"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.
Friday, June 22, 2007
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.
Journal 1
"Your Google Guide" by Doug Johnson
In this article, Doug captures our attention by pulling out the Google users in us all. He confidently expresses that whether you are a teacher, student, libraian, or regular Joe looking to expand your knowledge, there are some helpful hints to help facilitate your searches. He offers that to start, know what you are looking for. While some may say, Isn't that obvious, some people do not realize that there may be more than one person, place , or thing with the exact same name. he also offers that if you form your search in a question you are giving more than one search term to explore. This may help to open up your returns. Something I found particularly interesting was that he mentions you can use a minus sign to eliminate things from your search. I think this is beneficial for when I am looking for something really specific and I already know the basics. I love it!! The best part about this article is the way in which it is written. I love that he talks to you as if you were sitting across the table from him. It is not filled with a bunch of fancy jargon that I have no idea what it means.
How can Google be beneficial to my students?
Google can offer a wide variety of information to assist students with increasing their knowledge. They will be able to find current and precise information about topics and learn to navigate through many forms of media.
What others tools are there for students to use?
Google offers a variety of other tools besides their serach engine. Students can access Google maps- to access different maps of a specific place or to get directions, Goolge images- enables students to access pictures and drawings that may help to support their work, and Google Scholar- which is an academic publications they can use for research.
In this article, Doug captures our attention by pulling out the Google users in us all. He confidently expresses that whether you are a teacher, student, libraian, or regular Joe looking to expand your knowledge, there are some helpful hints to help facilitate your searches. He offers that to start, know what you are looking for. While some may say, Isn't that obvious, some people do not realize that there may be more than one person, place , or thing with the exact same name. he also offers that if you form your search in a question you are giving more than one search term to explore. This may help to open up your returns. Something I found particularly interesting was that he mentions you can use a minus sign to eliminate things from your search. I think this is beneficial for when I am looking for something really specific and I already know the basics. I love it!! The best part about this article is the way in which it is written. I love that he talks to you as if you were sitting across the table from him. It is not filled with a bunch of fancy jargon that I have no idea what it means.
How can Google be beneficial to my students?
Google can offer a wide variety of information to assist students with increasing their knowledge. They will be able to find current and precise information about topics and learn to navigate through many forms of media.
What others tools are there for students to use?
Google offers a variety of other tools besides their serach engine. Students can access Google maps- to access different maps of a specific place or to get directions, Goolge images- enables students to access pictures and drawings that may help to support their work, and Google Scholar- which is an academic publications they can use for research.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
WHO KATIE IS :)
Hi, my name is Katie Kaiser and I am taking this class as a prereq for fall admission to the multiple subject credential program. I am from San Marcos originally, but when my family moved to Michigan in 98 I went with them. I have a younger brother and sister who are considerably younger than I am and I felt it necessary to be close to them as they grew up. Since my brother and sister and are now in college themselves and doing their own thing, I decided that I would come back to the warm sun and sandy beaches of Cali. I have been back in San Diego a year and a half and I miss my family tons, but happy to be out of the snow:)!! I suppose some would say that I am fortunate to grow up in one town K-12. I went to Woodland Park Elementary, it is now a middle school, San Marcos Jr. High, and San Marcos High School. Most of my friends I have had for over twenty years which can be just as painful as it is delightful:). I went to many colleges, as I transferred several times, but the definite highlights were playing softball at Santa Barbara, and then graduating from Wayne State University in Michigan.
I must say that I do not identify myself as a MAC or PC. To be quite honest, computers intimidate me. I really haven't had to use them that much in my work and if I am not required to I am usually not on it. If it isn't email, word, and .....well let's be honest, those are the only two I am really comfortable with and even then I can always screw up my outlook:). I know that they are important and I know that they offer a ton of value, so I think that sooner rather than later I will just have to give them a big hug and introduce myself. It always amazes me that my friend's son, who is five, can show me things that I don't know. Needless to say, I hope I retain all that we are learning this summer:)!!!
I think that the part of the mission statement that really caught my attention was the commitment to student-centered education. Coming from a psychology background, I feel that it is so important to listen to our kids and tailor learning based on their needs. I think that it is easy to get into a routine and forget that the next year your kids may have completely different needs than the year before. I do believe that it is important to mainstream kids with disabilities as much as possible, and while I know this is a lot of work for our teachers in the regular classroom, I feel it is beneficial for these kids to be in a "normal " setting as often as they can. I am looking forward to diving in and taking a swim. As of today, I think that I would really like to teach in grades 4-6, preferably 6th. I really like that age group and I love that you can talk and joke with them. I love that, especially in 6th, they feel like little adults. They are ready to take on the world and I want to help them explore it.
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