right now, and getting voter information available may even increase the number to people getting to the poles! I think it is so important to be an informed voter and this is a great way to get the information out. I think it may also spur debate and conversation in blogs as well! Although all of the information won’t be true, it’s not all true coming from the T.V. either. I think Myspace will give young voters a chance to get in touch with the election and inspire them to research the candidates further on their own.
Survey in schools should use more technology
First, this quote made me laugh, “In older grades, it's all about control. They want to have the rules and regulations over technology more relaxed and want to have more control over when they can use computers." In older grades EVERYTHING is about control and that doesn’t necessarily mean students should have it! I do agree with the survey though, and I am glad to see that parents as well think that schools don’t use technology enough. I think it starts with educators themselves and confidence in their skills. If teachers initiate the push for technology along with parents, I think schools can make great progress!
Montreal district to focus on tech training
In my opinion, this is where a big part of the technology problem lies. Teachers need to be confident in technology and be open to new programs and new ideas. At first, the thought of all of that money going to waste made me sick, however, the more I thought of it, the more I think it happens in more schools than we think. Technology is a diverse area that requires cooperation on a variety of levels. I also think that when teachers do not use the technology, it is an administrative problem as well. Administrators need to implement programs for teachers to improve their technology skills as they did in Montreal.
week 10
WEEK 10
Limited English Proficiency
The statistic that four out of five students with limited English proficiency are U.S. citizens is staggering! This is a huge problem that I don’t think anyone is aware of! I assumed that American born children despite their parents’ limited English proficiency, would still be proficient in English based on pre-k and Kindergarten programs. When I read on to find that a little of HALF of the students of Hispanic students aren’t proficient in English by High School, I knew it was a HUGE problem! The article brought up a point that I struggle with often, that the Asian students perform better than Hispanic students. One of the representatives said that it was wrong to compare the two groups when Asians put a high value on education. In my opinion, this is the problem. Obviously, these students are attending the same schools and have parents who do not know English. So why is their such an achievement gap? I think it is the motivation and culture of the families and not necessarily all the public schools.
Democrats propose N.O. teacher incentives
Details of legislation unveiled on eve of Bush trip to Gulf Coast
Thursday, March 01, 2007
By Bill Walsh
I hate politics and I hate money talk! I think that there are so many programs to help schools and send teachers overseas. If the teachers go, because they are needed and want to help, why not teach in disaster-hit New Orleans. I often think that there is so much that people can do at home in the US and I questions their motives when they take the trip overseas. I know that tons of money has been sent to New Orleans and I don’t know how much more is needed so I don’t know where I stand on the issue. The article, however, was very negative in my opinion. I know I have an advantage because I read another article…but one school in New Orleans is going to an all technology school because of all the money they are getting!!!!!! This is why I am skeptical about sending money and the New Orleans efforts.
Limited English Proficiency
The statistic that four out of five students with limited English proficiency are U.S. citizens is staggering! This is a huge problem that I don’t think anyone is aware of! I assumed that American born children despite their parents’ limited English proficiency, would still be proficient in English based on pre-k and Kindergarten programs. When I read on to find that a little of HALF of the students of Hispanic students aren’t proficient in English by High School, I knew it was a HUGE problem! The article brought up a point that I struggle with often, that the Asian students perform better than Hispanic students. One of the representatives said that it was wrong to compare the two groups when Asians put a high value on education. In my opinion, this is the problem. Obviously, these students are attending the same schools and have parents who do not know English. So why is their such an achievement gap? I think it is the motivation and culture of the families and not necessarily all the public schools.
Democrats propose N.O. teacher incentives
Details of legislation unveiled on eve of Bush trip to Gulf Coast
Thursday, March 01, 2007
By Bill Walsh
I hate politics and I hate money talk! I think that there are so many programs to help schools and send teachers overseas. If the teachers go, because they are needed and want to help, why not teach in disaster-hit New Orleans. I often think that there is so much that people can do at home in the US and I questions their motives when they take the trip overseas. I know that tons of money has been sent to New Orleans and I don’t know how much more is needed so I don’t know where I stand on the issue. The article, however, was very negative in my opinion. I know I have an advantage because I read another article…but one school in New Orleans is going to an all technology school because of all the money they are getting!!!!!! This is why I am skeptical about sending money and the New Orleans efforts.
ARTICLE REFLECTIONS FOR TEC 390
WEEK 9
The Crayola site was great! I loved how cute it was and that it was child centered! It is always nice to find sites that are kid friendly. I played a few of the games and I think that they may need teacher or parents instruction in order to understand some of the games. I also liked the tips for how to use the Crayola materials! This was a great resource for teachers! I hope to explore the site more in the future.
The Crayola site was great! I loved how cute it was and that it was child centered! It is always nice to find sites that are kid friendly. I played a few of the games and I think that they may need teacher or parents instruction in order to understand some of the games. I also liked the tips for how to use the Crayola materials! This was a great resource for teachers! I hope to explore the site more in the future.
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