Monday, August 10, 2009

Sketchfu Wiki: NETS-T III & V


Here is a wiki i created exploring the use of the online tool Sketchfu.

Copyright: NETS-T IV

EDu422copyright
Here is a copyright assignment I did exploring copyright laws regarding what can and cannot be used in the classroom in terms of incorporating other individuals work. I used google docs to create this document.

Powerpoint Presentation: NETS-T III

edu422powerpoint
This is a short presentation I created using Microsoft Powerpoint exploring ISTE's NETS for students.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Journal 9: Science + Technology = Creativity (and Fun)

Smith, Ben; Mader, Jared (August, 2009). Science + Technology = Creativity (and Fun!). Learning and Leading in Technology. Retrieved on August 8, 2009 from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=August_No_1_2&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4363&ContentID=23906&DirectListComboInd=D

In this article the authors explore how to incorporate technology more into science curriculum in a creative way. The first step in this process is to give the kids the tools they need. That is provide them with microphones, digital cameras, camcorders, and probeware. teach kids how to use these tools through introductory lessons and then build up from there. The next step is to make sure you give the students the time to learn and explore the uses of the new technological equipment. Once the students display command over the equipment the start the final step, which is to be a little more vague with how these tools should be used in projects. Make the students take what they have learned and then implement them in new situations.

Is it important to incorporate technologies into science lesson plans?
Of coarse! For the students who are already interested in science it will provide them with a more rich and diversified learning experience and for students who don't really enjoy science it will give them reason to be more interested in the projects if you incorporate a technology they enjoy.

Should these methods be transfered to all subjects?
I think it is a great idea to incorporate technological tools into every subject matter in school as it will provide students with a more varied learning experience. Also incorporating more technology into every subject we as teachers provide valuable knowledge on not just how to use technology, but how to use technology with proper citizenship.

Journal 8: Choosing the Perfect Tools for One-to-One

Bouterse, Brian; Corn, Jenifer O.; Halstead, Elizabeth 0. (August, 2009) Choosing the Perfect Tools for One-to-One. Learning and Leading with Technology. Retrieved on August 7, 2009 from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/AugustNo1/37115t.pdf

This article explores how teachers and administrators should go about the incorporation of laptop programs in their schools. There are six major considerations that teachers and administrators should think about when considering a one-to-one laptop program. These considerations are the purpose of the technology need, the operating system needed, applications needed, content needs, peripheral device needs, and robustness needs. Other things to think about when considering the implementation of a laptop program is the purchase price of the technology, the support needed to use and maintain this product, the professional development for employees unfamiliar with the new technology, networking and connectivity costs, software needed, replacements costs, and retrofitting costs. All these aspects play into the total cost of ownership (TCO) which is an important piece of implementing a laptop program.

Is implementing one-to-one laptop programs really feasible in public schools?
As of right now I don't think it is economically feasible to have one-to-one laptop programs on a widespread basis. But, the knowledge is there and with time costs will drop. So it is really important to be discussing this issue because as laptop technology become more affordable the importance of integrating them into every classroom will drastically rise.

What does this article tell us about one-to-one laptop program initiatives?
It showed me the complex nature of trying to implement a one-to-one program in a school. Initially I only considered the cost of the actual equipment, but there are so many other facets to creating a one-to-on program in a school. Its not just how much the computers cost, but the cost of maintaining these computer, properly using them, and teaching the teachers how to use the computers and their software, and much more that goes into the creation of a one-to-one laptop program.

Journal 7: Beyond Social Networking

Reynard, Ruth (July 15, 2009). Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities. Retrieved on August 7, 2009 from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2009/07/15/Beyond-Social-Networking-Building-Toward-Learning-Communities.aspx?Page=1

This article explores the benefits of social networking technologies in education. Incorporating social networking technologies, such as facebook, into the curriculum provides students with advanced ways to share information and create networks. Students can form groups to work on projects, where they can work, edit, and critique each others work promoting digital citizenship and group cooperation. Also, incorporating social networking sites into curriculum will provide important technological skills that will help them in many facets of life, such as being able to create an online portfolio for a professional opportunity. But, as a teacher one cannot become too friendly with students through the incorporation of social networking technologies. This can come off as creepy and turn off students towards involvement with these social networking tools. Teachers can be nice, but must manage how they incorporate these tools into curriculum.

Is it possible for teachers with less experience with computers to be able to incorporate social networking tools into their class?
I feel that social networking tools like facebook are pretty user friendly and easy to use. Anyone in the field of education knows how to use microsoft word and using facebook is no more difficult. These social networking tools are designed to be easy to understand and use and with a little effort anyone should be able to incorporate them into their classrooms.

How should teachers incorporate social networking sites?
Teachers should definitely not be friends with a student on a website like facebook. Incorporating a class blog or a class facebook account would be a great idea, but crossing the boundary of personal life and professional life on the part of the teacher should not be crossed.

Journal 6: Don't Feed the Trolls

Richardson, K. W. (2008, May). Don't Feed the Trolls. Learning and Leading with Technology, 35, Retrieved August 7, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=May_No_7_&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=3972&ContentID=20817&DirectListComboInd=D

Don't Feed the Trolls is an article on how to use a blog to teach civil discourse. Student should be taught the basic guidelines on how to behave in online settings and one general rule for online discourse is do not personally attack some one. Some other basic guidelines this article went over; use ‘I’ statements to make it clear that you are speaking for yourself, don’t use name calling, avoid labeling groups of people, discuss ideas-not people, don’t respond to provocations, stay on topic, be willing to really listen to points of view that are different from your own, recognizing that others are allowed to have opinions different from yours, realize that what you say and what others thinks you said may be two different things, if there is a misunderstanding, try to clarify your position. But, even with these guidelines, simply letting your students know about them is not enough to enforce these values. Teachers should provide examples of proper discourse not just in online settings, but also in day-to-day, face-to-face settings. Also, self-monitoring should be promoted by encouraging student reflection. Before publishing something in a blog students should think, “If you think you shouldn’t do something, then you probably shouldn’t.” Blog’s that are incorporated into a curriculum provide good opportunities at evaluating and engaging in civil discourse. They can help reinforce the notion that people might not always agree on a subject – but if they do disagree they do so civilly.

What is a troll and how should you deal with one?
A troll is a person who posts rude or offensive messages on the internet, such as in an online forum, to disrupt discussion or upset its participants. The best thing you can do when dealing with a troll is to just ignore them. Responding to their comments only adds fuel to the fire.

Why is public discourse so important?
Public discourse is important, because it is the foundation of democratic society. People who practice good public discourse are better equipped to function as active members of their communities because they will know how to converse with a wide array of people with varying views.