This is a classroom newsletter created by me.
Newsletter So
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Journal #3: Keep Them Chatting
By Jeanie Cole
The general idea on online discussions in school is widespread and becoming more the norm in classroom settings then it used to be. Sometimes using online chat, discussion boards and wiki can be dull and uninspiring and tend to bore students into discussing personal matters rather than the assigned task. There are ways to avoid this and inspire students to learn in this new technology of online discussions. One way is for the teacher to give specific open ended questions that provoke thought from the student. They can interact by visiting one another’s wiki’s and giving each other constructive feedback. Another way is to ask questions that involve research and problem solving. A popular way to work collaboratively on this type of assignment is to use the program GoogleDocs. Some other methods of online collaboration are to view other media resources, such as videos or photographs. As stated in the article, using comparison methods can also be beneficial, whether they are logical or illogical. Comparing a roller coaster that the student creates to ones already constructed and also illogically comparing a historical figure to a Muppet character are different ways to studying the subject matter.
Questions:
#1 What should the time allotment be with students online collaboration?
It is important to spend quality time on the computer for homework and in class assignments, but in today’s society, too much emphasis is placed on sitting in front of the computer with out having a serious task, such. as video games and it is causing a social rift between children and society as a whole. Too many children are becoming physically lazy and complacent. They are happy to just sit and not spend enough time outdoors in an exercise activity. The growing number of childhood obesity in today’s US society gives credit to the computer age.
#2 Should online collaboration be taught as a equally in school as physical collaboration?
Having online collaboration offers many benefits that physical collaboration does not offer. One would be that information can be found and shared with anyone who is interested, regardless of where that students lives. That information can be important and beneficial to another who would not otherwise have access to it. The physical side of it is that it creates social intimacy and bonding amongst peers who can work together in a group setting and use each others strengths to complete the task. They both are equally important.
Cole, Jeanie. "Keep Them Chatting." Learning & Leading with Technology Vol.36, #5february 2009 32-33. 21 Feb 2009
The general idea on online discussions in school is widespread and becoming more the norm in classroom settings then it used to be. Sometimes using online chat, discussion boards and wiki can be dull and uninspiring and tend to bore students into discussing personal matters rather than the assigned task. There are ways to avoid this and inspire students to learn in this new technology of online discussions. One way is for the teacher to give specific open ended questions that provoke thought from the student. They can interact by visiting one another’s wiki’s and giving each other constructive feedback. Another way is to ask questions that involve research and problem solving. A popular way to work collaboratively on this type of assignment is to use the program GoogleDocs. Some other methods of online collaboration are to view other media resources, such as videos or photographs. As stated in the article, using comparison methods can also be beneficial, whether they are logical or illogical. Comparing a roller coaster that the student creates to ones already constructed and also illogically comparing a historical figure to a Muppet character are different ways to studying the subject matter.
Questions:
#1 What should the time allotment be with students online collaboration?
It is important to spend quality time on the computer for homework and in class assignments, but in today’s society, too much emphasis is placed on sitting in front of the computer with out having a serious task, such. as video games and it is causing a social rift between children and society as a whole. Too many children are becoming physically lazy and complacent. They are happy to just sit and not spend enough time outdoors in an exercise activity. The growing number of childhood obesity in today’s US society gives credit to the computer age.
#2 Should online collaboration be taught as a equally in school as physical collaboration?
Having online collaboration offers many benefits that physical collaboration does not offer. One would be that information can be found and shared with anyone who is interested, regardless of where that students lives. That information can be important and beneficial to another who would not otherwise have access to it. The physical side of it is that it creates social intimacy and bonding amongst peers who can work together in a group setting and use each others strengths to complete the task. They both are equally important.
Cole, Jeanie. "Keep Them Chatting." Learning & Leading with Technology Vol.36, #5february 2009 32-33. 21 Feb 2009
Journal #2: Museums in the Classroom
by Rose Reissman, PhD
This informational article titled “Museums in the Classroom” is a beneficial tool for teachers as well as students to enjoy the vast array of museum artifacts and history. This cyber tool won’t be able to replace the personal atmosphere of actually visiting a museum, but it is the next best thing. Many students don’t live in areas where there are world renowned museums to go and see, but these websites allow people to have the same access to information and the cost of it all could not be better: free! The wealth of knowledge is overwhelming but fascinating to know that all of it is available to anyone 24 hours a day with access from a computer.
Questions:
#1 Knowing the benefits of having the access to the museum websites, what are the negatives of it?
I found that after looking through so much information, such as facts about American Presidents, I found that it was too much information to process in a short time. Also, students need to think critically for themselves regarding historical data, and that needs to be emphasized in conversation within the classroom.
#2 With all the latest historical information, how often do the websites update their information?
I found that when investigating the websites given in the current issue of Learning and Leading with Technology in February 2009, one was not available anymore. So with that said, the user of the cyber information must be careful to look when the data was given and how relevant the information is that the student or teacher is seeking.
Reissman, Rose. "Museums in the Classroom." Learning & Leading with Technology Vol.36, #5february 2009 36-37. 21 Feb 2009
This informational article titled “Museums in the Classroom” is a beneficial tool for teachers as well as students to enjoy the vast array of museum artifacts and history. This cyber tool won’t be able to replace the personal atmosphere of actually visiting a museum, but it is the next best thing. Many students don’t live in areas where there are world renowned museums to go and see, but these websites allow people to have the same access to information and the cost of it all could not be better: free! The wealth of knowledge is overwhelming but fascinating to know that all of it is available to anyone 24 hours a day with access from a computer.
Questions:
#1 Knowing the benefits of having the access to the museum websites, what are the negatives of it?
I found that after looking through so much information, such as facts about American Presidents, I found that it was too much information to process in a short time. Also, students need to think critically for themselves regarding historical data, and that needs to be emphasized in conversation within the classroom.
#2 With all the latest historical information, how often do the websites update their information?
I found that when investigating the websites given in the current issue of Learning and Leading with Technology in February 2009, one was not available anymore. So with that said, the user of the cyber information must be careful to look when the data was given and how relevant the information is that the student or teacher is seeking.
Reissman, Rose. "Museums in the Classroom." Learning & Leading with Technology Vol.36, #5february 2009 36-37. 21 Feb 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Social Bookmarking
Answers:
1.The value of using primary resources in education will be a valuable tool to use once I am in the classroom. I looked at the "tokens and Treasures" exhibit and I was amazed on the display of gifts that were given to our former Presidents. I am thrilled to have such interesting and fun information ready and available to me 24/7.
2. The three area that I would be most competent in doing to help create a culturally integrated community in our school system would be ones that help network people together. I am great at delegating and getting the ball rolling on things. I tend to make quick decisions and use good judgment with creating new tasks and jobs for people.
~Create a cultural competence committee or task force. Include administrators, teachers, education support professionals, students, family, and community representatives. The committee can serve as the primary governing body for planning, implementing, and evaluating organizational cultural competence initiatives.
~Build and use a network of "natural helpers" at school and in the community as well as "experts" who have knowledge of the culturally, linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse groups served by your school.
~Network with parent, family, minority community, and faith-based organizations concerned with the needs of diverse students. Solicit their involvement and input in the design and implementation of initiatives for culturally, linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse groups.
3. I loved the colorful graphics in this 7h grade social studies site. History can be so dull for so many people but the website of the Gold Rush had a virtual tour of the museum as well as offered a audio version to go along side it. It was interactive, had information for teaching curriculum and used real pictures to tell the story of California's past.
4. This website has been my greatest find so far! Easy and simple to use and a ton of information. I am still discovering new things. I looked into the Eyewitness to History and liked that there were stories, journal entries, pictures and other media used to tell a fist hand account of so many famous people.
5. How we think and learn has always fascinated me and it seems very simple, but so complex. When I have taken the multiple intelligence test in the past and read the description of it, I knew it was dead on! So, with this informational website, I can study further into the intelligences and use the awesome resource page. This is a useful and insightful website that I will check into often.
6. Teaching Tolerance is a subject that has so many facets to it but with one general purpose, and I was happy to discover new ways of thinking and educating students. With living so close to the Mexico border, I thought that the lesson plan about discovering family roots and immigration would be appropriate. We have many students in San Diego from Mexico as well as other countries whose families have migrated here in the last generation. At one point all out ancestors have and it is good for the students to realize that we all have one purpose in mind, freedom and equality. Check it out at http://www.tolerance.org/teach/activities/activity.jsp?cid=331
7.I thought I had this quiz in the bag! My score was 3/10 correct! All the questions provoked thought into how unfair and unequal our society is. Here are the two I chose to ponder...
U.S. worker is roughly equal to:
(Answer=The DAILY earnings)
the hourly earnings of the average CEO in theU.S.
the daily earnings of the average CEO in theU.S.
the weekly earnings of the average CEO in theU.S.
the monthly earnings of the average CEO in theU.S.
14 What portion of theU.S.
(Answer= 20% Social Security and 1% Welfare)
25% to welfare and 25% to Social Security
less than 1% to welfare and 20% to Security
20% to welfare and 1% to Social Security
less than 1% to welfare and less than 1% to Social Security
It is pretty incredible that CEO's get paid that much more than the average working Joe. I'm sure that does not include all the perks that go along with the wealthy upper class. On that same note, I have a problem with the highly overpaid and glamorized professional athletes and movie stars who have a very plush life. We never seem to talk about them.....maybe its time we should.
In regards to the welfare and social security funds, I don't have an answer on how to fix it....it seems so complicated for me to even think about, and I am sure that is what those who are receiving those benefits are thinking as well. Their lives are too stressful and hard enough to try and make a difference in the system, so everything changes at a snails pace.
8.I am proud to say that I scored a 9/10 on the Netiquette Quiz. My Great-Grandmother would be so proud! Netiquette does seem to be simple common sense, but som many people out there don't often use theirs! So, as in life, it is important to set some sort of rules or guidelines for people to follow to create civility amongst all those out there in cyberspace!
1.The value of using primary resources in education will be a valuable tool to use once I am in the classroom. I looked at the "tokens and Treasures" exhibit and I was amazed on the display of gifts that were given to our former Presidents. I am thrilled to have such interesting and fun information ready and available to me 24/7.
2. The three area that I would be most competent in doing to help create a culturally integrated community in our school system would be ones that help network people together. I am great at delegating and getting the ball rolling on things. I tend to make quick decisions and use good judgment with creating new tasks and jobs for people.
~Create a cultural competence committee or task force. Include administrators, teachers, education support professionals, students, family, and community representatives. The committee can serve as the primary governing body for planning, implementing, and evaluating organizational cultural competence initiatives.
~Build and use a network of "natural helpers" at school and in the community as well as "experts" who have knowledge of the culturally, linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse groups served by your school.
~Network with parent, family, minority community, and faith-based organizations concerned with the needs of diverse students. Solicit their involvement and input in the design and implementation of initiatives for culturally, linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse groups.
3. I loved the colorful graphics in this 7h grade social studies site. History can be so dull for so many people but the website of the Gold Rush had a virtual tour of the museum as well as offered a audio version to go along side it. It was interactive, had information for teaching curriculum and used real pictures to tell the story of California's past.
4. This website has been my greatest find so far! Easy and simple to use and a ton of information. I am still discovering new things. I looked into the Eyewitness to History and liked that there were stories, journal entries, pictures and other media used to tell a fist hand account of so many famous people.
5. How we think and learn has always fascinated me and it seems very simple, but so complex. When I have taken the multiple intelligence test in the past and read the description of it, I knew it was dead on! So, with this informational website, I can study further into the intelligences and use the awesome resource page. This is a useful and insightful website that I will check into often.
6. Teaching Tolerance is a subject that has so many facets to it but with one general purpose, and I was happy to discover new ways of thinking and educating students. With living so close to the Mexico border, I thought that the lesson plan about discovering family roots and immigration would be appropriate. We have many students in San Diego from Mexico as well as other countries whose families have migrated here in the last generation. At one point all out ancestors have and it is good for the students to realize that we all have one purpose in mind, freedom and equality. Check it out at http://www.tolerance.org/teach/activities/activity.jsp?cid=331
7.I thought I had this quiz in the bag! My score was 3/10 correct! All the questions provoked thought into how unfair and unequal our society is. Here are the two I chose to ponder...
(Answer=The DAILY earnings)
the hourly earnings of the average CEO in the
the daily earnings of the average CEO in the
the weekly earnings of the average CEO in the
the monthly earnings of the average CEO in the
14 What portion of the
(Answer= 20% Social Security and 1% Welfare)
25% to welfare and 25% to Social Security
less than 1% to welfare and 20% to Security
20% to welfare and 1% to Social Security
less than 1% to welfare and less than 1% to Social Security
It is pretty incredible that CEO's get paid that much more than the average working Joe. I'm sure that does not include all the perks that go along with the wealthy upper class. On that same note, I have a problem with the highly overpaid and glamorized professional athletes and movie stars who have a very plush life. We never seem to talk about them.....maybe its time we should.
In regards to the welfare and social security funds, I don't have an answer on how to fix it....it seems so complicated for me to even think about, and I am sure that is what those who are receiving those benefits are thinking as well. Their lives are too stressful and hard enough to try and make a difference in the system, so everything changes at a snails pace.
8.I am proud to say that I scored a 9/10 on the Netiquette Quiz. My Great-Grandmother would be so proud! Netiquette does seem to be simple common sense, but som many people out there don't often use theirs! So, as in life, it is important to set some sort of rules or guidelines for people to follow to create civility amongst all those out there in cyberspace!
:-D
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Journal #1: Passport to Digital Citizenship
By Mike Ribble
This article was an important reminder that children need to have rules and regulations concerning the use of technology inside and outside of the classroom.
The subject of technology use was well thought out and defined the guidelines and rules that are important for the children to follow. Some of these regulations regarding technology are also ones that are considered life learning lessons such as using safe decision making skills, responsible behavior, having a positive attitude, and using leadership skills. The nine elements of digital citizenship are also valuable for the children and adults to follow as well. The reflection model of technology involves the children with their parents to discuss issues they may have about technology.
Questions:
#1 Should we require parents to take a technology course to promote digital citizenship for themselves as well as their children?
Yes, it is important that parents are educated the same as their children because they tend to not have the skills to help their children with homework. Since they are on the same academic level, the children have no one to turn to meet their technological needs at home.
#2 Should there be consequences for students who do not follow the important rules of digital citizenship?
Yes, just as in any other rules in the school setting, students should be held accountable for breaking the rules. One of the consequences could be that the computer privilege is taken away for a set amount of time. Or, the student could write a letter to his or her peers explaining what rule was violated and the importance of following the rules. Another could be a conference with the parents, so they can talk with the student at home and reinforce the right behavior with technology.
This article was an important reminder that children need to have rules and regulations concerning the use of technology inside and outside of the classroom.
The subject of technology use was well thought out and defined the guidelines and rules that are important for the children to follow. Some of these regulations regarding technology are also ones that are considered life learning lessons such as using safe decision making skills, responsible behavior, having a positive attitude, and using leadership skills. The nine elements of digital citizenship are also valuable for the children and adults to follow as well. The reflection model of technology involves the children with their parents to discuss issues they may have about technology.
Questions:
#1 Should we require parents to take a technology course to promote digital citizenship for themselves as well as their children?
Yes, it is important that parents are educated the same as their children because they tend to not have the skills to help their children with homework. Since they are on the same academic level, the children have no one to turn to meet their technological needs at home.
#2 Should there be consequences for students who do not follow the important rules of digital citizenship?
Yes, just as in any other rules in the school setting, students should be held accountable for breaking the rules. One of the consequences could be that the computer privilege is taken away for a set amount of time. Or, the student could write a letter to his or her peers explaining what rule was violated and the importance of following the rules. Another could be a conference with the parents, so they can talk with the student at home and reinforce the right behavior with technology.
Ribble , Mike. "Passport to Digital Citizenship." Learning & Leading with Technology 12/2008 14-17. 4 Feb 2009
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