Wednesday, July 9, 2008
National Curriculum
So, I've been in 3 graduate classes this summer which have opened my eyes to some issues in today's educational system. First, we are not preparing students for life after high school. Second, we continue to "update" our ideas on education which tend to simply repeat ideas already tried and we never give anything a full chance at success. Third, there are too many variances in education across the nation. Therefore, I suggest a full-year school term and the implementation of a national curriculum for the elementary schools. Let's try something new folks! Let's re-focus our efforts on building educated young adults with skills in English and math. Students who can express thoughts and feelings in complete sentences. Students who know what a complete sentence is! There have been multiple theories and ideas, but this is just a thought... what if we could provide an equal education? Why can't we start in the elementary schools with a national curriculum which covers the basics in reading, math, and writing. From there, we include history and science, but you can't do either of those without the basic knowledge in the previous three subjects. I also propse a full-year school year with month vacations spread out throughout the schedule. Why not? What we're doing now isn't working...students come back after summer vacation and need a month of re-teaching activities to remember 2+2=4. I think it's time education changes its outlook. NCLB (good idea, bad plan) would be much better in a system like this. And those are my thoughts for today on that....
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Week 8 -- Class summary
This class was more than what I expeccted. There is so much more out in the wonderful world of websites than I ever thought. It's also nice to see that some of the resources that I could use in my classroom are free while others can be obtained for a fee, which if useful, I would not mind paying! This class provided me multiple practical applications for my classroom, but the school I'm currently in will have to catch up with the electronic needs I would have in order to use them successfully.
Things I would change about this class include the following:
Although I realize there are multiple websites and interesting information on the web for use, many times I found myself confused as to using the website. I feel it moved too quickly through them in order to cover all the sites needed to be covered. Other than that, I don't have any suggestions for "changing" the class. I found it interesting, useful, and look forward to utilizing these resources within my class. Thanks!
Things I would change about this class include the following:
Although I realize there are multiple websites and interesting information on the web for use, many times I found myself confused as to using the website. I feel it moved too quickly through them in order to cover all the sites needed to be covered. Other than that, I don't have any suggestions for "changing" the class. I found it interesting, useful, and look forward to utilizing these resources within my class. Thanks!
Week 7 -- technology grants
I would like to apply for the Dollar General literacy grant for new programs and purchasing equipment and materials for our literacy program. Schools must be within 20 miles of a DG -- lucky for me, there's one right across the street from WCHS! These funds must be used for expansion of libraries or literacy programs that target new readers and below-grade level readers, or readers with learning disabilities. These grants range with a maximum of $5000 and due by June 12, 2008.
If my principal came up and informed me that I could use $2500 to integrate technology into the classroom curriculum, I would purchase a few things. If my room did not already have a LCD projector, I would like to spend it on that, but I think they're quite expensive. If that doesn't cover it, I would like to purchase a set of laptops for student use along with literacy programs I can install on them. With the money left over, I would purchase the microphone for podcasts and probably a few of the flip cameras that record for 60 minutes for student projects. Any extra money from there, I would purchase whatever I wanted or felt I could need or use in the classroom.
If my principal came up and informed me that I could use $2500 to integrate technology into the classroom curriculum, I would purchase a few things. If my room did not already have a LCD projector, I would like to spend it on that, but I think they're quite expensive. If that doesn't cover it, I would like to purchase a set of laptops for student use along with literacy programs I can install on them. With the money left over, I would purchase the microphone for podcasts and probably a few of the flip cameras that record for 60 minutes for student projects. Any extra money from there, I would purchase whatever I wanted or felt I could need or use in the classroom.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Week 6 -- Wiki and Copyright
So, tonight I enjoyed the experience of looking at other people's contributions to the class wiki page. There are multiple websites I could see myself using regarding lesson plans, free stuff, and general ideas for finding resources I can use in my classroom. Thank you to the entire class for their contributions!
Copyright, well...I've been on the wrong side of the law for this one, but tonight I gained more of the proper uses of information both web-based and DVD/video. I promise to be more proactive on this one! But, I do like the educational aspect. As long as it serves an educational purpose, I can use it within my classroom. Guess that means no more filler movies! Sorry kids!
Copyright, well...I've been on the wrong side of the law for this one, but tonight I gained more of the proper uses of information both web-based and DVD/video. I promise to be more proactive on this one! But, I do like the educational aspect. As long as it serves an educational purpose, I can use it within my classroom. Guess that means no more filler movies! Sorry kids!
Week 5 -- Google Don't Be Bad...
This week's article on Google's evil tendencies was interesting to read. I had no idea that every search on any of their services are kept -- including email. Although I can see this information being used for negative uses, I also think back and realize it hasn't been yet. Yet being the opporative word. I would like to think they wouldn't/couldn't use my information for "evil," but I must also realize it is completely possible. I guess there are benefits to being 'computer illiterate' and not using google too much. It does look as though google will need to start watching what information is posted or accessed through its website since there seem to be multiple copyright issues.
If for no other reason than my personal information being used against me, I will be watching my searches on google now -- not that I ever searched for anything that would come back to be used against me or anything. *SMILES*
But, in answer to the posed question, I don't believe google is evil.
If for no other reason than my personal information being used against me, I will be watching my searches on google now -- not that I ever searched for anything that would come back to be used against me or anything. *SMILES*
But, in answer to the posed question, I don't believe google is evil.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Week 4 -- YouTube!
This post topic is about the appropriateness of YouTube in the classroom in 2 parts. Part 1 deals with YouTube in the classroom as an educational tool. As stated in my Week 3 blog, I feel YouTube can have it's benefits within the classroom -- when done for educational purposes. However, there are sites I feel are better suited for the classroom such as TeacherTube or SchoolTube. These sites are more educationally based and not purely for enjoyment as YouTube seems to be. Part 2 deals more with student posts of video taken in class.First, I must say I feel student cell phones should be banned from school buildings. If seen, they should be taken. Too much time is spent in class texting friends in other classes and not learning or focusing on class assignments. This is a battle I fight daily. Second, I have to say that teachers who see students using cell phones to record class happenings should take them away, not perform for the camera..this may come back to haunt them. Taking the student's cell phone away is not to prevent students from posting material, but simply to take away the distraction for other students within the class. Teachers really shouldn't be too concerned about the material being recorded (if they are doing their job and remaining appropriate). Are there instances where cell phones have proven a valuable asset to the student? Yes. Do I still feel they do NOT belong in the classroom?Yes. And if you click on the link you'll know why. Students today feel it is their "right" to do as they please when they please. Many lack respect for teachers and administrators or simply for rules. Teachers today seem to spend more time reminding students of rules and expectations rather than teach. As for video in the classroom, I feel organized recordings of classroom activities would be fine, but only when approved by the teacher and/or under teacher supervision. At the VERY least, the teacher should have knowledge of the recording.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
ED 491 week 3 -- Article Reviews
Students Leave Technology at Home:
Although this article presents some well-intended information, it does not fully address the 2 main issues hindering educators from utilizing technology to its fullest extent within the classroom. I believe these 2 reasons are 1) not enough student access outside of the school building and 2) not enough staff development teaching "older" teachers the new technology. Students today, although many have access to the internet outside of school, many do not. One can easily say they can use the public library, but how do they get there? Another issue with technology comes from inside the school building as many sites are blocked from access due to the site's content (or supposed content) which can hinder some searches dependent upon the topic. The next issue deals with "older" staff members who are 1) set in their ways or 2) not provided the necessary training to implement this new internet technology or given the support once the training occurs. Simply having a technology person within the building is not enough. Staff members need to be re-inforced in how they can utilize these internet ideas successfully for all students to benefit.
Teachers Use YouTube in Classroom:
YouTube has it's place, and it's not in the classroom. I feel YouTube is for funny creative videos, self-expression, or personal enjoyment. However, sites like it, such as SchoolTube or TeacherTube when used correctly, do have their place within the classroom. Teachers need to stay up to date on the latest technology and use the things that interest the kids. If these sites are checking for accuracy with content posted, then teachers should not have to do much more "extra" work in preparation for the classroom activities that will use these sites. Since most streaming video is blocked in schools, it is difficult to access these sites in school even if they are appropriate or have adequate content accuracy. I feel YouTube should be blocked from schools, but TeacherTube or SchoolTube are valuable resources for educators to view what other teachers are doing and may help in relaying important information to students.
$50 Computer Tested in Schools:
The teachermate handheld computer is a great idea for encouraging and inspiring younger students to learn. Current programs include English and Math with Spanish translation and additional support. This is a great idea, but my problem lies with it only covering English and Math. I'm all for the personal computer for every student, and only $50 is a great cost, but does it expand and grow with the child? Is it something that can cover higher content knowledge? Is it only usable for first graders? Can the programs installed be adapted to particular school curriculum? I understand that it's only a pilot program, but these are the questions that need answering before too many get their hopes up. Great idea, many questions.
Online Speech -- Students v. Teachers:
This is a very touchy subject. Students have the right to post what they feel about situations, much like we are posting in this class. However, when these posts name names, pick on people, or are completely fake, I feel students have gone too far. Long gone are the days of whispering gossip to your friend, now you can post it for the world to see. Students often fail to realize that words have power and their posts can create a disruptive environment within the school building. The other issue I see from this article is students creating "fake" accounts for teachers, administrators, etc. with no concern for that person's reputation or feelings. Students need to realize that what they think is "funny" (as I remember talking about my teachers and such) is not really all that funny. What you share one-on-one is not the same as what you post online, and in today's world, that's just where we are. Gone are the days of secrets between friends -- welcome to the online world of gossip, opinion as fact, and the free speech on the internet debate. I will say I think the punishment for the some of these students is extreme, but there needs to be some sort of consequence for wrong actions. That "punishment" needs to NOT come from the person offended or used in the fake account. It should be handled by a third non-biased party which hopefully could eliminate some of the extreme measures taken by administrators in these situations.
Although this article presents some well-intended information, it does not fully address the 2 main issues hindering educators from utilizing technology to its fullest extent within the classroom. I believe these 2 reasons are 1) not enough student access outside of the school building and 2) not enough staff development teaching "older" teachers the new technology. Students today, although many have access to the internet outside of school, many do not. One can easily say they can use the public library, but how do they get there? Another issue with technology comes from inside the school building as many sites are blocked from access due to the site's content (or supposed content) which can hinder some searches dependent upon the topic. The next issue deals with "older" staff members who are 1) set in their ways or 2) not provided the necessary training to implement this new internet technology or given the support once the training occurs. Simply having a technology person within the building is not enough. Staff members need to be re-inforced in how they can utilize these internet ideas successfully for all students to benefit.
Teachers Use YouTube in Classroom:
YouTube has it's place, and it's not in the classroom. I feel YouTube is for funny creative videos, self-expression, or personal enjoyment. However, sites like it, such as SchoolTube or TeacherTube when used correctly, do have their place within the classroom. Teachers need to stay up to date on the latest technology and use the things that interest the kids. If these sites are checking for accuracy with content posted, then teachers should not have to do much more "extra" work in preparation for the classroom activities that will use these sites. Since most streaming video is blocked in schools, it is difficult to access these sites in school even if they are appropriate or have adequate content accuracy. I feel YouTube should be blocked from schools, but TeacherTube or SchoolTube are valuable resources for educators to view what other teachers are doing and may help in relaying important information to students.
$50 Computer Tested in Schools:
The teachermate handheld computer is a great idea for encouraging and inspiring younger students to learn. Current programs include English and Math with Spanish translation and additional support. This is a great idea, but my problem lies with it only covering English and Math. I'm all for the personal computer for every student, and only $50 is a great cost, but does it expand and grow with the child? Is it something that can cover higher content knowledge? Is it only usable for first graders? Can the programs installed be adapted to particular school curriculum? I understand that it's only a pilot program, but these are the questions that need answering before too many get their hopes up. Great idea, many questions.
Online Speech -- Students v. Teachers:
This is a very touchy subject. Students have the right to post what they feel about situations, much like we are posting in this class. However, when these posts name names, pick on people, or are completely fake, I feel students have gone too far. Long gone are the days of whispering gossip to your friend, now you can post it for the world to see. Students often fail to realize that words have power and their posts can create a disruptive environment within the school building. The other issue I see from this article is students creating "fake" accounts for teachers, administrators, etc. with no concern for that person's reputation or feelings. Students need to realize that what they think is "funny" (as I remember talking about my teachers and such) is not really all that funny. What you share one-on-one is not the same as what you post online, and in today's world, that's just where we are. Gone are the days of secrets between friends -- welcome to the online world of gossip, opinion as fact, and the free speech on the internet debate. I will say I think the punishment for the some of these students is extreme, but there needs to be some sort of consequence for wrong actions. That "punishment" needs to NOT come from the person offended or used in the fake account. It should be handled by a third non-biased party which hopefully could eliminate some of the extreme measures taken by administrators in these situations.
ED 491 Week 2
Within the English classroom, there are many ways podcasts can be utilized by educators for the benefit of his or her students. These ways include but are definately not limited to the following suggestions. One of my first thoughts is for students with limited English proficiency or ESL students. When reading novels, short stories, books, etc. as a class assignment, teachers could post podcasts of each chapter for students to access at home and read along with the teacher. This serves 2 purposes -- 1) the student can still complete his/her reading homework even though they have limited English proficiency, and 2) this can save the student from feeling embarrassed in class because of the limited proficiency. Other suggestions for use of podcasts in the English classroom would be for grammar review, class project instructions, assignment clarification, answers to frequently asked questions, outlining the week's work for the class, etc. As you can see, podcasts can play an important role within the English classroom that should not only make life easier for the teacher, but also for the student.
I have not currently found any podcasts that I could intertwine within my curriculum; however, once I am more familiar with finding, creating, and using them I am sure there will be plenty to use. The ones I would use also depend upon the lesson, book we're reading, or unit we're covering.
As for ideas for the use of student created video within the classroom, I think the best use would be for student projects. The students could make music videos, advertisements, mini-movies, or other projects using their creativity and, with teacher approval, these could really be unique while displaying the student's individuality.
I have not currently found any podcasts that I could intertwine within my curriculum; however, once I am more familiar with finding, creating, and using them I am sure there will be plenty to use. The ones I would use also depend upon the lesson, book we're reading, or unit we're covering.
As for ideas for the use of student created video within the classroom, I think the best use would be for student projects. The students could make music videos, advertisements, mini-movies, or other projects using their creativity and, with teacher approval, these could really be unique while displaying the student's individuality.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
ED 491 Week 1
The first blog that I found which offers English teachers opportunities to utilize the web in the classroom and for class assignments is called Just Read! This blog offers class assignments and other opportunities for students to use the web and post assignments to their teacher. I especially enjoy the project on The Great Gatsby for her 11th grade English students. Just Read!
The second blog offers different and various activities including comma quizzes, slide shows of vocabulary, and predicting what a book is about. This blog looks to be continuously updated and changed depending upon the assignment the class is working on. Miller's English 10
The final blog I find interesting is the English Teaching Lab. This blog provides teachers reading resources, grammar resources, and web-based learning lessons on teaching grammar to not only English as a Second Language students but also primary English speakers. These would be great resources for teachers who deal with ESL students or in order to provide review exercises or re-enforcement of grammar and its usage. English Teaching Lab
The second blog offers different and various activities including comma quizzes, slide shows of vocabulary, and predicting what a book is about. This blog looks to be continuously updated and changed depending upon the assignment the class is working on. Miller's English 10
The final blog I find interesting is the English Teaching Lab. This blog provides teachers reading resources, grammar resources, and web-based learning lessons on teaching grammar to not only English as a Second Language students but also primary English speakers. These would be great resources for teachers who deal with ESL students or in order to provide review exercises or re-enforcement of grammar and its usage. English Teaching Lab
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