Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Thank You Professor Aliefendic
I have learned quite an array of technological tools in my ETEC 424 class that will help me as a new teacher. Knowledge has been built of a variety of Web 2.0 applications to the extensive amount of material available to educators online. There are numerous technological tools that I will be using in my future classrooms. Thanks to Professor Jasna Aliefendic, my ETEC 424 has opened my eyes to an almost unlimited potential. The only limits will be what our school district is willing to and can afford to let us have access to in the classroom environment.
Assessing with Technology
There are many tools available for assessment. The simple practice of a computer based test permits easy grading of assessments. Computer based application further allows for the ease of accumulation and analysis of student abilities and whether or not they are grasping content material. An early indication of further instruction on specific topics can be noted when the analysis is readily accessible. This is highly beneficial in students attaining complete understanding and being able to add to knowledge gained. The importance of creating a solid base increases student abilities to master the material. Creating assessment tool can be intimidating to beginning teachers. Computer based assessment tools are found on many websites such as http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/assess.html and http://www.rubrician.com. They also provide templates on rubrics for an assortment of lessons. These are very useful to the beginning teacher. Rubrics assist in establishing fair grading. One of my favorite assessment tools is the ePortfolio. It allows for the collection of a student’s multiple assignments in one location. This allows both the teacher and the student to continually review what has been learned and improvement goals that have been met. Using computer based assessment materials and programs can help any teacher enhance the education process.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Visualizing with Technology
Communicating information in various formats enhances education. It offers students an exceptional opportunity to view topics from unique perspectives. I feel that it is easy for a teacher to get caught in a typical teaching style of textbook and lecture. Children in today’s world have grown up with extensive technology usage in their daily lives. It is not surprising that for some their style of learning and ability to understand concepts must incorporate some form of their technological world. Website such as unitedstreaming.com and safarimontage.com are excellent tools in offering variety in education. They offer a wide variety of visual productions that can be used in the classroom for instruction purposes. Visualizing with technology enhances the understanding of concepts in a manner that is quite familiar to our technologically savvy younger generations.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Web 2.0 Applications
I am certainly learning a lot about various technology applications lately. It is a fun experience and is offering some great potential uses in teaching resources and in the classroom activities. So far my experience has been class discussion boards, which I really enjoy using. But, they have a limited potential. I never realized there were so many useful options available.
Wikis looks like a great resource if used properly. But, that is just it. There are a number of people that would use it in a negative way. As classroom collaboration, I could see this as a useful tool for students to ask questions they are afraid too in front of anyone else. The anonymity would let anyone post anything. However, there will always remain a question of validity, unless each posting thread would be discussed in the classroom. The ability to alter any previous post does bother me.
I had never heard of VoiceThread. I think this would be an excellent way to open up the classroom to experience views from students located in other schools, states and countries. It offers a great prospect for students to expand their understanding of different cultures and their view points. Students just might discover they are more similar to others than they think. They may also learn to be more excepting of others.
My Favorites has been a well used tool on my computer. I had heard of delicious.com and social bookmarking but, had never investigated its uses. Wow! I really like this idea. It would be great to have quick access to sites others have found useful, especially for the new teacher. This is definitely a time saver when looking for usable information for the classroom. I must say Social Bookmarking may very well become a ‘best friend’ for me.
Wikis looks like a great resource if used properly. But, that is just it. There are a number of people that would use it in a negative way. As classroom collaboration, I could see this as a useful tool for students to ask questions they are afraid too in front of anyone else. The anonymity would let anyone post anything. However, there will always remain a question of validity, unless each posting thread would be discussed in the classroom. The ability to alter any previous post does bother me.
I had never heard of VoiceThread. I think this would be an excellent way to open up the classroom to experience views from students located in other schools, states and countries. It offers a great prospect for students to expand their understanding of different cultures and their view points. Students just might discover they are more similar to others than they think. They may also learn to be more excepting of others.
My Favorites has been a well used tool on my computer. I had heard of delicious.com and social bookmarking but, had never investigated its uses. Wow! I really like this idea. It would be great to have quick access to sites others have found useful, especially for the new teacher. This is definitely a time saver when looking for usable information for the classroom. I must say Social Bookmarking may very well become a ‘best friend’ for me.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Copyright, Fair Use, Nettiquete, Cyberbullying and Internet Safety
Copyright, Fair Use, Nettiquete, Cyberbullying and Internet Safety
Copyright and Fair Use
Information abounds on the internet. However, there is a definite need to understand the proper usage of material we find on the internet. Copy rights and fair use of material is an important consideration. Just because it is on the internet and easily accessible, does not mean it is free to use whatever way we want. Intellectual creations such as music, pictures, stories, articles and books belong to someone. We are required to honor the intellectual rights of the owners of this published material. The question of the degree of usage has been greatly debated and thus forced the establishment of Civil laws to protect these intellectual rights. Some of the laws are vague and difficult to understand. There are numerous sources that are available to help guide in the fair usage of this material. Luckily, the government has seen fit to be somewhat lenient in the usage of this information for educational purposes. But, that does not mean everything falls into this umbrella. There are still specific methods that must be followed and certain things that cannot be done. Quite a bit of vagueness exists in the laws. The general rule of thumb has been, if you don’t know, don’t use it. Thankfully, there are resources available to help guide in the proper fair use of copyrighted material.
Nettiquete
The technological age we live in has opened up a new realm for communications. Just as we speak to each other in everyday face-to-face conversations, many of us also do so via electronic devises on a daily basis. When in the same location, as we speak to each other, using proper etiquette is somewhat second nature. Not only do we have the use of language, we also are aware of visual cues such as facial expressions and body language that we use to assess meaning. Electronic communication requires a certain degree of caution. Word choice can be very important in conveying appropriate meaning. Conversations through short messages, as in texting, has created a whole new world of vocabulary based on acronyms and modified spellings of phases and words. This type of language modification is not always appropriate. When conversing with friends or family in a relaxed mode it would be generally acceptable. But when communicating in a professional or educational setting the use of proper nettiquete is a requirement. Just as we would show respect in face-to-face communications, we need to carry that over to our communications via technology.
Cyberbullying
Not all communications are carried out in a cordial manner. When conversations become heated and disagreements arise, some people will lash out in a defensive mode. Some people harbor grudges against others, or they just have a personal dislike for someone. Unwarranted personal attacks are then made. Sadly, this bullying manifests itself in everyday life experiences. Simple examples would be a child picking on others on the playground because he/she always wants to be in charge or a group of students making fun of another student because he/she likes different things than they do or looks different than they do. The lack of respect for a person with continual bashing constitutes bullying. No one has a right to bully another. No one should be expected to be bullied. Technology has added a new sphere for bullying to take place. Cyberbullying is just as, if not more, detrimental. The number of people that can bare witness has been increased exponentially. Bullying can deeply affect a person’s concept of self worth. We must teach our children they do not have to take this and let them know it is alright to tell someone, stressing, it is alright to get help to stop the aggression.
Internet Safety
Parents need to take charge and monitor their children’s behavior and activities, especially when using technology. Teachers should do the same for their students. Adults do not always have all the answers and they themselves may feel inadequate to handle the task. Online sites, schools and community libraries are but a few sources that have parent information programs to help in gaining knowledge on how to deal with bullying issues and overall internet safety. Guiding children in what is appropriate to post on a web site or personal page and how to limit access to personal information is of extreme importance for safety when using the internet. Our children are growing up in a new world filled with technology. Their social usage of technology is their new way of communication for these younger generations. They are all too ready to share personal feelings and information about themselves as they reach out to find others that are similar to them. As adults, we must guide our children to make wise choices in the interest of safety when dealing with such a large world as the internet.
Each year, in September or early October, the schools that my children attend sponsor a parent involvement night. This is an excellent opportunity for parents to get first hand knowledge from professionals on dealing with child rearing, education, and safety issues. Establishing and keeping an open line of communication between schools, teachers and parents is essential in helping our children cope, adjust well and grow in a healthy environment.
Copyright and Fair Use
Information abounds on the internet. However, there is a definite need to understand the proper usage of material we find on the internet. Copy rights and fair use of material is an important consideration. Just because it is on the internet and easily accessible, does not mean it is free to use whatever way we want. Intellectual creations such as music, pictures, stories, articles and books belong to someone. We are required to honor the intellectual rights of the owners of this published material. The question of the degree of usage has been greatly debated and thus forced the establishment of Civil laws to protect these intellectual rights. Some of the laws are vague and difficult to understand. There are numerous sources that are available to help guide in the fair usage of this material. Luckily, the government has seen fit to be somewhat lenient in the usage of this information for educational purposes. But, that does not mean everything falls into this umbrella. There are still specific methods that must be followed and certain things that cannot be done. Quite a bit of vagueness exists in the laws. The general rule of thumb has been, if you don’t know, don’t use it. Thankfully, there are resources available to help guide in the proper fair use of copyrighted material.
Nettiquete
The technological age we live in has opened up a new realm for communications. Just as we speak to each other in everyday face-to-face conversations, many of us also do so via electronic devises on a daily basis. When in the same location, as we speak to each other, using proper etiquette is somewhat second nature. Not only do we have the use of language, we also are aware of visual cues such as facial expressions and body language that we use to assess meaning. Electronic communication requires a certain degree of caution. Word choice can be very important in conveying appropriate meaning. Conversations through short messages, as in texting, has created a whole new world of vocabulary based on acronyms and modified spellings of phases and words. This type of language modification is not always appropriate. When conversing with friends or family in a relaxed mode it would be generally acceptable. But when communicating in a professional or educational setting the use of proper nettiquete is a requirement. Just as we would show respect in face-to-face communications, we need to carry that over to our communications via technology.
Cyberbullying
Not all communications are carried out in a cordial manner. When conversations become heated and disagreements arise, some people will lash out in a defensive mode. Some people harbor grudges against others, or they just have a personal dislike for someone. Unwarranted personal attacks are then made. Sadly, this bullying manifests itself in everyday life experiences. Simple examples would be a child picking on others on the playground because he/she always wants to be in charge or a group of students making fun of another student because he/she likes different things than they do or looks different than they do. The lack of respect for a person with continual bashing constitutes bullying. No one has a right to bully another. No one should be expected to be bullied. Technology has added a new sphere for bullying to take place. Cyberbullying is just as, if not more, detrimental. The number of people that can bare witness has been increased exponentially. Bullying can deeply affect a person’s concept of self worth. We must teach our children they do not have to take this and let them know it is alright to tell someone, stressing, it is alright to get help to stop the aggression.
Internet Safety
Parents need to take charge and monitor their children’s behavior and activities, especially when using technology. Teachers should do the same for their students. Adults do not always have all the answers and they themselves may feel inadequate to handle the task. Online sites, schools and community libraries are but a few sources that have parent information programs to help in gaining knowledge on how to deal with bullying issues and overall internet safety. Guiding children in what is appropriate to post on a web site or personal page and how to limit access to personal information is of extreme importance for safety when using the internet. Our children are growing up in a new world filled with technology. Their social usage of technology is their new way of communication for these younger generations. They are all too ready to share personal feelings and information about themselves as they reach out to find others that are similar to them. As adults, we must guide our children to make wise choices in the interest of safety when dealing with such a large world as the internet.
Each year, in September or early October, the schools that my children attend sponsor a parent involvement night. This is an excellent opportunity for parents to get first hand knowledge from professionals on dealing with child rearing, education, and safety issues. Establishing and keeping an open line of communication between schools, teachers and parents is essential in helping our children cope, adjust well and grow in a healthy environment.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Introduction
Greetings to All,
I am a mother of five very involved children. Since my children started school, I have been heavily involved with volunteer work. At the elementary and middle school PTAs, I have held just about every elected position, chairman position or been a committee member. I also assisted with Choir and Band Boosters and have been Team Mom for Little League Baseball and Hockey. Working with kids has been a great joy for me.
This all lead to my decision to return to college in March 2009. Although it has been difficult and physically trying on me and my family, I have been barreling full steam ahead taking a full load of classes in winter, spring, summer, and fall. This semester is no different. I am pushing to complete my Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with 8 – 12 Certification. If all continues as planned, I will graduate May 2011. My children and their friends have been my biggest supporters in this endeavor. They have tutored me in areas that I long ago forgot, such as math, and have helped me get a bit more current with the technological times. All this has allowed me to successfully complete over twenty online classes. It would have been nice to have had this opportunity twenty-five years ago.
The advances in technology that I have witnesses in my years have been substantial. When I was young the latest and greatest thing was the new plug and play Pong. Now a day, it is Xbox, Wii or PSP3. Our young generations have grown up with gaming systems, cell phones and computers as an integral part of their lives. Technological integration in their lives is a given. Children communicate and are able to create and express themselves comfortably via technology. Education can be greatly enhanced by allowing and providing the occasion for the use of technological tools they are already accustomed with. My involvement with PTA in the schools has provided me extensive opportunity to witness the hunger for the freedom to express. I feel it has been an ‘old school’ mentality that has feared technology. It has been easy to keep with the standardized methods of book, paper and pencil. Both student and teacher can learn from each other. Using various forms of technological communications in the classroom can enhance learning to a higher degree. It is an untapped opportunity seldom exploited to its fullest potential.
The class, ETEC 424 - Integrating Technology into Curriculum at Texas A & M Commerce, is an excellent step in acquiring guidance in the uses of modern technologies. Not having much experience in this area, I hope to gain a solid introduction to current available technological tools. It will be a true learning endeavor for me. Eliminating some of the fear of inexperience will influence my decisions on the amount of classroom integration of technology to employ.
I am a mother of five very involved children. Since my children started school, I have been heavily involved with volunteer work. At the elementary and middle school PTAs, I have held just about every elected position, chairman position or been a committee member. I also assisted with Choir and Band Boosters and have been Team Mom for Little League Baseball and Hockey. Working with kids has been a great joy for me.
This all lead to my decision to return to college in March 2009. Although it has been difficult and physically trying on me and my family, I have been barreling full steam ahead taking a full load of classes in winter, spring, summer, and fall. This semester is no different. I am pushing to complete my Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with 8 – 12 Certification. If all continues as planned, I will graduate May 2011. My children and their friends have been my biggest supporters in this endeavor. They have tutored me in areas that I long ago forgot, such as math, and have helped me get a bit more current with the technological times. All this has allowed me to successfully complete over twenty online classes. It would have been nice to have had this opportunity twenty-five years ago.
The advances in technology that I have witnesses in my years have been substantial. When I was young the latest and greatest thing was the new plug and play Pong. Now a day, it is Xbox, Wii or PSP3. Our young generations have grown up with gaming systems, cell phones and computers as an integral part of their lives. Technological integration in their lives is a given. Children communicate and are able to create and express themselves comfortably via technology. Education can be greatly enhanced by allowing and providing the occasion for the use of technological tools they are already accustomed with. My involvement with PTA in the schools has provided me extensive opportunity to witness the hunger for the freedom to express. I feel it has been an ‘old school’ mentality that has feared technology. It has been easy to keep with the standardized methods of book, paper and pencil. Both student and teacher can learn from each other. Using various forms of technological communications in the classroom can enhance learning to a higher degree. It is an untapped opportunity seldom exploited to its fullest potential.
The class, ETEC 424 - Integrating Technology into Curriculum at Texas A & M Commerce, is an excellent step in acquiring guidance in the uses of modern technologies. Not having much experience in this area, I hope to gain a solid introduction to current available technological tools. It will be a true learning endeavor for me. Eliminating some of the fear of inexperience will influence my decisions on the amount of classroom integration of technology to employ.
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