This class has taught me many valuable resources. Not only can I use a blog and SmartBoard effectively, but I have several tools that I can depend upon when teaching. I found out not all Education majors at Northwest U. have to take this class, but I think that is tragic. There are some required classes that do not need to be required, but this is one that every future teacher should take. The computer and technology skills are invaluable, especially since the world is becoming exponentially, not just increasingly, but exponentially more technologically advanced every day. Children are being raised on technology, using computers and technological software will be as easy and breathing in and out for children. It is important that teachers have an edge in this industry.
Also, it helps the teacher. I can create an interactive presentation in minutes, and not have to worry about spending hours on creating a bulletin board that students will get bored with the next day. Not only is the SmartBoard useful, but one time when preparing for a lesson I had writer's block, or teacher's block, I just could not think of ideas. I went on my teacher tool box and started browsing websites, seeing examples from other classes, from other teachers. Once I had seen all these ideas my mind started making all these connections and adaptations I had thought of a lesson plan. I can't imagine having to teach everyday, and have six or seven lesson plans for all my classes and having to brainstorm and create every single idea and worksheet and so on from nothing. There are so many resource based web sites specifically for teachers, we should use them.
Technology is not all about making things look "cool" to students, or new, bigger, flashier, ways to entertain them. It is also about helping the teacher, either with being more organized--online gradebook-- or giving ideas/lesson plans, or making parent teacher contact more accessible--either through email or blogs.
Technology is a resource and should not be feared by those who are not technology literate.
Blogging as a way to utilize technological tools to become an effective teacher. My Journey into Technological advances.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Reflection #12
When researching articles for the future of education and technology, I found a very interesting article. I was familiar with wireless internet, communication alerts (although confused how it works, what are the complexities, etc) and interactive white boards. All those topics I had previously learned about or knew of. I did not realize that there are many more brands of interactive boards than I had realized. Smart Board is only one type of interactive white boards. I had heard about Promethean Boards, but this article discussed eBeam by Luidia, eInstruction and lastly, In Focus. All of those are brands of interactive white boards. All of those are possibly software that I may have to learn to use and be advanced in my classroom, and I have never heard of those brands.
The concept that I had never actually heard about was cloud computing. Honestly, I had to Google it to find the definition. I discovered that I had heard of schools using systems similar, but I never knew the term was in deed called cloud computing. Basically it is a system of internet based computing, where resources, information, files, software and so on can be shared through different computers. This is very similar to Northwest's Discovery. Professors can post documents or link, students can submit assignments/projects electronically, students can check grades, professors can post feedback on assignments. It is definitely a system that is cloud computing technology. My high school did not have this, we had an online grading system, but if we needed notes or a copy of a handout, are teacher could not simply "upload it to Discovery" he or she had to make a printed copy. A lot of paper is wasted.
The concept that I had never actually heard about was cloud computing. Honestly, I had to Google it to find the definition. I discovered that I had heard of schools using systems similar, but I never knew the term was in deed called cloud computing. Basically it is a system of internet based computing, where resources, information, files, software and so on can be shared through different computers. This is very similar to Northwest's Discovery. Professors can post documents or link, students can submit assignments/projects electronically, students can check grades, professors can post feedback on assignments. It is definitely a system that is cloud computing technology. My high school did not have this, we had an online grading system, but if we needed notes or a copy of a handout, are teacher could not simply "upload it to Discovery" he or she had to make a printed copy. A lot of paper is wasted.
week # 13 Future of Education and Technology
I found a very relative article titled "Technology: Making Your Schools Future Proof" by Alan Desshoff. Basically the article is about ways to upgrade your schools technology in an effective way, so that in the future, the technology will be obsolete and the mass amounts of money spent on technology will have been wasted.
The main pullout quote at the top of the article states: Administrators plan ahead by implementing flexible technology now to prevent major overhauls later.
It is a practical concern for school administrations to fear money being spent on technology that made not be effective or long lasting. However, if a school spends money on the right kinds of technology that will last into the future, essentially you are making your school "future proof."
"'A future-proof facility is “the escort to a probable future,' adds Frank Locker, president of Frank Locker Educational Planning, a consulting firm in Dover, N.H. He defines it as 'inherently a flexible building that can be used as appropriate today but allows future reinterpretation and reassignment of programs and functions,' anticipating and supporting change without expensive remodeling" (Desshoff, 2).
Some overall tips:
#1 • UPGRADES—How easy or realistic is it to upgrade?
#2 • LIFE CYCLE—How long will it be before your technology is obsolete? What happens then?
#3 • INFRASTRUCTURE—Do you have the wiring, network, and facilities to support an expansion
of your technology fi ve years from now?
And lastly #4 • SUPPORT—Do you have the tech support for such an expansion?
The main points/ideas Desshoff stated in this article is:
First of all, making your school wireless. This reduces the amount of cables that are needed to go throughout the campus/classrooms. Anyone can hook up to wireless as long as they are in the system and have the password.
Second, Communication Alerts. These are essential for a school, instead of having a loud intercom dictating what drill will be done, there can be a specific message sent to every individual on campus, sometimes cell phones, email, etc. I know Northwest has Campus Alerts, and they are sent to student's cell phones. When school was cancelled because of snow, I got a text message.
Third, Interactive Whiteboards. They provided a list of at least five different interactive whiteboards, and I had only heard of Promethean Board. I use Smart Board, that was in my high school. The future is Interactive whiteboards, a SmartBoard is standard for schools. Projectors are becoming more advanced as well, they don't have to hang from the ceiling anymore, there are becoming more precise. The plan is to have every school using interactive whiteboards, and this is something schools want to invest in, and it will be worth the money spent on this technology. eBeam Edge for Education is a cheap and reliable interactive white board for schools.
Fourth, "Into the Cloud" or other wise known as Cloud computing which is basically internet based sharing of resources, files, information and software that can be accessed by many computers. At Northwest we had Discovery, in which information can be shared and documents can be exchanged and accessed by anyone with a username and password.
The main pullout quote at the top of the article states: Administrators plan ahead by implementing flexible technology now to prevent major overhauls later.
It is a practical concern for school administrations to fear money being spent on technology that made not be effective or long lasting. However, if a school spends money on the right kinds of technology that will last into the future, essentially you are making your school "future proof."
"'A future-proof facility is “the escort to a probable future,' adds Frank Locker, president of Frank Locker Educational Planning, a consulting firm in Dover, N.H. He defines it as 'inherently a flexible building that can be used as appropriate today but allows future reinterpretation and reassignment of programs and functions,' anticipating and supporting change without expensive remodeling" (Desshoff, 2).
Some overall tips:
#1 • UPGRADES—How easy or realistic is it to upgrade?
#2 • LIFE CYCLE—How long will it be before your technology is obsolete? What happens then?
#3 • INFRASTRUCTURE—Do you have the wiring, network, and facilities to support an expansion
of your technology fi ve years from now?
And lastly #4 • SUPPORT—Do you have the tech support for such an expansion?
The main points/ideas Desshoff stated in this article is:
First of all, making your school wireless. This reduces the amount of cables that are needed to go throughout the campus/classrooms. Anyone can hook up to wireless as long as they are in the system and have the password.
Second, Communication Alerts. These are essential for a school, instead of having a loud intercom dictating what drill will be done, there can be a specific message sent to every individual on campus, sometimes cell phones, email, etc. I know Northwest has Campus Alerts, and they are sent to student's cell phones. When school was cancelled because of snow, I got a text message.
Third, Interactive Whiteboards. They provided a list of at least five different interactive whiteboards, and I had only heard of Promethean Board. I use Smart Board, that was in my high school. The future is Interactive whiteboards, a SmartBoard is standard for schools. Projectors are becoming more advanced as well, they don't have to hang from the ceiling anymore, there are becoming more precise. The plan is to have every school using interactive whiteboards, and this is something schools want to invest in, and it will be worth the money spent on this technology. eBeam Edge for Education is a cheap and reliable interactive white board for schools.
Fourth, "Into the Cloud" or other wise known as Cloud computing which is basically internet based sharing of resources, files, information and software that can be accessed by many computers. At Northwest we had Discovery, in which information can be shared and documents can be exchanged and accessed by anyone with a username and password.
reflection # 11
I am taking Instructional Design at NU, and all my classmates that are in Technology and Education are also in Instructional Design. However, there are students who are in Inst. Design, who are not required and have not taken Technology and Education. It is obvious who has not taken Tech and Ed. because their lessons do not require use of SMART Board, document camera, etc. I feel it is a disadvantage to those students, for the five of us who are in Tech, it is very easy to use Smart Notebook and create a Notebook presentation and make it very visually appealing. We all have it on our personal laptops, and so the night before a lesson is due we can make a presentation wherever, and not have to go into the actual classroom to make the presentation. It is very convenient. Regardless of knowing where you might end up as a teacher, it is important to understand basic technological operations. The other day Alison and I were discussing how it was easy for us to adapt to Notebook, because we have used PowerPoint our whole lives. And Prof. Adair said it was easy to transition from Activ Board to a Smart Board because the programs were so similar. By the time I start teaching in my own classroom, who knows what the latest technological savvy program will be, but at least I will be proficient in these types of programs that the switch will be easily made.
People who do not take Tech and Ed are really missing out on valuable teaching tools. After making the Teacher Toolkit, I had to prepare a lesson for another class, so I went on here and clicked links into some of the sites I had posted or other people had posted and found lots of templates and great ideas for my lesson plan.
People who do not take Tech and Ed are really missing out on valuable teaching tools. After making the Teacher Toolkit, I had to prepare a lesson for another class, so I went on here and clicked links into some of the sites I had posted or other people had posted and found lots of templates and great ideas for my lesson plan.
reflection # 10
Professor Adair said in her third grade class a few months ago, fairness and being right is not the same. She explained her kids are always saying "That's not fair" but it is what people need. That is a huge statement, the traditional statement of fairness is everyone being treated equally, however this new definition is giving everyone what they need instead.
A teacher on the panel we had a few weeks back in class described the discussion she had with her class, she asked if one girl needed a shot, would it be equal for everyone to get a shot, yes, but it wouldn't be fair, because not everyone needs a shot.
In my Special Needs class at NU, there was a definition that was on a handout, fairness is giving people what they need. And he described it as students who have learning disabilities NEED different things that normal students. Teachers say "that's not fair" to give little Billy a copy of the assignment on the board because he can't see, while the other students have to look off the board. But it is what little Billy needs. If someone had a heart attack, we wouldn't say, well since not everyone can get revived using the defibrillator, then we shouldn't use it on that person who's dying.
This makes me think of all the resources teachers can use with technology, especially for those students with learning disabilities. Students who have a hard time understanding math, or English, can use computers and play an educational program that is geared to tutor and help the struggling students master their disability. Or using graphics to illustrate something, or sounds. Using innovative and different ways to teach conventional ideas and concepts.
Small groups would also be a good idea. Having the students pair off into groups according to skill level and providing various "stations" or activities for the students to do while the teacher meets with a small group and teaches to their learning level.
A teacher on the panel we had a few weeks back in class described the discussion she had with her class, she asked if one girl needed a shot, would it be equal for everyone to get a shot, yes, but it wouldn't be fair, because not everyone needs a shot.
In my Special Needs class at NU, there was a definition that was on a handout, fairness is giving people what they need. And he described it as students who have learning disabilities NEED different things that normal students. Teachers say "that's not fair" to give little Billy a copy of the assignment on the board because he can't see, while the other students have to look off the board. But it is what little Billy needs. If someone had a heart attack, we wouldn't say, well since not everyone can get revived using the defibrillator, then we shouldn't use it on that person who's dying.
This makes me think of all the resources teachers can use with technology, especially for those students with learning disabilities. Students who have a hard time understanding math, or English, can use computers and play an educational program that is geared to tutor and help the struggling students master their disability. Or using graphics to illustrate something, or sounds. Using innovative and different ways to teach conventional ideas and concepts.
Small groups would also be a good idea. Having the students pair off into groups according to skill level and providing various "stations" or activities for the students to do while the teacher meets with a small group and teaches to their learning level.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
reflection #9
In my instructional design class, we had to make a "family plan" which was a letter or some form of communication to the parents/guardians of my students. For younger students (elementary), making an updated weekly letter would be a good idea, but also a waste of paper. For high school students, who usually don't show parents any form of paper or letters, an electronic "letter" to parents would be ideal. Parents who want to stay involved and connected to their child's life and schoolwork can check a blog. Type in the address and look at the assignments, and see any updates or notifications that I may need to tell the parents. In Inst. Design, my "class" read a graphic/shocking poem "Barbie Doll" and my professor suggested that it is important to notify parents/guardians of graphic material or subject matter that will be discussed, seen, or read in class. That would be really important to notify parents, and doing it on a blog would be an effective way.
week #11
As an English teacher, my prospective students will be using Microsoft works very often.
Microsoft Word: write an essay, and use correct MLA format.
PowerPoint: create a presentation of a poet to show to class
Excel: create a spreadsheet documenting the results of a survey taken for a project, create a graph and pie chart.
Microsoft Word: write an essay, and use correct MLA format.
PowerPoint: create a presentation of a poet to show to class
Excel: create a spreadsheet documenting the results of a survey taken for a project, create a graph and pie chart.
reflection #8
Last class I really enjoyed looking through other classmates' toolboxes. I found a lot of interesting sites. However, being a secondary education major, most of those sites, albeit really "cool" would not work for high school students. However, I found some good sites that would apply to me. Those sites, such as http://teachershare.scholastic.com/ helped me when I needed ideas for a lesson plan that I was supposed to prepare for another class. I browsed websites to get ideas, and tweaked and changed things to create a lesson. I just learned my first CASE lesson (copy and steal everything). Not everything on these sites will be helpful, but... I can get ideas, and change them to fit the needs of my classroom/lesson plan, etc.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
#12 Plagiarism and the Internet
After reading Klausman's article titled, "Teaching About Plagiarism in the Age of the Internet" I thought about my own education, and what I defined as plagiarism. Klausman pointed out that currently, students no longer use paper forms of media/sources, but mostly electronic sources. It is very popular to "Google" or "Bing" a subject and find information, and use that information. However, I find that students, at least at college level are smart enough to know how to cite the author's work. I learned before high school what a works cited or bibliography was. I also learned that Wikipedia is not a reliable source, and should NEVER be cited in an academic paper.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY. Always a major subject in school. This subject was on every syllabus, and the teacher or professor warned students that if there was any plagiarism or academic dishonesty then the result would be a failed grade in the class. I remember this always struck fear inside of me when I would research, for fear I would commit plagiarism and not realize it. I could not understand why teachers encouraged students to research, but terrified them of committing plagiarism. Are we not supposed to share what we have found? Yes, but a student cannot claim the findings as his or her own, but must cite or accredit or attribute to someone or some cite. Usually, after a quote, it should be properly cited. If students cite their work, there should be no problem.
Klausman stated that there are three types of plagiarism:
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY. Always a major subject in school. This subject was on every syllabus, and the teacher or professor warned students that if there was any plagiarism or academic dishonesty then the result would be a failed grade in the class. I remember this always struck fear inside of me when I would research, for fear I would commit plagiarism and not realize it. I could not understand why teachers encouraged students to research, but terrified them of committing plagiarism. Are we not supposed to share what we have found? Yes, but a student cannot claim the findings as his or her own, but must cite or accredit or attribute to someone or some cite. Usually, after a quote, it should be properly cited. If students cite their work, there should be no problem.
Klausman stated that there are three types of plagiarism:
- direct plagiarism: which is the classic idea of plagiarism, copying word for word what an author wrote
- paraphrased plagiarism in which a student changes some of the words of a quote
- patchwork plagiarism in which uses author's original words, and mix with student's original words
My question is, so what is correct? If we cite everything, and put quotations around every direct quote, and attribute and give credit to any idea or phrase that is not our own, is it still plagiarism?
For example:
According to SOME PUBLISHED JOURNAL, "Blah blah... so and so... means this, then this means that" which means.... such and such (AUTHOR DATE).
For example:
According to SOME PUBLISHED JOURNAL, "Blah blah... so and so... means this, then this means that" which means.... such and such (AUTHOR DATE).
Is that plagiarism? if you quote it? Klausman seemed as though any work that is put into your paper is plagiarism. I understand his concepts, and how easy it is to copy words from a text online, but if we cite and quote from the text, can we still use it without failing the class and committing the forbidden, "ACADEMIC DISHONESTY"?
Teacher Toolbox Assignment three
One of my college professors had this acronym for teachers: CASE meaning copy and steal everything. As teachers, we have busy lives, and cannot reinvent the wheel everyday for our class. Therefore, it is important to have and utilize resources.
Top Three Favorite Tools/Resources
- http://teachershare.scholastic.com/ Sponsored by SCHOLASTIC, this allows teachers to share lesson plans, and submit feedback. And share classroom resources.
- Google Maps When studying about a specific area in class, I can type in the location and bring an actual visual/photo of the location. For example if my students are studying Russian Literature, I can type in Moscow, and bring up pictures of the buildings and streets in Moscow, this allows students to connect to the literature on a new level.
- Noodletools This site shows how students can correctly cite their work. This cite has MLA, APA, Chicago, Turabian, and so on. Citing work can be hard for students to figure out. This tool guides students how to correctly format their bibliography or works cited. Simply click on the NoodleBib Express, and it will ask questions about the source you are citing. And guide the student through a correctly formatted works cited.
Week #10 Educational Blog
I was looking for some high school blogs on edublog, the blog for students and teachers. I was looking for some high school blogs, and I found this one, The Geeks From Down the Street What I found interesting about this blog is it is for Mr. Borges, and his classroom. The blog is visually appealing. It has a light blue color, and one single background image. Everything is neatly organized. He has the posts (either from him or students) on the left on the page, then three additional columns:
If I was a student, I would be greatly interested in his blog. I like how organized his blog is, and how he included various resources for his students. He definitely appeals to students by using funny things that are popular, such as zombies, Star Wars, and Super Mario. I really appreciate his column dedicated to charities. His title is Social Responsibility (psst... these aren't ads, they're a way of life!) and provides numerous images and links to different charities. It encourages high schoolers to become involved with their world, socially aware, and responsible citizens.
I want my class blogs to be visually stimulating, but not cluttered. And to be organized would be a great skill. To learn how to add pages, and links without making the page too long or extremely cluttered. His page is very organized. If I need something it is clearly marked, and I can click on the link that leads to another page.
- Pages-- This includes his About Mr. Borges and this page, photos of classroom, podcasting, social responsibility, Podcasts, Assignments, Discussion, Online Literature, Online Drama, Online English, with various subcategories, Online Mathematics, Online Media Studies, and lastly, he has a small list of "What a Teach Finds Interesting Online" which includes "Super Mario Awesomeness" and "Star Wars T-Shirt Logo Spacebook." He definitely is very organized. Has everything his students might need to succeed in his class, as well as things they might find entertaining (at the bottom though)
- Who's Reading? and has a map of every location in the world that has read or viewed this blog. And a blog roll that has a list of blogs and links that connect with his blog, other class blogs, teachers from around the world, different schools, etc.
-He also has links for Parents and Educators
-And an archive to find older blog entries - Lastly, he has a contact page, which includes ways to register or sign in, and comment on his blog, his Twitter account, and various links to charities, and why it is a social responsibility to help others
If I was a student, I would be greatly interested in his blog. I like how organized his blog is, and how he included various resources for his students. He definitely appeals to students by using funny things that are popular, such as zombies, Star Wars, and Super Mario. I really appreciate his column dedicated to charities. His title is Social Responsibility (psst... these aren't ads, they're a way of life!) and provides numerous images and links to different charities. It encourages high schoolers to become involved with their world, socially aware, and responsible citizens.
I want my class blogs to be visually stimulating, but not cluttered. And to be organized would be a great skill. To learn how to add pages, and links without making the page too long or extremely cluttered. His page is very organized. If I need something it is clearly marked, and I can click on the link that leads to another page.
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