Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Social Bookmarking (Delicious.com) - NETS-IV
1. National Archives
b. This exhibit from the Hoover Library-Museum shows artifacts and tells the stories of approximately 106 women who have had an impact in United States history. An example is the story of Sacagawea, Native American Interpreter and her adventures with Lewis and Clark.
2. National Education Association
a. Student groups that experience achievement gaps
i. Racial and Ethnic Minorities
ii. ESL Students
iii. Students with Disabilities
iv. Boys/Girls
v. Students from low –income families
i. Determine the diverse groups served by your school. Consider cultural, linguistic, racial, and ethnic diversity. Find out the degree to which families and students in these groups are accessing available school services.
1. A big part of my teaching style will be to take the time to access the school overall and to investigate the programs and services being offered, Then next step in the process would be to evaluate just who in the school population is taking advantage of our resources and ask for feedback. Next I would reach out to those that aren’t utilizing the tools provided and ask if there is anything that we could be doing better which would encourage the m to be using the tool we have provided.
ii. Network with other schools that are developing and implementing culturally competent systems. Adapt the processes and information that are consistent with your school's needs and interests.
1. Why re-invent the wheel when there are plenty of schools who have tackled the achievement gap issue. Working with other schools with similar issues provides a community of educators that can share ideas and methods that have and have not worked in regards to solving similar problems. Collaboration is a great way to be creative in problem solving.
iii. Network with parent, family, minority community, and faith-based organizations concerned with the needs of diverse students. Solicit their involvement and input in the design and implementation of initiatives for culturally, linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse groups.
1. Parents and community organizations can help build school program that will address some of the issues causing the achievement gaps. Teachers and school administrators would be naive in thinking that they could address cultural differences on their own. Partnering with parent and the surrounding community ensures that there are a variety of ideas being used. This closes the gap between the school and the surrounding community.
a. The 21st century has brought us many very useful tools in technology, including updated cell phones, faster more affordable computers. Texting and in many cases instant messaging is becoming an accepted communication practice within corporate America. With all of this technology available to young people it has opened up a new way to tease and pick on the outsiders in a classroom. I find it disturbing to know that schools have been sued for trying to take action in the misuse of these mediums. The school is the primary arena that most students are using these types of tools and most parents are just completely out of touch with what their child does on a day to day basis. As cyber bullying continues to become a larger problem both for students and teachers, we need to look at giving our schools the ability to be proactive and reactive whenever they can. It is always distressing to hear of a young person committing suicide because of their lack of self worth based on the way other student treat them, as educators we can step in on the playground, but in the cyber world we have very little to no control over our students actions in regards to the use of technology. This is a situation that must change.
a. Very cool website for educators it takes away some of my fears in coming up with resources for creative lesson plans. I loved the idea that I have tools to use both in and out of the classroom to help get my subject matter across to students. Having links to tutorial webs for math and money management is a huge time saver. The area “Teacher Helpers” provides samples of presentations, rubrics, evaluation tools and even ideas for decorating you bulletin boards. I see this as an invaluable resource in helping me attain my goal of providing a creative learning environment in my classroom.
a. The quiz breaks down your strengths and weaknesses in several areas. My Top three are :
i. Interpersonal – 89%
ii. Intrapersonal – 89%
iii. Logical and Mathematical – 69%
i. I loved the idea that there is a learning community focused on teaching towards students’ strengths and encouraging development in their weaknesses. How wonderful it would have been to know back before trying to choose a major in college, what my interests were and what types of careers might be most successful for me. It might not have taken me 20 years to investigate teaching as a solid career option.
a. Lesson would be used at grade level 6-8. The subject is in the “Mix it up” category. People are generally passionate about their feelings and thoughts on controversial issues such as sexual preference and race and ethnicity. Friendships are formed around the idea that each person feels the same way about a certain topic. Young people usually do not possess the skills to disagree respectfully. The activity suggests students to expand their way of thinking and become friends with a variety of people who may even think differently than they do. I would use this activity some within the first month of class so that my students would have the opportunity to develop new friendships throughout the school year. My hope would be to bring the class together as a group who are respectful of others opinions and ideas even though they might disagree. A great lesson to be learned early on as the cyber bullying issues is on the rise and more easily done at starting at the middle school level.
a. According to a study by the American Association of Physicians for Human Rights, what percentage of physicians report witnessing a colleague giving reduced care or refusing care to lesbian, gay, or bisexual patients? 52%
i. I am amazed that there is still such a strong level of discrimination based on sexual preference, especially in the medical field. Doctors take oaths to protect the lives of human beings and providing less care based on something as personal as sexual presence is completely unacceptable. Why is it that a country that was found on the idea that we are all equal continues to such high levels of discrimination?
b. In a 2007 study, UNICEF rated the treatment of children in the 23 wealthiest countries in the world based on 40 indicators of child well-being. Which two countries received the lowest ratings? The United States and the UK
i. This answer left me speechless. The US is a nation known for wealth and abundance. We are consistently helping struggling countries with medical supplies, military support etc. We need to be focusing more money on our own citizens. Programs such as No Child Left Behind do not allow for better education of our students it limits them. Politicians’ are to focused on what is happening globally and there needs to be more attention paid to our children future. They will be the next group of leaders. Shouldn’t we be investing more in them than any other country?
a. Just as it is important to teach young people to respect each other in their face to face communication, we need to instill the same guidelines in their cyber communities. Many things can be misinterpreted over email and in chat rooms and we need to be extremely careful in hoe we communicate our thought and ideas because we do not have the benefits of responding to body language and facial expressions in cyber communications. The most important lesson in written communication is the always consider how a person our group may take your comments- Think of the person on the other end, can they sense you are trying to be funny? :^D Do you want them to know you are angry? :-||
Friday, April 16, 2010
Journal 4- Skype
Weller, Travis. (2010). Playing with skype. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(6), 28-29.
It is incredible how with so little and the use of today’s technology, teachers are being able to offer content for their student that might not ever be readily available to them. Travis Weller was able to connect his student with the actual composers of the music they were playing, giving both the composer and the student the ability to communicate and connect with a piece of music.
With the use of a computer, a broadband connection, a data projector and a few other pieces of equipment readily available at his school he made use of a free version in internet software on skype.com. Skype is making it possible to seek out subject experts and inviting them to share in an interactive classroom experience.
How would I use a tool such as Skype in my classroom?
I am and avid adopter of the belief that if technology can provide a richer learning experience for my students then the effort I need to make it work will be completely worth it. As some who might be teaching English literature or even business; it would be incredible to connect with contemporary authors to discuss their work and writing techniques or to have a discussion regarding the Stock exchange with someone who actually is there every day.
What are some of the challenges facing me in the potential use of this type of technology?
As much as the use of new technology has started to be integrated into the classroom, there is still a large group of educators hesitant in adopting new practices. We need to understand the majority of our students will be technically savy and we need to encourage them to utilize these skills in such a way that it is productive in their learning process. The other obstacle is in the number of computer readily available in the classroom. Technology use and equipment availability within a school district is not equitable between each school. This really needs to change if we want to ensure our students are ready for the 21st Century.
It is incredible how with so little and the use of today’s technology, teachers are being able to offer content for their student that might not ever be readily available to them. Travis Weller was able to connect his student with the actual composers of the music they were playing, giving both the composer and the student the ability to communicate and connect with a piece of music.
With the use of a computer, a broadband connection, a data projector and a few other pieces of equipment readily available at his school he made use of a free version in internet software on skype.com. Skype is making it possible to seek out subject experts and inviting them to share in an interactive classroom experience.
How would I use a tool such as Skype in my classroom?
I am and avid adopter of the belief that if technology can provide a richer learning experience for my students then the effort I need to make it work will be completely worth it. As some who might be teaching English literature or even business; it would be incredible to connect with contemporary authors to discuss their work and writing techniques or to have a discussion regarding the Stock exchange with someone who actually is there every day.
What are some of the challenges facing me in the potential use of this type of technology?
As much as the use of new technology has started to be integrated into the classroom, there is still a large group of educators hesitant in adopting new practices. We need to understand the majority of our students will be technically savy and we need to encourage them to utilize these skills in such a way that it is productive in their learning process. The other obstacle is in the number of computer readily available in the classroom. Technology use and equipment availability within a school district is not equitable between each school. This really needs to change if we want to ensure our students are ready for the 21st Century.
Journal 3 - Digital citizenship
Lindsay, Julie, & Davis, Vicki. (2010). Navigate the digital rapids. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(6), 12-15.
The term digital citizenship describes the relationship between students and teachers within the inline environment. As a professional educator you must transform yourself into a technological resource, continually monitoring new trends and ideas that will help drive student centered learning. Opening up the classroom to a more global environment offers lots of advantages for students to become engaged in the world around td them , but it also opens up a new world of socialization which if not monitored could put teachers into difficult situations.
In implementing the idea of a “flat classroom” environment it is best that you have a plan mapped out which not only explains the implementation method but how a teacher intends to monitor and use the educational network to best suits their students. Rules of conduct need to be established and monitored to ensure that students are engaging appropriately in this new space.
The concept of internet safety is compared to that of traffic safety and hunter’s safety, most all of life’s interaction have an element of risk but as parents and teachers it is our responsibility to guide our students into safe internet usage. Educational networks are designed to make the internet a safer place.
How would I implement the idea of a “flat classroom” in my own classroom?
As a middle school teacher, teaching one subject to 6 or more groups a day I would want to enable all of my classes to be able to communicate with each other regarding the topics discussed in class, it would turn a group of 25 student into a group of 100 plus allowing for more interaction with student at all levels and encouraging peer support and tutoring.
What would some of the pitfalls be in this type of learning environment?
If the teacher is not monitors the information being exchanged, students can send themselves in to the wrong direction, off topic or the misuse of the learning tool. Posting inappropriate content rather than information that will help drive a topic home.
The term digital citizenship describes the relationship between students and teachers within the inline environment. As a professional educator you must transform yourself into a technological resource, continually monitoring new trends and ideas that will help drive student centered learning. Opening up the classroom to a more global environment offers lots of advantages for students to become engaged in the world around td them , but it also opens up a new world of socialization which if not monitored could put teachers into difficult situations.
In implementing the idea of a “flat classroom” environment it is best that you have a plan mapped out which not only explains the implementation method but how a teacher intends to monitor and use the educational network to best suits their students. Rules of conduct need to be established and monitored to ensure that students are engaging appropriately in this new space.
The concept of internet safety is compared to that of traffic safety and hunter’s safety, most all of life’s interaction have an element of risk but as parents and teachers it is our responsibility to guide our students into safe internet usage. Educational networks are designed to make the internet a safer place.
How would I implement the idea of a “flat classroom” in my own classroom?
As a middle school teacher, teaching one subject to 6 or more groups a day I would want to enable all of my classes to be able to communicate with each other regarding the topics discussed in class, it would turn a group of 25 student into a group of 100 plus allowing for more interaction with student at all levels and encouraging peer support and tutoring.
What would some of the pitfalls be in this type of learning environment?
If the teacher is not monitors the information being exchanged, students can send themselves in to the wrong direction, off topic or the misuse of the learning tool. Posting inappropriate content rather than information that will help drive a topic home.
Journal 2 - Finding students who learn with Media
Bull, G, Alexander, C, & Ferster, Bill. (2010). Finding students who learn with media. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(5), 36-37.
Using the technology tools available today, students are able to have access to information more than ever before. Engaging student in the classroom by having them approach the subject matter through various forms of media offers many opportunities for learning.
Web-based authoring tools are being used to create short documentary films utilizing audio, pictures and text this activity seems to enhance the level of retention and understanding. The Smithsonian American Art Museum currently utilizes this tool and allows students and teachers the ability to create their own movies using content from the museum.
The creation of Primary Access was to eliminate the time and overhead associated with movie making tools. A study was done to evaluate the learning potential of story board creation and the traditional essay writing activity. 40% of the students who participated were shown to have been engaged in both the historical content and the technological content of the activity.
Tools such as this along with other have the potential to engage more students and give them a better understanding of the material. Realizing that students respond in different ways to different media can allow teachers to truly construct and instruct assignments that will meet the individual needs of the student.
Is there truly a value add with this tool and will it actually be used?
There would definitely be a value add in my classroom. I am an early adopter of most technology and anything that would potentially engage a middle school student so much that he/she wants to learn more about a topic, I am all for it. I am concerned that there are more teachers that are afraid to use new methods like these to teach. It’s a bit more difficult to implement and there can appear to be less control over what content is used or not used.
Using the technology tools available today, students are able to have access to information more than ever before. Engaging student in the classroom by having them approach the subject matter through various forms of media offers many opportunities for learning.
Web-based authoring tools are being used to create short documentary films utilizing audio, pictures and text this activity seems to enhance the level of retention and understanding. The Smithsonian American Art Museum currently utilizes this tool and allows students and teachers the ability to create their own movies using content from the museum.
The creation of Primary Access was to eliminate the time and overhead associated with movie making tools. A study was done to evaluate the learning potential of story board creation and the traditional essay writing activity. 40% of the students who participated were shown to have been engaged in both the historical content and the technological content of the activity.
Tools such as this along with other have the potential to engage more students and give them a better understanding of the material. Realizing that students respond in different ways to different media can allow teachers to truly construct and instruct assignments that will meet the individual needs of the student.
Is there truly a value add with this tool and will it actually be used?
There would definitely be a value add in my classroom. I am an early adopter of most technology and anything that would potentially engage a middle school student so much that he/she wants to learn more about a topic, I am all for it. I am concerned that there are more teachers that are afraid to use new methods like these to teach. It’s a bit more difficult to implement and there can appear to be less control over what content is used or not used.
Journal 1 - Virtual Field Trips
Zanetis, Jan. (2010). The beginner's guide to virtual field trips. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(6), 20-23.
The article discusses two different methods in provided virtual field trips for student grades K-12. The first one being asynchronous VFT’s, which are not delivered in real time. They include websites with text audio and video resources on specific topics. Some may also include streaming video and podcasts. The quality and substance of these VTFs vary and there are aggregators available to help select the more reputable sites available.
The second method is interactive VFT’s which are synchronous or real time experiences which place students in contact with informal educators in many locations. The use of video conferencing technology is what makes this so engaging. Rather than using web cams and small computer screens, the video conferencing equipment bring a real person and place into the conference. This can be an expensive method. However, approximately 30% of U.S schools have installed large group video conferencing equipment.
There are many educational site that offer interactive VFTs to school with content that can be topic specific. One example is the National Baseball Hall of Fame offering a unit called “Math: Batter Up”, a lesson in the fundamental concepts in statistics. Many interactive VFTs have a fee, but the cost in compared to real life field trips they are relatively inexpensive and they enable students to visit places that would be almost impossible to visit in person.
How would I apply this resource in my classroom?
I love the idea that I there are resources available to me that would enable to provide engaging content to my lesson plans. Visiting museums, historical places though the use of video conferencing would enrich any lesson plan. I can see visiting the Smithsonian Museums and the historical sites in New England were the revolutionary war was fought. Being able to see the actual ship used in the Boston tea party would bring that history lesson to life!
How will using this type of technology benefit learning experience for today student?
The idea that you could actually visit the places being discussed in a history lesson or have a tour of NASA and being taught a statistics lesson from an expert in baseball statistics, makes the world seem more tangible. Students may never be able to travel to Greece but through a VFT they could see the remnants of historical places live rather than as pictures in a text book.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Hello, my name is Susan
I attended Cal Poly Pomona, the Cal State Fullerton were I majored in Musical theatre. After 5 years and still no degree I found a job and started a career in human resources. I returned to school in 2003 to literally just get the "piece of paper" so I could be more marketable in my job search. Boring I know..
When I started working computers were not something you could just go in and buy off the shelf except for the Mac. I able always the first one to learn about new system to be used on the job and can quickly become an the office expert. I am currently working implementing and applicant tracking system for my company and have been praised for my ability to connect process with technology. As far of using technology for fun, I tend to be a late adopter because I am so busy and can find things like computer games frustrating rather than relaxing. I love my Ipod, dream of an iPhone and have become a Facebook addict. I am definitely a windows person current Windows 7. I am more a creature of habit than a person who dislikes the Mac, I prefer not to have to work in several operating systems so windows is where I stay.
As a parent, I am concerned for the eduction of my child, which as I have investigated the school system in California is appropriate. As I have gone through the process of investigating teaching as a second career, I was attracted the, CSUSM/COE, because of its commitment to student-centric education, and life long learning. I feel that our standardized testing is ineffective and that the current way of teaching is not providing much benefit to our young people. Returning the methods that are focused on the needs of each student is very important to me. I am looking forward to being a true part of change, rather than an observer.
Technically challegened......
after trying for 30 minutes, I have finally figured out how to create this darn blog! I hope this isn't a preview of things to come in 422... :)
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