I didn't really need to read these articles to know that I wanted to offer technology in my classroom. Really, the whole class has been leading us to that conclusion. I think as teachers we need to be innovative, so if access is an issue we can try to find ways to fix that.
There have been several programs set up by teachers where you can trade teaching supplies, or put together wish lists or a site where you can get sponsored for field trips/class projects etc. If I am going to make technology a requirement in my class, I will be sure to provide the resources to do it. If I can't make that happen, I'll assign something else.
It would be an obvious disservice to my students if I didn't incorporate technology in my class because it is so important in today's workforce. There are ways to assign things that involve technology and providing the resources. It depends on what school you are in, or what district, but most schools have a computer lab.
There are many grants and opportunities available for schools and teachers, especially when it comes to technology. TEachers can also fund raise, partner up with the local library for school use on their computers or create a school wish list. Students really do need opportunities to explore the many advantages of technology; otherwise they are more likely to work low paying jobs because the mastery of these technologies helps in getting a job.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
NO Cellphones allowed!!
I do agree that cell phones should be banned in the classroom. While Liz Kolb made a pretty good case for why cell phones should be allowed in the classroom, I don’t think it was strong enough. I think having cell phones in class will only increase disruptions and take away from actual learning time. I also agree with Josh Allen that there is no profession that has “cell phone operation” listed as a skill. There may be some uses for cell phones in the classroom, but they are few and far between. Also, many students have cell phones, but some still do not. Other students might have cell phones that do not have the technology that newer ones do; so that could cause problems with lessons.
Josh Allen also brought up the point of cost to the school, since not all cell phones are the same. “When discussing the money that districts would spend on cell phones, don’t think about just purchasing the phone. You will also be paying for some type of plan that would probably include text messaging and Web access if you were to get the most out of what you have.” This is very true; if we are going to assign cell phone lessons, then we need to provide the cell phone to do that assignment. It’s not fair to students to assume that a; they all have the technology and b; they all know how to use it.
When reading this article, I was wondering how a teacher could really monitor their students while using cell phones. Even if a teacher was to take the cell phones away until they were needed for the lesson, they could not really ensure that their students aren’t doing other things on their phones. I also am curious about how the ability to use a cell phone in class might increase cheating in schools.
Josh Allen also brought up the point of cost to the school, since not all cell phones are the same. “When discussing the money that districts would spend on cell phones, don’t think about just purchasing the phone. You will also be paying for some type of plan that would probably include text messaging and Web access if you were to get the most out of what you have.” This is very true; if we are going to assign cell phone lessons, then we need to provide the cell phone to do that assignment. It’s not fair to students to assume that a; they all have the technology and b; they all know how to use it.
When reading this article, I was wondering how a teacher could really monitor their students while using cell phones. Even if a teacher was to take the cell phones away until they were needed for the lesson, they could not really ensure that their students aren’t doing other things on their phones. I also am curious about how the ability to use a cell phone in class might increase cheating in schools.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
cHaTsPeaKz OMGZ!!111!
“Do I find chatspeak inelegant, even annoying to the point of aggravation? Sure, sometimes, but that makes it all the more attractive to teens who, by any means at their disposal, will codeswitch to create a private language that excludes members of my generation who will most likely find their code aesthetically wanting.”
Before I read this article I would have said, YES! Chatspeak is destroying our youth!! But, now I’m leaning towards no, because kids can codeswitch; they have been doing it forever! Sure, occasionally we might get papers with chatspeak, but if we address it and don’t allow it, students will stop. You might have heard that teens like to push boundaries; shocking, I know. They know better than to include it in school papers, but they need to see how far they can go. It’s life.
I’m wondering why Linda Howard is so sure that students won’t be able to switch gears when writing in an academic setting. I think chatspeak simply derived from not wanting to press a million buttons on your phone or computer. Students still have to go to school from ages 5-18; so why wouldn’t they be getting a “proper” education there? As teachers we can incorporate why chatspeak does not belong in academia; but it is okay to use outside of school or work life.
Before I read this article I would have said, YES! Chatspeak is destroying our youth!! But, now I’m leaning towards no, because kids can codeswitch; they have been doing it forever! Sure, occasionally we might get papers with chatspeak, but if we address it and don’t allow it, students will stop. You might have heard that teens like to push boundaries; shocking, I know. They know better than to include it in school papers, but they need to see how far they can go. It’s life.
I’m wondering why Linda Howard is so sure that students won’t be able to switch gears when writing in an academic setting. I think chatspeak simply derived from not wanting to press a million buttons on your phone or computer. Students still have to go to school from ages 5-18; so why wouldn’t they be getting a “proper” education there? As teachers we can incorporate why chatspeak does not belong in academia; but it is okay to use outside of school or work life.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Webquet Comments
Kate’s Webquest: http://www.questgarden.com/85/81/3/090801195942/index.htm
Her webquest is really good! It looks completely professional and ready for student use. It also looks like a really fun assignment. There are many helpful sites for the students to use, all the links worked too. I really like that she had the links open in a new window; it makes it a lot easier when a new page is open that way you don’t “lose” where you were at. This webquest seems to follow the rubric completely. There are 8 links with descriptions of what the links are, pictures with the each of the processes and the state standards are listed. My suggestion for improvement is making the text color a little darker. It may just be my eyes, but it is a little hard to read when the font is not bolded.
I think this webquest is a really fun and creative way to get students interested in travel while at the same time learning a second language. She also incorporated technology into her assignment which is a really easy way to keep students engaged since they all love technology so much. I would love doing an assignment like this in a Spanish class; it’s almost like the next best thing to total immersion. Great job, Katie! I really, really enjoyed this webquest.
Caitlin’s Webquest: http://www.questgarden.com/85/63/1/090729083734/index.htm
Caitlin’s webquest is a really great one! She has pictures that can be clicked to get you to other pages. This is a really creative way of posting links; one I didn’t even know could be done. It is a really polished looking page with very concise diretions. I really enjoyed the pictures with the 3 links underneath them for various artists; this is really important for ESL learners as they might not recognize the artists name, but might recognize their art.
She followed the rubric completely and actually went a bit beyond what was asked. I think this would be a really great lesson for her to use when she is teaching. The one recommendation I would give is for her to just recheck her grammar and syntax. There are some misspelled words and students are likely to pick up on that. Other than that, I think students would really enjoy this lesson and it is a great way to incorporate art and technology.
Her webquest is really good! It looks completely professional and ready for student use. It also looks like a really fun assignment. There are many helpful sites for the students to use, all the links worked too. I really like that she had the links open in a new window; it makes it a lot easier when a new page is open that way you don’t “lose” where you were at. This webquest seems to follow the rubric completely. There are 8 links with descriptions of what the links are, pictures with the each of the processes and the state standards are listed. My suggestion for improvement is making the text color a little darker. It may just be my eyes, but it is a little hard to read when the font is not bolded.
I think this webquest is a really fun and creative way to get students interested in travel while at the same time learning a second language. She also incorporated technology into her assignment which is a really easy way to keep students engaged since they all love technology so much. I would love doing an assignment like this in a Spanish class; it’s almost like the next best thing to total immersion. Great job, Katie! I really, really enjoyed this webquest.
Caitlin’s Webquest: http://www.questgarden.com/85/63/1/090729083734/index.htm
Caitlin’s webquest is a really great one! She has pictures that can be clicked to get you to other pages. This is a really creative way of posting links; one I didn’t even know could be done. It is a really polished looking page with very concise diretions. I really enjoyed the pictures with the 3 links underneath them for various artists; this is really important for ESL learners as they might not recognize the artists name, but might recognize their art.
She followed the rubric completely and actually went a bit beyond what was asked. I think this would be a really great lesson for her to use when she is teaching. The one recommendation I would give is for her to just recheck her grammar and syntax. There are some misspelled words and students are likely to pick up on that. Other than that, I think students would really enjoy this lesson and it is a great way to incorporate art and technology.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Presentation Day!!
The best thing I saw in the presentations was the PEMDAS song video in Dustin's presentation. I think singing is one of the funnest ways to learn something; and also the easiest. Ever since we heard the song I can't stop singing it! And since we only got to hear a short clip of it, I'm basically singing the same sentence over and over again. In general, I enjoyed the video clips in all of the powerpoint presentations.
The least engaging thing I saw was something I did myself; turning toward the powerpoint when talking. I tried to only look at the computer screen, but I guess it's just a bit more comforting to turn away from the audience at this point. I know once all of us have more practice speaking in front of the group this will probably not happen as often.
To improve my own powerpoints, next time I will practice more. I felt like I practiced enough, but I felt a little disjointed up there. I also will try to do a more interactive powerpoint. I felt like only having 5 minutes wasn't enough to have a real interactive lesson, but after seeing others go I realized I could very well make it more interactive. Just by asking some basic questions keeps students relatively engaged. Most often, teens stay relatively engaged during "sex" lessons, whether they be about STDs, reproductive health or protection so I sometimes forget to purposely include engaging questions.
I enjoy powerpoint as a classroom tool as long as it follows the powerpoint rules. If the powerpoint isn't text heavy and keeps students engaged it can be very helpful. I also think powerpoint is a useful tool for students to use. It's nice to have something in the back to keep yourself on task or to remind yourself of where you are at during a presentation. I definitely think students need to be taught how to effectively use powerpoint, no animations, avoiding clip art and not reading their powerpoint!! Otherwise, as a teacher, I would go CRAZY watching presentations all day.
The least engaging thing I saw was something I did myself; turning toward the powerpoint when talking. I tried to only look at the computer screen, but I guess it's just a bit more comforting to turn away from the audience at this point. I know once all of us have more practice speaking in front of the group this will probably not happen as often.
To improve my own powerpoints, next time I will practice more. I felt like I practiced enough, but I felt a little disjointed up there. I also will try to do a more interactive powerpoint. I felt like only having 5 minutes wasn't enough to have a real interactive lesson, but after seeing others go I realized I could very well make it more interactive. Just by asking some basic questions keeps students relatively engaged. Most often, teens stay relatively engaged during "sex" lessons, whether they be about STDs, reproductive health or protection so I sometimes forget to purposely include engaging questions.
I enjoy powerpoint as a classroom tool as long as it follows the powerpoint rules. If the powerpoint isn't text heavy and keeps students engaged it can be very helpful. I also think powerpoint is a useful tool for students to use. It's nice to have something in the back to keep yourself on task or to remind yourself of where you are at during a presentation. I definitely think students need to be taught how to effectively use powerpoint, no animations, avoiding clip art and not reading their powerpoint!! Otherwise, as a teacher, I would go CRAZY watching presentations all day.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Shortening Attention Spans?
I agree with John David Son, that no, technology is not shortening our students attention spans. I think if teachers were to incorporate more technology in their classrooms, they might see better results. In the article, John poses the question: “why should we expect our students to live two different lifestyles?” I completely see this point! Is it really fair of teachers to ignore this blatant difference with today’s students and go on teaching like its still 1960?
I think a lot of teachers are afraid of technology. They are very comfortable with it so they just don’t use it. I’m glad to be taking this course in technology because it has really opened my eyes to how useful and engaging it can be for students. Although some of it seems very daunting, once I’m shown how; it’s really pretty easy and user friendly. I want to use technology in my classes because it allows students to learn by doing instead of them just being on the “receiving end of the information” like lecture does.
After reading this article, I wonder why teachers do not want to learn technology. While it may seem big and scary, there are many helpful and reputable sites for teachers. Web quests, Wiki’s, blogs or free WebPages are just some of the things I have already learned to use in just 3 short weeks in Technology for Teachers class. I also wonder why schools aren’t doing a sort of technology workshop for their teachers. It seems we have read a lot about the usefulness and effectiveness of technology in the classroom, yet schools don’t seem to be doing much about it. This could be a barrier for those teachers who want to learn how to use technology, but don’t know where they can. It would be beneficial for all involved for schools to look into something like this.
I think a lot of teachers are afraid of technology. They are very comfortable with it so they just don’t use it. I’m glad to be taking this course in technology because it has really opened my eyes to how useful and engaging it can be for students. Although some of it seems very daunting, once I’m shown how; it’s really pretty easy and user friendly. I want to use technology in my classes because it allows students to learn by doing instead of them just being on the “receiving end of the information” like lecture does.
After reading this article, I wonder why teachers do not want to learn technology. While it may seem big and scary, there are many helpful and reputable sites for teachers. Web quests, Wiki’s, blogs or free WebPages are just some of the things I have already learned to use in just 3 short weeks in Technology for Teachers class. I also wonder why schools aren’t doing a sort of technology workshop for their teachers. It seems we have read a lot about the usefulness and effectiveness of technology in the classroom, yet schools don’t seem to be doing much about it. This could be a barrier for those teachers who want to learn how to use technology, but don’t know where they can. It would be beneficial for all involved for schools to look into something like this.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Cyberbullying is no fun
Cyberbullying is harassing a person through digital technologies, whether it is through cell phones, blogs or social networking sites. There are many forms of cyberbullying including hacking into someone’s account and sending emails, cyber stalking someone, creating fake accounts to lure other people to them or creating entire websites devoted to hating a specific person. I do not have any experience with cyberbullying myself.
Schools are facing rise in cyberbullying. Students assume that when they are online they are anonymous, so a lot of things are done are things that they wouldn’t normally do. There are many legal issues with cyberbullying, including if the school has jurisdiction over what students do outside of school. Schools do have the right to discipline a student for cyberbullying, but they do not have to, nor do they normally choose to. The main issues being can schools police what students do when they leave school? If we are going to discipline for cyberbullying away from school, are we going to discipline students for fighting outside of school as well? Where is the line drawn? It’s a very complicated issue.
Students who are being cyberbullied are often angry after internet use. Some victims may become withdrawn and their academics may suffer. Another sign is students who are often tardy or absent from class or who are targeted by “school house” bullies. I think the school should step in and regulate if the cyberbullying is creating a hostile or unsafe classroom. It might be hard to find a student who is being cyberbullied, but I think if teachers listen and look out for the warning signs, it can be detected. Teachers need to ensure that their classes are safe places and if something outside of school is hindering safety, it needs to be addressed. I know that cyberbullying is a sort of sticky situation in terms of who has the legality to discipline, but the schools can step in and take preventative actions.
I think the most effective way schools can deal with cyberbullying is to have internet etiquette courses on a regular basis. I don’t think kids understand the ramifications of what they are doing, and if they are shown a sort of “cause and effect” they might think twice. In my own classroom, I will teach my students about respecting others online, ignoring “trolls”, and reporting cyberbullying to a trusted adult (not necessarily a teacher).
Personally, I’m a big believer in prevention. By teaching about cyberbullying and traditional bullying hopefully my students will be less likely to engage in that behavior. I will also have a cyberbullying awareness week. During this week we can focus lessons on online etiquette, getting to know other classmates and participating in teamwork activities. I think this should be a school wide event, as schools that have done this before have seen reduction in bullying. By focusing on actually getting to know their peers, students are less likely to engage in bullying.
Schools are facing rise in cyberbullying. Students assume that when they are online they are anonymous, so a lot of things are done are things that they wouldn’t normally do. There are many legal issues with cyberbullying, including if the school has jurisdiction over what students do outside of school. Schools do have the right to discipline a student for cyberbullying, but they do not have to, nor do they normally choose to. The main issues being can schools police what students do when they leave school? If we are going to discipline for cyberbullying away from school, are we going to discipline students for fighting outside of school as well? Where is the line drawn? It’s a very complicated issue.
Students who are being cyberbullied are often angry after internet use. Some victims may become withdrawn and their academics may suffer. Another sign is students who are often tardy or absent from class or who are targeted by “school house” bullies. I think the school should step in and regulate if the cyberbullying is creating a hostile or unsafe classroom. It might be hard to find a student who is being cyberbullied, but I think if teachers listen and look out for the warning signs, it can be detected. Teachers need to ensure that their classes are safe places and if something outside of school is hindering safety, it needs to be addressed. I know that cyberbullying is a sort of sticky situation in terms of who has the legality to discipline, but the schools can step in and take preventative actions.
I think the most effective way schools can deal with cyberbullying is to have internet etiquette courses on a regular basis. I don’t think kids understand the ramifications of what they are doing, and if they are shown a sort of “cause and effect” they might think twice. In my own classroom, I will teach my students about respecting others online, ignoring “trolls”, and reporting cyberbullying to a trusted adult (not necessarily a teacher).
Personally, I’m a big believer in prevention. By teaching about cyberbullying and traditional bullying hopefully my students will be less likely to engage in that behavior. I will also have a cyberbullying awareness week. During this week we can focus lessons on online etiquette, getting to know other classmates and participating in teamwork activities. I think this should be a school wide event, as schools that have done this before have seen reduction in bullying. By focusing on actually getting to know their peers, students are less likely to engage in bullying.
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