Saturday, June 20, 2009

THE Journal

Journal #3
THE Journal

By: Patricia Deubel, PH.D.

In Patricia's journal she focuses on the positive uses a K-12 teacher could obtain by blogging. It could be used to communicate with your students outside the classroom, as well as communicating with their parents, or even with your own peers. She also mentioned that students could use this new technology by starting an online discussion about the assignment. In theory this could be a perfect opportunity for the students who do have valuable information who does not come forth in the classroom could positively use blogging to their advantage and share their ideas or comments. She also talks about how a teacher needs to show their students how to prepare a proper paper and use works cited to stop any plagiarism. Blogging is a wonderful tool for the classroom but it can become strenuous for the teacher, where Patricia commented that a student could become the discussion leader where a huge part of the blogging responsibilities can be released from the teacher. Blogs could become harmful to the students though, so an adult supervision should be kept at all times.

How can I ensure that all my students parents can read and understand my Blogs?
In most computer programs their is a way where you can translate your commentary into another language. I know that you can do that in most e-mail accounts. One could use that program to translate your Blog posts into all the different languages of your students parents, allowing them to actively participate in their child's learning.
How can I make sure that my student's will be protected while using Blogs?
Patricia said that their are Blog programs where there has to be a password to access the blog. This is one way. Another way is to monitor your students blogs and erase any unreasonable, or harmful commentary. One more way is to have your students parents sign a permission slip explaining the learning positives from using blogs as well as the possible dangers of it. Also explain to the parents that while the student is at home, that they should monitor the child and assist with any questions the student may have.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Journal #2
Social Networking for the K-12 Set
By Jim Klein

Jim Klein and two other technology persons got together to create a technology based feature for their students and their teaching piers. They developed a web-site to enable a safe technology based environment for their peers to develop an assignment which would be completed by the students online. Before this site was developed "for free" there was really no barrier between the student and the world wide web where who knows what may happen. Each student created a blog where they are able to view other students blog in the same community as well as other teachers blogs. They are able to add simple personal information which is edited by the teacher before posting. This is a way the students can communicate with one another as well communicate with other students in the same community and view their assignments as well. This program is available to other schools from different communities, but not many have decided to use this program. The one's who are using this program though are not using it correctly. Klein would like to see those who are using this useful piece to technology that it is used to collaborate with peers and for the students to use it effectively by doing assignments with group members as well as communicating with teachers. According to Klein by allowing their students to use this technology along with other sources their students reading and test scores have gone up. He is hoping for the same outcome for other schools.

How can I make sure that I effectively use technology in my classroom?
I can create an assignment, following a lecture, that is age appropriate using a blog type or blog environment where the students will have to collaborate with one another about the assignment. As well as have them type in their data, so their group members can review and make suggestions. I am sure that for the younger children this may be too much but, I can show them how to enter data.

How can I do my part in creating a technology based school?
I can teach and inform my co-workers about using different technology tools that would be a benefit to our school. If I were to introduce Klein's website, showing how it can be incorporated in all curriculum I may be able to start my schools community in using tech tools. Also it could possibly make communicating with the parent much easier. Most tech tools are able to translate or change the language font; so, if they speak a different language they could still communicate with the teacher.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Journal #1
Your Google Guide
Doug Johnson
In this article, Mr. Johnson explains the importance of search knowledge and the importance of it when using Google search. According to Johnson using three or more key words will give the searcher a better chance finding what he/she is looking for. Before letting a child go strait to the computer the teacher must find out if the child first understands what he/she is looking for. An example Johnson had used was "Richard Burton. The child needs to know if they are looking for the explorer or the actor." Also the searcher should put their key words into a question format. It will help the person narrow down the search. To better your search Google also has an advanced search option and is highly recommended. In a classroom all of the computers advanced search option should be used. It is also important to teach your students the difference between sponsored and non-sponsored search results. People pay Google to put their web sites up for a fee, no matter the credibility of that site. Once a student puts in their keys words and results pop up, some of the result sites may not be suitable for children. again students must know and understand what they are researching. A brief explanation of that web site is posted under the link. Teachers also may turn on restrictions or block certain sites from the student computer.
1. What can I do to ensure my students know what they are looking for?
I can give one or two topics to minimize the huge array of different ideas the students could come up with. I could also teach about the subject, to insure the students know if they are looking for a person or a thing, also if they are looking for a particular person with a title "explorer, artist,or a music artist. I will also give a brief description on how to use Google search.
2. How will I keep myself updated on the new ways of using Google.
I could subscribe to Google blogs, to keep myself updated on all the new things Google is coming out with as well as read up on any new technology they may be using in the future. I could also attend a class introducing new technology strategies to effectively teach my students.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Monday, June 1, 2009

My Introduction

Hello everyone my name is Aubrey. I really do not have very much experience with technology. I am more a open a book and find the answer girl, but mostly I just don't have a whole lot of time. I have a one year old, so if I can find extra time, I consider myself lucky. I am sure if I had more time to diddle daddle on the Internet, I probably would know a lot more. I do use the Internet for school eg. Web ct, check my e-mail, myspace and facebook. I don't play games or surf the net, but I do have a husband who is a computer nerd. I passed the CCR by taking the optional test.

I am currently finishing my Pre-Rec. for ICP and start the credential program next semester. My experiences in the teaching field is as follows: I have observed Elementary, Middle, and High schools. I have created a lesson plans for PE and have taught them in an elementary school, grades K, 3, and 4. I had a great time doing it. While I was in high school I tutored six disabled student in and off school campus. In my spare time I have three elementary students who I tutor in math.

I hope that while taking this class I become more computer literate. I would at least like to know as much if not more than the student I will eventually be teaching. Technology is taking over and I do not want to be left behind. I am also hoping to gain some teaching strategies from this class. I am very excited to start.