I chose to discuss this article http://www.argusleader.com/article/20110724/NEWS/107240324/Four-rural-S-D-schools-let-students-run-show found through my educational technology blog. I chose it for several reasons: one, I work in a "rural" district, I am interested in project-based learning, and I wanted to know if the article talked about teacher qualifications or meeting state standards. I was not disappointed.
Briefly, the article, explores several solutions to problems of rural districts. Rural districts often have difficulty finding qualified teachers to teach usually, higher level high school courses. In one school, they created a project-based learning situation about biology that involved working with teachers that were not "qualified" in biology but would help facilitate the students in finding the information online. It sounded like it was well organized and was teaching to a real world situation, but I was just concerned that it did not mention how the online information was checked. If I had to look at complicated research in biology, I probably would have a hard time deciding if it is valid. It should be noted that the author did mention specifically that one of the projects was based on state standards. I would think the others would have as well. I hope.
But I do agree with rural areas trying to think "outside the classroom box" to solve educational problems that are arising in our difficult economic times. As author Josh Verges notes, "monies are driving experimentation." (7/24/11) The Internet provides a valuable resource for rural areas in terms of seeking out "experts" on topics. Skype conferencing and distance learning can bring the world closer to these isolated students. It is foolish for us to assume that most of our students will stay in our small town throughout their life. They must have rich, valuable experiences to meet the challenges of the future.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
100 Technologies That Changed the World
Just the title made me wander onto this site http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/368716/100-technologies-that-changed-the-world/5. PC Pro put out a list of well-known and not so known technologies that have had a profound impact on the world. If you have a few minutes it is worth a walk down memory lane (if you are as old as me!)
I must admit I did not recognize some of the more obscure technologies like TCP/IP ( I'm still not sure what it is, but it is important ) but most I am proud to announce I at least have heard of or had a working knowledge of it. But here are some of my favorites:
PONG- if you are old enough, or have a parent who can share good times you will remember the hours of enjoyment watching the little ball bounce back and forth. Who knew it would lead to the video gaming interest of today. (Probably any 5 year old boy!)
SPAM- who could live with out the annoying emails that have nothing to do with one's life? PC Pro notes that "Bill Gates vowed to eliminate spam by 2004. He left the computing industry well before that". (7/22/11)
SPELLCHECK- This is one of the first tool I show students. However, it does not relinquish the need for recognizing the correct spelling. Spellcheck also has a difficult time recognizing all the "creative" spellings of first names students receive from their thoughtful parents ( you know the ones: ERYKA (Erika) SAADIQAH, the list could go on. (Add them if you have them!)
and finally, my personal favorite: UNDO!
Need I say more? It is the simple treasures in life that makes technology so important!
I must admit I did not recognize some of the more obscure technologies like TCP/IP ( I'm still not sure what it is, but it is important ) but most I am proud to announce I at least have heard of or had a working knowledge of it. But here are some of my favorites:
PONG- if you are old enough, or have a parent who can share good times you will remember the hours of enjoyment watching the little ball bounce back and forth. Who knew it would lead to the video gaming interest of today. (Probably any 5 year old boy!)
SPAM- who could live with out the annoying emails that have nothing to do with one's life? PC Pro notes that "Bill Gates vowed to eliminate spam by 2004. He left the computing industry well before that". (7/22/11)
SPELLCHECK- This is one of the first tool I show students. However, it does not relinquish the need for recognizing the correct spelling. Spellcheck also has a difficult time recognizing all the "creative" spellings of first names students receive from their thoughtful parents ( you know the ones: ERYKA (Erika) SAADIQAH, the list could go on. (Add them if you have them!)
and finally, my personal favorite: UNDO!
Need I say more? It is the simple treasures in life that makes technology so important!
Maybe 1 to 1 isn't such a great idea
I must thank Dean Shareski for starting the dialogue about the importance of human contact and connection. In his article, "Maybe 1 to 1 isn't such a great idea," (http://ideasandthoughts.org/2011/08/05/maybe-1-to-1-isnt-such-a-great-idea/ ) Shareski discusses his concerns with providing students 1 to 1 computers. He cautions educators to consider the importance of human interaction that occurs. It reminds me of the home-schooling debate.
What is it, that the school environment provides students that home-schooling or in Shareski's argument, online learning or 1 to 1 computing does not? According to Shareski is "What they may not be able to do at home is sit with 2 or 3 classmates and design, talk, build and interact face to face." (8/5/11)
I really think this is an important discussion to have when districts are trying to use monies efficiently and still provide students with an education that REALLY prepares them for the future. Businesses are telling educators that they need a work force that can collaborate and create together. They also want students to be able to work remotely and seek resources on line. These skills are not measured well on standardized test so the debate begins. Online classes are required but need strong personal organization and discipline (spoken from experience) Group work is one of the hardest teaching experiences to establish successfully. But if students are not given these experiences early in their schooling, it will never happen.
Students need to be with other students to learn how to be with others, to develop social awareness. These skills cannot be taught by staring at a computer or sitting at home finishing work online. It is not a terrible thing to have to share. I feel like the pendulum has swung from one computer for 40 students to 1:1. But that is not always the best either. Sharing and learning to compromise and work together is an extremely important skill to learn. But it must be done in the context of face to face circumstances. Only then will students be able to extend those experiences to collaborative and independent situations the Web has to offer.
What is it, that the school environment provides students that home-schooling or in Shareski's argument, online learning or 1 to 1 computing does not? According to Shareski is "What they may not be able to do at home is sit with 2 or 3 classmates and design, talk, build and interact face to face." (8/5/11)
I really think this is an important discussion to have when districts are trying to use monies efficiently and still provide students with an education that REALLY prepares them for the future. Businesses are telling educators that they need a work force that can collaborate and create together. They also want students to be able to work remotely and seek resources on line. These skills are not measured well on standardized test so the debate begins. Online classes are required but need strong personal organization and discipline (spoken from experience) Group work is one of the hardest teaching experiences to establish successfully. But if students are not given these experiences early in their schooling, it will never happen.
Students need to be with other students to learn how to be with others, to develop social awareness. These skills cannot be taught by staring at a computer or sitting at home finishing work online. It is not a terrible thing to have to share. I feel like the pendulum has swung from one computer for 40 students to 1:1. But that is not always the best either. Sharing and learning to compromise and work together is an extremely important skill to learn. But it must be done in the context of face to face circumstances. Only then will students be able to extend those experiences to collaborative and independent situations the Web has to offer.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Beginning the School Year Well Starts With You!
In this article, Vicky Davis the Cool Cat Teacher puts forth some important advice as all of us sneak up on the upcoming school year. I think this advice is helpful whether one is in the classroom or just taking classes and juggling life.
She suggests to make lists, plan ahead and most importantly, take care of oneself. That final bit of advice is probably last on most people's lists. It certainly was for me until two heart surgeries early this summer made me rethink what was most important. It is most important that we are here. So I tell myself that I need to make choices, doing it all is not a choice. So for all the super ideas and tools I have been given, I must choose which ones will benefit the class and will be realistic for me to create and manage.
I think Cool Cat Teacher said it best: "There comes a point at which all you can do is all you can do." (8/1/2011). I might only add, so make it your best!
Original article can be found at: http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2011/08/beginning-school-year-well-starts-with.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CoolCatTeacherBlog+%28Cool+Cat+Teacher+Blog%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
She suggests to make lists, plan ahead and most importantly, take care of oneself. That final bit of advice is probably last on most people's lists. It certainly was for me until two heart surgeries early this summer made me rethink what was most important. It is most important that we are here. So I tell myself that I need to make choices, doing it all is not a choice. So for all the super ideas and tools I have been given, I must choose which ones will benefit the class and will be realistic for me to create and manage.
I think Cool Cat Teacher said it best: "There comes a point at which all you can do is all you can do." (8/1/2011). I might only add, so make it your best!
Original article can be found at: http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2011/08/beginning-school-year-well-starts-with.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CoolCatTeacherBlog+%28Cool+Cat+Teacher+Blog%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Monday, August 1, 2011
The 7 Golden Rules of Using Technology in Schools
Tina Barseghian provided readers with a great synopsis of a presentation by Adam S. Bellows, at the 2011 ISTE conference. http://mindshift.kqed.org/2011/07/the-seven-golden-rules-of-using-technology-in-schools/ For anyone who wants to be inspired to take the step to use technology in one's classroom, this is an article one can not miss.
I will not go through all the rules, because I think the whole article is worth checking out. However, several points are worth mentioning. I thought it was interesting that one of the rules put forth by Bellows is: "Don't Trap Technology in a Room." He suggests computers should not only be in the "lab" but integrated in the classroom, not just a "special". (Bargeghian/Bellows) I felt a little uneasy, since I am the computer teacher. But technology must move from my room to the classroom. I guide students and teachers toward the confidence to use in the classroom. This leads to another rule: "the New F word is FEAR" (Bargeghian/Bellows). Teachers cannot fear technology or totally forbid students from using some of it. Teachers should use these situations to help students become responsible "digital citizens". Not that I am ready to put middle school students on Facebook, but I think they need to start early learning that there are consequences for poor Internet behavior.
We all know these rules but it is always a good idea to come back and refresh our memories and remind ourselves of the importance of technology and our role integrating it in the classroom.
I will not go through all the rules, because I think the whole article is worth checking out. However, several points are worth mentioning. I thought it was interesting that one of the rules put forth by Bellows is: "Don't Trap Technology in a Room." He suggests computers should not only be in the "lab" but integrated in the classroom, not just a "special". (Bargeghian/Bellows) I felt a little uneasy, since I am the computer teacher. But technology must move from my room to the classroom. I guide students and teachers toward the confidence to use in the classroom. This leads to another rule: "the New F word is FEAR" (Bargeghian/Bellows). Teachers cannot fear technology or totally forbid students from using some of it. Teachers should use these situations to help students become responsible "digital citizens". Not that I am ready to put middle school students on Facebook, but I think they need to start early learning that there are consequences for poor Internet behavior.
We all know these rules but it is always a good idea to come back and refresh our memories and remind ourselves of the importance of technology and our role integrating it in the classroom.
Teaching with the iPad (and Angry Birds)
I am sure I got your attention just by the title of the article I found on the Campus Technology blog. http://campustechnology.com/articles/2011/07/26/teaching-with-the-ipad-and-angry-birds.aspx. Although rather brief, it posed a continuing debate I am having with myself about the educational benefit of all the new "games" in educational technology.
The article, written by John K. Waters (7/26/11) discusses the growing attraction to the use of the iPad in the classroom. Conferences and grad classes are being offered all over the country to help teachers become familiar with this device and explore its unlimited potential. I am thrilled that professional development is being offered to educators. This is an area I find lacking in most districts.
But here is my issue: Many of the apps are game based and provide students with engaging activities that they of course, love. But if the teacher has not explored the app and finds a innovative way to use it for students then how is it any better than a worksheet? I feel teachers really need to take the time to understand how that app (or any technology) is going to be better for students, not just different. One must be aware of the learning styles of students and find the apps that will help them, just not mesmerize them.
I plan on implementing a pilot program with iTouch this year, but I am going to move slowly and really research why and how it is helping students. I know they will like it...
By the way, a teacher in Wisconsin used Angry Birds to teach physics. (Waters, 7/26/11) If you are not familiar with the game, download it and try it.
The article, written by John K. Waters (7/26/11) discusses the growing attraction to the use of the iPad in the classroom. Conferences and grad classes are being offered all over the country to help teachers become familiar with this device and explore its unlimited potential. I am thrilled that professional development is being offered to educators. This is an area I find lacking in most districts.
But here is my issue: Many of the apps are game based and provide students with engaging activities that they of course, love. But if the teacher has not explored the app and finds a innovative way to use it for students then how is it any better than a worksheet? I feel teachers really need to take the time to understand how that app (or any technology) is going to be better for students, not just different. One must be aware of the learning styles of students and find the apps that will help them, just not mesmerize them.
I plan on implementing a pilot program with iTouch this year, but I am going to move slowly and really research why and how it is helping students. I know they will like it...
By the way, a teacher in Wisconsin used Angry Birds to teach physics. (Waters, 7/26/11) If you are not familiar with the game, download it and try it.
Mobile Devices in the Classroom: The Debate Rages On
I came upon this blog http://educationaltech-med.blogspot.com/2011/02/mobile-technology-in-education.html while looking at the debate that is raging over the use of mobile devices in the classroom. The article focuses on smart phones but I would extend the discussion into the use of the iTouch also. Overall, many innovative educators are really looking to find the educational benefits of mlearning (mobile learning) in language development. It poses some interesting issues.
As mobile technology becomes a mainstay in a student's wardrobe, schools are wrestling with how to manage the effect phones and the iTouch on the school environment. I began the debate as one hating these things. Students were plugged in and staring at the screen every waking minute. I have had high school aides so good at texting they could use the keypad with the device in their pocket. Now I am evolving into a different perspective, cautiously working toward finding educational benefits to using these devices in the classroom.
The original article, written by Med Kharbach, describes some of the more significant pros and cons of mlearning. On the one hand, he acknowledges that students are familiar with smartphones, sometimes more so than computers. Also, he notes that ability to use these devices at any time adds to its desirability. (Kharbach, 2011) However, he also cautions teachers to identify the privacy and use issues with administrators and parents before embarking on this endeavor.
The bottom line for me, when deciding to incorporate mlearning in my curriculum is to identify the educational benefit that using them would bring to students. If it is merely to say I use them or to be "cool" I will not do it. However, if students are able to improve their collaboration skills, engage in rich discussion via these devices than I am in. The jury is still out, but I am still looking for that lesson that will move me.
As mobile technology becomes a mainstay in a student's wardrobe, schools are wrestling with how to manage the effect phones and the iTouch on the school environment. I began the debate as one hating these things. Students were plugged in and staring at the screen every waking minute. I have had high school aides so good at texting they could use the keypad with the device in their pocket. Now I am evolving into a different perspective, cautiously working toward finding educational benefits to using these devices in the classroom.
The original article, written by Med Kharbach, describes some of the more significant pros and cons of mlearning. On the one hand, he acknowledges that students are familiar with smartphones, sometimes more so than computers. Also, he notes that ability to use these devices at any time adds to its desirability. (Kharbach, 2011) However, he also cautions teachers to identify the privacy and use issues with administrators and parents before embarking on this endeavor.
The bottom line for me, when deciding to incorporate mlearning in my curriculum is to identify the educational benefit that using them would bring to students. If it is merely to say I use them or to be "cool" I will not do it. However, if students are able to improve their collaboration skills, engage in rich discussion via these devices than I am in. The jury is still out, but I am still looking for that lesson that will move me.
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