Journal #10
Developing Global Citizens: The Global Run Project
Jody H. Kennedy and Jan Zanetis
Current global education projects began to emerge after 9/11. Educators in New York, at one elementary school in particular, began to see the need for teaching diversity and tolerance as a requirement. They used video conferencing as a tool to connect their students with students around the world and collaborate on projects and assignments that offered different perspectives and points of view.After a while though, the video conferences between students began to lose some of its effectiveness because it became routine to the students. So what teachers did to spark the interest of students again,was to organize video conferences with professionals and first hand accounts in the field. One example given was that of a Health teacher leading a lesson on AIDS. She set up a video conference with an orphan in Africa who had the disease and spoke of growing up and living in a community where almost everyone was afflicted or had someone close to them affected. There are several other instances given where this type of video conferencing can be effective. This way students are learning not only about the beautiful places in the world, but also of its darker side. By seeing and hearing some of these accounts, students can now put people and faces next to the tragedies and injustices that plague the world. This started a new movement, and techers in that New York Elmentary school started seeing a number of students begin to be more proactive in the movement to right some of the wrongs that they had seen through the video conferences. It prompted them to write letters and inquire more about ongoing situations that obviously had touched them so deeply. With these letters and inquiries, students themselves were reaching out to the global community and building bridges of communication that had rarely been seen before. This led to the creation of the Global Run Project in 2005. More than anything, the Global Run Project has taught students here in the United States to be thankful for what they have and to realize how hard people in other countries have it compared to us. They also realized that helping people out is an addicition, and it feels good to them to do so.
1. Is video conferencing soemthing that is easy to set up?
I feel that with the advent of new technology, video conferencing will become easier for teachers to set up and integrate into their lesson planning. The power of this tool has already proven to be a force in global communication and awareness. Most students take for granted what they experience on a daily basis, such as the freedom of going to school and earning an education. In some countries students don't have those liberties, and are exposed at an early age to the brutality of the real world. you feel for them because they don't have the choice of freedom, but as an outside observer we can make a difference. This generates a buzz, as seen in the example of the New York Elementary school video conferencing project, and makes students in the United States and other priviledged countries feel an obligation to help those less fortunate than us.
2. In what other way can the Global Run Project educate students?
By using the tools in place for the Global Run Project, students can not only see the negative side of global affairs, but they can also see the positive side of global diversity. It will enable educators and students on different aspects of everyday life in foreign countries. There is so much good in the world and it needs to be seen and experienced by all. Seeing different approaches to education by students around the world will give students here a perspective from which to draw comparisons to their own daily work.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Journal #9
Web 2.0 Virtual Worlds
Virtual tools that enable students to explore and experience places and things that they wouldn't be able to do in a regular classroom is something that I find incredibly exciting. The ability to travel to distant lands and feel the surroundings from the comfort of your own classroom desk would be a very useful tool in class lesson planning. But which virtual world is the right tool? From reading some discussions in Web 2.0, it seems that one world, Second Life, is the popular way to go. In this world , similar to the Sims, a user creates an Avatar (person), and begins to meander through this second life. In it, the user is able to create just about anything that they can imagine. The problem that I see with this virtual world is that it is geared more towards upper grade students in High School. You can explore, but you are merely going through and meeting people and living a life through a computer. One of the comments I read talked about a tool called VRML that is a bit more education friendly. VRML allows the user to build 3D models of different topics. For example, in the blog, the user talked about building a 3D model of an eye that allowed students to travel into the eye, get right next to it, turn around in it, and look back at it. The problem though was that he taught the lesson on the eye, and created the model. So for each lesson plan topic, a new 3d model would need to be built. The other hindrance is that unless you are a genius, or at least a intermediate level programmer, the language used in the building of 3D models might be a bit over your head. It is a great tool, and there are instructions on how to use it, but learning to do so is something that won't be very easy to do. I think that is why Second Life is more popular, it's not that difficult to create a character and roam in a pre-made virtual world. So VRML would be the obvious choice for a virtual education tool, as long as the lessons start off on an elementary school level and progress with experience on the use of the tool.
Web 2.0 Virtual Worlds
Virtual tools that enable students to explore and experience places and things that they wouldn't be able to do in a regular classroom is something that I find incredibly exciting. The ability to travel to distant lands and feel the surroundings from the comfort of your own classroom desk would be a very useful tool in class lesson planning. But which virtual world is the right tool? From reading some discussions in Web 2.0, it seems that one world, Second Life, is the popular way to go. In this world , similar to the Sims, a user creates an Avatar (person), and begins to meander through this second life. In it, the user is able to create just about anything that they can imagine. The problem that I see with this virtual world is that it is geared more towards upper grade students in High School. You can explore, but you are merely going through and meeting people and living a life through a computer. One of the comments I read talked about a tool called VRML that is a bit more education friendly. VRML allows the user to build 3D models of different topics. For example, in the blog, the user talked about building a 3D model of an eye that allowed students to travel into the eye, get right next to it, turn around in it, and look back at it. The problem though was that he taught the lesson on the eye, and created the model. So for each lesson plan topic, a new 3d model would need to be built. The other hindrance is that unless you are a genius, or at least a intermediate level programmer, the language used in the building of 3D models might be a bit over your head. It is a great tool, and there are instructions on how to use it, but learning to do so is something that won't be very easy to do. I think that is why Second Life is more popular, it's not that difficult to create a character and roam in a pre-made virtual world. So VRML would be the obvious choice for a virtual education tool, as long as the lessons start off on an elementary school level and progress with experience on the use of the tool.
Journal #8
Smell the Coffee
Don Hall
Don hall discusses the need and importance of setting benchmarks in the public school system to continually see productive growth. In our personal lives, setting goals and accomplishing them gives us satisafaction knowing that we are growing as individuals. Hall sees the public school system in need of those same goal setting strategies to get past certain problems that have been nagging educators like a sore elbow. In order to get past those problems, the first thing that needs to be accomplished is identification. By indentifying a problem, you are able to sort it out and begin to troubleshoot solutions. Use data as a driving point to determine the severity of the problem. Numbers don't lie. Once the troubleshooting stage has been completed, you can begin to narrow down solutions to resolve the problem. Of course, not all your aches and pains are going to be solved in one year, but by isolating all of them, you can begin to focus on the major problems and begin to knock them out one at a time. Hall reccommends that by focusing on two or three at a time, you will be able to start achieving goals and focus on new ones. You will still have other problems lurking in the background, but you will be able to tackle them at a later date.
1. As an educator, why is setting goals important?
Setting goals for students, parents, and yourself is a great way to achieve goals and give everyone something to shoot for. Whether it be setting homework goals for parents to achieve with their kids, or personal goals for teachers to attain with their pupils. The governance over the attainment of those goals is equally shared by all three players involved. Sole responsibility should not be left on the teacher, but they should be responsible in seeing that everyone is doing their part to contribute to the team's goal. In reading for example, teachers should focus on their students' current reading level and try to improve it by one or two levels. If a student is at a third grade reading level at the beginning of the year, then the focus for that student should be a fourth grade reading level by the end of the year. Of course this is easier said than done, but the idea is to push to attain those goals.
2. Is it better to correct a problem completely or temporarily resolve it?
In all cases, problems are better resolved if they can be completely taken care the first time around. However, there will be times when even though the proper data has been collected, small unforseen fissures may evolve from a problem that has been identified and resolved. In those cases, it is best not to look at those fissures as a failure, but rather as a learning experience. Some problems may spring leeks that you are unaware of, and instead of letting it bring you down, use it as food for thought in the future. Many times most problems start off rather small and they don't become an issue until they directly affect large numbers of people. Working the problem may be something new, and with most new cases comes new research. The ability to foresee everything that went wrong and can continually go wrong with anything new is quite a feat. Work out each new challenge as best as possible and go from there. The more research and data collected will enable you to see every problem from different perspectives and will help provide better solutions for long term attainment.
Smell the Coffee
Don Hall
Don hall discusses the need and importance of setting benchmarks in the public school system to continually see productive growth. In our personal lives, setting goals and accomplishing them gives us satisafaction knowing that we are growing as individuals. Hall sees the public school system in need of those same goal setting strategies to get past certain problems that have been nagging educators like a sore elbow. In order to get past those problems, the first thing that needs to be accomplished is identification. By indentifying a problem, you are able to sort it out and begin to troubleshoot solutions. Use data as a driving point to determine the severity of the problem. Numbers don't lie. Once the troubleshooting stage has been completed, you can begin to narrow down solutions to resolve the problem. Of course, not all your aches and pains are going to be solved in one year, but by isolating all of them, you can begin to focus on the major problems and begin to knock them out one at a time. Hall reccommends that by focusing on two or three at a time, you will be able to start achieving goals and focus on new ones. You will still have other problems lurking in the background, but you will be able to tackle them at a later date.
1. As an educator, why is setting goals important?
Setting goals for students, parents, and yourself is a great way to achieve goals and give everyone something to shoot for. Whether it be setting homework goals for parents to achieve with their kids, or personal goals for teachers to attain with their pupils. The governance over the attainment of those goals is equally shared by all three players involved. Sole responsibility should not be left on the teacher, but they should be responsible in seeing that everyone is doing their part to contribute to the team's goal. In reading for example, teachers should focus on their students' current reading level and try to improve it by one or two levels. If a student is at a third grade reading level at the beginning of the year, then the focus for that student should be a fourth grade reading level by the end of the year. Of course this is easier said than done, but the idea is to push to attain those goals.
2. Is it better to correct a problem completely or temporarily resolve it?
In all cases, problems are better resolved if they can be completely taken care the first time around. However, there will be times when even though the proper data has been collected, small unforseen fissures may evolve from a problem that has been identified and resolved. In those cases, it is best not to look at those fissures as a failure, but rather as a learning experience. Some problems may spring leeks that you are unaware of, and instead of letting it bring you down, use it as food for thought in the future. Many times most problems start off rather small and they don't become an issue until they directly affect large numbers of people. Working the problem may be something new, and with most new cases comes new research. The ability to foresee everything that went wrong and can continually go wrong with anything new is quite a feat. Work out each new challenge as best as possible and go from there. The more research and data collected will enable you to see every problem from different perspectives and will help provide better solutions for long term attainment.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Journal #7
Connected Classroom: Educational Crowdsourcing
Glen Bull
This article talks about the term "Crowdsourcing". Glen Bull describes the term as a process that is becoming more popular when addressing and solving problems that will lead to completion or achievment of goals. The process basically calls for outside the box thinking. If a group or organization is having problems completing an objective, they will outsource the problem to receive new direction with the hopes that a diverse perspective will produce the results needed. Sometimes these problem solvers are given cash rewards. The money involved is usually the driving force for these problem solvers, however ther are some exceptions. The challenge of solving the problem itself can be a motivator. The idea that Bull presents is that if crowdsourcing can be used for educational purposes their may be some benefit. However there can be some drawbacks as well. It's something that will be debated no matter how you look at it.
1. Are there any examples of crowdsourcing projects solved that can be educationally motivating?
A few years back ther was the "Race for Space" challenge. I can not remember what the prize money involved was, but the idea was for the general public to plan, build, and test, successfully, a craft that would reach outer space. The project attracted many science gurus from all parts of the world. The result was a ship, the Ansari X, whose engines were built and tested here in the United States by Burt Rutan. The excitement surrounding the project was incredible and it fueled the minds of students everywhere. This kind of motivation is what crowdsourcing can bring to the education field. I believe that there is currently a new challenge in the works to design a car that could travel cross country on one tank of fuel. Imagine all of the "outside the box" thinking that this sort of project can ignite.
2. Why is this sort of method encouraging to students?
I think that this sort of approach is encouragin because there are some students out there that are not being challenged. Their thought process is much more advanced that any classroom instruction can teach them. An example would be like a musician. He or she may be taught certain notes or pieces to perform at an adequate level of playing the instrument. But there are those musicians that begin to mold the music into their own self expression and transform the sound from adequate to exceptional. I firmly believe that there are students in all areas of study that do the same. They may be taught the basics of their respective area of study, but their own minds, work, and discipline will propel them to the next level.
Connected Classroom: Educational Crowdsourcing
Glen Bull
This article talks about the term "Crowdsourcing". Glen Bull describes the term as a process that is becoming more popular when addressing and solving problems that will lead to completion or achievment of goals. The process basically calls for outside the box thinking. If a group or organization is having problems completing an objective, they will outsource the problem to receive new direction with the hopes that a diverse perspective will produce the results needed. Sometimes these problem solvers are given cash rewards. The money involved is usually the driving force for these problem solvers, however ther are some exceptions. The challenge of solving the problem itself can be a motivator. The idea that Bull presents is that if crowdsourcing can be used for educational purposes their may be some benefit. However there can be some drawbacks as well. It's something that will be debated no matter how you look at it.
1. Are there any examples of crowdsourcing projects solved that can be educationally motivating?
A few years back ther was the "Race for Space" challenge. I can not remember what the prize money involved was, but the idea was for the general public to plan, build, and test, successfully, a craft that would reach outer space. The project attracted many science gurus from all parts of the world. The result was a ship, the Ansari X, whose engines were built and tested here in the United States by Burt Rutan. The excitement surrounding the project was incredible and it fueled the minds of students everywhere. This kind of motivation is what crowdsourcing can bring to the education field. I believe that there is currently a new challenge in the works to design a car that could travel cross country on one tank of fuel. Imagine all of the "outside the box" thinking that this sort of project can ignite.
2. Why is this sort of method encouraging to students?
I think that this sort of approach is encouragin because there are some students out there that are not being challenged. Their thought process is much more advanced that any classroom instruction can teach them. An example would be like a musician. He or she may be taught certain notes or pieces to perform at an adequate level of playing the instrument. But there are those musicians that begin to mold the music into their own self expression and transform the sound from adequate to exceptional. I firmly believe that there are students in all areas of study that do the same. They may be taught the basics of their respective area of study, but their own minds, work, and discipline will propel them to the next level.
Journal #6
Educators are Going Global
Anita McAnear
In this article, Anita McAnear describes the need for educators to collaborate elctronically to share information that will eventually lead to a global workforce. Some of the methods that she talks about are global community boards or web sites, such as Classroom 2.0, which our instructor Mr. Heil describes as a "My Space" for teachers. Web sites such as this are designed for teachers to share information on new technologies, lesson planning, and other information that may be useful to other teachers looking for ideas. She also goes on to talk about other web sites that can be used for student to student collaboration, as well as student to teacher collaboration. All in all, the need for tools such as these have been in great demand for some time. The ability to share information and receive perspectives from a more diverse spectrum will help students and teachers begin to see things from a global point of view.
1. Why is it important to see things from a global perspective?
Imagine that you are living in a war torn country in Central America. Access to a tool which enables you to view out into the world can mean the difference between life and death. In places where civil war and unrest has dominated for many decades, people of those countries only know one thing, what they are being taught by either side of conflicting parties. Wouldn't it be nice to see students in those countries have access to a student to student web site, where instead of talking about what side of the war they favor, they could learn about different governments around the world and the principles which support them. That would begin a whole new way of thinking for new generations of kids who are being primed to take over their countries.
2. What are some global problems that can be addressed by global collaboration?
There are many to choose from. In every country around the world, there is at least one issue that requires the attention of the global community. Whether it be human rights, animal/environment protection or ethnic diversity. One particular item that stands out to me is the working conditions for primary school kids in the Zinc, Tin, and Gold mines of Bolivia. These children will attend school for three days a week, in the morning, and work in the mines the rest of the time. They have to in order to help support their families. However, the working conditions in these mines are dangerous enough for grown men, let alone kids. Especially when a typical work day is 12 to 16 hours long. Aside from the long hours, the only type of nourishment they receive during these long days, is the constant buzz received from chewing Coca leaves. By chewing the leaves, they are able to stay awake and work these long hours. Is that something anybody's child should be doing?
Educators are Going Global
Anita McAnear
In this article, Anita McAnear describes the need for educators to collaborate elctronically to share information that will eventually lead to a global workforce. Some of the methods that she talks about are global community boards or web sites, such as Classroom 2.0, which our instructor Mr. Heil describes as a "My Space" for teachers. Web sites such as this are designed for teachers to share information on new technologies, lesson planning, and other information that may be useful to other teachers looking for ideas. She also goes on to talk about other web sites that can be used for student to student collaboration, as well as student to teacher collaboration. All in all, the need for tools such as these have been in great demand for some time. The ability to share information and receive perspectives from a more diverse spectrum will help students and teachers begin to see things from a global point of view.
1. Why is it important to see things from a global perspective?
Imagine that you are living in a war torn country in Central America. Access to a tool which enables you to view out into the world can mean the difference between life and death. In places where civil war and unrest has dominated for many decades, people of those countries only know one thing, what they are being taught by either side of conflicting parties. Wouldn't it be nice to see students in those countries have access to a student to student web site, where instead of talking about what side of the war they favor, they could learn about different governments around the world and the principles which support them. That would begin a whole new way of thinking for new generations of kids who are being primed to take over their countries.
2. What are some global problems that can be addressed by global collaboration?
There are many to choose from. In every country around the world, there is at least one issue that requires the attention of the global community. Whether it be human rights, animal/environment protection or ethnic diversity. One particular item that stands out to me is the working conditions for primary school kids in the Zinc, Tin, and Gold mines of Bolivia. These children will attend school for three days a week, in the morning, and work in the mines the rest of the time. They have to in order to help support their families. However, the working conditions in these mines are dangerous enough for grown men, let alone kids. Especially when a typical work day is 12 to 16 hours long. Aside from the long hours, the only type of nourishment they receive during these long days, is the constant buzz received from chewing Coca leaves. By chewing the leaves, they are able to stay awake and work these long hours. Is that something anybody's child should be doing?
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Journal #5
My Space or Yours
Joanne Barrett
Volume 34 (2006 - 2007)
September No.1
This article discusses the history of social networking technology and the pro's and con's that come along with some of these sites. Social networking sites are a great way to meet new people, share information, and find life long partners, if that is what you are looking for. But they can also be used in a negative manner. Not everyone you meet on MySpace or sites like that are who they say they are. These sites can serve as great social tools, but only if they are used in the right manner with proper netiquette.
1. Why were these sites originally started?
Originally, these sites were created to assist students at a university in Waqshington D.C. to share personal information as well as aspects of their personal lives. Students would meet someone and then run back to their computers to look up that person and find out everything they could about them. The success of this site on that campus encouraged the creator to expand from college campuses to high school campuses. Soon people were joining specific groups with others who shared the same interests and the social networking boom began to take off. However, some were using these sites in a negative manner such as cyber bullying and harrassment. That's why it is very important to discuss with users of these sites to always practice proper etiquette while visiting these sites. You never know who will be reading these entries. Maybe a future employer, or a cyber stalker.
2. Are all these social networking sites safe?
The sad truth of the matter is that like everything else in life, there are always a handful who will use something positive and turn it into something negative, sometimes downright awful. One group that has vowed to put a stop to this is Perverted Justice. They, along with MSNBC, set up hidden camera sting operations in cities across the US to expose potential pedophiles. They will enter chat rooms and pose as young children, usually teens, and engage these pedophiles. When the sting operation invites these pedophiles over via the internet, cameras then surprise the unsuspecting offenders and they are arrested. Educating our children, whether they be sons/daughters, or students in a classroom, about the dangers of some of these social networking sites is the best policy. Not only do we teach them about discussions they might be having, but we must also teach them about what type of information they may be transmitting such as names, age, address, and other information like social security numbers. Using a social networking site can be just as dangerous as walking right up to a stranger.
My Space or Yours
Joanne Barrett
Volume 34 (2006 - 2007)
September No.1
This article discusses the history of social networking technology and the pro's and con's that come along with some of these sites. Social networking sites are a great way to meet new people, share information, and find life long partners, if that is what you are looking for. But they can also be used in a negative manner. Not everyone you meet on MySpace or sites like that are who they say they are. These sites can serve as great social tools, but only if they are used in the right manner with proper netiquette.
1. Why were these sites originally started?
Originally, these sites were created to assist students at a university in Waqshington D.C. to share personal information as well as aspects of their personal lives. Students would meet someone and then run back to their computers to look up that person and find out everything they could about them. The success of this site on that campus encouraged the creator to expand from college campuses to high school campuses. Soon people were joining specific groups with others who shared the same interests and the social networking boom began to take off. However, some were using these sites in a negative manner such as cyber bullying and harrassment. That's why it is very important to discuss with users of these sites to always practice proper etiquette while visiting these sites. You never know who will be reading these entries. Maybe a future employer, or a cyber stalker.
2. Are all these social networking sites safe?
The sad truth of the matter is that like everything else in life, there are always a handful who will use something positive and turn it into something negative, sometimes downright awful. One group that has vowed to put a stop to this is Perverted Justice. They, along with MSNBC, set up hidden camera sting operations in cities across the US to expose potential pedophiles. They will enter chat rooms and pose as young children, usually teens, and engage these pedophiles. When the sting operation invites these pedophiles over via the internet, cameras then surprise the unsuspecting offenders and they are arrested. Educating our children, whether they be sons/daughters, or students in a classroom, about the dangers of some of these social networking sites is the best policy. Not only do we teach them about discussions they might be having, but we must also teach them about what type of information they may be transmitting such as names, age, address, and other information like social security numbers. Using a social networking site can be just as dangerous as walking right up to a stranger.
Journal #4
Portable Data Empowers Leaders
Mary L. McNabb
Volume 34 (2006 - 2007)
May No. 8
This article addresses the struggles faced by many school administrators in Michigan, to increase student achievement in core content areas and to help students become technology literate. Ther are new standards that school officials are being held responsible for while maintaining a safe conducive learning environment for students. In 2002, a program called LEADing the Future (LTF), set out to train 80% of Michigan school administrators using a wide variety of technology methods. They focused on four goals that paralelled ISTE's NETS for Administrators. During a follow up to this initial training period, the LTF offered a hands on training opportunity, for all administrators, in the use of handheld technology. The goal is for school administrators to be able to research, access, organize, and evaluate data wherever they may be.
1. Are laptop computers better than hand held portable devices?
Handheld devices are capable of matching just about every function that a laptop computer can. With the help of blue tooth technology and the ability to connect to other technology sources such as a printer, scanner, or digital camera, hand held devices are proving that although they are smaller in size, they can handle just about any big job a laptop can do. The real advantage is in the size. While a laptop computer needs to be carried around in a briefcase sized bag, the handheld portables can fit right in to the compfort of a jacket pocket.
2. Why else would a hand held portable device be more beneficial than a laptop computer?
In this article by McNabb, she points out a very important reason that a handheld may be more beneficial than a laptop, and that is during an emergency either on a school campus or a field trip. A laptop is a bit too bulky to carry around at all times. During an emergency, whether on a school campus or a trip, administrators will be able to access all emercency contact information for each individual student from their hand held portable device. They can access parent contact information, or emergency contact information in a matter of seconds.
Portable Data Empowers Leaders
Mary L. McNabb
Volume 34 (2006 - 2007)
May No. 8
This article addresses the struggles faced by many school administrators in Michigan, to increase student achievement in core content areas and to help students become technology literate. Ther are new standards that school officials are being held responsible for while maintaining a safe conducive learning environment for students. In 2002, a program called LEADing the Future (LTF), set out to train 80% of Michigan school administrators using a wide variety of technology methods. They focused on four goals that paralelled ISTE's NETS for Administrators. During a follow up to this initial training period, the LTF offered a hands on training opportunity, for all administrators, in the use of handheld technology. The goal is for school administrators to be able to research, access, organize, and evaluate data wherever they may be.
1. Are laptop computers better than hand held portable devices?
Handheld devices are capable of matching just about every function that a laptop computer can. With the help of blue tooth technology and the ability to connect to other technology sources such as a printer, scanner, or digital camera, hand held devices are proving that although they are smaller in size, they can handle just about any big job a laptop can do. The real advantage is in the size. While a laptop computer needs to be carried around in a briefcase sized bag, the handheld portables can fit right in to the compfort of a jacket pocket.
2. Why else would a hand held portable device be more beneficial than a laptop computer?
In this article by McNabb, she points out a very important reason that a handheld may be more beneficial than a laptop, and that is during an emergency either on a school campus or a field trip. A laptop is a bit too bulky to carry around at all times. During an emergency, whether on a school campus or a trip, administrators will be able to access all emercency contact information for each individual student from their hand held portable device. They can access parent contact information, or emergency contact information in a matter of seconds.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Journal #3
A War of Words
Jim Patterson
In this article, Jim Paterson looks at opposing views to new programs created in the past 10 years to help battle plagiarism. One teacher thinks that some of the new programs created help students cite their work and present it in a much more organized manner. The specific program that she talks about walks students through a step by step process that allows them to display the original material alongside their own paraphrased thoughts. On the other hand, one teacher claims that there is no substitute for "good teaching" and feels that the programs infringe on students rights by comparing the papers written to material that is already out there.
1. Should teachers be more accepting of new programs created to help students?
I think that instead of looking for everything that is wrong with a new program or software to assist students, teachers should be more accepting and focus on what is in the best interest of the student. Many times teachers take a stand off approach to changes because they like to do things the way they always have. However, that may not always be the best approach from a student stand point. There is so much new educational technology available that I feel teachers should research and use in place of “good old teaching”. Every student has a different learning style and the blackboard might not be the best way to reach every student.
2. Is plagiarism serious enough to warrant these types of programs to be created?
Before the days of educational technology and computers, it would have been easy for teachers to open up an encyclopedia and compare articles to material brought in by students. In those days, the encyclopedia was the best source for research. Now with the internet, there is a vast amount of material that can be accessed by a student, and without some way to monitor it, a students work would be very hard to disprove. Whenever there is new technology or processes created for anything positive, there will always be someone who will use it in a negative way. It’s sad, but it’s true.
Jim Patterson
In this article, Jim Paterson looks at opposing views to new programs created in the past 10 years to help battle plagiarism. One teacher thinks that some of the new programs created help students cite their work and present it in a much more organized manner. The specific program that she talks about walks students through a step by step process that allows them to display the original material alongside their own paraphrased thoughts. On the other hand, one teacher claims that there is no substitute for "good teaching" and feels that the programs infringe on students rights by comparing the papers written to material that is already out there.
1. Should teachers be more accepting of new programs created to help students?
I think that instead of looking for everything that is wrong with a new program or software to assist students, teachers should be more accepting and focus on what is in the best interest of the student. Many times teachers take a stand off approach to changes because they like to do things the way they always have. However, that may not always be the best approach from a student stand point. There is so much new educational technology available that I feel teachers should research and use in place of “good old teaching”. Every student has a different learning style and the blackboard might not be the best way to reach every student.
2. Is plagiarism serious enough to warrant these types of programs to be created?
Before the days of educational technology and computers, it would have been easy for teachers to open up an encyclopedia and compare articles to material brought in by students. In those days, the encyclopedia was the best source for research. Now with the internet, there is a vast amount of material that can be accessed by a student, and without some way to monitor it, a students work would be very hard to disprove. Whenever there is new technology or processes created for anything positive, there will always be someone who will use it in a negative way. It’s sad, but it’s true.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Journal #2
Infusion or Integration
Kimberley Ketterer
In this article the author talks about several conferences for teachers that she attended. During some of these conferences she would speak directly to teachers, students, and administrators, and noticed that two key words kept coming up. The only problem was that in some cases the two words were being misused, leading her to wonder if some of the folks she talked to actually know the meanings of each word. So Ketterer goes on to discuss the definitions and differences between "Infusion" and "Integration". She also listed several examples of historical and current forms of uses in the classroom.
1. How has technology benefited students over the years?
Since my days in grade school, technology has always offered an alternative method to educating students. I could remember sitting down to a lecture at the blackboard about whales. I found that my teacher at the time was fairly knowledgeable about the subject. However, when the projector began to run and I could actually see whales as they existed in nature, it brought the creature to me in a whole new way. I feel that the same is true for students today. Films are a great way to present, but now students need something more. Computers and technology can offer that. From reading Ketterer’s article, it’s clear to see that computers can now do the same things it took several different tools to do in the past.
2. Has integration of students and technology been more beneficial for the student or the teacher?
I think that integration of technology and the classroom has been equally beneficial for both. For the student it obviously grabs their attention and allows them to have a closer connection to their work. For the teacher, it allows them the opportunity for a wider spectrum of methods to teach various subjects. They can use PowerPoint presentations to teach math, interactive computer programs to teach social studies, and video to teach biology. There are no limits to what technology can do in a classroom for the benefit of both students and teachers.
Kimberley Ketterer
In this article the author talks about several conferences for teachers that she attended. During some of these conferences she would speak directly to teachers, students, and administrators, and noticed that two key words kept coming up. The only problem was that in some cases the two words were being misused, leading her to wonder if some of the folks she talked to actually know the meanings of each word. So Ketterer goes on to discuss the definitions and differences between "Infusion" and "Integration". She also listed several examples of historical and current forms of uses in the classroom.
1. How has technology benefited students over the years?
Since my days in grade school, technology has always offered an alternative method to educating students. I could remember sitting down to a lecture at the blackboard about whales. I found that my teacher at the time was fairly knowledgeable about the subject. However, when the projector began to run and I could actually see whales as they existed in nature, it brought the creature to me in a whole new way. I feel that the same is true for students today. Films are a great way to present, but now students need something more. Computers and technology can offer that. From reading Ketterer’s article, it’s clear to see that computers can now do the same things it took several different tools to do in the past.
2. Has integration of students and technology been more beneficial for the student or the teacher?
I think that integration of technology and the classroom has been equally beneficial for both. For the student it obviously grabs their attention and allows them to have a closer connection to their work. For the teacher, it allows them the opportunity for a wider spectrum of methods to teach various subjects. They can use PowerPoint presentations to teach math, interactive computer programs to teach social studies, and video to teach biology. There are no limits to what technology can do in a classroom for the benefit of both students and teachers.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Journal #1
Power of the Mashup: Combining Essential Learning with New Technology Tools.
Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss
This article tells of how a teacher in Northern California has used technology to translate literature dating back over 200 years, and utilizing tools that enable his students to live through a literary character's world. This virtual "road trip" as Jerome Burg describes, uses several google tools including satellite imagery, maps, and other three dimensional images to enhance the experience for his students. Instead of just reading about events, the students can now live them.
1. How can the use of technology assist in lesson planning?
Using technology allows teachers to portray different aspects of their curriculum by allowing the students to actively participate in the lesson. With the advent of new technology, lessons once written on a blackboard can now be brought to life in more audience captivating methods. Audio and visual learning has taken on a whole new meaning as technological tools fill the needs for both types of students.
2. Can this type of technology be used for multiple subjects or just literary lessons?
I believe that new technology can be used for any subject. In History, for example, students may be able to travel back into time and relive some of the more prolific events of the past century. This form of education is priceless as it really brings to life what it must have felt like to be one of the first immigrants to come to the new land. In physical education, treadmills and stationary bikes can be used to place a person in a virtual race, or simply cruising along some scenic trails. The possibilities are endless.
Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss
This article tells of how a teacher in Northern California has used technology to translate literature dating back over 200 years, and utilizing tools that enable his students to live through a literary character's world. This virtual "road trip" as Jerome Burg describes, uses several google tools including satellite imagery, maps, and other three dimensional images to enhance the experience for his students. Instead of just reading about events, the students can now live them.
1. How can the use of technology assist in lesson planning?
Using technology allows teachers to portray different aspects of their curriculum by allowing the students to actively participate in the lesson. With the advent of new technology, lessons once written on a blackboard can now be brought to life in more audience captivating methods. Audio and visual learning has taken on a whole new meaning as technological tools fill the needs for both types of students.
2. Can this type of technology be used for multiple subjects or just literary lessons?
I believe that new technology can be used for any subject. In History, for example, students may be able to travel back into time and relive some of the more prolific events of the past century. This form of education is priceless as it really brings to life what it must have felt like to be one of the first immigrants to come to the new land. In physical education, treadmills and stationary bikes can be used to place a person in a virtual race, or simply cruising along some scenic trails. The possibilities are endless.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
My name is Sergio Cesar Guzman. I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco. For those who may not know where that is, I can sum it up by saying that it is the birthplace of Mariachi's and Tequila, (same state), located in central Mexico. I came to the U.S. at the early age of 1 and grew up in Santa Cruz, CA. All my elementary, jr. high, and senior high school years were spent in this sleepy beach town known as "Surf City". I moved to San Diego during the summer of '97 and have since meandered up the coast until finally landing in Temecula.
My use of technology began during my high school years where I used a Mac for a yearbook class. After that short stint, I had my first full taste of the Windows operating system during my years at Heald Business College in San Jose, CA. Shortly after I graduated in '97, I moved to San Diego and worked as a Global Logistics Coordinator for Unisys Corporation and really polished up my skills as all my daily functions were handled through the use of a computer. I would love to really dive into movie making with the use of a PC or Mac. As a youngster I always loved to participate in any stage productions that I could get into, and even now, I still love the idea of making movie shorts purely for the entertainment.
My decision to enter the CSUSM/COE was based largely on my ability to provide educational equity and social justice for a more diversified classroom. Being bilingual, I feel, will enable me to reach out to those who may need a bit more instruction in a classroom setting, but are being held back because of language barriers and other obstacles. I want to pass along information and knowledge that was not always readily available to me, and challenge kids to become the best that they can be in whatever it is that they dream.
My use of technology began during my high school years where I used a Mac for a yearbook class. After that short stint, I had my first full taste of the Windows operating system during my years at Heald Business College in San Jose, CA. Shortly after I graduated in '97, I moved to San Diego and worked as a Global Logistics Coordinator for Unisys Corporation and really polished up my skills as all my daily functions were handled through the use of a computer. I would love to really dive into movie making with the use of a PC or Mac. As a youngster I always loved to participate in any stage productions that I could get into, and even now, I still love the idea of making movie shorts purely for the entertainment.
My decision to enter the CSUSM/COE was based largely on my ability to provide educational equity and social justice for a more diversified classroom. Being bilingual, I feel, will enable me to reach out to those who may need a bit more instruction in a classroom setting, but are being held back because of language barriers and other obstacles. I want to pass along information and knowledge that was not always readily available to me, and challenge kids to become the best that they can be in whatever it is that they dream.
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