Journal #9
Vamos a los Oscar
This article was written by Kathryn S. Land a High School Spanish teacher who created an online class dedicated to film helping Spanish students. This is web-based learning designed around films. This is designed to motivate speakers in their third year of the program. The goal is to approach this in a new refreshing way that motivates students to learn and speak in another language. This allowed the creator, Kathryn S. Land to assess her students both informally and formally. This is a relatively new program so there will likely be drawbacks, but to me it sounds like the benefits will far outweigh any setbacks. Living in southern California where there is a heavy population of Hispanics I strongly support any such programs that increase Spanish speaking, and learning.
Question # 1: If not through film, what is another good way for learning Spanish?
Answer: I think film is such a good way to learn because you can sense emotions and pick up on themes. I also think full immersion programs are helpful because they force you to learn. Live or die, sink or swim appeal.
Question # 2: Will this program be a success?
Answer: That is hard to say I do think it has a chance to be successful it has already received much attention. I do though think in order to last it needs support from either the community or district.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Journal # 8
Journal #8
Online Learning in Harmony
This article is about teaching methods, written by Kimberley Ketterer who talks about behaviorist constructionist methods. Pre-Internet days it was evident a teacher was either one or the other. Now with emphasis on the Internet the teaching method can actually be a combination of the two. Behaviorist teaching methods are based on “Passive Learning” where students learn through practice and repetition. While Constructionist teaching is based on “Interactive Learning.” Now thanks to the Internet students can benefit more from being exposed to both methods of learning better preparing them for the real world.
Question 1: Behaviorists and Constructionists can now coexist in peace, why did it take the Internet to make this possible?
Answer: Thanks to the Internet and valuable websites that are designed for education students are exposed to all sorts of teaching styles and methods. Now classrooms are supported by technology and students learn from this technology.
Question 2: Which method is better? Behaviorists or constructionists?
Answer: I don’t believe that one is better than the other, but I do think that one is better for a particular person than the other. Everyone has a learning style or technique and it is good to see the individual and not just a student. It is up to teachers to find ways to get through to their students and some may be visual learners while others are more structured. Ultimately it is wrong to say one is better than the other, and right to say one is better for me.
Online Learning in Harmony
This article is about teaching methods, written by Kimberley Ketterer who talks about behaviorist constructionist methods. Pre-Internet days it was evident a teacher was either one or the other. Now with emphasis on the Internet the teaching method can actually be a combination of the two. Behaviorist teaching methods are based on “Passive Learning” where students learn through practice and repetition. While Constructionist teaching is based on “Interactive Learning.” Now thanks to the Internet students can benefit more from being exposed to both methods of learning better preparing them for the real world.
Question 1: Behaviorists and Constructionists can now coexist in peace, why did it take the Internet to make this possible?
Answer: Thanks to the Internet and valuable websites that are designed for education students are exposed to all sorts of teaching styles and methods. Now classrooms are supported by technology and students learn from this technology.
Question 2: Which method is better? Behaviorists or constructionists?
Answer: I don’t believe that one is better than the other, but I do think that one is better for a particular person than the other. Everyone has a learning style or technique and it is good to see the individual and not just a student. It is up to teachers to find ways to get through to their students and some may be visual learners while others are more structured. Ultimately it is wrong to say one is better than the other, and right to say one is better for me.
Journal # 7
Journal #7
Technology Integration, What Happens Now?
This is an article written by Linda Merillat, Jennifer Holvoet, and Doug Adams about integrating technology into the classroom. Our society is so dependent on technology from cell phones to the Internet that our classrooms are trying to keep up. There was once funding in the past, but now that money is needed elsewhere. There is a program called R*TEC (Regional Technology in Education Consortia) with the original intent to “help state schools, districts, and other educational institutions implement advanced technologies to improve teaching and student achievement.” The article goes on about resources still available to help schools integrate technology into the classroom. No matter how prepared classrooms are technology is constantly advancing and in many ways it is a matter of schools keeping up with these advances that will make a difference.
Question 1: Does Technology inside the classroom truly make a difference in a students overall success?
Answer: I would like to think that if a classroom is not equipped with a computer that it would not make a difference in the success of students, but it may be somewhat hurtful. The more kids are around technology the better that they comprehend it. I wish every school had a state of the art computer lab, but as we read in this article the finances are not available.
Question 2: Rather than having a computer for every class what is another way to help catch schools up technologically?
Answer: I think that a media center, or computer lab where classes alternated days would be beneficial to the students, but it just wouldn’t be enough. I doubt that one day a week would make much impact unless it was more consistent.
Technology Integration, What Happens Now?
This is an article written by Linda Merillat, Jennifer Holvoet, and Doug Adams about integrating technology into the classroom. Our society is so dependent on technology from cell phones to the Internet that our classrooms are trying to keep up. There was once funding in the past, but now that money is needed elsewhere. There is a program called R*TEC (Regional Technology in Education Consortia) with the original intent to “help state schools, districts, and other educational institutions implement advanced technologies to improve teaching and student achievement.” The article goes on about resources still available to help schools integrate technology into the classroom. No matter how prepared classrooms are technology is constantly advancing and in many ways it is a matter of schools keeping up with these advances that will make a difference.
Question 1: Does Technology inside the classroom truly make a difference in a students overall success?
Answer: I would like to think that if a classroom is not equipped with a computer that it would not make a difference in the success of students, but it may be somewhat hurtful. The more kids are around technology the better that they comprehend it. I wish every school had a state of the art computer lab, but as we read in this article the finances are not available.
Question 2: Rather than having a computer for every class what is another way to help catch schools up technologically?
Answer: I think that a media center, or computer lab where classes alternated days would be beneficial to the students, but it just wouldn’t be enough. I doubt that one day a week would make much impact unless it was more consistent.
Journal #6
Journal #6
Social Justice Choice or Necessity?
This is an article about social justice and instructional technology used in classrooms. The article was written by Colleen Swain and David Edyburn who collaboratively discuss the need for students to become technologically fluent. The article goes on and I found it interesting that in order to be successful in demonstrating social justice in technology in the classroom it must meet five standards to be equitably implemented. First, it must be available. Second, it must be used routinely. Third, it must be used in ways that reflect real-world applications of interest, complexity, and power. Fourth, it must be used to enhance learning opportunities for all students. And finally, it must be used to monitor teacher/student progress over time. All in all we as future teachers will be using technology inside our classrooms to some extent. I feel the more kids are exposed to learning computer skills the better off they will be. The article also highlights on the shift in using technology once they are out of school and I for one know first hand how crucial it is to be fluent on a computer for college and other day to day activities.
Question 1: What happens when we no longer use a pencil and paper…? Are we shifting to a paperless education for schools?
Answer: I doubt we will ever be entirely paperless, however it is absolutely shifting to less and less paper work turned in. More is being done strictly online. I think this is good for the environment, but being a little “old school” I like to see the work done on paper and a bit online perhaps a balance of the two.
Question 2: The article discusses learning who does not have access to computers and telling them where they can use one outside of school. Is this a fair way around not having Internet access at home?
Answer: NO! I don’t think it would be enough to just tell a child where the nearest public library is. It should be more equitable and a teacher should designate computer lab hours to those students.
Social Justice Choice or Necessity?
This is an article about social justice and instructional technology used in classrooms. The article was written by Colleen Swain and David Edyburn who collaboratively discuss the need for students to become technologically fluent. The article goes on and I found it interesting that in order to be successful in demonstrating social justice in technology in the classroom it must meet five standards to be equitably implemented. First, it must be available. Second, it must be used routinely. Third, it must be used in ways that reflect real-world applications of interest, complexity, and power. Fourth, it must be used to enhance learning opportunities for all students. And finally, it must be used to monitor teacher/student progress over time. All in all we as future teachers will be using technology inside our classrooms to some extent. I feel the more kids are exposed to learning computer skills the better off they will be. The article also highlights on the shift in using technology once they are out of school and I for one know first hand how crucial it is to be fluent on a computer for college and other day to day activities.
Question 1: What happens when we no longer use a pencil and paper…? Are we shifting to a paperless education for schools?
Answer: I doubt we will ever be entirely paperless, however it is absolutely shifting to less and less paper work turned in. More is being done strictly online. I think this is good for the environment, but being a little “old school” I like to see the work done on paper and a bit online perhaps a balance of the two.
Question 2: The article discusses learning who does not have access to computers and telling them where they can use one outside of school. Is this a fair way around not having Internet access at home?
Answer: NO! I don’t think it would be enough to just tell a child where the nearest public library is. It should be more equitable and a teacher should designate computer lab hours to those students.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Journal #4
Journal #4
From Toy to Tool, Audioblogging with Cell Phones
This article written by Liz Kolb is about using cell phones in the classroom. She toys with the idea that cell phones can be used as active and engaging tools for students. She used to want to ban cell phones from classrooms, but over time has accepted them. She believes cell phones can be used as learning tools for constructing knowledge, creating blogs, collecting and storing data, and developing multimedia projects. Anyone can audioblog from anywhere and at any time making this a very accessible tool. The article even gives step-by-step instructions on how audioblog leaving it virtually impossible to fail at. The idea she has is for interviews and recording sounds then posting them from your cell phone and later adding images or creating a video. Of course there are concerns, copyright issues, cost issues, and control issues tied to audioblogging. A concern is student privacy since once these blogs are published they become public access. So it would be recommended to upgrade service, or use an alias.
Question #1 Is this a good idea, not all students have cell phones?
Answer: I don’t particularly like this audioblogging idea for students, I think that kids use cell phones as a social device and should be kept that way. Also not all kids have or should have cell phones. In the article she suggests applying for grants to get a couple of class cell phones so that would be a better idea than allowing kids to have their phones during class time.
Question #2 By audioblogging in the classroom would teachers be giving up too much control?
Answer: Yes, students should not be allowed free access to their phones during class time. They would be tempted to text and play around rather than use them as constructive tools.
From Toy to Tool, Audioblogging with Cell Phones
This article written by Liz Kolb is about using cell phones in the classroom. She toys with the idea that cell phones can be used as active and engaging tools for students. She used to want to ban cell phones from classrooms, but over time has accepted them. She believes cell phones can be used as learning tools for constructing knowledge, creating blogs, collecting and storing data, and developing multimedia projects. Anyone can audioblog from anywhere and at any time making this a very accessible tool. The article even gives step-by-step instructions on how audioblog leaving it virtually impossible to fail at. The idea she has is for interviews and recording sounds then posting them from your cell phone and later adding images or creating a video. Of course there are concerns, copyright issues, cost issues, and control issues tied to audioblogging. A concern is student privacy since once these blogs are published they become public access. So it would be recommended to upgrade service, or use an alias.
Question #1 Is this a good idea, not all students have cell phones?
Answer: I don’t particularly like this audioblogging idea for students, I think that kids use cell phones as a social device and should be kept that way. Also not all kids have or should have cell phones. In the article she suggests applying for grants to get a couple of class cell phones so that would be a better idea than allowing kids to have their phones during class time.
Question #2 By audioblogging in the classroom would teachers be giving up too much control?
Answer: Yes, students should not be allowed free access to their phones during class time. They would be tempted to text and play around rather than use them as constructive tools.
Journal #3
Journal #3
Video in the Age of Participation
This article was written by Glen Bull is about incorporating videos from online into the classroom. That digital video is the next frontier in our technology driven world. There are programs available to teachers that are keyed to content area and grade level and are in accordance to state standards. More and more people are viewing videos on You Tube and other online video sites so this is also transitioning into the classroom where teachers have long used movies and videos. Now reputable sources like National Geographic and PBS have videos and clips teachers can use as effective learning tools themselves. Discovery Educators Network AKA DEN provides teachers and students the ability to edit and remix licensed unitedstreaming content.
Question #1 Should students have permission from their parents to view videos in the classroom?
Answer: This is a yes and no answer because if it is say PG rated then no I think it is ok for students to see it. However if it is PG13 or worse then I believe parents should be informed so they can decide if they are ok with it or not. Some parents and families have stricter rules and don’t want their kids viewing graphic images and we as teachers have to respect that.
Question #2 Why should only DEN Star members have access to remixed and edited works?
Answer: I think all members should have access to these remixed and edited works because if it was useful to one teacher then it likely would be useful to another. So to me I think it is silly that only DEN Star members get allowed access to these pieces.
Video in the Age of Participation
This article was written by Glen Bull is about incorporating videos from online into the classroom. That digital video is the next frontier in our technology driven world. There are programs available to teachers that are keyed to content area and grade level and are in accordance to state standards. More and more people are viewing videos on You Tube and other online video sites so this is also transitioning into the classroom where teachers have long used movies and videos. Now reputable sources like National Geographic and PBS have videos and clips teachers can use as effective learning tools themselves. Discovery Educators Network AKA DEN provides teachers and students the ability to edit and remix licensed unitedstreaming content.
Question #1 Should students have permission from their parents to view videos in the classroom?
Answer: This is a yes and no answer because if it is say PG rated then no I think it is ok for students to see it. However if it is PG13 or worse then I believe parents should be informed so they can decide if they are ok with it or not. Some parents and families have stricter rules and don’t want their kids viewing graphic images and we as teachers have to respect that.
Question #2 Why should only DEN Star members have access to remixed and edited works?
Answer: I think all members should have access to these remixed and edited works because if it was useful to one teacher then it likely would be useful to another. So to me I think it is silly that only DEN Star members get allowed access to these pieces.
Journal #2
Journal #2
Breathing Fire Into Web 2.0
Justin Hardman and David Carpenter wrote this article about Dragon Net. This idea of “breathing fire” into the social networking of schools is a great way to enhance classroom management. The classroom management system is fully integrated with the curriculum. This is an individualized program for teachers that promote communication and collaboration for themselves and their students. These online goodies include whatever the teacher wants available to their students, online resources, class projects, and calendars etcetera. This is a beneficial tool and serves as an online portfolio that supports student and teacher reflection. In the world we live in we rely so heavily on being “online” or using the Internet and I feel this Dragon Net is a great tool to see we are moving in the right direction.
Question #1 Do we rely too heavily on online resources in the classroom?
Answer: Yes and no. I think it is important for students to effectively use the Internet, but this needs to be done professionally. Many Internet sites are not completely true and people can publish false statements. This is something to be weary of so students can find legitimate resources rather than one-sided arguments. I also believe students need to be taught how to find reputable resource sites rather than allow them to fail on their own. Once learned this can be used as a great tool for their future.
Question #2 By emphasizing online access and assignments does this discriminate against students without Internet access?
Answer: Yes! I think that online assignments are good, however limits some students. We live in an online world, but still need to remember that not everyone has caught up to this huge emphasis of doing things online. Not all homes are equipped with Internet access and this would inhibit certain students. Ultimately online assignments are good, but teachers need to allow access to students who may not have online access at home. For instance the school computer lab or library.
Breathing Fire Into Web 2.0
Justin Hardman and David Carpenter wrote this article about Dragon Net. This idea of “breathing fire” into the social networking of schools is a great way to enhance classroom management. The classroom management system is fully integrated with the curriculum. This is an individualized program for teachers that promote communication and collaboration for themselves and their students. These online goodies include whatever the teacher wants available to their students, online resources, class projects, and calendars etcetera. This is a beneficial tool and serves as an online portfolio that supports student and teacher reflection. In the world we live in we rely so heavily on being “online” or using the Internet and I feel this Dragon Net is a great tool to see we are moving in the right direction.
Question #1 Do we rely too heavily on online resources in the classroom?
Answer: Yes and no. I think it is important for students to effectively use the Internet, but this needs to be done professionally. Many Internet sites are not completely true and people can publish false statements. This is something to be weary of so students can find legitimate resources rather than one-sided arguments. I also believe students need to be taught how to find reputable resource sites rather than allow them to fail on their own. Once learned this can be used as a great tool for their future.
Question #2 By emphasizing online access and assignments does this discriminate against students without Internet access?
Answer: Yes! I think that online assignments are good, however limits some students. We live in an online world, but still need to remember that not everyone has caught up to this huge emphasis of doing things online. Not all homes are equipped with Internet access and this would inhibit certain students. Ultimately online assignments are good, but teachers need to allow access to students who may not have online access at home. For instance the school computer lab or library.
Journal #1
Journal #1
Professors Adjust Their Methods To Reach Technology-Savvy Generation
This article by Eleanor Yang Su in the Union Tribune was very interesting because I am also feeling overwhelmed by technology in the classroom. This is my first semester at Cal State San Marcos and I’m learning how heavily we rely on the Internet and webct here at school. The article goes on about how much technology is in the classroom and how the teacher has to compete with blogging, chat rooms and so on. I personally think it is both unprofessional and rude to be focusing on anything other than your teacher. I can’t believe how much computers and cell phones can do now days. We are definitely shifting to a multitasking way of life. With all the interruptions in our daily lives it is amazing how we get anything done at all.
Question #1 Should cell phones be allowed in the classroom?
Answer: Personally I believe cell phones are for personal use and should be used during personal time. However there is always an exception to every rule being emergencies and such. Plus as we know there are unforeseen events every day and in the classroom. Like in the past unfortunate shootings in schools it was cell phones that brought some piece of mind to parents whose children were in the school. So I would allow them to be turned off, but available.
Question #2 What age is appropriate for internet use and chatting?
Answer: To me the Internet can be a scary place, but we are detached somewhat to the extent that it isn’t all real. I believe strongly in Parental restraints to protect the little ones. I do though think the Internet is a fabulous tool and we should incorporate it whenever we can and as safely as possible.
Professors Adjust Their Methods To Reach Technology-Savvy Generation
This article by Eleanor Yang Su in the Union Tribune was very interesting because I am also feeling overwhelmed by technology in the classroom. This is my first semester at Cal State San Marcos and I’m learning how heavily we rely on the Internet and webct here at school. The article goes on about how much technology is in the classroom and how the teacher has to compete with blogging, chat rooms and so on. I personally think it is both unprofessional and rude to be focusing on anything other than your teacher. I can’t believe how much computers and cell phones can do now days. We are definitely shifting to a multitasking way of life. With all the interruptions in our daily lives it is amazing how we get anything done at all.
Question #1 Should cell phones be allowed in the classroom?
Answer: Personally I believe cell phones are for personal use and should be used during personal time. However there is always an exception to every rule being emergencies and such. Plus as we know there are unforeseen events every day and in the classroom. Like in the past unfortunate shootings in schools it was cell phones that brought some piece of mind to parents whose children were in the school. So I would allow them to be turned off, but available.
Question #2 What age is appropriate for internet use and chatting?
Answer: To me the Internet can be a scary place, but we are detached somewhat to the extent that it isn’t all real. I believe strongly in Parental restraints to protect the little ones. I do though think the Internet is a fabulous tool and we should incorporate it whenever we can and as safely as possible.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Hello all,
My name is Amy Sue Martin I grew up in good old Valley Center and went to school there. I now live in Temecula with my wonderful husband (that’s him above on our trip to Cabo last November.)
I’m not a computer friendly person and this class is going to be very very helpful to me! I ‘m a Mac person more than a PC, but both are intimidating to me.
As far as the CSUSM mission statement goes I believe in all the “commitments” and strongly agree with them. I decided to come here to CSUSM based on their commitment to transform public schooling teachers. And it is only a half hour away from me casa.
My name is Amy Sue Martin I grew up in good old Valley Center and went to school there. I now live in Temecula with my wonderful husband (that’s him above on our trip to Cabo last November.)
I’m not a computer friendly person and this class is going to be very very helpful to me! I ‘m a Mac person more than a PC, but both are intimidating to me.
As far as the CSUSM mission statement goes I believe in all the “commitments” and strongly agree with them. I decided to come here to CSUSM based on their commitment to transform public schooling teachers. And it is only a half hour away from me casa.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)