Bloggers Cafe-A Vision for Classroom Blogging
By:Anne Davis
Anne Davis created an assignment which included university students to blog with elementary students. Mrs. Davis said it was really excited to see how the students learned different perspectives between them and their learning styles. She encourages teachers everywhere to use this helpful tool to bring out the shy students and to encourage those who are always the first to speak to comment on other blogs. Comments are fuel for this way of teaching. Students love comments on their blogs.
How can I create a safe environment to use blogging in my classroom?
I can create a friends list, where only students in this friends list can acquire other blogs. I can report any person who should not be on this students blog. I will have to make sure that I supervise all posts for verbal content as well as read all comments on any given students blog.
Should I have my students use blogs throughout the entire school year?
I can make an assignment out of it for a portion of the time or make a simple assignment out of it for the entire time. Or I could even just have the students make comments or ask questions on my own blog so that they are able to reach me in and out of the classroom giving appropriate time to respond that is.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Journal #6
Mapping Student Minds
By:Ariel Owen
Mr. Owen is a current science teacher who has studied a new way to retrieve data from his students. His example is of the health of a creek. Through real life field trips and virtual field trips students retrieve data and create a mapping sheet. Using blue lines meaning "good" and red lines meaning "bad". He first started out with how can they make good grades. Students first brain storm for each situation then create a mapping sheet. It reminds me of Inspiration. A program built for teachers to use in their classrooms. They are able to organize their thoughts and create notes on the side if needed. Teachers can also use it as an assignment for the students to accomplish by adding websites to the mapping sheet where they can complete activities. Back to the article. Mr. Owen watches his students as they debate what is important to keep the creek healthy. Once the students feel that they have accomplished the assignment he revises their thesis and leads them with questions so the students may come to the right conclusion by using their own answers.
How can I use mapping in my own classroom?
Using anything with data, formula, or a scientific method is good for mapping sheets. Or in history with specific dates and data following the dates. Afterwards the students are able to turn it into power point presentations.
I am not really sure another question that I could ask with an answer. But I do have a question without an answer.
Where can I learn how to use a mapping sheet?
By:Ariel Owen
Mr. Owen is a current science teacher who has studied a new way to retrieve data from his students. His example is of the health of a creek. Through real life field trips and virtual field trips students retrieve data and create a mapping sheet. Using blue lines meaning "good" and red lines meaning "bad". He first started out with how can they make good grades. Students first brain storm for each situation then create a mapping sheet. It reminds me of Inspiration. A program built for teachers to use in their classrooms. They are able to organize their thoughts and create notes on the side if needed. Teachers can also use it as an assignment for the students to accomplish by adding websites to the mapping sheet where they can complete activities. Back to the article. Mr. Owen watches his students as they debate what is important to keep the creek healthy. Once the students feel that they have accomplished the assignment he revises their thesis and leads them with questions so the students may come to the right conclusion by using their own answers.
How can I use mapping in my own classroom?
Using anything with data, formula, or a scientific method is good for mapping sheets. Or in history with specific dates and data following the dates. Afterwards the students are able to turn it into power point presentations.
I am not really sure another question that I could ask with an answer. But I do have a question without an answer.
Where can I learn how to use a mapping sheet?
Journal #5
Can You Hear Me Now?
By: Sherry Turkle
In this article Mrs. Turkle focuses on the fact that recent technology may be affecting the human way of living. She starts with writing about a conference she went to in Japan. She said that while the man on the big screen who was conducting the conference did not get the full attention from the audience that was deserved. They were attending to their e-mails using their blackberry, and their lap tops. People were even in the hall ways talking on their cell phones conducting business. Later she goes to tell the reading five reasons why this troubles her. The first is "There is a new state of the self, itself," this is where people take on virtual lives and play games i.e. medieval quests and second life. In this type of software humans can become someone different, therefore revolving their time around these games inducing isolation from the real world. The second example Turkle gives is "Are we losing the time to take our time?" In this paragraph she writes about people taking to time to answer e-mails at the same time as being in an conference, meeting, talking to your children, or walking down the street with your friends. She wonders if we are really taking the time for the things that really matter. She puts in an example of a woman who lost her blackberry. The woman literally felt lost without it. The next one is "The tethered adolescent," children now have a new found freedom with consequences. Teenagers are now able to leave the house further than before, but not without a cell phone. Their mom's and dad's set check in times for these teenagers, but now teenagers do not have to learn to be without their parents. They now do not have to learn what to do in certain situations pausing their development. In her fourth example is, "Virtually and its discontents," She talks about facebook and Myspace. Everyone puts their personal information on these sites, without thinking who might be looking at it. The primary thought would be "as long as I am not doing anything wrong, I don't care who looks". In this case privacy no longer exists and the government can now spy on anyone life. In her last example titled, "Split attention" was very interesting. She tells a story of when her and her husband took their daughter to the natural history museum, and her daughter made a comment about a turtle that was on display. Her daughter suggested that they should put an electronic turtle in its place because the living one was just laying there. Mrs. Turkle told her daughter that it was not the robots place to be there, that she should have a respect for living species. People are relying on robots more now than humans.
How much technology is appropriate for the classroom?
I am very excited to use the different technology in my classroom, but I think I need to make sure that I keep an appropriate balance of human contact VS. Technology. If I decide to use blogs for an assignment, or a discussion, I need to make sure that my class discuss their writings in the classroom with one another. Or if I decide to create an assignment using the computer or a website, I need to make sure that I teach and give verbal instructions as well as discuss the results in the classroom.
When should I allow my daughter to use these new devices?
I think this is a question that all parents ask themselves. I know that my husband and I discuss this on a regular basis. Like her having a cell phone. He wants to give her one when she is ten, and I don't want her to have one until she is fifteen. I do not feel that a ten year old should have a cell phone that young. She should not be anywhere where there is not a phone near by. Certain computer programs I do let her play now, most are phonics programs that help her learn words and letters. I even have a baby sign program for her and well and sign language interaction with me. Again this is a very hard and controversial questions between parents, I think with a well established set of rules, and appropriate ages our daughter will not lose human contact.
By: Sherry Turkle
In this article Mrs. Turkle focuses on the fact that recent technology may be affecting the human way of living. She starts with writing about a conference she went to in Japan. She said that while the man on the big screen who was conducting the conference did not get the full attention from the audience that was deserved. They were attending to their e-mails using their blackberry, and their lap tops. People were even in the hall ways talking on their cell phones conducting business. Later she goes to tell the reading five reasons why this troubles her. The first is "There is a new state of the self, itself," this is where people take on virtual lives and play games i.e. medieval quests and second life. In this type of software humans can become someone different, therefore revolving their time around these games inducing isolation from the real world. The second example Turkle gives is "Are we losing the time to take our time?" In this paragraph she writes about people taking to time to answer e-mails at the same time as being in an conference, meeting, talking to your children, or walking down the street with your friends. She wonders if we are really taking the time for the things that really matter. She puts in an example of a woman who lost her blackberry. The woman literally felt lost without it. The next one is "The tethered adolescent," children now have a new found freedom with consequences. Teenagers are now able to leave the house further than before, but not without a cell phone. Their mom's and dad's set check in times for these teenagers, but now teenagers do not have to learn to be without their parents. They now do not have to learn what to do in certain situations pausing their development. In her fourth example is, "Virtually and its discontents," She talks about facebook and Myspace. Everyone puts their personal information on these sites, without thinking who might be looking at it. The primary thought would be "as long as I am not doing anything wrong, I don't care who looks". In this case privacy no longer exists and the government can now spy on anyone life. In her last example titled, "Split attention" was very interesting. She tells a story of when her and her husband took their daughter to the natural history museum, and her daughter made a comment about a turtle that was on display. Her daughter suggested that they should put an electronic turtle in its place because the living one was just laying there. Mrs. Turkle told her daughter that it was not the robots place to be there, that she should have a respect for living species. People are relying on robots more now than humans.
How much technology is appropriate for the classroom?
I am very excited to use the different technology in my classroom, but I think I need to make sure that I keep an appropriate balance of human contact VS. Technology. If I decide to use blogs for an assignment, or a discussion, I need to make sure that my class discuss their writings in the classroom with one another. Or if I decide to create an assignment using the computer or a website, I need to make sure that I teach and give verbal instructions as well as discuss the results in the classroom.
When should I allow my daughter to use these new devices?
I think this is a question that all parents ask themselves. I know that my husband and I discuss this on a regular basis. Like her having a cell phone. He wants to give her one when she is ten, and I don't want her to have one until she is fifteen. I do not feel that a ten year old should have a cell phone that young. She should not be anywhere where there is not a phone near by. Certain computer programs I do let her play now, most are phonics programs that help her learn words and letters. I even have a baby sign program for her and well and sign language interaction with me. Again this is a very hard and controversial questions between parents, I think with a well established set of rules, and appropriate ages our daughter will not lose human contact.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Journal #4
To Cool for School? No Way!
By: Punya Mishra and Matthew Koehler
In this article Mishra and Koehler talk about what is considered to be technology. They state that some people may argue that pencils, clothes, and other common tools that are used in everyday life could be considered technology. Then some others may say that what is new in the technological world like iPods, and Wii are technology. Either way a teacher must know how to use these tools to their advantage. Mostly because websites like blogging is not set up for school/child use. The teacher needs to know how to rewrite, no; to re-purpose the available technology to create a fun but intense learning situation for his/her children. Most children these days are technological savey and are accustomed to the new and "improved" environment. These authors go on to explain some of Mishra's own college students thought and ideas of how some of the websites could be re-purpose to fit the needs of students. One of my favorite is the one about the DJ website. Children can download portions of the music and brake it down to describe fractions by using music. Music has been proven to improve math scores. It is pretty cool.
How can I use technology pedagogy in my classroom?
I could first make sure that I am up to date on most if not all the current technology. Second I can develop, edit, and revise a lesson plan using the latest website to create a current and fun way to teach my students. In the article they also talked about "Specialized search engines". This is a way for students can understand old English compared to the current English. Like Shakespeare. His work has inspired many great writers and has created many famous actors, but his work is like reading a foreign language. So the students can inter phrases of the work to find out how the wording is used in a phrase that is used today. Cool huh?
How can I become an expert teacher in technology?
This question looks to be simple but it is not. There is so much more that a teacher needs to do other than take classes. The teacher needs to practice the information that is given to them, they need to spend a good amount of time on an effective lesson plan before introducing the new curriculum, they need to make sure that all of the correct applications are set up and free of bugs, and they need need to make sure that it comes back into the classroom for discussion/analysis.
By: Punya Mishra and Matthew Koehler
In this article Mishra and Koehler talk about what is considered to be technology. They state that some people may argue that pencils, clothes, and other common tools that are used in everyday life could be considered technology. Then some others may say that what is new in the technological world like iPods, and Wii are technology. Either way a teacher must know how to use these tools to their advantage. Mostly because websites like blogging is not set up for school/child use. The teacher needs to know how to rewrite, no; to re-purpose the available technology to create a fun but intense learning situation for his/her children. Most children these days are technological savey and are accustomed to the new and "improved" environment. These authors go on to explain some of Mishra's own college students thought and ideas of how some of the websites could be re-purpose to fit the needs of students. One of my favorite is the one about the DJ website. Children can download portions of the music and brake it down to describe fractions by using music. Music has been proven to improve math scores. It is pretty cool.
How can I use technology pedagogy in my classroom?
I could first make sure that I am up to date on most if not all the current technology. Second I can develop, edit, and revise a lesson plan using the latest website to create a current and fun way to teach my students. In the article they also talked about "Specialized search engines". This is a way for students can understand old English compared to the current English. Like Shakespeare. His work has inspired many great writers and has created many famous actors, but his work is like reading a foreign language. So the students can inter phrases of the work to find out how the wording is used in a phrase that is used today. Cool huh?
How can I become an expert teacher in technology?
This question looks to be simple but it is not. There is so much more that a teacher needs to do other than take classes. The teacher needs to practice the information that is given to them, they need to spend a good amount of time on an effective lesson plan before introducing the new curriculum, they need to make sure that all of the correct applications are set up and free of bugs, and they need need to make sure that it comes back into the classroom for discussion/analysis.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
THE Journal
Journal #3
THE Journal
By: Patricia Deubel, PH.D.
In Patricia's journal she focuses on the positive uses a K-12 teacher could obtain by blogging. It could be used to communicate with your students outside the classroom, as well as communicating with their parents, or even with your own peers. She also mentioned that students could use this new technology by starting an online discussion about the assignment. In theory this could be a perfect opportunity for the students who do have valuable information who does not come forth in the classroom could positively use blogging to their advantage and share their ideas or comments. She also talks about how a teacher needs to show their students how to prepare a proper paper and use works cited to stop any plagiarism. Blogging is a wonderful tool for the classroom but it can become strenuous for the teacher, where Patricia commented that a student could become the discussion leader where a huge part of the blogging responsibilities can be released from the teacher. Blogs could become harmful to the students though, so an adult supervision should be kept at all times.
How can I ensure that all my students parents can read and understand my Blogs?
In most computer programs their is a way where you can translate your commentary into another language. I know that you can do that in most e-mail accounts. One could use that program to translate your Blog posts into all the different languages of your students parents, allowing them to actively participate in their child's learning.
How can I make sure that my student's will be protected while using Blogs?
Patricia said that their are Blog programs where there has to be a password to access the blog. This is one way. Another way is to monitor your students blogs and erase any unreasonable, or harmful commentary. One more way is to have your students parents sign a permission slip explaining the learning positives from using blogs as well as the possible dangers of it. Also explain to the parents that while the student is at home, that they should monitor the child and assist with any questions the student may have.
THE Journal
By: Patricia Deubel, PH.D.
In Patricia's journal she focuses on the positive uses a K-12 teacher could obtain by blogging. It could be used to communicate with your students outside the classroom, as well as communicating with their parents, or even with your own peers. She also mentioned that students could use this new technology by starting an online discussion about the assignment. In theory this could be a perfect opportunity for the students who do have valuable information who does not come forth in the classroom could positively use blogging to their advantage and share their ideas or comments. She also talks about how a teacher needs to show their students how to prepare a proper paper and use works cited to stop any plagiarism. Blogging is a wonderful tool for the classroom but it can become strenuous for the teacher, where Patricia commented that a student could become the discussion leader where a huge part of the blogging responsibilities can be released from the teacher. Blogs could become harmful to the students though, so an adult supervision should be kept at all times.
How can I ensure that all my students parents can read and understand my Blogs?
In most computer programs their is a way where you can translate your commentary into another language. I know that you can do that in most e-mail accounts. One could use that program to translate your Blog posts into all the different languages of your students parents, allowing them to actively participate in their child's learning.
How can I make sure that my student's will be protected while using Blogs?
Patricia said that their are Blog programs where there has to be a password to access the blog. This is one way. Another way is to monitor your students blogs and erase any unreasonable, or harmful commentary. One more way is to have your students parents sign a permission slip explaining the learning positives from using blogs as well as the possible dangers of it. Also explain to the parents that while the student is at home, that they should monitor the child and assist with any questions the student may have.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Journal #2
Social Networking for the K-12 Set
By Jim Klein
Jim Klein and two other technology persons got together to create a technology based feature for their students and their teaching piers. They developed a web-site to enable a safe technology based environment for their peers to develop an assignment which would be completed by the students online. Before this site was developed "for free" there was really no barrier between the student and the world wide web where who knows what may happen. Each student created a blog where they are able to view other students blog in the same community as well as other teachers blogs. They are able to add simple personal information which is edited by the teacher before posting. This is a way the students can communicate with one another as well communicate with other students in the same community and view their assignments as well. This program is available to other schools from different communities, but not many have decided to use this program. The one's who are using this program though are not using it correctly. Klein would like to see those who are using this useful piece to technology that it is used to collaborate with peers and for the students to use it effectively by doing assignments with group members as well as communicating with teachers. According to Klein by allowing their students to use this technology along with other sources their students reading and test scores have gone up. He is hoping for the same outcome for other schools.
How can I make sure that I effectively use technology in my classroom?
I can create an assignment, following a lecture, that is age appropriate using a blog type or blog environment where the students will have to collaborate with one another about the assignment. As well as have them type in their data, so their group members can review and make suggestions. I am sure that for the younger children this may be too much but, I can show them how to enter data.
How can I do my part in creating a technology based school?
I can teach and inform my co-workers about using different technology tools that would be a benefit to our school. If I were to introduce Klein's website, showing how it can be incorporated in all curriculum I may be able to start my schools community in using tech tools. Also it could possibly make communicating with the parent much easier. Most tech tools are able to translate or change the language font; so, if they speak a different language they could still communicate with the teacher.
Social Networking for the K-12 Set
By Jim Klein
Jim Klein and two other technology persons got together to create a technology based feature for their students and their teaching piers. They developed a web-site to enable a safe technology based environment for their peers to develop an assignment which would be completed by the students online. Before this site was developed "for free" there was really no barrier between the student and the world wide web where who knows what may happen. Each student created a blog where they are able to view other students blog in the same community as well as other teachers blogs. They are able to add simple personal information which is edited by the teacher before posting. This is a way the students can communicate with one another as well communicate with other students in the same community and view their assignments as well. This program is available to other schools from different communities, but not many have decided to use this program. The one's who are using this program though are not using it correctly. Klein would like to see those who are using this useful piece to technology that it is used to collaborate with peers and for the students to use it effectively by doing assignments with group members as well as communicating with teachers. According to Klein by allowing their students to use this technology along with other sources their students reading and test scores have gone up. He is hoping for the same outcome for other schools.
How can I make sure that I effectively use technology in my classroom?
I can create an assignment, following a lecture, that is age appropriate using a blog type or blog environment where the students will have to collaborate with one another about the assignment. As well as have them type in their data, so their group members can review and make suggestions. I am sure that for the younger children this may be too much but, I can show them how to enter data.
How can I do my part in creating a technology based school?
I can teach and inform my co-workers about using different technology tools that would be a benefit to our school. If I were to introduce Klein's website, showing how it can be incorporated in all curriculum I may be able to start my schools community in using tech tools. Also it could possibly make communicating with the parent much easier. Most tech tools are able to translate or change the language font; so, if they speak a different language they could still communicate with the teacher.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Journal #1
Your Google Guide
Doug Johnson
In this article, Mr. Johnson explains the importance of search knowledge and the importance of it when using Google search. According to Johnson using three or more key words will give the searcher a better chance finding what he/she is looking for. Before letting a child go strait to the computer the teacher must find out if the child first understands what he/she is looking for. An example Johnson had used was "Richard Burton. The child needs to know if they are looking for the explorer or the actor." Also the searcher should put their key words into a question format. It will help the person narrow down the search. To better your search Google also has an advanced search option and is highly recommended. In a classroom all of the computers advanced search option should be used. It is also important to teach your students the difference between sponsored and non-sponsored search results. People pay Google to put their web sites up for a fee, no matter the credibility of that site. Once a student puts in their keys words and results pop up, some of the result sites may not be suitable for children. again students must know and understand what they are researching. A brief explanation of that web site is posted under the link. Teachers also may turn on restrictions or block certain sites from the student computer.
1. What can I do to ensure my students know what they are looking for?
I can give one or two topics to minimize the huge array of different ideas the students could come up with. I could also teach about the subject, to insure the students know if they are looking for a person or a thing, also if they are looking for a particular person with a title "explorer, artist,or a music artist. I will also give a brief description on how to use Google search.
2. How will I keep myself updated on the new ways of using Google.
I could subscribe to Google blogs, to keep myself updated on all the new things Google is coming out with as well as read up on any new technology they may be using in the future. I could also attend a class introducing new technology strategies to effectively teach my students.
Your Google Guide
Doug Johnson
In this article, Mr. Johnson explains the importance of search knowledge and the importance of it when using Google search. According to Johnson using three or more key words will give the searcher a better chance finding what he/she is looking for. Before letting a child go strait to the computer the teacher must find out if the child first understands what he/she is looking for. An example Johnson had used was "Richard Burton. The child needs to know if they are looking for the explorer or the actor." Also the searcher should put their key words into a question format. It will help the person narrow down the search. To better your search Google also has an advanced search option and is highly recommended. In a classroom all of the computers advanced search option should be used. It is also important to teach your students the difference between sponsored and non-sponsored search results. People pay Google to put their web sites up for a fee, no matter the credibility of that site. Once a student puts in their keys words and results pop up, some of the result sites may not be suitable for children. again students must know and understand what they are researching. A brief explanation of that web site is posted under the link. Teachers also may turn on restrictions or block certain sites from the student computer.
1. What can I do to ensure my students know what they are looking for?
I can give one or two topics to minimize the huge array of different ideas the students could come up with. I could also teach about the subject, to insure the students know if they are looking for a person or a thing, also if they are looking for a particular person with a title "explorer, artist,or a music artist. I will also give a brief description on how to use Google search.
2. How will I keep myself updated on the new ways of using Google.
I could subscribe to Google blogs, to keep myself updated on all the new things Google is coming out with as well as read up on any new technology they may be using in the future. I could also attend a class introducing new technology strategies to effectively teach my students.
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