Article Title: When digital kids rule the classroom
Article Source: By Stefanie OlsenStaff Writer, CNET News.comPublished: April 26, 2006 4:00 AM PST
Weblink: http://news.com.com/2009-1041-6065108.html?tag=tb
Reflection:
GenYes, which stands for Generation of Youth and Educators Succeeding, is a program in which students educate adult teachers about technology and how it can be used. I think that this program is extremely interesting. You don't find many workshops with young adults turning the tables and instructing teachers! I think that it is great though, kids now-a-days are great with computers, software, and many other different types of technology because they were exposed to it at a young age. This sort of workshop could be extremely beneficial to educators, especially older educators who have not been exposed to many of the technological advances or have not been instructed how to use them. I think that students would really get a kick out of teaching the adults, and it would be beneficial for the adults in many ways as well.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Article Reflections Continued from Week 15
Article Title: If wired right, computers do belong in classrooms
Article Source: latimes.com by Bob Sipchen
Weblink:http://www.latimes.com/news/education/la-me-schoolme16apr16,1,5262663.column?coll=la-news-learning&ctrack=1&cset=true
Reflection:
I haven't read many articles that have shown the perspective of technology NOT being effective in the classroom. I think that this article did a great job of showing both sides of the story. Just like every other product out there known to man, there are good ones and bad ones. Just because a software program claims to be educational, does not necessarily mean that the studetns will learn much from it or even use it to its fullest potential. Although there are many popular software programs out there that are not showing much educational value for students, there are also very beneficial ones if implimented into the classroom correctly. A good teacher and good technology usage can do wonders in a classroom.
Article Source: latimes.com by Bob Sipchen
Weblink:http://www.latimes.com/news/education/la-me-schoolme16apr16,1,5262663.column?coll=la-news-learning&ctrack=1&cset=true
Reflection:
I haven't read many articles that have shown the perspective of technology NOT being effective in the classroom. I think that this article did a great job of showing both sides of the story. Just like every other product out there known to man, there are good ones and bad ones. Just because a software program claims to be educational, does not necessarily mean that the studetns will learn much from it or even use it to its fullest potential. Although there are many popular software programs out there that are not showing much educational value for students, there are also very beneficial ones if implimented into the classroom correctly. A good teacher and good technology usage can do wonders in a classroom.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Article Reflections Continued From Week 15
Article Title:Video helps overhaul district's curriculum Baltimore County uses video streaming to enhance lessons and engage students
Article Source:By Laura Devaney, Associate Editor, eSchool News
Weblink:http://www.eschoolnews.org/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=7015
Reflection:
In an effort to revamp its curriculum, Baltimore County Public Schools,the nation's 25th largest school system, has installed video servers and a video-on-demand system in all of its 169 schools. Although the use of video on demand is nothing new for schools, what distinguishes Baltimore County's effort is that the district has formed teams of teachers in each school to brainstorm ways of using the videos to their fullest potential across each subject area. Video servers are nothing entirely new, but for such a large school district to adopt a brand new system, it is a huge leap for technology integration in schools. I especially like that Balitmore School System has formed teams of teachers to discuss the new technology and how it can be integrated into each subject area and the uses for it. I think that by holding meetings and discussing, teachers can not only learn more about the system in itself but how they might use it in other areas. I think that this is a huge step for converting schools into the 21st century.
Article Title:The Marshal Of MySpace How Hemanshu Nigam is trying to keep the site's 'friends' safe from predators and bullies
Article Source: Business Week Online
Weblink:http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_17/b4031092.htm
Reflection:
Hemanshu Nigam was a federal prosecuter who has been hired by MySpace to keep children safe from online pedophiles and reduce bullying. This is very important to MySpace not only to protect its users, but to boost profits by attracting advertising. When MySpace first began, predatory adults used it to lure young children for offline meetings. Now, there have been privacy policies put into motion and other protective measures have been taken to ensure adults are unable to talk to minors unless they have the full email address and name of the child. I think that this is a huge job for Hemanshu Nigam!!! Internet hackers are continually finding ways to disrupt programs, teenagers will always bully and be rude to people online, and there is no 100% fail proof way of blocking adult predators. I think that MySpace has done a great job so far to protect young children from predators by implementing restrictions that were not previously there. Hemanshu Nigam is also trying to educate users about online bullying. He says, "If you wouldn't say it in person, why say it online?" He also deletes profiles of known or reported bullies and even refers some to the police. I think that overall, MySpace is doing the best that they can do and will continue improving as needed.
Article Source:By Laura Devaney, Associate Editor, eSchool News
Weblink:http://www.eschoolnews.org/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=7015
Reflection:
In an effort to revamp its curriculum, Baltimore County Public Schools,the nation's 25th largest school system, has installed video servers and a video-on-demand system in all of its 169 schools. Although the use of video on demand is nothing new for schools, what distinguishes Baltimore County's effort is that the district has formed teams of teachers in each school to brainstorm ways of using the videos to their fullest potential across each subject area. Video servers are nothing entirely new, but for such a large school district to adopt a brand new system, it is a huge leap for technology integration in schools. I especially like that Balitmore School System has formed teams of teachers to discuss the new technology and how it can be integrated into each subject area and the uses for it. I think that by holding meetings and discussing, teachers can not only learn more about the system in itself but how they might use it in other areas. I think that this is a huge step for converting schools into the 21st century.
Article Title:The Marshal Of MySpace How Hemanshu Nigam is trying to keep the site's 'friends' safe from predators and bullies
Article Source: Business Week Online
Weblink:http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_17/b4031092.htm
Reflection:
Hemanshu Nigam was a federal prosecuter who has been hired by MySpace to keep children safe from online pedophiles and reduce bullying. This is very important to MySpace not only to protect its users, but to boost profits by attracting advertising. When MySpace first began, predatory adults used it to lure young children for offline meetings. Now, there have been privacy policies put into motion and other protective measures have been taken to ensure adults are unable to talk to minors unless they have the full email address and name of the child. I think that this is a huge job for Hemanshu Nigam!!! Internet hackers are continually finding ways to disrupt programs, teenagers will always bully and be rude to people online, and there is no 100% fail proof way of blocking adult predators. I think that MySpace has done a great job so far to protect young children from predators by implementing restrictions that were not previously there. Hemanshu Nigam is also trying to educate users about online bullying. He says, "If you wouldn't say it in person, why say it online?" He also deletes profiles of known or reported bullies and even refers some to the police. I think that overall, MySpace is doing the best that they can do and will continue improving as needed.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Week 17 Podcast Reflections
1.) Kidcast
Episode Title: Episode 1
Episode Number: 1
Date: 9/28/2005
Reflection:
This podcast was Dan Schmidt's very first broadcasting back in September of 2005. I wanted to listen to this particular podcast because I have found that you learn a little more about the person who creates all of the podcasts that you listen to. He comes from intelligenic.com and has a podcasting book that people can access. This book talks about how to podcast, how to connect podcasting to the curriculum, how podcasting can be used as a tool to reach out to parents and people in the education field, and how podcasting can help to meet curriculum goals. Podcasting is not only a great way to get students to tap into resources out there, but to get them to become a part of their project. As teachers, we should be looking for ways, such as podcasting, to make our classrooms into 21st Century Information Age Learning environments.
2.) Kidcast
Episode Title: Kidcast:Episode 4
Episode Number: 4
Date: 11/2/2005
Reflection:
In this podcasting episode, Dan Schmidt goes over a new report that has some really interesting information. According to the report in the podcast, 57 % percent of teenagers create content for the internet, 33% of teenagers share art work, photos, videos, and stories, 32% of teenagers have created websites or blogs in classrooms, and 19% have taken content from the internet and remixed it in their own creative way. I think that these numbers are pretty astounding. If we think about how often adults create content and publish it to the internet. Generally most adults use the internet to pay the bills, research topics, look things up, but they do not often create things and download them to share with other people on the internet. Adults tend to be internet consumers and teenagers are becoming more and more participants in the internet. I think that we should encourage teenagers to continue being active participants within the internet. Teenagers and young people alike are learning that the internet is an interactive place, not just a place to observe.
3.) Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: What We Love about Teaching
Episode Number: 121
Date: 1/29/07
Reflection:
In this podcasting episode, teachers and administrators talked about the things that they love about teaching. Some of the responses were, " I love the reward of helping a student and the appreciation they have when they finally (get it)", " I love watching students develop and grow and know that I am apart of that process", and "Kids can make you laugh at any given time, they can truly make your day memorable." As I was listening to this podcast, I had to ask my self what I love about teaching. My response is: I love being a positive role model in students' lives and knowing that what I do within my job impacts these students' entire lives and futures. I enjoy helping students become productive young adults, and the laughter and joy that they bring each day.
Episode Title: Episode 1
Episode Number: 1
Date: 9/28/2005
Reflection:
This podcast was Dan Schmidt's very first broadcasting back in September of 2005. I wanted to listen to this particular podcast because I have found that you learn a little more about the person who creates all of the podcasts that you listen to. He comes from intelligenic.com and has a podcasting book that people can access. This book talks about how to podcast, how to connect podcasting to the curriculum, how podcasting can be used as a tool to reach out to parents and people in the education field, and how podcasting can help to meet curriculum goals. Podcasting is not only a great way to get students to tap into resources out there, but to get them to become a part of their project. As teachers, we should be looking for ways, such as podcasting, to make our classrooms into 21st Century Information Age Learning environments.
2.) Kidcast
Episode Title: Kidcast:Episode 4
Episode Number: 4
Date: 11/2/2005
Reflection:
In this podcasting episode, Dan Schmidt goes over a new report that has some really interesting information. According to the report in the podcast, 57 % percent of teenagers create content for the internet, 33% of teenagers share art work, photos, videos, and stories, 32% of teenagers have created websites or blogs in classrooms, and 19% have taken content from the internet and remixed it in their own creative way. I think that these numbers are pretty astounding. If we think about how often adults create content and publish it to the internet. Generally most adults use the internet to pay the bills, research topics, look things up, but they do not often create things and download them to share with other people on the internet. Adults tend to be internet consumers and teenagers are becoming more and more participants in the internet. I think that we should encourage teenagers to continue being active participants within the internet. Teenagers and young people alike are learning that the internet is an interactive place, not just a place to observe.
3.) Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: What We Love about Teaching
Episode Number: 121
Date: 1/29/07
Reflection:
In this podcasting episode, teachers and administrators talked about the things that they love about teaching. Some of the responses were, " I love the reward of helping a student and the appreciation they have when they finally (get it)", " I love watching students develop and grow and know that I am apart of that process", and "Kids can make you laugh at any given time, they can truly make your day memorable." As I was listening to this podcast, I had to ask my self what I love about teaching. My response is: I love being a positive role model in students' lives and knowing that what I do within my job impacts these students' entire lives and futures. I enjoy helping students become productive young adults, and the laughter and joy that they bring each day.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Week 15 Podcast Reflections
1.) Kidcast
Episode Title: 2007 Kidcast Podcasting Awards
Episode Number: #40
Date: 3/29/07
Reflection:
In this podcast, Dan Schmidt went over the 2007 Podcasting Awards categories, rules, where the audience can go to submit a registration form, and encouraged listeners to submit podcasts. There are two main categories for the submitted podcasts: The Teachers and the Students. The teachers can enter podcasts under two sub-categories. Teachers can either create a Professional Development podcast (Ex: Tips and strategies for other teachers, or anything that would benefit other teachers) or Instructional Material podcasts (Ex: study or processing guides for their students, or anything that helps students to learn a particular concept). Students can create a podcast under any of the 5 categories for them. Students can either create a documentary, a talk show, drama, sound scene, or a Where in the World podcast. The restrictions for enteries are: all contestants must be within a K-12 school (either private, public, or home school), also classrooms can only submit one podcast for each category. The podcasts may be either video, audio, or enhance. I think that competing in a contest such as this could really engage students to work hard and get involved in their podcasting assignment. Students always love competion, and what better way to showcase the students' hard work?
2.) Tech Chick Tips
Episode Title: Tech Chick Tips
Episode Number: # 22.5
Date: 3/30/07
Reflection:
Within this podcast, the two broadcasters wanted to update their last broadcast and get people up to date regarding the 2007 Podcasting Awards that they discussed in the last episode. They believe that participating in this contest is a great opportunity for both teachers and students to get engage in a technology project. They outlined that the prizes had not yet been selected for the contest, but the project itself should be enough prize in itself. To see an example that Dan Schmidt, from Kidcast, had posted to help listeners, people should go to their website: techchicktips.net. Their suggestion is to create a "Where in the World" podcast becuase the project would be short and sweet and it would be easy to integrate many other subjects into the project. The deadline for submissions is April 30th and judging results will not come out until May. I found it ironic that I happend to listen to Dan Schidt's podcast regarding the 2007 Podcasting Rewards and then chose this podcast which also talked about the contest. This shows me how connected podcasting people must be. I bet that the Tech Chicks and Dan Schmidt probably work together on a few projects, or at least keep in touch and collaborate ideas.
3.) Tech Chick Tips
Episode Title: Tech Chick Tips
Episode Number: # 1
Date: 7/8/06
Reflection:
This podcast was the tech chick's very first premier episode. I learned that the two tech chick's names are Helen and Anna. Helen is a Professional Developmetn Consultant for a large school district, she began her career in education as a high school science teacher, and her passion is helping teachers use technology in a brand new way. Ana is a Instructional Technology teacher in an elementary school within the same district as Helen's, she is a wife and a mother of three, and her passion is teaching content to students while also showing them how to use technology. These two tech chicks are extreme advocates of MacIntosh computers. They believe that MacIntosh computers are highly superior to Windows in music, photos, and video software. They think that using MacIntoshs is much easier and better in using these programs. They are hoping to use their podcasts to teach teachers and students real world skills to help them think in deeper levels. I enjoyed putting a name to a voice from listening to one of their later episodes when I didn't know anything about them. I think that they are very involved educators who are pursuing a noble cause.
Episode Title: 2007 Kidcast Podcasting Awards
Episode Number: #40
Date: 3/29/07
Reflection:
In this podcast, Dan Schmidt went over the 2007 Podcasting Awards categories, rules, where the audience can go to submit a registration form, and encouraged listeners to submit podcasts. There are two main categories for the submitted podcasts: The Teachers and the Students. The teachers can enter podcasts under two sub-categories. Teachers can either create a Professional Development podcast (Ex: Tips and strategies for other teachers, or anything that would benefit other teachers) or Instructional Material podcasts (Ex: study or processing guides for their students, or anything that helps students to learn a particular concept). Students can create a podcast under any of the 5 categories for them. Students can either create a documentary, a talk show, drama, sound scene, or a Where in the World podcast. The restrictions for enteries are: all contestants must be within a K-12 school (either private, public, or home school), also classrooms can only submit one podcast for each category. The podcasts may be either video, audio, or enhance. I think that competing in a contest such as this could really engage students to work hard and get involved in their podcasting assignment. Students always love competion, and what better way to showcase the students' hard work?
2.) Tech Chick Tips
Episode Title: Tech Chick Tips
Episode Number: # 22.5
Date: 3/30/07
Reflection:
Within this podcast, the two broadcasters wanted to update their last broadcast and get people up to date regarding the 2007 Podcasting Awards that they discussed in the last episode. They believe that participating in this contest is a great opportunity for both teachers and students to get engage in a technology project. They outlined that the prizes had not yet been selected for the contest, but the project itself should be enough prize in itself. To see an example that Dan Schmidt, from Kidcast, had posted to help listeners, people should go to their website: techchicktips.net. Their suggestion is to create a "Where in the World" podcast becuase the project would be short and sweet and it would be easy to integrate many other subjects into the project. The deadline for submissions is April 30th and judging results will not come out until May. I found it ironic that I happend to listen to Dan Schidt's podcast regarding the 2007 Podcasting Rewards and then chose this podcast which also talked about the contest. This shows me how connected podcasting people must be. I bet that the Tech Chicks and Dan Schmidt probably work together on a few projects, or at least keep in touch and collaborate ideas.
3.) Tech Chick Tips
Episode Title: Tech Chick Tips
Episode Number: # 1
Date: 7/8/06
Reflection:
This podcast was the tech chick's very first premier episode. I learned that the two tech chick's names are Helen and Anna. Helen is a Professional Developmetn Consultant for a large school district, she began her career in education as a high school science teacher, and her passion is helping teachers use technology in a brand new way. Ana is a Instructional Technology teacher in an elementary school within the same district as Helen's, she is a wife and a mother of three, and her passion is teaching content to students while also showing them how to use technology. These two tech chicks are extreme advocates of MacIntosh computers. They believe that MacIntosh computers are highly superior to Windows in music, photos, and video software. They think that using MacIntoshs is much easier and better in using these programs. They are hoping to use their podcasts to teach teachers and students real world skills to help them think in deeper levels. I enjoyed putting a name to a voice from listening to one of their later episodes when I didn't know anything about them. I think that they are very involved educators who are pursuing a noble cause.
Week 15 Article Reflections
Article Title: Court MySpace Postings Are Free Speech
Source: Associated Press, by Charles Wilson
Web Link: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2007-04-10-myspace-speech_N.htm
Reflection:
Although I do not agree with the girl in this articles actions, I do believe in freedom of speech. The principal is a public figure and will always receive praise and criticism about his actions, beliefs, and policies. I most definitely believe that the girl deserved punishment, but perhaps not to the digree of charges that she was facing. I think that the principal should have kept the punishments within the school: having the student first delete the web page, a in school suspension, community service, etc. Although, unless this student created the web page during school time, it is hard to punish a student in school for things that they did out of school. I do not feel sorry for the girl, what she did was childish and damaging. Perhaps if this happened to me, I would also feel the need to charge someone with slander and identy theft. Overall, I guess I am not quite sure how I feel this girl deserves to be punished. MySpace needs to have a tool to block people from creating fake profiles. How this is done, I'm not sure, but it is definitely something the people at MySpace need to look into to prevent future occurances such as this
Article Title: Study Eyes of Tech on Classroom
Source: AP Education Writer, by Nancy Zuckerbrod
Web Link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070405/ap_on_hi_te/education_technology
Reflection:
There is a study suggesting that technology usage in the classroom is not benefiting math and reading scores. This study has shown that classrooms rich in technology are not doing any better in these areas than classrooms not using very much technology. I believe that good technology integration can help to enrich a classroom's learning experience through vicarious experiences, educational games, and many other means, but most of the basics in instruction usually need to be done one on one with a student. I think that technology can help a student to use that knowledge more creatively and expand that student's horizons, but much of what that student needs to even begin using technology is direct instruction, inquiry, problem-based learning, or any other instructional strategies to convey learning. Also, I think that teachers impact their students' learning more than any other element in the classroom. A good teacher usually impacts their students' scores more than any thing else.
Source: Associated Press, by Charles Wilson
Web Link: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2007-04-10-myspace-speech_N.htm
Reflection:
Although I do not agree with the girl in this articles actions, I do believe in freedom of speech. The principal is a public figure and will always receive praise and criticism about his actions, beliefs, and policies. I most definitely believe that the girl deserved punishment, but perhaps not to the digree of charges that she was facing. I think that the principal should have kept the punishments within the school: having the student first delete the web page, a in school suspension, community service, etc. Although, unless this student created the web page during school time, it is hard to punish a student in school for things that they did out of school. I do not feel sorry for the girl, what she did was childish and damaging. Perhaps if this happened to me, I would also feel the need to charge someone with slander and identy theft. Overall, I guess I am not quite sure how I feel this girl deserves to be punished. MySpace needs to have a tool to block people from creating fake profiles. How this is done, I'm not sure, but it is definitely something the people at MySpace need to look into to prevent future occurances such as this
Article Title: Study Eyes of Tech on Classroom
Source: AP Education Writer, by Nancy Zuckerbrod
Web Link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070405/ap_on_hi_te/education_technology
Reflection:
There is a study suggesting that technology usage in the classroom is not benefiting math and reading scores. This study has shown that classrooms rich in technology are not doing any better in these areas than classrooms not using very much technology. I believe that good technology integration can help to enrich a classroom's learning experience through vicarious experiences, educational games, and many other means, but most of the basics in instruction usually need to be done one on one with a student. I think that technology can help a student to use that knowledge more creatively and expand that student's horizons, but much of what that student needs to even begin using technology is direct instruction, inquiry, problem-based learning, or any other instructional strategies to convey learning. Also, I think that teachers impact their students' learning more than any other element in the classroom. A good teacher usually impacts their students' scores more than any thing else.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Week 13 Podcast Reflections
1.) Kidcast
Episode Title: Tips for Controlling Noise
Episode Number: 21
Date: 4/1/06
Reflection:
It is often hard to escape the clatter and noise in active, learning classrooms because students and learning tend to be messy and load. There are measures that teachers can take to help eliminate some of the excess noises that are recorded in the background of their podcasts. First, teachers can express to their students their concern about their noise level and how it is affecting the podcast being generated. Teachers can do a test by having a student record a podcast while two other students are talking in the background to help show and illustrate the idea that it is important to be quiet while others are recording. A signal is often a good approach to quietting students down. For instance, shouting out "Voice Over!" could be the universal signal for students to be quiet because podcasting is being done. Also, trying separating podcasting recording students into different rooms is a good idea. The further you can separate recording students the better, but often teachers only have one lab to do the podcasting in. Teachers could also designate time slots for their students to take turns recording. Also, the microphones that are built into the macintosh computers pick up sound from all directions, so an external microphone could be a good investment.
2.) Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: The Changing Landscape of the Global Digital Divide: Opportunities and Challenges for Teacher Education
Episode Number: 143
Date: 4/2/07
Reflection:
The Digital Divide occurs between developed countries and developing countries, or the haves and have nots in regard to access to hardware and the internet. This digital divide is only a small part in a much broader social and economic divide. There is also a Knowledge Divide occuring between developed and developing countries. This is important to understand because access to computer hardware and the internet will not guarantee that people will be able to opporate it. Worldwide, 25 % of women are not literate, and males have a slightly lower percentage. The literacy gap is huge between women and men especially within Arab states and desert countries. People must first be literate to opportate a computer and this is a huge part of the digital divide.
Our known landscape is changing rapidly and it is important for teachers to understand where technology is now and where it will be going in the future. Teacher Education could be a huge leadership role in the tech inclusion movement. We need to ask ourselves, "What is our responsibility?" By the year 2015, 15-35 million teachers will be needed, and 2/3 of that number will be in developing countries. Teacher shortages are occuring everywhere. This is not so much of a recruitment problem, but a retention problem.
3.) Infinite Thinking Machine
Episode Title: And the Walls Come Tumbling Down
Episode Number: ITM 6
Date:3/29/07
Reflection:
Their is much talk about sites such as myspace and facebook that adults use as social networking tools, but there are many other (safe and kid friendly) sites such as Club Penguin that children can enjoy using as well. Myspace is the biggest social networking site out there, within myspace, members can enjoy music, videos, articles, and many other aspects within the site. A website called "Taking IT Global" is also a good tool for teachers to use where they can join in projects digitally. In recent years, teachers have shifted to using programs such as Moodle and Blackboard with their students. These programs can be an exchange between teacher and student with podcasts, blogs, and other digital projects. Teachers also have the opportunity to join an online community to collaborate with other teachers in their profession. It is said that 1% of an online community design and opporate the system, 10% participate within the system, and the remaining percent observe and use the information from the system. These online communities are a great opportunity for professional development and are easily accessible.
Episode Title: Tips for Controlling Noise
Episode Number: 21
Date: 4/1/06
Reflection:
It is often hard to escape the clatter and noise in active, learning classrooms because students and learning tend to be messy and load. There are measures that teachers can take to help eliminate some of the excess noises that are recorded in the background of their podcasts. First, teachers can express to their students their concern about their noise level and how it is affecting the podcast being generated. Teachers can do a test by having a student record a podcast while two other students are talking in the background to help show and illustrate the idea that it is important to be quiet while others are recording. A signal is often a good approach to quietting students down. For instance, shouting out "Voice Over!" could be the universal signal for students to be quiet because podcasting is being done. Also, trying separating podcasting recording students into different rooms is a good idea. The further you can separate recording students the better, but often teachers only have one lab to do the podcasting in. Teachers could also designate time slots for their students to take turns recording. Also, the microphones that are built into the macintosh computers pick up sound from all directions, so an external microphone could be a good investment.
2.) Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: The Changing Landscape of the Global Digital Divide: Opportunities and Challenges for Teacher Education
Episode Number: 143
Date: 4/2/07
Reflection:
The Digital Divide occurs between developed countries and developing countries, or the haves and have nots in regard to access to hardware and the internet. This digital divide is only a small part in a much broader social and economic divide. There is also a Knowledge Divide occuring between developed and developing countries. This is important to understand because access to computer hardware and the internet will not guarantee that people will be able to opporate it. Worldwide, 25 % of women are not literate, and males have a slightly lower percentage. The literacy gap is huge between women and men especially within Arab states and desert countries. People must first be literate to opportate a computer and this is a huge part of the digital divide.
Our known landscape is changing rapidly and it is important for teachers to understand where technology is now and where it will be going in the future. Teacher Education could be a huge leadership role in the tech inclusion movement. We need to ask ourselves, "What is our responsibility?" By the year 2015, 15-35 million teachers will be needed, and 2/3 of that number will be in developing countries. Teacher shortages are occuring everywhere. This is not so much of a recruitment problem, but a retention problem.
3.) Infinite Thinking Machine
Episode Title: And the Walls Come Tumbling Down
Episode Number: ITM 6
Date:3/29/07
Reflection:
Their is much talk about sites such as myspace and facebook that adults use as social networking tools, but there are many other (safe and kid friendly) sites such as Club Penguin that children can enjoy using as well. Myspace is the biggest social networking site out there, within myspace, members can enjoy music, videos, articles, and many other aspects within the site. A website called "Taking IT Global" is also a good tool for teachers to use where they can join in projects digitally. In recent years, teachers have shifted to using programs such as Moodle and Blackboard with their students. These programs can be an exchange between teacher and student with podcasts, blogs, and other digital projects. Teachers also have the opportunity to join an online community to collaborate with other teachers in their profession. It is said that 1% of an online community design and opporate the system, 10% participate within the system, and the remaining percent observe and use the information from the system. These online communities are a great opportunity for professional development and are easily accessible.
Week 13 Article Reviews
Article Title: A Digital Decade
Source: Technology Counts '07
Web Link: http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2007/03/29/30intro.h26.html
Reflection:
Technology is becoming such an intricle part of society as well as in our schools. This last decade has especially focused in on technology and its various uses and opportunities. Billions of dollars are being spent each year to prepare schools for tomorrow's technological demands and challenges. Much of the focus of this money is geared towards equipping schools for the internet and technology. I think that billions of dollars should be spent on technology in school systems. Our industies and economics are now driven and carried out through the use of technology and we as teachers not only need to be teaching our students about history and the arts, etc, but also equipping them to be entering into the work force as productive members of society. Disadvantaged schools (schools with very few resources and money) have been left behind in this technology shift, but the federal government has created an "education rate" or "E-rate" program that provides discounts on technology for disadvantaged schools. This has been wonderful for these school districts, and the gap between high-income and low-income schools in perspective to technology access and knowledge has been narrowing.
Article Title: More Students Getting Laptops Instead of Textbooks. "Louisiana High School Becomes Latest to Switch to an All-Digital Curriculum"
Source: eSchool News staff and wire service reports
Web Link: http://www.eschoolnews.org/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=6998
Reflection:
I personally find this push towards an all-digital curriculum kind of scary. Perhaps, that is because I grew up in a technology emersing society and not a technology driven society that we are approaching. I fully support the use of technology in classrooms, but I also think that there is a point at which school systems should not cross. For example, I believe that students should learn how to multiply and divide as well as learn the functions of a calculator. I also believe that students should learn to write in print and in cursive as well as learn how to type. I do see the advantages of replacing text books with laptops though. Schools would not have to buy books every year and the information would always be up to date. Students would also have a wide variety and sources of information. Overall, I believe that this shift from texts books to laptops is beneficial, but I just hope that some of the basic curriculum in the classroom is enforced.
Article: Beginning Teachers' Technology Use: First-Year Teacher Development and the Institutional Context's Affect on New Teachers' Instructional Technology Use with Students
Source: Journal of Research on Technology in Education, Jon M. Clausen
Web Link: NONE... paper copy
Reflection:
There is an on-going student regarding teacher development and technology usage with students. The two questions that drive this study are: How did the first year development of two beginning teachers affect their technology use with students? and How did the existing institutional context affect technology use with students?
As I was reading this arcticle, I picked out the section that most related to my feelings: First-Year Teaching. I agree that a teacher's development process includes their own K-12 experience, their college experience, and student teaching experience. I thought that it was interesting to read that within the first years, teachers go through a period of survival, discovery, adaptation, and learning. I know that when I receive my first teaching job I will be struggling to keep up with the veteran teachers and to prove myself as an educator. I think that once I get the hang of things I will then discover things about myself as a teacher and about my students, then I will adapt and learn from my experiences.
My eyes were really opened while reading a response from Patricia, "I didn't realize that it never stops. You never get a break, even when you are eating lunch, even when you don't have recess duty, it's not like free time, there is always something to think about or something that you can do, and basically...your role as a teacher only stops when you want it to." WOW! I know that my role as a college student preparing to become a teacher never stops, there is always something to think about or do. I can't even imagine the stress that will come along with having my first professional role. I'm excited though, it's that drive and energy that will keep me going and within my profession.
The conclusion of this study resulted in discussing how teacher development is a process and just as teachers become more confident in their roles as educators, they will feel more confident while incorporating technology into their curriculum.
Source: Technology Counts '07
Web Link: http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2007/03/29/30intro.h26.html
Reflection:
Technology is becoming such an intricle part of society as well as in our schools. This last decade has especially focused in on technology and its various uses and opportunities. Billions of dollars are being spent each year to prepare schools for tomorrow's technological demands and challenges. Much of the focus of this money is geared towards equipping schools for the internet and technology. I think that billions of dollars should be spent on technology in school systems. Our industies and economics are now driven and carried out through the use of technology and we as teachers not only need to be teaching our students about history and the arts, etc, but also equipping them to be entering into the work force as productive members of society. Disadvantaged schools (schools with very few resources and money) have been left behind in this technology shift, but the federal government has created an "education rate" or "E-rate" program that provides discounts on technology for disadvantaged schools. This has been wonderful for these school districts, and the gap between high-income and low-income schools in perspective to technology access and knowledge has been narrowing.
Article Title: More Students Getting Laptops Instead of Textbooks. "Louisiana High School Becomes Latest to Switch to an All-Digital Curriculum"
Source: eSchool News staff and wire service reports
Web Link: http://www.eschoolnews.org/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=6998
Reflection:
I personally find this push towards an all-digital curriculum kind of scary. Perhaps, that is because I grew up in a technology emersing society and not a technology driven society that we are approaching. I fully support the use of technology in classrooms, but I also think that there is a point at which school systems should not cross. For example, I believe that students should learn how to multiply and divide as well as learn the functions of a calculator. I also believe that students should learn to write in print and in cursive as well as learn how to type. I do see the advantages of replacing text books with laptops though. Schools would not have to buy books every year and the information would always be up to date. Students would also have a wide variety and sources of information. Overall, I believe that this shift from texts books to laptops is beneficial, but I just hope that some of the basic curriculum in the classroom is enforced.
Article: Beginning Teachers' Technology Use: First-Year Teacher Development and the Institutional Context's Affect on New Teachers' Instructional Technology Use with Students
Source: Journal of Research on Technology in Education, Jon M. Clausen
Web Link: NONE... paper copy
Reflection:
There is an on-going student regarding teacher development and technology usage with students. The two questions that drive this study are: How did the first year development of two beginning teachers affect their technology use with students? and How did the existing institutional context affect technology use with students?
As I was reading this arcticle, I picked out the section that most related to my feelings: First-Year Teaching. I agree that a teacher's development process includes their own K-12 experience, their college experience, and student teaching experience. I thought that it was interesting to read that within the first years, teachers go through a period of survival, discovery, adaptation, and learning. I know that when I receive my first teaching job I will be struggling to keep up with the veteran teachers and to prove myself as an educator. I think that once I get the hang of things I will then discover things about myself as a teacher and about my students, then I will adapt and learn from my experiences.
My eyes were really opened while reading a response from Patricia, "I didn't realize that it never stops. You never get a break, even when you are eating lunch, even when you don't have recess duty, it's not like free time, there is always something to think about or something that you can do, and basically...your role as a teacher only stops when you want it to." WOW! I know that my role as a college student preparing to become a teacher never stops, there is always something to think about or do. I can't even imagine the stress that will come along with having my first professional role. I'm excited though, it's that drive and energy that will keep me going and within my profession.
The conclusion of this study resulted in discussing how teacher development is a process and just as teachers become more confident in their roles as educators, they will feel more confident while incorporating technology into their curriculum.
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