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.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
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.
Friday, March 30, 2007
3 Podcast Reflections for week of March 25-31
1.) Kidcast
Dan Schmidt
Episode Title: Photo Story and Jodix
Episode #: 39
Episode Date: 3/23/07
This podcast episode dealt with creating visual podcasts on Windows XP through the use of a free downloadable program called "Microsoft Photo Story". Podcasting tends to be Macintosh geared and this episode illustrated how avid Microsoft users could also join the podcasting trend. Within this program, users can download real photographs, order the slides, crop, make color corrections, and record audio just like with programs such as audacity and garage band. You would have to purchase or borrow a microphone though. The user of Microsoft Photo Story can also hit each photo, determine how long you want to speak, and this determines how long your photos will show. There are limitations with this program though, when exporting the files you have to save them as .wmv files and this restricts your formatting to microsoft land. Also, something to consider, is that .wmv files are not playable on itunes (where many people go to listen to podcasts). There is a program called "Jodix" that is also a free downloadable feature on Windows, that will convert these files into a .mp4 format, so that they can be put into itunes.
2.) Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Wesley Fryer
Episode Title: Science and Math Videos on a Purple COW (Curriculum on Wheels)
Episode #: 140
Episode Date: 3/17/07
This podcast episode dealt with a video transmitting stand alone device that is a big purple box that can be wheeled around the classroom. Teachers interested in the Purple COW can visit an Ignite Learning Site to learn more about it. This device is used to download video clip offline and show them to students without any interruption in the streaming. I have become very aware of streaming interruptions in united streaming because when I conducted my formal observation, I had a video clip picked out from united streaming that I wanted to show my students. My video clip worked at first, but it kept stopping and making weird sounds, and then all of the sudden it stopped. I had to delete that whole section out of my formal observation lesson plan because I did not want to waste anymore time messing with the video clip. I had a feeling that I would never get it to work properly at that time, so I just moved on to my next activity. If I had access to a device, such as the purple cow, than I could have downloaded that particular video offline in advance, and would not have had to worry about an interruption in the streaming process. Through listening to this podcast, I also learned that the reason why video clips interrupt, make weird sounds, or quit out completely is because that site or video clip was heavily trafficed at that time, and that makes the stream unreadable. These big purple COWs are very teacher friendly and cost around $1,800 dollars (with projector included). That sounds like a lot of money, but perhaps fundrives or other fund raising methods could make the purchase more accessible. The possibilities with these devices are boundless and they are especially useful in math and science classes.
3.) Tech Integration Podcast
John Lien
Episode Title: Nettrekker Timeline
Episode #: 013
Episode Date: 1/25/07
This podcast dealt with creating a Nettrekker Timeline. First you must log in to Nettrekker, click on Timeline underneath features. A whole list of categories will come up or you can choose to create your own timeline. If you do not wish to create your own, choose a topic. In the demonstration, John Lien choose U.S. History. The time line was from 1400's to 2008, that is a lot of time, and it needs to be narrowed down. To narrow it down, there will be different Topic Titles to click on. In the demonstration, John Lien choose to narrow it down to The American Revolution. Do not click on the link, but rather select the box next to the title of your choice. You can also layer the timelines, to do this click on layer, and a list of other subjects will appear. In the demonstration, John Lien selected Chemistry, and in the timeline now are all of the inovations, discoveries, and people dealing with Chemistry during the American Revolution. These timelines could be very beneficial if used in classrooms. I could foresee using them for many different subject areas and not just Social Studies. They can be used as a resource for integrating other subject areas very easily. You can also save the timelines that you create to access them at a later date by clicking save as.
Dan Schmidt
Episode Title: Photo Story and Jodix
Episode #: 39
Episode Date: 3/23/07
This podcast episode dealt with creating visual podcasts on Windows XP through the use of a free downloadable program called "Microsoft Photo Story". Podcasting tends to be Macintosh geared and this episode illustrated how avid Microsoft users could also join the podcasting trend. Within this program, users can download real photographs, order the slides, crop, make color corrections, and record audio just like with programs such as audacity and garage band. You would have to purchase or borrow a microphone though. The user of Microsoft Photo Story can also hit each photo, determine how long you want to speak, and this determines how long your photos will show. There are limitations with this program though, when exporting the files you have to save them as .wmv files and this restricts your formatting to microsoft land. Also, something to consider, is that .wmv files are not playable on itunes (where many people go to listen to podcasts). There is a program called "Jodix" that is also a free downloadable feature on Windows, that will convert these files into a .mp4 format, so that they can be put into itunes.
2.) Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Wesley Fryer
Episode Title: Science and Math Videos on a Purple COW (Curriculum on Wheels)
Episode #: 140
Episode Date: 3/17/07
This podcast episode dealt with a video transmitting stand alone device that is a big purple box that can be wheeled around the classroom. Teachers interested in the Purple COW can visit an Ignite Learning Site to learn more about it. This device is used to download video clip offline and show them to students without any interruption in the streaming. I have become very aware of streaming interruptions in united streaming because when I conducted my formal observation, I had a video clip picked out from united streaming that I wanted to show my students. My video clip worked at first, but it kept stopping and making weird sounds, and then all of the sudden it stopped. I had to delete that whole section out of my formal observation lesson plan because I did not want to waste anymore time messing with the video clip. I had a feeling that I would never get it to work properly at that time, so I just moved on to my next activity. If I had access to a device, such as the purple cow, than I could have downloaded that particular video offline in advance, and would not have had to worry about an interruption in the streaming process. Through listening to this podcast, I also learned that the reason why video clips interrupt, make weird sounds, or quit out completely is because that site or video clip was heavily trafficed at that time, and that makes the stream unreadable. These big purple COWs are very teacher friendly and cost around $1,800 dollars (with projector included). That sounds like a lot of money, but perhaps fundrives or other fund raising methods could make the purchase more accessible. The possibilities with these devices are boundless and they are especially useful in math and science classes.
3.) Tech Integration Podcast
John Lien
Episode Title: Nettrekker Timeline
Episode #: 013
Episode Date: 1/25/07
This podcast dealt with creating a Nettrekker Timeline. First you must log in to Nettrekker, click on Timeline underneath features. A whole list of categories will come up or you can choose to create your own timeline. If you do not wish to create your own, choose a topic. In the demonstration, John Lien choose U.S. History. The time line was from 1400's to 2008, that is a lot of time, and it needs to be narrowed down. To narrow it down, there will be different Topic Titles to click on. In the demonstration, John Lien choose to narrow it down to The American Revolution. Do not click on the link, but rather select the box next to the title of your choice. You can also layer the timelines, to do this click on layer, and a list of other subjects will appear. In the demonstration, John Lien selected Chemistry, and in the timeline now are all of the inovations, discoveries, and people dealing with Chemistry during the American Revolution. These timelines could be very beneficial if used in classrooms. I could foresee using them for many different subject areas and not just Social Studies. They can be used as a resource for integrating other subject areas very easily. You can also save the timelines that you create to access them at a later date by clicking save as.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Montreal Board Teaches Tech to Teachers (by Karen Seidman, The Gazette, March 22, 2007)
The Lester B, Pearson School Board has recently decided to switch gears and spend money on educating teachers on how to use technology rather than just buying hardware. I think that this is a great idea because how effective will new hardware be if teachers don't know how to use it? I think that as technology changes, teachers should be forced, or at least given the option to attend workshops to keep them up to date. I think that older teachers have a tendency to be scared of using technology. If schools put all teachers in workshops to help them, then these teachers would become more comfortable with using and implementing technology into their classrooms. Also, the new white boards that were mentioned in the article are really cool. I've only seen one used before, and that was briefly as I was passing down a school's hallway. I am very interested in what they can all do and how they can be used. Hopefully the school in which I am employed with will have a few to use so that I might hopefully use one in my classroom. I am curious about them because I have not been exposed to them in any of my internships or in any of my methods courses.
Parents, Teachers, Kids Speak Up On Ed Teach (Communication, access are important to students; most parents believe technology is underused in schools
by Justin Appel, Assistant Editor, eSchool News
This is the second year in a row in which results of a survey have suggested that students and teachers desire to have more technology usage in schools. Also, an overwhelming 97% of students, but only 50% of teachers think that cell phones should be allowed in schools for emergencies and for connecting with parents. I personally do not support the idea of using cell phones in schools because they are too much of a distraction and are too tempting to use for texting with friends. I also think that it is really interesting that students polled said that they used technology the most to communicate with friends and people from all over the world. This influx of communication has altered the meaning of "friend". Who knows what other terms will be altered or even new words coined as technology advances throughout the years. I think that it is sad that younger grades have reported that there is not enough access to computers and technology. I believe that computers and technology should be very much a part of lower level classrooms because at this age they soak up information like a sponge and at this stage of life they are laying the foundation of knowledge for upcoming years.
This is the second year in a row in which results of a survey have suggested that students and teachers desire to have more technology usage in schools. Also, an overwhelming 97% of students, but only 50% of teachers think that cell phones should be allowed in schools for emergencies and for connecting with parents. I personally do not support the idea of using cell phones in schools because they are too much of a distraction and are too tempting to use for texting with friends. I also think that it is really interesting that students polled said that they used technology the most to communicate with friends and people from all over the world. This influx of communication has altered the meaning of "friend". Who knows what other terms will be altered or even new words coined as technology advances throughout the years. I think that it is sad that younger grades have reported that there is not enough access to computers and technology. I believe that computers and technology should be very much a part of lower level classrooms because at this age they soak up information like a sponge and at this stage of life they are laying the foundation of knowledge for upcoming years.
White House 2008: Myspace sets itself up as a hub for young voters
WOW! This article was so interesting to me because i have a myspace account. After reading this article, I went to the Impact Button on the Myspace site and found that what the article said was true. I had no idea that myspace even had presidential candidates, that's so cool. This could potentially be a great way for young, (and even older) adults to become more familiar with presidental candidates and to learn more about who they are and what they stand for. This just goes to show how digital and technical our society is becoming when even political figures have myspace accounts. Because MySpace is the country's most trafficed website political figures can potentially reach millions of people and sway their opinion and even their vote one way or another.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)