"Technology In The Early Childhood Classroom"
By Elizabeth Ross Hubbell
This articles discusses the many ways in which you can bring technology into the classroom without feeling like it is replacing the teacher. The author starts by saying that some say early technology should be left out of the classroom because it leads to "unwired brains", hyperactivity, and lethargy. She offers that technology can be introduced along side childhood experiences to deliver a positive outcome. She believes that early childhood technology paired with student achievement factors, such as, identifying similarities and differences, summarizing and note taking, homework and practice, and many more, can offer an extremely powerful learning environment. She reminds us that we do not expect our children to learn to speak without ever talking to them, so how can we expect them to tap into technology if we do not introduce it to them. One example that was interesting to me was the use of Kidspiration. Since we were able to use this program ourselves and see the benefits of all it has to offer, I was impressed that it was mentioned in this article. She explains how a teacher can use one of the templates to assist her in teaching her students about animals and their habitats. The article also highlights the fact that this technology can serve may purposes. Not only does it provide pictures for the students, it will also serve as an outline for them to write sentences about their animals and it can be used as an artifact to show parents their progress. The article also gives insight into many reading games that offer multi levels so kids that vary in skill can tailor their learning to their specific need. Some of these games also give positive reinforcement which helps kids to feel good about what they have completed. I also like that they discuss how these innovative games and tools are not meant to replace the teacher, but to be used as tools for more effective teaching strategies.
How early is too early to bring technology in the classroom?
I think that because of the society that we live in, kids should have access to technology as early as possible. I do believe that it should serve a specific purpose and not be an excuse to use as a built in babysitter. I think that parents and teachers need to be strongly aware of what kids are using and how it will benefit them in the future. I agree with leapfrog learning tools to assist with reading and disagree with allowing kids to sit in front of a computer to play video games all day.
How much technology is too much in the classroom?
I really think that it depends on the motive from the teacher. I think that teachers could use technology as an excuse to be lazy. I think that it is important to have a balance of the two in which they are incorporated into each other. I do not think that they should be separate entities. They should work hand in hand.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Journal 8
"Google Spy"
By Michael Agger
Recently, Google has created a new addition to the Google family. Google Street View has emerged by sending a van to take 360-degree shots around major cities in the U.S.A. It captures the happenings of day to day people, places, and things. What seemed like an interesting phenomenon, has become a concern for some. Mary Kalin-Casey expressed privacy concerns when she saw her own cat sitting in the window, then by zooming in, could tell it was a tabby. Google takes the stand that they only present everyday happenings that you could see if you were walking down the street. The have also created a page where you can have things removed if you are uncomfortable with them being viewed. Google remains committed to the view that this can be a beneficial program in the future. For example, for someone doing research or for those who may want to check out a neighborhood they are considering moving in to.
Is this innovative thinking or disastrous?
In my opinion, I believe that this could lead to more disaster than good. There are too many people with too much time on their hands that could turn this into something very ugly. I think that if they put some security measures on it, maybe it could be helpful. I do not think that it should be accessible to everyone.
What is the real motive behind the program?
Is it educational? Who is it beneficial to? I think that if it is used to study other cultures or to offer insight to specific occupations, it may be considered beneficial, but to have it for people just to sit and watch each other because they have nothing better to do is creepy. I do not feel safe knowing that someone could be sitting in their living room watching me live my life. That is totally different than the stranger you may pass by who says "hello".
By Michael Agger
Recently, Google has created a new addition to the Google family. Google Street View has emerged by sending a van to take 360-degree shots around major cities in the U.S.A. It captures the happenings of day to day people, places, and things. What seemed like an interesting phenomenon, has become a concern for some. Mary Kalin-Casey expressed privacy concerns when she saw her own cat sitting in the window, then by zooming in, could tell it was a tabby. Google takes the stand that they only present everyday happenings that you could see if you were walking down the street. The have also created a page where you can have things removed if you are uncomfortable with them being viewed. Google remains committed to the view that this can be a beneficial program in the future. For example, for someone doing research or for those who may want to check out a neighborhood they are considering moving in to.
Is this innovative thinking or disastrous?
In my opinion, I believe that this could lead to more disaster than good. There are too many people with too much time on their hands that could turn this into something very ugly. I think that if they put some security measures on it, maybe it could be helpful. I do not think that it should be accessible to everyone.
What is the real motive behind the program?
Is it educational? Who is it beneficial to? I think that if it is used to study other cultures or to offer insight to specific occupations, it may be considered beneficial, but to have it for people just to sit and watch each other because they have nothing better to do is creepy. I do not feel safe knowing that someone could be sitting in their living room watching me live my life. That is totally different than the stranger you may pass by who says "hello".
Journal 7
"In Your Face"
How Facebook could crush Myspace, Yahoo, and Google
By Christopher Beam
In today's society it is not uncommon to find that many people network by ways of the web. The Internet has created immediate avenues to the latest news, networking, trivia, and so on. Facebook is on the up rise as a sufficient social networking site that may soon offer a one stop shop for all web surfers. Christopher Beam compares Facebook to Myspace as a social networking site without all of the spam and unwanted requests. He goes on to say that recently Facebook has launched a new tool called Facebook Platform that allows for many other programs to be downloaded. To mention a few, Graffiti allows you to doodle on a friend's site and the honesty box allows you to leave anonymous notes to friends. If this site really takes off it could be very beneficial to youth, for a wealth of knowledge, all the way up to major corporations to use for networking purposes. A major criticism is that it needs to have a direct email system, RSS, and IM to be in direct competition with others like Yahoo and Google.
Is a one stop shop site realistic?
I know that sometimes I am overwhelmed by the Internet and all it has to offer. I think that if there was a site that I could do everything on and it was user friendly, I would use it exclusively. I think that a site like that could be a great foundation to having a customized site for myself with everything on it that I would prefer.
Should young kids be able to access it?
I wish that we could have customized pages for kids to use that had security checks on it. I have seen some of my friend's kids use the Disney and Nickelodeon sites and they love them. It would be cool if they could have sites that could be protected to ensure that they couldn't access any unwanted information.
How Facebook could crush Myspace, Yahoo, and Google
By Christopher Beam
In today's society it is not uncommon to find that many people network by ways of the web. The Internet has created immediate avenues to the latest news, networking, trivia, and so on. Facebook is on the up rise as a sufficient social networking site that may soon offer a one stop shop for all web surfers. Christopher Beam compares Facebook to Myspace as a social networking site without all of the spam and unwanted requests. He goes on to say that recently Facebook has launched a new tool called Facebook Platform that allows for many other programs to be downloaded. To mention a few, Graffiti allows you to doodle on a friend's site and the honesty box allows you to leave anonymous notes to friends. If this site really takes off it could be very beneficial to youth, for a wealth of knowledge, all the way up to major corporations to use for networking purposes. A major criticism is that it needs to have a direct email system, RSS, and IM to be in direct competition with others like Yahoo and Google.
Is a one stop shop site realistic?
I know that sometimes I am overwhelmed by the Internet and all it has to offer. I think that if there was a site that I could do everything on and it was user friendly, I would use it exclusively. I think that a site like that could be a great foundation to having a customized site for myself with everything on it that I would prefer.
Should young kids be able to access it?
I wish that we could have customized pages for kids to use that had security checks on it. I have seen some of my friend's kids use the Disney and Nickelodeon sites and they love them. It would be cool if they could have sites that could be protected to ensure that they couldn't access any unwanted information.
Journal 6
"Filming Compassion"
By Janet Bremer and Marilyn Clark
By Janet Bremer and Marilyn Clark
Many public and private schools have added a service learning component to their high school curriculum which has paved the way for kids to go outside of their school and participate in the community. One school in particular, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy High School, has implemented the requirement of 120 hours of service that they can complete through after school projects, individual involvement outside of school, or through many different classes where their teacher has incorporated different projects within the community. Janet Bremer and Marilyn Clark have done just this. Within their video production class, they have created an assignment that requires their students to create an informational video for a nonprofit organization. Students are responsible for meeting with the directors, finding out the needs of the organization, and then coming back to school and developing a plan. They must also take on the responsibilities of caring for the video equipment required to make the film. Most of the organizations do not provide such materials so the students must be held accountable. Since the organizations have limitations in their budgets, the feedback from these videos has been extremely receptive. Some organizations have been able to use the videos as training materials, while other use them to illustrate a typical day in their facility. Besides the experience of going into the public, students are also required to get feedback from their peers, parents, and other teachers as to what they can do to make their film better. This project gives great insight of the day to day workings of these organizations and allows the students to give back to their communities.
Could this project be valuable in every High School?
I really think that this is a valuable experience that could last a lifetime for students. I think that it is so important to prepare our kids how to behave in adult society and a project like this demands all responsibility on them. The must learn to be sensitive to the environment they are set in, communication with those unlike themselves, responsibility of materials , and carrying through a well though out plan.
Is length and involvement a factor?
I think that if you were to take on this project in math, science, history, etc. class, you could make it an all year project. I think that you could find time in the day to do a little of it at a time and then have the whole thing due at the end of the year. This would also require time management that could only benefit the students.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Journal 4
"Moderating and Ethics for the Classroom Instructional Blog"
by Patricia Deubel
I found this article interesting because before this class, I had only heard of blogs, but had no idea what they were or how they could be of any value. I just thought it was another way for "technology geeks" to communicate with each other. The author points out real value in having a classroom blog. She offers that it gives kids a way to be creative and critical thinkers. It also gives the child, who may not raise their hand in class, an opportunity to have a voice. I like that she also points out the downside. Some people love to promote ideas and never give you the flip side. She does admit that it can be high maintenance and without structure could fail miserably. She also gives some insight on how to protect the kids work and opinions. These blogs are can create a safe environment to discuss material that maybe they did not understand in class, but want to get their peers feedback on. It is a great way to engage your kids in bouncing ideas off one another. This classroom blog can also serve as a message board for the teacher where he/she could post assignments, communicate with parents, or have the students direct any questions to them. Email might be a little much for younger grades, but they could easily access a class blog that was saved into their favorites.
How can I ensure ethics for creating a blog?
This article offers many ways to make sure you are creating ethically sound material. I would create an outline to highlight my expectations of blogging. I would make sure to monitor the blog to ensure that the comments were appropriate and specific the the material discussed. I think that it is important to also discuss in class with your students what they determine to be mindful behavior and discuss it with their peers. I would hope to express accountability for their actions.
Who can benefit from a blog?
I think that everyone involved can benefits if they expectation is given in a clear manner. I think that if you inform your parents and your students from day one of the purpose of the classroom blog then it will work. I would invite any comments or questions to be directed on the blog so they can get a feel for using it. I think the students would have fun reading their peers comments and the parents could offer any suggestions or ideas to me.
by Patricia Deubel
I found this article interesting because before this class, I had only heard of blogs, but had no idea what they were or how they could be of any value. I just thought it was another way for "technology geeks" to communicate with each other. The author points out real value in having a classroom blog. She offers that it gives kids a way to be creative and critical thinkers. It also gives the child, who may not raise their hand in class, an opportunity to have a voice. I like that she also points out the downside. Some people love to promote ideas and never give you the flip side. She does admit that it can be high maintenance and without structure could fail miserably. She also gives some insight on how to protect the kids work and opinions. These blogs are can create a safe environment to discuss material that maybe they did not understand in class, but want to get their peers feedback on. It is a great way to engage your kids in bouncing ideas off one another. This classroom blog can also serve as a message board for the teacher where he/she could post assignments, communicate with parents, or have the students direct any questions to them. Email might be a little much for younger grades, but they could easily access a class blog that was saved into their favorites.
How can I ensure ethics for creating a blog?
This article offers many ways to make sure you are creating ethically sound material. I would create an outline to highlight my expectations of blogging. I would make sure to monitor the blog to ensure that the comments were appropriate and specific the the material discussed. I think that it is important to also discuss in class with your students what they determine to be mindful behavior and discuss it with their peers. I would hope to express accountability for their actions.
Who can benefit from a blog?
I think that everyone involved can benefits if they expectation is given in a clear manner. I think that if you inform your parents and your students from day one of the purpose of the classroom blog then it will work. I would invite any comments or questions to be directed on the blog so they can get a feel for using it. I think the students would have fun reading their peers comments and the parents could offer any suggestions or ideas to me.
Journal 3
"Social Justice- Choice or Necessity?"
by Colleen Swain and David Edyburn
This articles articulates the absolute need for teachers to include instructional technology in their classroom. It reminds us that the U.S. Department of Labor's SCANS reported that in the next two decades 80% of all jobs would require that their workers be technologically fluent. If they are not, people will be forced to take low paying jobs. There definitely is a digital gap. I can feel it among the differences between my sister and I. I am 30 and she is 22 and she is far more technologically inclined than I am. I am forced to go out and seek the knowledge that she has been given in school. This article illustrates the importance of tailoring technology lessons for your students. I think that as a teacher, it will be my responsibility to give my students the tools they will need to be successful adults. Technology is everywhere and is only going to expand an demand more attention. My students will need to know how to access this information and utilize it to their benefit. I think that teachers who are choosing to not include technology in their lesson are doing a disservice to the kids who will need it in their adult life.
Do I think that it is important to include technology in the classroom?
I absolutely this it is a must. If we can get computers in the classroom and have children learn to navigate them at an early age then it will help to close the gap that exists. Children are like sponges and they will absorb anything you put in front of them. We should take advantage while they are young to teach the the fundamentals which they can then carry on as they are exposed to more advanced material.
How can you bring technology in the classroom if your school does not provide it?
I think that becoming aware with the services out there to help you bring in computers, whether they are discounted or refurbished, and knowing how to access the free software will be of great benefit. I believe that it is important to also be aware of places in the community that can provide services for those who do not have them at home. You should be able to direct these students to these places and teach them how to access the different options they provide.
by Colleen Swain and David Edyburn
This articles articulates the absolute need for teachers to include instructional technology in their classroom. It reminds us that the U.S. Department of Labor's SCANS reported that in the next two decades 80% of all jobs would require that their workers be technologically fluent. If they are not, people will be forced to take low paying jobs. There definitely is a digital gap. I can feel it among the differences between my sister and I. I am 30 and she is 22 and she is far more technologically inclined than I am. I am forced to go out and seek the knowledge that she has been given in school. This article illustrates the importance of tailoring technology lessons for your students. I think that as a teacher, it will be my responsibility to give my students the tools they will need to be successful adults. Technology is everywhere and is only going to expand an demand more attention. My students will need to know how to access this information and utilize it to their benefit. I think that teachers who are choosing to not include technology in their lesson are doing a disservice to the kids who will need it in their adult life.
Do I think that it is important to include technology in the classroom?
I absolutely this it is a must. If we can get computers in the classroom and have children learn to navigate them at an early age then it will help to close the gap that exists. Children are like sponges and they will absorb anything you put in front of them. We should take advantage while they are young to teach the the fundamentals which they can then carry on as they are exposed to more advanced material.
How can you bring technology in the classroom if your school does not provide it?
I think that becoming aware with the services out there to help you bring in computers, whether they are discounted or refurbished, and knowing how to access the free software will be of great benefit. I believe that it is important to also be aware of places in the community that can provide services for those who do not have them at home. You should be able to direct these students to these places and teach them how to access the different options they provide.
Journal 2
"Real Life Migrants on the MUVE"
by Ross A. Perkins and Cathy Arreguin
MUVE, a multi-user virtual environment tool, is spreading like wild fire among the community. This is a program that has been around since the 1970's, has been modified, and is now catching the attention of educators who see endless possibilities in its structure. Second life, a new modified version, is attracting attention from elementary schools up to universities. The universities are using this program in their traditional classrooms as well as their distant learning classes. In the lower grades, they are utilizing this program to create projects and bring life to historical events. They have capabilities to construct 3-D projects, reenact scenes from historical events, assist in peer tutoring, and many more. A program like this enables kids to be creative and great thinkers.
Should I look into what makes MUVE successful?
Yes, I do think that it is important to fully research the parameters and structure it in a way that would be appropriate to my grade level. I think that DR. Dodge is smart to point out that before investing in such a program you should fully be aware of what it brings to the table. He is wise to point out that kids will latch onto something because it is new and that we should make sure if we are to invest that it will have a long term effect.
What types of activities would I use it for?
I really like the idea of bringing history to life. I can remember from my own experiences that sometimes a history lesson was brutally boring, but if I could add a 3-d dimension or have the kids use their own creativity to reenact a period of time, I think it would make it seem more amusing.
by Ross A. Perkins and Cathy Arreguin
MUVE, a multi-user virtual environment tool, is spreading like wild fire among the community. This is a program that has been around since the 1970's, has been modified, and is now catching the attention of educators who see endless possibilities in its structure. Second life, a new modified version, is attracting attention from elementary schools up to universities. The universities are using this program in their traditional classrooms as well as their distant learning classes. In the lower grades, they are utilizing this program to create projects and bring life to historical events. They have capabilities to construct 3-D projects, reenact scenes from historical events, assist in peer tutoring, and many more. A program like this enables kids to be creative and great thinkers.
Should I look into what makes MUVE successful?
Yes, I do think that it is important to fully research the parameters and structure it in a way that would be appropriate to my grade level. I think that DR. Dodge is smart to point out that before investing in such a program you should fully be aware of what it brings to the table. He is wise to point out that kids will latch onto something because it is new and that we should make sure if we are to invest that it will have a long term effect.
What types of activities would I use it for?
I really like the idea of bringing history to life. I can remember from my own experiences that sometimes a history lesson was brutally boring, but if I could add a 3-d dimension or have the kids use their own creativity to reenact a period of time, I think it would make it seem more amusing.
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