Thursday, September 30, 2010
Exit Slip 9/30/10
We began class with the student led discussion which was on Chapter 3 this week, the technology skeptic's argument. The discussion began with a quote from 1815 about how students will no longer be able use a slate and get chalk dust on themselves. This quote, along with the others from the beginning of Chapter 3, really shocked me to see how long our schools have been struggling with the integration with technology. After discussion we talked about what went well and what could go better. Jeff talked about student to student discussion instead of student to teacher discussion. This was something I hadn't thought of much before now and will try to integrate into my discussion. Next, we talked about our Interactive Whiteboard Lessons. The ideas for my lesson are already rolling in my head and I'm kind of excited to design a lesson using the SmartBoard because I think its something that is going to get students excited and motivated to learn.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Rethinking Education In the Age of Technology (Ch. 3)
The Technology Skeptic's Arguement:
Chapter 3 began with a list of struggles educators have had with technology since as early as 1815! I thought this was a very interesting introduction to the chapter because it opened my eyes to just how long schools have been struggling with adapting to technology. Some of the examples listed were things that today we might not even think of as technology. One of the examples I thought was particularly ironic was the one which dealt with ball point pens. The person stated that ball point pens would not go on and were a waste. I thought this was funny because we use ball point pens nearly everyday now. The chapter went on to explain some of the other arguements technology skeptic's have. One of the quotes from the chapter stated that we've already learned everything we needed to know in kindergarten, so why learn more. I think this relates to technology because some people use the arguement that we already know everything we need to know to teach, so why try to complicate things with technology. For example, teachers taught in schools for 100's of years without using the kinds of technology such as computers, blogs, smartboards, etc, so some think we should continue teaching the way we always have. Even after reading this chapter I would have to disagree with the technology skeptic's arguement. Although, I do think some things should stay the same (learning how to write with a pen or pencil and reading out of actual books) I also think it's essential to student's learning to incorporate technology. In today's society, techonlogy is everywhere so even if it may take some time and hard work to incorporate techonlogy into lessons it's important for students' future to learn how to use it.
Chapter 3 began with a list of struggles educators have had with technology since as early as 1815! I thought this was a very interesting introduction to the chapter because it opened my eyes to just how long schools have been struggling with adapting to technology. Some of the examples listed were things that today we might not even think of as technology. One of the examples I thought was particularly ironic was the one which dealt with ball point pens. The person stated that ball point pens would not go on and were a waste. I thought this was funny because we use ball point pens nearly everyday now. The chapter went on to explain some of the other arguements technology skeptic's have. One of the quotes from the chapter stated that we've already learned everything we needed to know in kindergarten, so why learn more. I think this relates to technology because some people use the arguement that we already know everything we need to know to teach, so why try to complicate things with technology. For example, teachers taught in schools for 100's of years without using the kinds of technology such as computers, blogs, smartboards, etc, so some think we should continue teaching the way we always have. Even after reading this chapter I would have to disagree with the technology skeptic's arguement. Although, I do think some things should stay the same (learning how to write with a pen or pencil and reading out of actual books) I also think it's essential to student's learning to incorporate technology. In today's society, techonlogy is everywhere so even if it may take some time and hard work to incorporate techonlogy into lessons it's important for students' future to learn how to use it.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Rethinking Education In the Age of Technology (Ch 2)
Chapter 2 Reflection:
Chapter 2 of Rethinking Education In the Age of Technology focused on the technology enthusiast's point of view regarding the Knowledge Revolution. While reading this chapter I couldn't help but think of the phrase Jeff used in class, "we need to prepare our students for their future, not our past." I think that phrase is a good way to sum up the argument of the technology enthusiast's argument. One of the specific points brought up in the chapter is that schools have been slow to adapt to the Knowledge Revolution. The schools have been "lost in time". I do agree with this because although some schools are finally working to incorporate technology into learning some schools still haven't and even the ones that have are probably using more basic forms of technology than they need to. Even in technology savy schools there are always one are two teachers who refuse to incorporate technology into their lessons. Although I'm not the most technology savy person myself I will teach myself effective ways to use technology in the classroom because I think its a great way to expand student's learning base while keeping them interested.
Chapter 2 of Rethinking Education In the Age of Technology focused on the technology enthusiast's point of view regarding the Knowledge Revolution. While reading this chapter I couldn't help but think of the phrase Jeff used in class, "we need to prepare our students for their future, not our past." I think that phrase is a good way to sum up the argument of the technology enthusiast's argument. One of the specific points brought up in the chapter is that schools have been slow to adapt to the Knowledge Revolution. The schools have been "lost in time". I do agree with this because although some schools are finally working to incorporate technology into learning some schools still haven't and even the ones that have are probably using more basic forms of technology than they need to. Even in technology savy schools there are always one are two teachers who refuse to incorporate technology into their lessons. Although I'm not the most technology savy person myself I will teach myself effective ways to use technology in the classroom because I think its a great way to expand student's learning base while keeping them interested.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Exit Slip 9/23/10
We began class by the student led discussion on Chapter 2. The discussion allowed me to think about deeper about the Chapter than I had before. When I read the chapter I, for the most part, I agreed with the technology enthusiast's point of view. In class, I had to take the point of someone who didn't agree with the technology enthusiasts. I actually liked this because it allowed me to think from a different viewpoint. After discussion we went over what went well and what could be changed. This helped me a lot because I now have a better idea of what to do and what not to do when I lead the discussion. Another thing I got out of class today was a better idea of how to use the smart board. I think the Smart Exchange website Jeff shared with us will be an extremely helpful tool to use if I get the opportunity to teach in a classroom with a smart board. I am bummed because I already did my presentation for Ed Psych and I didn't even do anything fun with the smart board! In the future I hope I get to use a smart board.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts (1-3)
It seems every time I read something for this class it becomes even clearer to me how important the role of technology is in our classrooms today. This idea was certainly made even clearer to me after reading the first three chapters of Blogs, Wikis, & Podcasts. One of the main points I took from the first chapter, “The Read/Write Web”, was that we, as educators, are faced with a difficult dilemma. Schools, as a system, have been slow to react to the changing world around us. Technology has become an essential part of the way students communicate and learn. At any given point of the day a student might be texting, facebooking, and IM-ing all at once. What this means is that, as educators, we need to find ways to use technology in the classroom to benefit and help them learn. In turn, the use of technology should keep the students focused and ready for the read-world. The world is now a technological world and we need to keep that in mind while preparing students for the future.
In the following chapters about weblogs I was intrigued by all the different ways I could incorporate weblogs into my classroom. I thought it was a great idea to use blogging for discussions or reflections in classrooms. One example used in the book was in a 5th grade classroom. To me, this was a specific example of how our world is changing because when I was in 5th grade I didn’t even know how to use the Internet and I most definitely did not know what a blog was. Another way I learned I could use the web in my classroom is to post assignments. I think posting assignments online is a great idea for several reasons. One reason is because if it’s online a student can’t lose it. Also, it could be easily accessible to students’ parents. One of the main things I took out of the first three chapters of this book is that technology is always changing and as an educator I have to continue to educate myself to ensure I’m preparing my students for the future, not the past.
Growing Up Online
Even though I live inside an online world the Frontline video, Growing Up Online, shocked me. In fact, it even scared me a little bit. Even in the introduction several teenagers admitted that they could do whatever they wanted online because it was a "different world". Their parents don't have to see their online identity and online they can be whoever they want to be. One girl admitted that when she was 14 she posted pictures of herself looking like she was 18. Isn't this an invitation for predators? The video also showed other ways the web can be dangerous. There was an example of a girl who used the Internet to give her "tips on anorexia". This portion of the video really stuck with me because it was such an extreme example of the dangerous things that can be found on the Internet. There was also a portion of the video that focused on a boy who committed suicide due to online bullying. I have heard of other stories like this and I find it terrifying that the web can be such a powerful place that it could cause someone to commit suicide.
On the other end of the spectrum, the video focused on using technology and Internet in the classroom. Since students are growing up in front of computer screens it is extremely important that we, as educators, make sure we can give students the same focus they get when sitting in front of their computer. Do I think that means we should have computers,computer activities, and online discussions in every classroom? No. To me, the video focused on the two very different classrooms. The male teacher had all students replying to questions on computers and was then posting them on a large board at the front of the class. The woman teacher who had been teaching for 30 years, didn't use technology much at all in her classroom. I think there are advantages and disadvantages to both of these classrooms. One disadvantage to the extremely tech savy classroom is that the students may not get the social interaction and classroom discussion that is essential. On the other hand, the disadvantage to the classroom without technology is that students will be bored! After all, they grew up with computers and technology.
In my future classroom, I hope to find a happy medium. I think using technology in the classroom is essential to today's generation of students. In order to keep students focused, technology is necessary. On the other hand, I think it is important to keep in mind that not all activities need to be computer or technology related. I hope to use activities both with and without technology that will keep my students interested, focused, and learning.
On the other end of the spectrum, the video focused on using technology and Internet in the classroom. Since students are growing up in front of computer screens it is extremely important that we, as educators, make sure we can give students the same focus they get when sitting in front of their computer. Do I think that means we should have computers,computer activities, and online discussions in every classroom? No. To me, the video focused on the two very different classrooms. The male teacher had all students replying to questions on computers and was then posting them on a large board at the front of the class. The woman teacher who had been teaching for 30 years, didn't use technology much at all in her classroom. I think there are advantages and disadvantages to both of these classrooms. One disadvantage to the extremely tech savy classroom is that the students may not get the social interaction and classroom discussion that is essential. On the other hand, the disadvantage to the classroom without technology is that students will be bored! After all, they grew up with computers and technology.
In my future classroom, I hope to find a happy medium. I think using technology in the classroom is essential to today's generation of students. In order to keep students focused, technology is necessary. On the other hand, I think it is important to keep in mind that not all activities need to be computer or technology related. I hope to use activities both with and without technology that will keep my students interested, focused, and learning.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Evaluating Websites
The web can be a scary place. Luckily, most adults know that not everything out there is credible, valuable, or even true. Unfortunately, children may have a much more naive view and believe what they see on the web must be from an expert and must be true. This is why it is important for teachers to tell their students that not all websites are credible. Here are some of the things I would tell my students to do when deciding if a website is credible. One thing students should always do is to look for an author. Credible websites should have an author and it should not be that hard to find. If there is no author, the website might not be credible. Another thing students should look for is sources. A website full of facts should list sources that support these facts. Speaking of facts, does the website have facts? If it feels like the website is giving more of an opinion, then it probably is. In fact, many websites are biased. I think it is important to tell students that there may be information on the website they know is wrong. If they see something that feels wrong, it very well could be. For example, have you ever heard of an octopus that lives in a tree? The website, Save the Northwest Tree Octopus claims so, but I highly doubt it. Something else students can look for when evaluating a website is links. Does the website link you to other credible websites? For example, the Martin Luther King website had a link to a rap lyrics website. That doesn't sound too helpful. A credible website should also have dates on it. When was it last updated? If it hasn't been updated in several years it may be wise to find a new website.
As you can see, there are several different things to look for when determining if a website is credible or not. I learned during this assignment that it may take some time to explore the website before reaching a verdict. Students should know that its always okay to ask a teacher, parent, or even a peer, what they think of the website. After all, it can be confusing!
As you can see, there are several different things to look for when determining if a website is credible or not. I learned during this assignment that it may take some time to explore the website before reaching a verdict. Students should know that its always okay to ask a teacher, parent, or even a peer, what they think of the website. After all, it can be confusing!
Rethinking Education In the Age of Technology
Reflection On Chapter 1:
While reading the Preface and Chapter One of Rethinking Education In the Age of Technology I was able to get a better understanding of just how important technology is becoming. More specifically, technology in schools and in the learning process. More and more people are going outside of schools to use technology for both learning, entertainment, and preparation for life. The book has called this spread of technology the Knowledge Revolution. And just like the Industrial Revolution, the effects are showing up in our schools. In order to give students the opportunities they need and deserve in this world we, as educators, have to incorporate technology. At the beginning of Chapter One the book used several real life examples of the heavy role technology is playing in people's lives. One of the examples that really struck me was of a teenage boy who dropped out of high school because of boredom but then took classes outside of high school and became a computer programmer. This specific example was powerful to me because it shows how important technology is. This student should not have had to go outside his school to benefit from it. Now that I am getting a stronger idea of how important technology is in education I know I will need to incorporate it into my classroom.
It is no longer a question of whether or not a teacher should incorporate technology in the classroom but it is the question of how they are going to do it, and how well they will do it. I hope to continue learning about technology and the different ways I can use it in my classroom so I can be a teacher who effectively incorporates technology in my classroom.
While reading the Preface and Chapter One of Rethinking Education In the Age of Technology I was able to get a better understanding of just how important technology is becoming. More specifically, technology in schools and in the learning process. More and more people are going outside of schools to use technology for both learning, entertainment, and preparation for life. The book has called this spread of technology the Knowledge Revolution. And just like the Industrial Revolution, the effects are showing up in our schools. In order to give students the opportunities they need and deserve in this world we, as educators, have to incorporate technology. At the beginning of Chapter One the book used several real life examples of the heavy role technology is playing in people's lives. One of the examples that really struck me was of a teenage boy who dropped out of high school because of boredom but then took classes outside of high school and became a computer programmer. This specific example was powerful to me because it shows how important technology is. This student should not have had to go outside his school to benefit from it. Now that I am getting a stronger idea of how important technology is in education I know I will need to incorporate it into my classroom.
It is no longer a question of whether or not a teacher should incorporate technology in the classroom but it is the question of how they are going to do it, and how well they will do it. I hope to continue learning about technology and the different ways I can use it in my classroom so I can be a teacher who effectively incorporates technology in my classroom.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Exit Slip: 9/9/10
One of the main things I got out of class today was information about social bookmarking. Before class, I didn't know what social bookmarking was; now I already have my own account! I learned that social bookmarking is a great way to save and share resourceful websites. I will be able to use social bookmarking to save websites that may be beneficial for my future career. I can also use the website to save personal websites or to browse websites others found resourceful.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Casey's Digital Autobiography
http://www.photoshow.com/watch/RV6Kv8ne
When we first received the project in class I thought it would be a pretty simple project. As I began though, I wasn't sure where to start. Finally, I decided my digital autobiography would be a compilation of things that are important to my life. I chose to do this instead of a timeline of my life because I thought this would give viewers a good idea of who I am today. Also, I didn't think I could fit my timeline into 10 slides! I put a lot of effort into finding pictures that would give viewers a look into my life. I also spent quite a bit of time on the PhotoShow website putting my show together. I ended up spending more time than I thought I would because I was having fun with the features. I think the value in completing this task is that it made me think about what is important in my life and how I would like others to view that. It also gave me hands on experience using an online slide show tool. This task impacted my future teaching because when teaching it is a good idea to give students an idea of who you are. A digital autobiography is one way I could do this in the future.
When we first received the project in class I thought it would be a pretty simple project. As I began though, I wasn't sure where to start. Finally, I decided my digital autobiography would be a compilation of things that are important to my life. I chose to do this instead of a timeline of my life because I thought this would give viewers a good idea of who I am today. Also, I didn't think I could fit my timeline into 10 slides! I put a lot of effort into finding pictures that would give viewers a look into my life. I also spent quite a bit of time on the PhotoShow website putting my show together. I ended up spending more time than I thought I would because I was having fun with the features. I think the value in completing this task is that it made me think about what is important in my life and how I would like others to view that. It also gave me hands on experience using an online slide show tool. This task impacted my future teaching because when teaching it is a good idea to give students an idea of who you are. A digital autobiography is one way I could do this in the future.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Technology
1.) Technology is something electronic that can have several uses, both for entertainment and education, and several others. One of the first things I think of when I think of technology computers. Technology and computers have become an essential part of our society.
2.) Technology integration is the incorporation of technology. Technology integration in a classroom could be the use of computers, smart boards, stereos, or other devices that may help the lesson.
2.) Technology integration is the incorporation of technology. Technology integration in a classroom could be the use of computers, smart boards, stereos, or other devices that may help the lesson.
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