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!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
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.
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