Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
The History of Superman-Digital Story
I used voicethread to create this digital story. Although I'm not a big fan of it and struggled to put a voice in it; I do think that this will be very beneficial in the classroom. This type of technology can be posted on a website for any student that failed to attend class or just didn't understand the material. If I had a microphone, I think I would've been able to put my voice in it.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
My Travels from Coast to Coast-Digital Story
This website was more confusing to use, and very difficult to embed into this blog. I wasn't a big a fan of the music selection. However, I did enjoy the fact that it looked like an actual scrapbook. Overall I would say this is an okay website, but I don't really see much use for it in the classroom.
Growing Love-Digital Story
This is my favorite of the Digital Stories I completed. I felt the site was very user friendly and made it easy to create a unique and creative digital story. My only problem was that it was difficult for my computer to upload so many pictures at one time; otherwise, this was the best site to use.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Response: Growing Up Online
As I was watching the story on "PBS Frontline" I really had to re-evaluate the impact the Internet has on the student. I reviewed three of my peers' blogs: Jessica Fetherston, Emily Dirks, and Brittney Scheeringa. I found each of their opinions enlightening, and for the most part I agreed with them. I intend on expanding so their ideas I liked to further incorporate my ideas on this topic.
One thing that Jessica mentioned in her blog was the idea that "questions were brought up when television, phones, video cameras, and cell phones were invented." And I believe that she couldn't be more accurate. As the times change it becomes increasingly difficult for older generations to adapt to the new technologies. Of course questions are going to be raised because with each new technology we are becoming more open with our emotions and ideas. This is worrisome because while we are become more expressive, everyone within reach of the Internet now has access to that. And while many parents are frightened by the idea that a stranger has a deeper understanding of their child's life we also neglect that this is a safe haven to some of the students.
This leads into the next blog I reviewed. Emily brings up, what I believe is possibly the most important point on the Internet. As educators it is our duty to be aware of the newest technology. Furthermore its necessary to, as Emily says, "educate children on the proper uses of the Internet." These students need to understand the dangers of using the Internet; specifically predators and/or cyber bullying. However, that isn't the only place that needs attention. Students need to understand that any and everything they place on the Internet will be there forever. So any college or future employer can see what they've posted and even if it seemed funny at the time, most institutions wouldn't be interested in someone so irresponsible.
Finally Brittney mentioned her fear of not being able to compete technologically with the next generations to come. And my fears coincide with that notion. I am terrified that these students will be able to use the Internet and computers and all sorts of gadgets much quicker and more efficiently than I can. Which I fear will cause them to become bored in the classroom and working on other non-school related items. As an educator I will try to attend classes and keep up with the newest technologies. One thing that the high school I attended did have was a foreign language computer lab. Each student was able to use a computer; however, the teacher had a larger computer that not only allowed her to access all of the same programs, but simultaneously granted her the ability to see each students computer screen. I think if schools were to go more digital (which is where it seems we're heading), then they should get class/teacher friendly tools similar to our computer lab.
Overall I think that there are many pros and cons to "growing up online" or having schools become more "digital". But if we prepare teachers and lessons to help understand this new world and education system then we should be okay. I do strongly recommend having a mandatory class on Internet safety. Each student should be able to recognize warning signs and keep as safe as possible. But the Internet I think is more of a tool than weapon.
One thing that Jessica mentioned in her blog was the idea that "questions were brought up when television, phones, video cameras, and cell phones were invented." And I believe that she couldn't be more accurate. As the times change it becomes increasingly difficult for older generations to adapt to the new technologies. Of course questions are going to be raised because with each new technology we are becoming more open with our emotions and ideas. This is worrisome because while we are become more expressive, everyone within reach of the Internet now has access to that. And while many parents are frightened by the idea that a stranger has a deeper understanding of their child's life we also neglect that this is a safe haven to some of the students.
This leads into the next blog I reviewed. Emily brings up, what I believe is possibly the most important point on the Internet. As educators it is our duty to be aware of the newest technology. Furthermore its necessary to, as Emily says, "educate children on the proper uses of the Internet." These students need to understand the dangers of using the Internet; specifically predators and/or cyber bullying. However, that isn't the only place that needs attention. Students need to understand that any and everything they place on the Internet will be there forever. So any college or future employer can see what they've posted and even if it seemed funny at the time, most institutions wouldn't be interested in someone so irresponsible.
Finally Brittney mentioned her fear of not being able to compete technologically with the next generations to come. And my fears coincide with that notion. I am terrified that these students will be able to use the Internet and computers and all sorts of gadgets much quicker and more efficiently than I can. Which I fear will cause them to become bored in the classroom and working on other non-school related items. As an educator I will try to attend classes and keep up with the newest technologies. One thing that the high school I attended did have was a foreign language computer lab. Each student was able to use a computer; however, the teacher had a larger computer that not only allowed her to access all of the same programs, but simultaneously granted her the ability to see each students computer screen. I think if schools were to go more digital (which is where it seems we're heading), then they should get class/teacher friendly tools similar to our computer lab.
Overall I think that there are many pros and cons to "growing up online" or having schools become more "digital". But if we prepare teachers and lessons to help understand this new world and education system then we should be okay. I do strongly recommend having a mandatory class on Internet safety. Each student should be able to recognize warning signs and keep as safe as possible. But the Internet I think is more of a tool than weapon.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Money for Good Grades
My reaction to reading the article, "Earn an A? Here's $50." in the Chicago Tribune was "Are you kidding me?!" I didn't think that anyone could actually be serious about this. Bribing students to get good grades didn't seem like the best choice to improve Chicago public schools. There are too many problems for this idea to be properly implemented. I achieved mostly grades throughout my elementary and secondary education, and I never received any money. At first I think I was simply jealous that some students were getting this kind of treatment, I worked hard in school to get good grades and I didn't get $50 for an A! However as I thought deeper into this issue, I really realized that I disagreed with this on more than just a personal level.
The first opinion article I read that addressed this idea was y MARGO UNQRICHT Seventh-grade English teacher, Lehi, Utah (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3617/is_200405/ai_n9360319). And she stated that although she thought bribing the students with money crossed the line, she did lend the idea that students should be rewarded for a job well-done with something like a pizza party. With her I agree, students should be rewarded with a pizza party or a celebration after working hard on a project or an exam. However, giving them money is definitely crossing line. Instead we should reward them (high-poverty students) with things they actually like clothes or food.
The next article I read was entitled "CPS To Pay Students For Good Grades" and published on the WBBM website (http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/2948980.php?). It described that the funding for this project wouldn't be coming from tax dollars. While I am very relieved that my money won't be going towards this program, I believe its necessary to be concerned with where the money we give them is going. This money that we plan to give the students for good grades, could instead be put into the schools and different learning facilities so that they have better lessons and a better grasp on the material they're learning. Or if we must give them money, the state instead should have the money put into a college fund so they can use it to attend a university or vocational school, or given to them as a reward after graduation. This will increase graduation rates and cause students to work hard throughout all of high school.
The third and most influential article I read on this topic was "Is it smart to pay for good grades?" by Liz Pulliam Weston (http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/RaiseKids/IsItSmartToPayForGoodGrades.aspx?page=2). In her article she describes the argument between her and her husband; he was for getting paid for good grades, while she was against it. I think she brought up some very valid points. Many students in today's classroom have learning disabilities. By bribing them to get good grades we're rewarding the naturally gifted, and harming the ones who work really hard to get the Bs or Cs. This creates an ego goal orientation in the school setting. This will cause those who are reflect more of the mastery goal orientation to struggle, get frustrated and eventually give up. Overall I think that this program can do more harm in the school setting than good.
Finally, I read the article "Good grades pay off literally" in USA Today (http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-01-27-grades_N.htm). This article again provided a lot of background information on the debate, but one thing it mentions is how this "undermines kids' motivation to do high-quality work when they're not being paid". It does all go on to mention that student grades did progress because they wanted the rewards. However I think that this method is only helping the already smart students. They put forth the little extra effort that isn't actually given to them to earn these great prizes, while those that really try get frustrated and want to quit.
Overall I think that this can be beneficial to the honor roll students; however, those that aren't on honor roll are forced to compete with students that they already believe are smarter than them. I think can be seen as another example of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Students that work hard deserve a reward regardless of the grade they receive. Rewarding hard work will encourage the continuance of it, whereas rewarding good grades isn't a fair playing field.
The first opinion article I read that addressed this idea was y MARGO UNQRICHT Seventh-grade English teacher, Lehi, Utah (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3617/is_200405/ai_n9360319). And she stated that although she thought bribing the students with money crossed the line, she did lend the idea that students should be rewarded for a job well-done with something like a pizza party. With her I agree, students should be rewarded with a pizza party or a celebration after working hard on a project or an exam. However, giving them money is definitely crossing line. Instead we should reward them (high-poverty students) with things they actually like clothes or food.
The next article I read was entitled "CPS To Pay Students For Good Grades" and published on the WBBM website (http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/2948980.php?). It described that the funding for this project wouldn't be coming from tax dollars. While I am very relieved that my money won't be going towards this program, I believe its necessary to be concerned with where the money we give them is going. This money that we plan to give the students for good grades, could instead be put into the schools and different learning facilities so that they have better lessons and a better grasp on the material they're learning. Or if we must give them money, the state instead should have the money put into a college fund so they can use it to attend a university or vocational school, or given to them as a reward after graduation. This will increase graduation rates and cause students to work hard throughout all of high school.
The third and most influential article I read on this topic was "Is it smart to pay for good grades?" by Liz Pulliam Weston (http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/RaiseKids/IsItSmartToPayForGoodGrades.aspx?page=2). In her article she describes the argument between her and her husband; he was for getting paid for good grades, while she was against it. I think she brought up some very valid points. Many students in today's classroom have learning disabilities. By bribing them to get good grades we're rewarding the naturally gifted, and harming the ones who work really hard to get the Bs or Cs. This creates an ego goal orientation in the school setting. This will cause those who are reflect more of the mastery goal orientation to struggle, get frustrated and eventually give up. Overall I think that this program can do more harm in the school setting than good.
Finally, I read the article "Good grades pay off literally" in USA Today (http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-01-27-grades_N.htm). This article again provided a lot of background information on the debate, but one thing it mentions is how this "undermines kids' motivation to do high-quality work when they're not being paid". It does all go on to mention that student grades did progress because they wanted the rewards. However I think that this method is only helping the already smart students. They put forth the little extra effort that isn't actually given to them to earn these great prizes, while those that really try get frustrated and want to quit.
Overall I think that this can be beneficial to the honor roll students; however, those that aren't on honor roll are forced to compete with students that they already believe are smarter than them. I think can be seen as another example of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Students that work hard deserve a reward regardless of the grade they receive. Rewarding hard work will encourage the continuance of it, whereas rewarding good grades isn't a fair playing field.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Response to: How will you be your own agent of change in the classroom to meet student expectations - is it your responsibility?
While reading my peers blog posts regarding the "youtube" videos, they all consistently replied that all teachers should be incorporating technology into the classroom. Specifically I reviewed Jacqueline's, Rachel Sisterson's, and Jenny Santiago's blogs; and I also concur with their opinions. Teachers need to be able to use technology in the classroom. One idea Jacqueline mentions is that by blogging or using Internet access the concept being discussed in class will become more interesting. The students probably will be more technologically savvy than I will as a teacher, and if I am able to relate to this young computer wiz's then I believe the lesson will be more captivating overall.
Jenny also brings up a very important point in her blog; teachers should be "an agent of change in the classroom to meet student expectations." The students need to be exposed to the newest technology so that they can compete best with their peers. Furthermore, being exposed to the newest technology can help them learn on a different level. These students are the next generation, and since 2000 the world has been becoming exponentially more digital.
Finally Rachel discusses how chalkboards are just plain boring to most students now. They need to be engaged and she brings up the idea of using smartboards, Geometer's sketch pad, etc. electronic tools in the classroom. Keeping the students motivated and interested in mathematics will be key, and incorporating technology into the classroom is a great way to do that.
Overall I agree with my peers' opinions on the necessity for technology to be incorporated into the classroom. The use of the internet, electronic tools, and new technology are vital to the success of my future students. Jacqueline, Jenny, and Rachel all bring up valid points and ideas that I will definitely try to incorporate into my lesson plan.
Jenny also brings up a very important point in her blog; teachers should be "an agent of change in the classroom to meet student expectations." The students need to be exposed to the newest technology so that they can compete best with their peers. Furthermore, being exposed to the newest technology can help them learn on a different level. These students are the next generation, and since 2000 the world has been becoming exponentially more digital.
Finally Rachel discusses how chalkboards are just plain boring to most students now. They need to be engaged and she brings up the idea of using smartboards, Geometer's sketch pad, etc. electronic tools in the classroom. Keeping the students motivated and interested in mathematics will be key, and incorporating technology into the classroom is a great way to do that.
Overall I agree with my peers' opinions on the necessity for technology to be incorporated into the classroom. The use of the internet, electronic tools, and new technology are vital to the success of my future students. Jacqueline, Jenny, and Rachel all bring up valid points and ideas that I will definitely try to incorporate into my lesson plan.
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