I ran across this interesting tidbit from an Australian newspaper http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/computers-are-killing-students-handwriting-skills/story-e6freuy9-1226077713500. (June 19, 2011)
The author, Laura Speranza of the the Sunday Telegraph discusses concerns Sydney high school administrators are having as students prepare for what sounds like our version of the ACT. A portion of the test is written which is where the problem arises. Students who are now typing assignments are expected to use pen and pencil on the test. And most have poor handwriting skills.
I was intrigued that places outside of the United States were grappling with some of the same issues. This handwriting issue creeps into teacher's lounges at least 3 or 4 times a year. Being the technology teacher I am the "enemy" when it comes to the demise of handwriting.
But here is a thought: What is the goal of these tests? Is it to assess the knowledge base of students or is it the ability of the students to hand write responses. Is the handwriting interfering in the students' ability to get their message across? Maybe the way the test is administered needs to be changed to reflect the way students are taught to express their ideas.
I come from a generation that had to spend hours methodically creating beautiful cursive letters. I was one of the lucky ones who embraced this art form and excelled in this area. But I knew so many children who were punished for bad handwriting. Hours of practice and rewriting never made it better. Some were prolific writers and yet they were graded lower because of penmanship. But then came the type writer and every one was on an even plane.
What I also think is interesting is watching students who use the keyboard most of the time and when they "write" it is fast and fluid on the keyboard. If they are taught to type correctly then their ideas can flow from their fingers and it is as effortless as if a pen was in their hands. I spent several years handwriting papers and then typing them out because that was how I was comfortable writing. Now I do not have to do that and I do not feel my writing has suffered. I also had to print out the article to read them because I had difficulty reading off the monitor. But that has changed as well. (I am sure the trees are breathing a sigh of relief.)
So do I believe schools should forsake handwriting skills? No, one still needs to be able to communicate with handwriting, for now. But educators must address the way students learn and accommodate the changes that is occurring in learning through technology.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
You Just Can't Google It!
I found a short post by Cool Cat Teacher entitled, "You Just Can't Google It? http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/11558390/you-cant-just-google-itVicki Davis, the blog host didn't comment on the site, just gave the address and a short synopsis of the video. "A video that helps students understand why just "Googling it" is not an adequate approach to research." (Sweetsearch, 2011)
This 2-minute video was fabulous on so many levels. Not only was it entertaining, (love Lego people), it would make a great tool to use to engage students while providing beneficial information to viewers.
Although, Google lovers, could feel a bit beat up after watching this video, it is probably because they know that the information is true. I do tell my students when they are starting out searches to pick the top few choices Google provides. But the video points out this is based on popularity not validity. It also discusses some nasty habits we all have been guilty of when searching: putting in one or two words and taking what ever is given to you. I will always have a frustrated student come to me and say, "It didn't have anything on lion baby food" or "I couldn't find anything on "where a lion gets it food from and eats". Both are going to get students dizzy and frustrated. The video gives great advice as to how to search and evaluate a website.
I was just really impressed with this video and the potential it had as a teaching tool. I could see me using this in my 3-5 grades classes as an introduction to web research.
I am interested in what you think...
Anne
In Hopes of Forgiveness?
In today's post I want to ponder a response to a blog from Vicki Davis on the responsibilities that rest on the shoulders of teachers who choose to use Social Networking sites, in this case, Facebook. Vicki Davis feels teachers need to monitor very closely the comments and responses of "Friends". She recommends that participants be "unFriended" when inappropriate comments or material is posted.
The response by Dean Shareski http://www.google.com/reader/view/?hl=en&tab=wy#stream/feed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fideasandthoughts.org%2Ffeed%2F takes an interesting stand. He proposes not shutting down the site and punishing the guilty party but use this experience to teach students proper social networking etiquette and model "forgiveness".
I am torn by this argument because I can validity in both opinions. On the one hand, I agree that one must be very careful what is put on the web. I also believe one has to decide for themselves where each has their "comfort zone" for the comments and discussions that appear on one;s page. I personally have cringed as some of the rather personal comments some of my colleagues have shared on our page. But I hope that as long as I don't add to the discussion with my own personal experience, no one would draw the conclusion that I condone what this individual has done.
I also DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, allow students into my friends group, until they are in college. I have heard teachers of elementary students tell us at a conference how it builds trust and community. Nope, not going to buy that one. Too, too risky, as far as I'm concerned.
That being said, I do see some merit in what Dean Shareski calls for in his response. Any one who deals with the Internet on a daily basis knows one is truly, "only two clicks away from nasty, vile material." He makes some valuable points to find a balance.
One of points that jumped out at me was tell parents the reality of the Internet. NO filter, is going to filter EVERYTHING. Teachers must be proactive and give parents as much information about the filter and guidelines that are followed. I send home a note at the beginning of the semester and when ever a class is doing a project that entails more research. This is above and beyond the district's Internet Use Agreement that most parents blindly sign at the beginning of the school year. I don't take any chances. The political climate has not softened toward technology and the Internet in particular to let my guard down. And I think a valid point needs to be made, I am dealing with students under the age of 12.
However, Shareski goes on to say that we should use these nasty places on the Internet to teach the appropriate response: Don't freak out, call the police, punish the offender (make them an example for others). Talk about what to do, how to handle, who to talk to, and most of all, acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and offer an example of forgiveness. I truly believe that punishment will only stop the behave for the moment, but learning from your mistakes, will be the best experience for all. Something to think about...
Till next time,
Anne
The response by Dean Shareski http://www.google.com/reader/view/?hl=en&tab=wy#stream/feed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fideasandthoughts.org%2Ffeed%2F takes an interesting stand. He proposes not shutting down the site and punishing the guilty party but use this experience to teach students proper social networking etiquette and model "forgiveness".
I am torn by this argument because I can validity in both opinions. On the one hand, I agree that one must be very careful what is put on the web. I also believe one has to decide for themselves where each has their "comfort zone" for the comments and discussions that appear on one;s page. I personally have cringed as some of the rather personal comments some of my colleagues have shared on our page. But I hope that as long as I don't add to the discussion with my own personal experience, no one would draw the conclusion that I condone what this individual has done.
I also DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, allow students into my friends group, until they are in college. I have heard teachers of elementary students tell us at a conference how it builds trust and community. Nope, not going to buy that one. Too, too risky, as far as I'm concerned.
That being said, I do see some merit in what Dean Shareski calls for in his response. Any one who deals with the Internet on a daily basis knows one is truly, "only two clicks away from nasty, vile material." He makes some valuable points to find a balance.
One of points that jumped out at me was tell parents the reality of the Internet. NO filter, is going to filter EVERYTHING. Teachers must be proactive and give parents as much information about the filter and guidelines that are followed. I send home a note at the beginning of the semester and when ever a class is doing a project that entails more research. This is above and beyond the district's Internet Use Agreement that most parents blindly sign at the beginning of the school year. I don't take any chances. The political climate has not softened toward technology and the Internet in particular to let my guard down. And I think a valid point needs to be made, I am dealing with students under the age of 12.
However, Shareski goes on to say that we should use these nasty places on the Internet to teach the appropriate response: Don't freak out, call the police, punish the offender (make them an example for others). Talk about what to do, how to handle, who to talk to, and most of all, acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and offer an example of forgiveness. I truly believe that punishment will only stop the behave for the moment, but learning from your mistakes, will be the best experience for all. Something to think about...
Till next time,
Anne
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Stand Up for Teachers: Finally!
I am going out of Google Reader for this post mainly because it struck a nerve with me and I feel we all need to read this and pass it on to everyone we meet. Even strangers on the street if you have enough nerve!
A colleague of mine posted this article from a local paper. http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/530997/Get-off-the-backs-of-teachers.html?nav=5097 The author has no affiliation with unions, teachers, or politicians. This in and of itself make me value his opinion and sing his praises.
I thank him for finally saying what we already know. The responsibility to solve all of societies ills and raise the nation's youth has turned into "America's Teacher Hunt" similar to the Salem Witch Hunt. I may be exaggerating a bit, but I don't think I am too off the mark.
Has any policy maker ever asked a teacher if they would work all summer if they were asked to. I would, because then I wouldn't have to spend 6-8 weeks reviewing everything students forgot. But then administrators would have to realize that they would have to pay teachers for those months of work. Because WE all know that spreading our income over 12 months is different than being paid for those months.
Another beef I have is that everyone makes out teachers as these manipulative people that have wheeled and dealed these great salaries and benefit packages just to drain districts of their money. But in negotiations, doesn't it take two parties (the teachers and the administration to agree to something). Just an observation...
I am greatful for the medical benefits that I receive and realize how lucky I am. But I am not going to let politicians make teachers the source of all the ills that plague society. We are a noble profession and need to feel that way again.
A colleague of mine posted this article from a local paper. http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/530997/Get-off-the-backs-of-teachers.html?nav=5097 The author has no affiliation with unions, teachers, or politicians. This in and of itself make me value his opinion and sing his praises.
I thank him for finally saying what we already know. The responsibility to solve all of societies ills and raise the nation's youth has turned into "America's Teacher Hunt" similar to the Salem Witch Hunt. I may be exaggerating a bit, but I don't think I am too off the mark.
Has any policy maker ever asked a teacher if they would work all summer if they were asked to. I would, because then I wouldn't have to spend 6-8 weeks reviewing everything students forgot. But then administrators would have to realize that they would have to pay teachers for those months of work. Because WE all know that spreading our income over 12 months is different than being paid for those months.
Another beef I have is that everyone makes out teachers as these manipulative people that have wheeled and dealed these great salaries and benefit packages just to drain districts of their money. But in negotiations, doesn't it take two parties (the teachers and the administration to agree to something). Just an observation...
I am greatful for the medical benefits that I receive and realize how lucky I am. But I am not going to let politicians make teachers the source of all the ills that plague society. We are a noble profession and need to feel that way again.
What Does Technology Integration Mean?
As I meandered through Edutopia, I found a blog by Mary Beth Hertz, a elementary computer teacher. Just the fact that she was able to call herself a "elementary computer teacher" without saying she taught gym, music and art to fill her schedule gave me pause to admire and envy her.
But her article, entitled, "What Does Technology Integration Mean?" http://www.edutopia.org/blog/meaning-tech-integration-elementary-mary-beth-hertz was very interesting. I have very little guidance to how well I am helping teachers integrate technology in their classroom because most districts in our area do not even provide weekly technology instruction for grades Kindergarten- 5th grade. It is solely up to the teacher to provide and incorporate technology in the classroom. This is certainly an difficult task considering all the other pressures and responsibilities classroom teachers must take on. But I really try my best to ease reluctant teachers into incorporating technology early on.
If you take the time to look at her article you will see a helpful chart on the different levels of incorporating technology in the classroom. I agree it is a work in progress. I would have liked to see some examples of easy ways to begin using technology in the classroom. But it gets one thinking about how much do we really use technology to enrich our curriculum....
But her article, entitled, "What Does Technology Integration Mean?" http://www.edutopia.org/blog/meaning-tech-integration-elementary-mary-beth-hertz was very interesting. I have very little guidance to how well I am helping teachers integrate technology in their classroom because most districts in our area do not even provide weekly technology instruction for grades Kindergarten- 5th grade. It is solely up to the teacher to provide and incorporate technology in the classroom. This is certainly an difficult task considering all the other pressures and responsibilities classroom teachers must take on. But I really try my best to ease reluctant teachers into incorporating technology early on.
If you take the time to look at her article you will see a helpful chart on the different levels of incorporating technology in the classroom. I agree it is a work in progress. I would have liked to see some examples of easy ways to begin using technology in the classroom. But it gets one thinking about how much do we really use technology to enrich our curriculum....
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Kindergarteners use iPad2 in the classroom
I hunted around for some interesting articles that might pique my interest and I wandered about and found this short article from Maine. http://www.electronista.com/articles/11/04/08/teachers.saw.remarkable.progress.using.ipads/
It was short but I thought it opened up discussion to the debate as to what responsibility school districts have to seek out funds to equip schools with technology tools that will enhance student achievement. I applaud Maine for taking the initiative without research that proves iPads increase student achievement. I believe that if districts do not investigate the potential of these tools our students will be the victims of an educational system not keeping up with the learning styles students are acquiring as they spend more and more time with technology.
I also thought it was interesting that the money spent by the district included software and professional development for teachers. How many times have our districts given us a computer, document camera or Smartboard and left it to the teacher to figure out how to incorporate in the classroom?
I love my iPad2 and really see the value it could have in a classroom. However, I had to sell my children's old toys in a rummage sale to get the money to buy mine. I wish I lived in Maine.
It was short but I thought it opened up discussion to the debate as to what responsibility school districts have to seek out funds to equip schools with technology tools that will enhance student achievement. I applaud Maine for taking the initiative without research that proves iPads increase student achievement. I believe that if districts do not investigate the potential of these tools our students will be the victims of an educational system not keeping up with the learning styles students are acquiring as they spend more and more time with technology.
I also thought it was interesting that the money spent by the district included software and professional development for teachers. How many times have our districts given us a computer, document camera or Smartboard and left it to the teacher to figure out how to incorporate in the classroom?
I love my iPad2 and really see the value it could have in a classroom. However, I had to sell my children's old toys in a rummage sale to get the money to buy mine. I wish I lived in Maine.
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