Here are some of this weeks discussion questions. Do not feel obligated to answer all questions. Feel free to ask any questions you have along the way! Looking forward to the discussion!
#1: As a teacher trying to raise awareness in schools about computer technology where would you go for assistance? Would you start with administration,the school board , or perhaps local, state, or the federal level? What would be a good argument to convince them to spend monies on computer updates instead of something like sports?
#2: When discussing social networking what responsiblities do teacher's have to discuss internet preditors?
#3: What is the difference between the way news has been viewed in the 20th and is being viewed in the 21st century? What would be a good 21st news assignment for your class?
#4: Do you agree with the reasons given in the additional you-tube presentation as to why we should let our students blog? Pick a couple of reasons and elaborate. If you do not agree, give supporting details why you do not.
#5: In referring to Tim O'Reilly's article, did it help you to better understand Web 2.0? What did you find were the greatest contrasting changes from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0? What do you see as advantages/disadvantages that do/do not support you in your teaching?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
29 comments:
The difference between news in the 20th century and news in the 21st century is that we decide what the news is. Before, news channels decided what news they were going to report on and they also were in charge of getting information on that news. Now according to the O'Reilly article we are the media (page 9). This means with the technology of the 21st century we are able to help contribute to the news broadcasts. For example, I have noticed with the local news stations in Binghamton that they are encouraging viewers to call or text them when they see news happening. They are also encouraging viewers to use their cell phones to send in pictures of news they see happening as well. Technology allows us to contribute to what is on the news which gives us a voice that we didn't used to have before in the 20th century.
amyh responding to Lauren.... Isn't it exciting the world we live in today! Just take politics. We have our first black canidate and we have a Republican woman Vice President canidate. Many wanted to believe that this was possible and now it is true! Imagine how tech savy their staff is going to have to be. Not only do they have to be ready to argue and defend their canidates the old fashion way through speeches and debates, but also on line. I was watching "The View" the other day and even their format had changed. Questions were being raised like Did you see on youtube ...... What did you think about that? Another replied.. when doing research on what was said on Youtube I found out that it was either incorrect or correct. I believe that this election year will be one of the most citizen involved elections ever due to youtube and other ways of 21st news reporting. Lauren, I really enjoyed how you included your local tv station. Wouldn't that be a great project for a classroom to send in at least one report to their news station. Maybe a special activity that they have done or perhaps something about the weather? Imagine the extra effort that students would put into a project and the pride they would feel.
To answer question #1, I would push for technology in the classroom. I feel it is important for students to express themselves and learn hands-on. I would support the initiative for “Classrooms of the Future”. I would start by approaching my administration so I had a back bone to my incentive. Eventually the proposal would have to reach a district and state level for funding but I feel it would be important to gain the insight of staff in the building. I would take steps such as provide each student with computers to make learning more relevant and aid in post school success. Most jobs now require some computer skills and without them, people are becoming less qualified for a job. Schools should provide educated teachers to teach technology to students so that they can enter the ever changing and high technological world.
I do agree with the reasons on why we should let our students blog. Blogs are thought of small news stories. By letting our students share their own individual "news", other students can gain insight and connect with them more personally. Students would be able to read up on other students' blogs, as well, and leave comments. This would provide a chance to build relationships between students who have discovered similar interests through the readings. One interesting way for students to use blogs in the classroom would be to have them do book reviews. Students would share their thoughts and comments in a particular book that they recently read, and other students would be able to check out their book review. Hopefully it would encourage more reading!
I liked your idea Amy of having students contribute to a news broadcast. I know students would LOVE the idea and would become very involved in the project. I think reporting the weather would be really fun for students and going along with our "learning by doing" idea through out our class, they would learn so much about how weather patterns are studied to actually predict the weather.
I have thought about how I would raise awareness in schools about computer technology and my first thought was like htbennet's (sorry I don't recognize the name--my short-term memory loss kicking in) in getting the administration involved but then after thinking about it what good would computers in the classroom do if teachers weren't willing to use them? I have noticed that some teachers don't use computers in their classroom and after asking why, they most popular response was similiar to our response about technology in that it scares them. So my plan would be to get my collegues to come into my class and observe me teach a lesson using technology so they can see how the students respond to the lesson. After, I would be more than willing to share my ideas about how to incorporate computer technology into the classroom and would be willing to lend a hand in teaching my fellow collegues how to use the technology in the classroom. I think we are at such an advantage now because it is required for us to learn how to use computer technology whereas teachers who have already received their masters are only offered workshops to go to which don't really require their attendance so most don't end up going because they are scared of it.
amyh responding to htbennet, It is good to start with adminstration. They do not like it when you go over their heads. Hmm that sounds like experience talking. Anyway,you are right that most jobs require computer skills. There should be bells going off for private donations. I worked in a very poor private school and we had to be very resourceful when it came to money. Many organizations will donate computers, money, and people who will train staff. Companies are always upgrading and their computers are not that old. So, look into those areas too!
amyh responding to g_marion, What a neat idea about book reviews! Blogging certainly does have a place in school.Imagine doing science projects with different schools in different states. Say, a fourth grade in NY does the same science experiment as a fourth grade class in CA. The kids could blog results back and forth. Certainly there are many more things you could do in a classroom.It would certainly receive more excitement from the class. I have subbed in a classroom where the students were doing a pen pal project. STudents who would normally ignore a writing lesson were so excited to write and receive mail. It certainly would work with blogs!
amyh responding to lauren2 Well yes you are right about teacher's not using computers. Ahh good luck in trying to set up a program where teachers will come and learn. It will be like pulling teeth. I hate to disappoint you but unless it is mandated by the administation it ain't going to happen. But, if you were to team up and do a buddy system where older staff work one on one with a younger member you might have more success. I have sat in "learning meetings" Nope not a good thing, if you have more who can't than can or more who don't want than want. It is a disaster because they will gang up on you and you won't get anything accomplished. I ran into a couple at the winery from Iowa. I was telling her about thi class and she told me what they have done in their town in Iowa. They have students come in on Sunday and help teach senior citizens how to use a computer. they said it was a great program because the senior citizens learned how to use a computer and the children were so proud that they could teach them. Anyway the memory loss...trust me it gets worse! Not much that I can help you!
In response to question #1- I don't think there is just one good place to go to raise awareness about computer technology integration in schools. I think that it is important to first have good resources that can really stand up for your idea that computer integration is important. I feel that one of the first things you must do is get your colleagues to jump on board, the more people you have that are actually in the classroom effectively using the technology the more administrators will pay attention to you.
I also don't think it should come down to choosing technology over say a sport team... I think that like sports, technology is an important aspect to have in the 21st century schools. I think the information is out there and if you present them with ways You and your colleagues can increase learning in your classroom through technology administration will put the thought into it.
amyh responding to Alison.....I agree with you the more people on board the better. That is a very good way to get things done. Unfortunately, depending on the school and administration sports will take top priority. Right now, many schools in the area are having gas problems. Field trips have been cut or the distance you are allowed to take the children have been cut. And sports? nope they travel all over for events. Sports unlike computer tech. is out in the open and the community sees and support what they see. You have homecomings supporters posters ect. Perhaps another way is to bring the community into the computer labs. Have open houses or even classes for the community. When the community sees what you are doing then they will back you up, and support you too.
There is a big difference between news of the 20th Century and new in the 21st Century. The big difference is that now in the 21st Century we the audience have the power to decide what the news is because technology now allows us to participate and have a say. In the past when news was purely professional news channels were in charge of getting the information and deciding what news they wanted to report on. Now in the 21st Century news has become professional and personal. With the innovation of the Web Blog came a move towards collaboration between the audience and the news channel. Now anyone can be a reporter and a publisher. As Tim O'Reilly said we are now in a world of "we, the media". An example of this as Lauren said is news channels inviting us to call or text when we see news happening. People even call in to report on weather in their areas. Also, where I live the local stations even have a component of the news where they report on a topic that the public requests. Technology has given us the power to contribute in ways that we never have before!
These new technologies provide students with many opportunities to be media creators. One idea of a country wide classroom project could be to create a website that allows students from all across the country to broadcast their local weather and also report on topics that are effecting students their age. Then students from all over could be invited to blog in response to the news casts.
I agree with all the reasons for our students to blog that were presented in the video "Why Let Our Students Blog?". One reason that stuck out to me was for sharing. I agree with g_marion that blogs are a good way to allow students to form relationships with other students outside the classroom whom share their same interests. They could be encouraged to share their knowledge with others. Another reason that really stuck out to me was blogging as a way of extending the walls of the classroom. I feel that this might be the most useful characteristic of the blog. With new technology students actually have the ability to communicate freely with students from all over the world. In doing this they will realize how similar all students around the world truly are and this is a key understanding in the multicultural world that they are growing up in!A third reason that stuck out to me was to give students skills that will benefit them in their digitial futures. Students of today surely have a digital future ahead of them. If they leave school without knowing how to use a computer and access the wealth of information that is available to them they will not be marketable in the job market as it is becoming increasingly centered around global technology!
amyh responding to goaliegurl21... It would be a lot of fun to hook up with another school for projects be it science, english, the arts or just to see what ote students do in their classrooms.Being a news anchor in their own YOutube would be a great learning experience. Not only as an anchor but as an orator. Great Public Speaking opportunity! How many of us have been on TV? Public Speaking is difficult and this would give children to overcome their fears.
amyh to goaliegurl21 (2) You bring up really good points. It is a very good tool to connect students with the same interests, especially students who are home taught. Or students who are geographically isolated. Point 2 It would so wonderful to be able to show a video of another country or a piece of art work on youtube instead of a picture out of a book. I was reading about a Professor who taught medicine and he was saying instead of going on and on about a disease which students found it as a hard concept he would show them youtube video of a person with the disease. Point 3 We are in a tech world and our students are way behind other countries as far as being tech savy. We need to start them going at an early age. These are all wondeful ideas, however there are always two sides of the coin so to speak. With this technology I worry so much about preditors on the internet and web. I saw a youtube which I didn't even go to, and it was on Japanese School girls. I had just viewed a Japanese elementary school and the purpose of that was to help the children practice their English. I am sure that was what the Japanese school girls was about too, but when I saw it I thought what a perfect site for a pedofile. Yes, We have to bring technology into the classroom, but we also have to keep our children safe. When we say this is Ms. so an so's class at whatever elementary the pedofile has an address, what grade the child is in and when that child will be there.Next thing you know we have a missing student. With technology also must come responsibility.
After reading Tim O'Reilly's article I kind of got a better understanding of Web 2.0. I seem to get lost when they start discussing the "technological stuff" behind Web 2.0 meaning HTTP and AJAX and all of that stuff.
The biggest changes that I see from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 is that the web is now serving more as a network of communication with other users instead of just serving as an informational portal. O'Reilly points out in his article that "the web was about publishing, not participation; that advertisers, not consumers, ought to call the shots" (page 4). With this previous purpose of the web, people weren't really able to make good use out of the internet. I can remember that the early stages of internet was just another source to get information whereas now with Web 2.0 we can actually communicate with other people and learn from one another.
I see many advantages with using the tools of Web 2.0 in my classroom. Blogging and Wikis are tools that I see myself using in the classroom to allow students to discuss certain topics or questions that I want them to think further about. Not only will blogging and wikis allow students to communicate with eachother in the classroom but they can also communicate with their peers who are in different classrooms. I too, like Amy, get a little nervous about using the internet because of safety reasons but I have noticed in many school buildings that they have created their network to only allow specific websites to be viewed in the school. I have also seen many times in school assemblys where the topic is about how students can be safe on the internet. I know that sometimes there are certain "glitches" with this but it is definitely a start to keeping students safe on the internet.
Response to Question 1
As a teacher trying to raise awareness about computer technology, I would go to fellow teachers first. With a group of teachers, more ideas can be brought together and going in a group provides more support than one person being proactive on their own. Next, there would be information collection and analysis to find out what technology is available and the benefits of using that information. Armed with facts and figures, the group would then go to the administration and share the findings and see where to go from there. Technology is expensive and there would need to be a great deal of consideration given to the allocation of that money. So, steps would most likely have to be taken in obtaining grants for the use of technology. That might require looking to the state and federal government.
I don’t think that the money should be taken away from other activities, instead slowly integrated to work out the glitches and problems that may occur. Instead of buying a set of classroom computers so that each child has one, buy a mobile set to share within the department. Each year, buy one more set until the need is met. Some departments may not even need more than one set. The truth is though, that money will probably have to be reallocated to different areas. The problem is that sports and the arts (music and art) are the first ones to get cut. I am not sure of a good way to solve the problem.
Response to Lauren and Amy...
The 21st centruty has brought about a lot of changes in the information that is recieved by the public. The public involvment and interest in the world is great!
I think that the way the world has changed and been more progressive has allowed for many opportunities that we may not have had before.
Amy mentioned schools contacting the news companies about news that happens in the area. Unfortunately, even when those calls are made, nothing gets done. There is still a huge decision making process on what the news companies see as important. For example, in elementary school, our local new station would come out and collect video clips of the special days that we had in school and air them. That is a priveledge that local companies have. Larger companies only gather stories that are from the bigger cities.
Another example is that a few months ago, our fire department celebrated its 100 year of providing service in the area. The news stations did not cover the story at all. We called and e-mailed several times with no responses. The local papers did cover it, but the audience there is not as large.
I guess my point here is that as much as the 21st century has grown with technology, there are still human factors that are limiting what it can do and who recieves the information.
I agree with what Lori said here. The 21st century has brought about many changes in the way the news is broadcasted to us. She touched on the negative aspects in regards to the response from the media outlets to the public. Lori made many great points as to how these changes have effected us negatively. GoalieGurl21 and Lauren also made some good points regarding this topic and how it has had a positive impact on news. An additional question that I pose out to you is: What are some things that we need to be cautious of now that the public has more input into the news?
Also, what is presented in the media greatly influences and dictates the way we live our lives, especially regarding our educational system. With the changes of the news in the 21st century, what changes have impacted us educationally? How has it done so?
Really enjoyed the conversation that’s been going on! Keep it up!! Also looking forward to other ideas regarding the originally posted questions!
Hi Everyone!
In respose to question 2, I believe that teachers have an absolute resposibility to make students aware of internet preditors. Without going into too much detail, we can make our students aware that strangers of any kind are dangerous and should be avoided. Teachers are able to educate about the types of questions to look out for while students are networking. For instance, personal questions should be avoided, and location should be as vague as possible. Parents and teachers can work together to make the internet as safe as possible. It would be highly irresponsible to allow students to network without informing them of the real dangers that exist in cyberspace.
In response to Question #1...
I strongly feel that in the task of raising awareness in our schools about computer technology, we as educators must first be organized, prepared and have all of our "ducks in a row." We must be EXPERTS in this field and know ALL OF THE PROS AND CONS so that we can answer any question or concern or tackle any obstacle in our way. I agree with Alison and Amy, as well. Administrators do not like to be kept in the dark so therefore, we must keep them updated -even through communication as simple as weekly emails to let them know where we stand on the issue, any advancements, and how we are effectively raising the technology awareness as well as what they may be able to do to assist us in being successful.
When I completed my 2nd student teaching assignment in a small rural school nearby, I was placed with a very tech savvy teacher who incorporated it into most everyday lessons. Students learned so much in his class because they knew he was instilling lifelong skills of technology usage within them! I even learned programs that I am still using today and wish to incorporate into my future classroom!
Our students of today MUST learn how to use technology effectively...it is imperitive for America's future. We have begun down a path of welcoming technology into our lives for ease and comfort and now we must continue down this path to excell all means of life on our planet by including everyone!
So basically, after you include admistrators and include them as a part of your "team," your students' will become infected by this "technology bug" (otherwise known as extreme enthusiasm for what they are learning through technology) this will spread to the local community (your students' parents and relatives) and vast interest will be raised, by this time, more colleagues may have joined your "team" because they have caught the "bug." At this point, this would be a good time to take this issue to the school board and even possibly have a community meeting showing all the benefits of technology to community members (making sure everyone is invited, especially those individuals who own businesses that could possibly make donations- like Amy said). By convincing the community that technology awareness is important, the only one left is the school board who inevitably decides which program gets what amount of moolah.
When you start an awareness such as this, unfortunately funding isn't optimal and therefore, much will come from your own pocket, fundraisers, but just keep track and save receipts for tax write-offs.
On the issue of sports vs. technology...both are seen as extra-curricular activities at this point, so when this issue is taken to school board, ideas that need to be focused on are:
1. What technology will be included in core subjects throughout the spectrum?
2. How will students be assessed on their use of technology within their course of studies?
3.How will technology will benefit students' ability to score well on state assessments?
In response to Audrey's question about what we need to be careful of with now that the public is having more of an impact in the news is that we need to make sure that we are getting both sides of the story and not just getting one point of view. It's very easy to capture the news that you want people to see not necessarily what the news is really about.
We also have to be careful that stories the public shares are indeed true and not something that would make a great news story. In this day and age a lot of people want to have their "five-minutes of fame" so they will do anything to get that. For example take a look at American Idol when they televise their auditions. Some people are really bad and on some level they know that but are just hoping to get on TV. With news stories its not going to be different, people will do anything to not be on TV but be mentioned on TV in some way like contributing to a news story. The news channels now have a responsibility to research the news stories themselves to make sure that they are true and that both sides of the story are shared with the public.
I do not think I would ever approach this problem by using an example of sports; a lot of good can come from sports and it would probably backfire, not to mention there is a curriculum for physical education. As a teacher I would start by asking teachers I work with including those who teach computer skills. It is always good to have a strong support system when initiating new awareness about a topic such as technology. I would inform the administration of my interests in technology, and tell them how I would like to use new knowledge gained. Offering to take courses through BOCES, or other external locations, and than instruct other teachers through the schools professional development program. Teachers would be able to tell you and the administration what works and what does not. From that point, depending on the schools’ needs, you may have to work your way up the chain of command. Some may decide that they want to apply for a grant, create a new computer lab, or purchase new technology devices for classrooms.
Question 4: I do not completely agree with the you-tube presentation as to why we should let our students blog. Not every student will have access to a computer outside of school. In school I would prefer my students build communication and social skills with their peers, and teachers directly without the aid of a computer. As an elementary school teacher I do not think blogging is appropriate. The curriculum teachers have to complete is rigorous. Standards and state tests do not leave extra time in the day for students to blog. Most classrooms only have a cluster of computers which is not enough computers to for all students to use at the same time. Classes held in the computer lab have their own curriculum to follow. Computers should be used as a supplement not the primary source of knowledge. However, I do think technology is a curial part of learning and can greatly enhance students’ knowledge of subjects.
The only blogging I would ever allow my students to use is a blog on my own personal website. This blog would be used for students to ask questions, and communicate with me. The problem I see with blogging, still, is that it is not personal and others can read what is posted.
Thank you for such great additional responses! Looking forward to your additional thoughts and viewpoints!!
It is clear from reading your responses that technology will be a part of the classroom, whether it be major or minor, whether looking at the positive aspects of it or the negative, whether utilizing blogging, you-tube, or wiki. In thinking about the role that technology will play, what implications for the classroom would there be if technology were not kept up to date in the classroom? How will you make sure that you are technologically compliant, reliable, and current in your educational instruction?
In an elementary school setting, which will you choose to incorporate in your classroom – blog, you-tube, podcast, wiki, or other participatory learning tool – or would you choose not to at all?
I agree with Christine, I think that we should focus on teaching our students to interact and communicate with one another in the classroom. Students today spend a lot of time on the computer or cell phones talking with each other, and expressing themselves in person is becoming more difficult. I have heard of awful name calling and fights beginging because of what someone posted on myspace, or texted. Students need to work on real relationships with their peers and not ones that exist in our technological world. I think her idea about allowing students to blog on a teachers website is an excellent one! It would be a great way for parents to get involved as well.
To answer Question 1, I qwould make the argument that funding for computer technology is far more important in the long run than funding for sports teams are. Obviously there are advntages to students playing sports, and I would never suggest to cut funding for a sports team/s. However, I would suggest that before more fundinf is poured into sports or other...it should be put into computer/technological advancement instead. Almost every student in a school is going to one day have to find a job in a highly competetive, technological world, and maybe one of those kids might be lucky enough to play a sport for a living, but the chances of that are very rare. Therefore, I feel as though computer education is much more relevant to a students future than would be sports. First I would start small, and try to influence fellow teachers and faculty within my building. Once I gained some support, then I would try to move up the latter to the state and federal levels for funding, etc..
Question 2: Of course I feel as though it is important for teachers who use blogs and other collaborative learning methods to make their students aware of the potential dangers of using such things. I feel like the parents should also share in the responsibility of letting kids know about possible dangerous materials and peoples that they may encounter on the internet. Better to be safe, and tell your students about possible dangers, than to wait for something bad to happen before you do.
News Question: In response to what Luren said, I would have to agree. We have much more influence over what is seen and reported on in the news. My local news asks the public to report and send in possible newsworthy material, and CNN and other major news outlets also have poll questions and call ins to talk about news stories. Therefore I feel as though we most definetely view news differently now thatn we have in the past and im sure it will continue to change at time goes on.
Q #1. The technology has to be supportive by the district as a whole. More districts are spending more and more money on technology instead of sports or other extra-curricular actives. An advantage of technology in the class is to network with staff as well as students. In the future school districts will be spending more on technology.
Q#2. Teachers have a responsibility to mention online predators. When teaching at the high school level students should be aware of the dangers because of the nature of more freedom of the computer. At the middle level the responsibility is even greater to make sure students work is monitored.
amyh summary week 4
I want to thank everyone for such great rsponses. It was wonderful reading evryones post and all of your ideas.
Many of you answered our question on Tim O'Rielly's article. Lauren picked up on the fact that we are in a media age and related the information to her local tv news show. She stated that the station is asking for viewers to add to the news. Lori made a comment about viewers reporting the news and how not all stations will pick up what the viewer is sending in. I guess tv stations have a limited amount of tv time, but I feel that viewers comments should at least be posted on their website.
G marion and Goaliegirl felt that blogging would open up great opportunities to students with their own newsreporting. Goaliegirl felt this would be a good introduction to broadcasting.
Christine didn't completely agree with letting students blog. Her point was very valid. Her point is not very student has a computer at home. It may be hard to believe but many students in poorer districts do not have computers and no way to get to find one. Christine also said, and for those of us who teach, there is not enough time in the day to offer blogging as a supplimentary class.
Another question that was answered was the question about schools financial backing for computers instead of other areas. Most felt that if you get your ducks in a row, get teachers on board. Most were in favor of keeping sports and not cutting their budget. I agree to an extent about this as long as it is fair. Corey stated because we are a tech savy world we need to offer classes and monies to support computer tech in our schools. He also made the comment that many students going off to work need to have computer skills and that more monies should be put into computer classes.
All in all it was a good blog. people were very active in rsponding to the questions and each other. Peple thought about the questions and their responses.
Post a Comment