Sunday, October 26, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Journal 5
Christensen, Author's first name initial C.M, & Horn, M.B (2008). Disrupting class: student-centric education is the future. Edutopia. Aug 13, 1-4.
I like how this article began by showing us a future classroom that was learning a language other than English. Each student had their own laptop and was learning according to their style. We then learn that our current classrooms are far from being like this one and even more that what technology we have been using hasn't been effective. I realize that there is more to just buying computers and having them sit in the classroom. There is much to be learned which is why we are now required to take a technology course for our teaching program. I am all for new ideas, so if it takes disruptive technologies to transform our schools then I am all for it.
Questions:
What are other examples of disruptive technology? This concept was not so clear to me and I needed more concrete examples, so I looked online for clarification as to what they were talking about. Here's what I found: Cell phones replacing payphones, Laptop computers replacing Desktop computers, Digital photography replacing Film photography and Plastic replacing metal, wood and glass.
How do we implement disruptive technology? Is this the right question? I guess it's a process, like us striving for an inclusive and multicultural education for our children. However, because it's technology it's hard for me to visualize how we choose disruptive innovations. The article says this is the future then what do we do in the meantime as this type of technology takes time and goes through many stages of improvement before it is efficient and effective?
I like how this article began by showing us a future classroom that was learning a language other than English. Each student had their own laptop and was learning according to their style. We then learn that our current classrooms are far from being like this one and even more that what technology we have been using hasn't been effective. I realize that there is more to just buying computers and having them sit in the classroom. There is much to be learned which is why we are now required to take a technology course for our teaching program. I am all for new ideas, so if it takes disruptive technologies to transform our schools then I am all for it.
Questions:
What are other examples of disruptive technology? This concept was not so clear to me and I needed more concrete examples, so I looked online for clarification as to what they were talking about. Here's what I found: Cell phones replacing payphones, Laptop computers replacing Desktop computers, Digital photography replacing Film photography and Plastic replacing metal, wood and glass.
How do we implement disruptive technology? Is this the right question? I guess it's a process, like us striving for an inclusive and multicultural education for our children. However, because it's technology it's hard for me to visualize how we choose disruptive innovations. The article says this is the future then what do we do in the meantime as this type of technology takes time and goes through many stages of improvement before it is efficient and effective?
Journal 4
Villano, M (2008).Text unto others... as you would have them text unto you. The Journal. Sept, 1-7.
Good digital citizenship is necessary as technology becomes more and more prevalent in our lives. Schools are now realizing the importance of this issue and the need to add it in to the student's curriculum. The rules of what makes a good citizen are the same rules that apply to being a good digital citizen; we need to obey the law, respect one another and act responsibly. All of this takes time and lots of learning on the part of the educators, students and parents. There are many issues to be discussed under this topic, such as etiquette, appropriate use of social networking, cyberbullying, building safe communities, managing personal information, illegal downloading and piracy, health and access to all students. I like how the UK views learning about good digital citizenship; it's about growth and shaping your world in a positive way com.
Questions:
How do you protect your identity? There are several ways but I believe the number one way is by educating yourself and being informed. It's important to research what is out there especially in an arena that is constantly changing. Another way is to not fill out any personal information unless the site is secure. If you are on a public forum such as a yahoo group you also do not want to post personal information. It's good to have a variety of passwords and to change them frequently. One can also set up some form of emailing blocking so that so your email can't get through to a sender unless they have accepted you.
What are good digital communication options? When you want to create a social network for the classroom a good way to go is with a network that allows the teacher to manage a private site for the class such as Ning or Penguin. Another one I learned about this past week are Wikis and my favorite so far for small group collaboration is google documents.
Good digital citizenship is necessary as technology becomes more and more prevalent in our lives. Schools are now realizing the importance of this issue and the need to add it in to the student's curriculum. The rules of what makes a good citizen are the same rules that apply to being a good digital citizen; we need to obey the law, respect one another and act responsibly. All of this takes time and lots of learning on the part of the educators, students and parents. There are many issues to be discussed under this topic, such as etiquette, appropriate use of social networking, cyberbullying, building safe communities, managing personal information, illegal downloading and piracy, health and access to all students. I like how the UK views learning about good digital citizenship; it's about growth and shaping your world in a positive way com.
Questions:
How do you protect your identity? There are several ways but I believe the number one way is by educating yourself and being informed. It's important to research what is out there especially in an arena that is constantly changing. Another way is to not fill out any personal information unless the site is secure. If you are on a public forum such as a yahoo group you also do not want to post personal information. It's good to have a variety of passwords and to change them frequently. One can also set up some form of emailing blocking so that so your email can't get through to a sender unless they have accepted you.
What are good digital communication options? When you want to create a social network for the classroom a good way to go is with a network that allows the teacher to manage a private site for the class such as Ning or Penguin. Another one I learned about this past week are Wikis and my favorite so far for small group collaboration is google documents.
Journal 3
Greenhow, C (2008).Who are today's learners?. Learning and Leading with Technology. Sept/Oct, 16-17.
Today's learners are kids that are using technology in school and at home whether they are well off or low income. They view technology as a indispensable tool for entertainment, communication and education. This doesn't mean they are super savvy on the computer and that teachers need to be afraid. But the middle school aged children they interviewed expressed a need for technology to be meaningful and engaging in the classroom. They also thought that restrictions needed to be loosened up so they could use all forms of technology, such as mobile computing and user provided sites. It was interesting to learn that students communicated more through chat rooms and instant messaging than emailing.
Questions:
What technologies are my students using and what are their skill levels?
The first rule to remember is to not make assumptions about what students are using or how good they might or might not be. In order to answer these questions we must talk to our students and have them show us individually where they are at. Otherwise, what I see students using are ipods, cell phone and different forms of gaming. The skill level is all over the place.
How do I need to use technology to motivate and engage my students?
It needs to incorporate the things they are using outside of the classroom plus exciting programs to further them in life. I like the idea of using digital games to help the students feel like they are experiencing the ideas being presented to them, making for a deeper comprehension. It's important to find different ways to learn new information rather than rote style learning which isn't fun for anyone.
Today's learners are kids that are using technology in school and at home whether they are well off or low income. They view technology as a indispensable tool for entertainment, communication and education. This doesn't mean they are super savvy on the computer and that teachers need to be afraid. But the middle school aged children they interviewed expressed a need for technology to be meaningful and engaging in the classroom. They also thought that restrictions needed to be loosened up so they could use all forms of technology, such as mobile computing and user provided sites. It was interesting to learn that students communicated more through chat rooms and instant messaging than emailing.
Questions:
What technologies are my students using and what are their skill levels?
The first rule to remember is to not make assumptions about what students are using or how good they might or might not be. In order to answer these questions we must talk to our students and have them show us individually where they are at. Otherwise, what I see students using are ipods, cell phone and different forms of gaming. The skill level is all over the place.
How do I need to use technology to motivate and engage my students?
It needs to incorporate the things they are using outside of the classroom plus exciting programs to further them in life. I like the idea of using digital games to help the students feel like they are experiencing the ideas being presented to them, making for a deeper comprehension. It's important to find different ways to learn new information rather than rote style learning which isn't fun for anyone.
Journal 2
Groff, Author's first name initial J, & Haas, J (2008). Web 2.0. Learning and Leading with Technology. Sept/Oct, 12-15.
Web 2.0 includes technologies such as social networking, simulations and digital games. When used properly in the classroom they are of great benefit because they encourage collaboration, goal oriented activities, problem solving, critical thinking that are highly engaging to students. More importantly it bridges "the gap between the traditional scholastic culture and the culture of today's learner."(pg. 1).
Questions:
Is it possible to use social networking sites productively in the classroom environment?
Currently, the ones that are used by students at home, such as myspace or facebook are blocked at schools. Yesterday when I was at Carlsbad High I was trying to access our class blog on webct but it was blocked too. I guess the first thing to do is to find out which ones are available to be used on school campuses. Once that hurdle is passed then I see it as a great tool to be used for a classroom as we do for our technology class.
What types of digital games might be applicable to the types of lessons I plan to teach?
I plan on working with students with special needs and games are a great way to help them with life skills, such as how to use the computer, dealing with money or buying groceries. There are some easy and fun games that I have seen used to learn basic math skills. All the students I've worked with want to be on the computer so there is a great deal of enthusiasm which helps learning tremendously.
Web 2.0 includes technologies such as social networking, simulations and digital games. When used properly in the classroom they are of great benefit because they encourage collaboration, goal oriented activities, problem solving, critical thinking that are highly engaging to students. More importantly it bridges "the gap between the traditional scholastic culture and the culture of today's learner."(pg. 1).
Questions:
Is it possible to use social networking sites productively in the classroom environment?
Currently, the ones that are used by students at home, such as myspace or facebook are blocked at schools. Yesterday when I was at Carlsbad High I was trying to access our class blog on webct but it was blocked too. I guess the first thing to do is to find out which ones are available to be used on school campuses. Once that hurdle is passed then I see it as a great tool to be used for a classroom as we do for our technology class.
What types of digital games might be applicable to the types of lessons I plan to teach?
I plan on working with students with special needs and games are a great way to help them with life skills, such as how to use the computer, dealing with money or buying groceries. There are some easy and fun games that I have seen used to learn basic math skills. All the students I've worked with want to be on the computer so there is a great deal of enthusiasm which helps learning tremendously.
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