Tuesday, April 28, 2009
April 27, 2009
This week we discussed the importance of technology and the trend it is taking with educational learning. We saw that technology is not actually making easier for students to learn but the level is staying consistant. To me, this makes prefect sense. Just like our parents learned from text books, is how we learn from PowerPoints. The information is presented in a way that is easy for us to understand but does not really make it more informational or interesting to us. We are just understand the information in a more technological sense then that of our parents. It is important to understand that we are not learning more because of technology, it is just the way we understand the material. If a class was presented in the way of the past it would be less likly for students to understand the material as quickly. I think this was a good lecture because it explained this idea. So far this class has been about how important technology is, which is true, but it is also important to note that it is just easier for students to learn, not that they learn more.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Lecture for April 13, 2009
Legal and Ethics Issues
Academic dishonesty happens all the time, however, that does not mean it is right. I think that most students understand what they are doing is wrong when they copy and paste paragraphs from the interent and put it in their paper. I liked learning about the Google advanced site that allows teachers, or anyone, put in an entire paragraph to see if it is ripped off a webpage. This will be helpful if I think one of my furture students wrote a little too good for his or her level. As a teacher, I think it is important to make sure the students and the parents know what I would consider cheating and what the consequences are for my class. Instead of sending a small paper home with the basics and having both the parents and students sign, I would want to hold a meeting to discuss the rules of my classroom. If that could not be arranged then I would mention it during a the parent-teacher conferences. If you want academic honesty to be important to your students you have to show that it is important to you as well.
We discussed the issue of personal lifes of teachers and the different social networkings avaiable to teachers on the web. Of course teachers are going to have their own life outside of school but posting everything they do onto Facebook or the equivelent will not help with professionalism or get ahead in their career. As a teacher, there is a certian line that should not be crossed. A teacher over twenty one have every right to drink but that drinking should not be on display for everyone to see. I feel like certian pictures should not be put out either. If a teacher is drunk and posts obviously drunk picures on Facebook where the students can see the respect level will go down. There will be less control over the classroom.
Academic dishonesty happens all the time, however, that does not mean it is right. I think that most students understand what they are doing is wrong when they copy and paste paragraphs from the interent and put it in their paper. I liked learning about the Google advanced site that allows teachers, or anyone, put in an entire paragraph to see if it is ripped off a webpage. This will be helpful if I think one of my furture students wrote a little too good for his or her level. As a teacher, I think it is important to make sure the students and the parents know what I would consider cheating and what the consequences are for my class. Instead of sending a small paper home with the basics and having both the parents and students sign, I would want to hold a meeting to discuss the rules of my classroom. If that could not be arranged then I would mention it during a the parent-teacher conferences. If you want academic honesty to be important to your students you have to show that it is important to you as well.
We discussed the issue of personal lifes of teachers and the different social networkings avaiable to teachers on the web. Of course teachers are going to have their own life outside of school but posting everything they do onto Facebook or the equivelent will not help with professionalism or get ahead in their career. As a teacher, there is a certian line that should not be crossed. A teacher over twenty one have every right to drink but that drinking should not be on display for everyone to see. I feel like certian pictures should not be put out either. If a teacher is drunk and posts obviously drunk picures on Facebook where the students can see the respect level will go down. There will be less control over the classroom.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Review and NYC Charter School
April 6th, 2009
This class was mostly devoted mostly to allowing students give their opinions on the class and how it could be imporived. I agreed with many of the things that were said and I was happy to see this conversation taking place.
The next topic was about the New York Ctiy Charter school and the pay raises that are happening there. I feel like it is okay to raise the pay but only if they can afford it without cutting major corners. This school is taking away options for the classes the kids may take so that they can pay the teachers more money to teach less subjects. For all schools to raise the pay of teachers salary there would probably be an increase in "bad" teachers, or ones that do not care. Teachers that get into the profession now are probably more passionate about teaching students because there is not a lot of money involved. Because of pay raises, they will not be able to hire as many teachers. One solution that was presented was to force the teacher to take a verbal test. This will not make the teachers more qualified because the way a person speaks and the skills they have does not tell anyone how well they will work with kids. Another option that was mentioned and done in one school system is paying the teacher as well as their class does. This would seemingly cause more problems because the teachers may make thier class eaiser to pass. Coming into any classroom, no matter what you get paid, a teacher would need to have access to a computer, a projector, possibly a smart board, and other technologies to help them relate to their students. If they pay is raised and the technology budget is cut, the teachers will have to pay out of their own pocket.
We talked briefly about the Learning Management System. This is a place where students can go and learn without the need for teachers. Everything is structured for them. Pleateau is a huge site where you can buy software to learn a lesson.
This class was mostly devoted mostly to allowing students give their opinions on the class and how it could be imporived. I agreed with many of the things that were said and I was happy to see this conversation taking place.
The next topic was about the New York Ctiy Charter school and the pay raises that are happening there. I feel like it is okay to raise the pay but only if they can afford it without cutting major corners. This school is taking away options for the classes the kids may take so that they can pay the teachers more money to teach less subjects. For all schools to raise the pay of teachers salary there would probably be an increase in "bad" teachers, or ones that do not care. Teachers that get into the profession now are probably more passionate about teaching students because there is not a lot of money involved. Because of pay raises, they will not be able to hire as many teachers. One solution that was presented was to force the teacher to take a verbal test. This will not make the teachers more qualified because the way a person speaks and the skills they have does not tell anyone how well they will work with kids. Another option that was mentioned and done in one school system is paying the teacher as well as their class does. This would seemingly cause more problems because the teachers may make thier class eaiser to pass. Coming into any classroom, no matter what you get paid, a teacher would need to have access to a computer, a projector, possibly a smart board, and other technologies to help them relate to their students. If they pay is raised and the technology budget is cut, the teachers will have to pay out of their own pocket.
We talked briefly about the Learning Management System. This is a place where students can go and learn without the need for teachers. Everything is structured for them. Pleateau is a huge site where you can buy software to learn a lesson.
Monday, March 30, 2009
March 30, 2009
Productivity Tools
Productivity tools help teachers and students save time while trying to accomplish tasks. There are different types of tools that we discussed in class i.e. documentaion production, time management, research, and instrustional planning materials.
Examples of Documentation production include Zoho Writer, Open Office, Microsoft Office, or Google Docs. Inspiration is another tool that can be used my teachers or students and it is a way to brainstorm ideas. There are graphic organizers to keep the information on one page. On this site a student can brainstorm a project using pictures or text, make a timeline, then transform it into a paper that can be edited and changed.
Time management is also an important area of concentration for teachers because there is so much to do and not much time to do it in. These tools help manage the time they do have and make reminders so if they forget, they are reminded. Outlook, iPod to-do lists, Tadalist and Google Calander are all good examples. I use my Blackberry to keep important dates fresh in my mind.
Research is time consuming but there are tools to make this easier as well. Zotero is an easy Bibliography maker that I will be downloading on to Mozilla Firefox today. It allows you to select the sites you want to use and change them into a saved file that can be opened up in Microsoft word. This will save a lot of time in citing a project and cut down on plagerism.
We briefly discussed the use of Curriki and Microsoft office as an Instructional planning and materials tool.
Productivity tools help teachers and students save time while trying to accomplish tasks. There are different types of tools that we discussed in class i.e. documentaion production, time management, research, and instrustional planning materials.
Examples of Documentation production include Zoho Writer, Open Office, Microsoft Office, or Google Docs. Inspiration is another tool that can be used my teachers or students and it is a way to brainstorm ideas. There are graphic organizers to keep the information on one page. On this site a student can brainstorm a project using pictures or text, make a timeline, then transform it into a paper that can be edited and changed.
Time management is also an important area of concentration for teachers because there is so much to do and not much time to do it in. These tools help manage the time they do have and make reminders so if they forget, they are reminded. Outlook, iPod to-do lists, Tadalist and Google Calander are all good examples. I use my Blackberry to keep important dates fresh in my mind.
Research is time consuming but there are tools to make this easier as well. Zotero is an easy Bibliography maker that I will be downloading on to Mozilla Firefox today. It allows you to select the sites you want to use and change them into a saved file that can be opened up in Microsoft word. This will save a lot of time in citing a project and cut down on plagerism.
We briefly discussed the use of Curriki and Microsoft office as an Instructional planning and materials tool.
Monday, March 23, 2009
March 23, 2009
Data Collection and Analysis
In today's lecture we discussed data collection and analysis. The definition of a data collection and analysis tools is that it is a form of learning whereby students use technology to gather and synthesize information.
We discussed the case about M&Ms. It is rumored that there are more brown M&M's then other colors so a 6th grade class decided to explore the claim. We talked about the different tools that could be used. Excel, SurveyMonkey, and Google Docs where all mentioned and demonstrated. I think that the information would best be presented to the class in Google Docs. That way students could learn to collaboratively do the assignment while also learning about the topic. A video was shown about Data presentation. It introduced the table view information presentation and the plot view information presentation. It also explained why the different ways benefit the children.
Other data collection tools that were mentioned in the lecture include: PollEverywhere.com, Google form and spreadsheet, SurveyMonkey, InspireData, and Whiteboard.
In today's lecture we discussed data collection and analysis. The definition of a data collection and analysis tools is that it is a form of learning whereby students use technology to gather and synthesize information.
We discussed the case about M&Ms. It is rumored that there are more brown M&M's then other colors so a 6th grade class decided to explore the claim. We talked about the different tools that could be used. Excel, SurveyMonkey, and Google Docs where all mentioned and demonstrated. I think that the information would best be presented to the class in Google Docs. That way students could learn to collaboratively do the assignment while also learning about the topic. A video was shown about Data presentation. It introduced the table view information presentation and the plot view information presentation. It also explained why the different ways benefit the children.
Other data collection tools that were mentioned in the lecture include: PollEverywhere.com, Google form and spreadsheet, SurveyMonkey, InspireData, and Whiteboard.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Communication Tools
Lecture for 3/9
The lecture today was about the different types of communication tools. There are the basic patterns of communication including one to one, one to many, and many to many communication. One to one is achieved when there are only two people engaged in a conversation. One to many is a lecture style discussion and many to many is a forum, like in a chat room.
We discussed the interaction level for these three different styles. Asychronous is when only one person is in the conversation. For example, a voicemail is when only one person is speaking. Wikis, blogs and emails are also examples of asychronous communication. Sychronous is when both or all people are in the conversation or lesson. A lecture is an example. Other examples include cell phone conversations or Skype webcam.
We then learned so of the different communication tools that are avaliable on the web. My favorite from the lecture was Gaggle. Gaggle is an email site that is safe for students and teachers. That will be great for my elementary school kids. I will be able to send them a group email and they can check it on the schools computer. Google spreadsheets is an interactive way for students to work together on a school project at the same time but be in different places.
All of these tools will help when I am teaching my class.
The lecture today was about the different types of communication tools. There are the basic patterns of communication including one to one, one to many, and many to many communication. One to one is achieved when there are only two people engaged in a conversation. One to many is a lecture style discussion and many to many is a forum, like in a chat room.
We discussed the interaction level for these three different styles. Asychronous is when only one person is in the conversation. For example, a voicemail is when only one person is speaking. Wikis, blogs and emails are also examples of asychronous communication. Sychronous is when both or all people are in the conversation or lesson. A lecture is an example. Other examples include cell phone conversations or Skype webcam.
We then learned so of the different communication tools that are avaliable on the web. My favorite from the lecture was Gaggle. Gaggle is an email site that is safe for students and teachers. That will be great for my elementary school kids. I will be able to send them a group email and they can check it on the schools computer. Google spreadsheets is an interactive way for students to work together on a school project at the same time but be in different places.
All of these tools will help when I am teaching my class.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Lecture for March 2nd
Production Tools
A production tool is a form of learning whereby students create a product or concrete artifact that is the focus of learning. The students create a product to present to the class as a learning tool. Examples include; a storymercial, a digital story, a powerpoint, a book report, a brochure, a newspaper article, or a comic strip.
There are many benefits when the students do the work. It allows the student to surf for the content of the subject and sift through it to see what is needed and what is not. It forces the students to be organized and teaches them responsibility because they have to get it done on time. Making a product helps the students learn how to use the technology.
We discussed new tech high schools and how they work. Technology is intergrated into them more than other high schools.
A production tool is a form of learning whereby students create a product or concrete artifact that is the focus of learning. The students create a product to present to the class as a learning tool. Examples include; a storymercial, a digital story, a powerpoint, a book report, a brochure, a newspaper article, or a comic strip.
There are many benefits when the students do the work. It allows the student to surf for the content of the subject and sift through it to see what is needed and what is not. It forces the students to be organized and teaches them responsibility because they have to get it done on time. Making a product helps the students learn how to use the technology.
We discussed new tech high schools and how they work. Technology is intergrated into them more than other high schools.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Pre-Lecture Podcast for Feburary 23rd
Content Exploration
This was introducing the idea of how to use technology in content exploration. There are more complex and less complex content exploration tools. The first example they gave was about reference tools. They allow students to get information about a topic but it does not allow interaction. This is like a reference book or Wikipedia.
The next example is called Drill-and-Practice tools. These are used for practice on topics and feedback. Essentially this is a flash-card. The more Hi-tech games are found on the internet and involve quizzes that give the correct answers after the student answers. The allow for interaction but the students have no control over the path of learning.
The last one talked about in the pre-lecture podcast was a tutorial. It was said that a tutorial can include both reference tools and Drill-and-Practice tools but does not really allow for questions that are not in the area of concentration for the day.
This was introducing the idea of how to use technology in content exploration. There are more complex and less complex content exploration tools. The first example they gave was about reference tools. They allow students to get information about a topic but it does not allow interaction. This is like a reference book or Wikipedia.
The next example is called Drill-and-Practice tools. These are used for practice on topics and feedback. Essentially this is a flash-card. The more Hi-tech games are found on the internet and involve quizzes that give the correct answers after the student answers. The allow for interaction but the students have no control over the path of learning.
The last one talked about in the pre-lecture podcast was a tutorial. It was said that a tutorial can include both reference tools and Drill-and-Practice tools but does not really allow for questions that are not in the area of concentration for the day.
Lecture for Feburary 16th
Teacher Professional Class
He started the lecture by giving an example of a typical work day for a middle school teacher. He was demonstrating that teachers do not have much time for the extra activities they have to do other then teaching students. The class gave their idea of the five most time consuming things they thought teachers had to do and planning was the one discussed first. He showed a website called Curriki which will help teachers plan lessons or even find a lesson plan on the internet. Technology can make the planning of a lesson a lot easier. The next topic was grading. Again he gave a website that is a technological tool that can be used to make rubrics. There are not many draw backs to this technology because it saves time and energy and it allows the teachers to edit the rubric to fit the assignment.Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Pre-Lecture Podcast Feb. 9th
They posed the question during the podcast asking if we were convinced that technology is important in the classroom and I think it is very important to incorporate it into a classroom setting. It is needed to help students really learn and understand the material.
The schools that use technology would be very exciting to teach at and not at all scary. They help kids solve problems on their own and it gets them started with technology at an early age. This will allow them to learn more because it is what they are use to seeing. I like that the schools are allowing students to use the internet as an important resource because there are some very good factual information on the web. By making them look earlier, they will be able to pick out the good information from the bad easier. Making videos and power points so young will also help them understand technology and the changing way of the world more than just doing things with a pencil and paper.
During this pre-lecture podcast they showed different technologies that can be used by teachers. The easy test maker website will surely save a lot of time when making tests. The database website with the lesson plans and activities will ensure that the students will be interesting in the things that are planned because teachers can see how other classes responded to them.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Lecture Feb. 2
There was a segment of the lecture where the instructor asked everyone to take five minutes to respond to one of the statements from the video. The part that stuck out to me was when someone said students have a more stimulating environment outside of school then in the classroom. I completely agree with this. The way kids get their information is different then it use to be. They use email and texting an other technologies to learn. Most people go to the internet first to find information about a paper topic or project. It is not the same system and it should be updated to meet the needs of todays youth.
The other part of the lecture was on NETS- Teacher Standards. These will take a long time to achieve and should be kept track of. To help keep track we can use our E-Portfolio and write the standards, what it is, what the personal goal is, and how you can achieve it.
The other part of the lecture was on NETS- Teacher Standards. These will take a long time to achieve and should be kept track of. To help keep track we can use our E-Portfolio and write the standards, what it is, what the personal goal is, and how you can achieve it.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Week Four Pre-Lecture Podcast Summary
January 27th, 2009
This week had three main points. The first was Indiana Standards. These are in place because the teachers are being held more accountable for what their students are learning. It is important to keep up with the standards and make sure you are doing what the State wants.
The next topic was Professional Development. I learned that every five years all teachers have to have a certain amount of points, or hours towards becoming a better educator. There is formal professional development and informal professional development. Formal development is required. A seminar, or a workshop counts as credit for this. College credit is probably the best way because you will keep up on the new development.
The last topic just talked about the importance of an EPortfolio. He mentioned that an EPortfolio will show the things that have been accomplished and mastery of the skills you learn along the way.
In this podcast I also learned that there are organizations, i.e. Phi Delta Kappa, that are specifically for teachers. A RSS feed was mentioned as well and is just an easy way to learn what is new on the web by using a reader.
This podcast was called Prep for 4th Week
This week had three main points. The first was Indiana Standards. These are in place because the teachers are being held more accountable for what their students are learning. It is important to keep up with the standards and make sure you are doing what the State wants.
The next topic was Professional Development. I learned that every five years all teachers have to have a certain amount of points, or hours towards becoming a better educator. There is formal professional development and informal professional development. Formal development is required. A seminar, or a workshop counts as credit for this. College credit is probably the best way because you will keep up on the new development.
The last topic just talked about the importance of an EPortfolio. He mentioned that an EPortfolio will show the things that have been accomplished and mastery of the skills you learn along the way.
In this podcast I also learned that there are organizations, i.e. Phi Delta Kappa, that are specifically for teachers. A RSS feed was mentioned as well and is just an easy way to learn what is new on the web by using a reader.
This podcast was called Prep for 4th Week
Friday, January 23, 2009
Digital Natives
January 23, 2009
After doing the Digital Native worksheet, I believe that the main point is that education needs to adapt to the needs to the digitally native students instead of trying to use the old ways of teaching that the digital immigrants learned. A digital native is a person that has grown up with technology and is very accustomed to it while a digital immigrant is a person did not grow up with technology but now uses it in day to day things.
After doing the Digital Native worksheet, I believe that the main point is that education needs to adapt to the needs to the digitally native students instead of trying to use the old ways of teaching that the digital immigrants learned. A digital native is a person that has grown up with technology and is very accustomed to it while a digital immigrant is a person did not grow up with technology but now uses it in day to day things.
Friday, January 16, 2009
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