In today's classroom technology is ever changing. In most schools the advancement and upgrade in technology is on pace but it is a common trend especially in lower economic schools that students do not have access to new technology. In my classroom I will try to teach my students new ways to gain information through technology while keeping in mind that there is a diverse knowledge base and not all students have the same access.
I do think that it would be a disservice to my students to not teach them how to gain information though or how to use technology. In our world today when students get jobs the world requires them to be able to use technology. If our students aren't learning technology skills in school then we are setting them up for failure.
If we as teachers know about the updates in technology and how important it is, then way not use it to teach our kids and teach them how to gain new information. I will have many options for my students to gain technological information. I will allow them to use many different resources such as the internet, podcasts, the county library if they don't have access at home and so on.
Students come from different backgrounds at home and also come from different technological backgrounds. I need to be sensitive to this diversity when I teach but at the same time I must have high expectations for my students in order to teach them the tools needed for advancement in life. Technology is always changing and so is our world, it is going to be my job to prepare our youth for this change.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Chatspeak
In my opinion chatspeak is destroying the english language especially with our youth. In today's technological world students all over the country are texting, or emailing their friends at a high rate. I believe that our countries need for instant results or the idea of getting things done fast is resulting in our students talking or texting fast.
The problem comes when students bring chatspeak into the classroom and use it in their assignments. If a student turns in an english paper and has words LOL, or WTF I am not doing my job as an english teacher. I need to be educating my students on proper english. They are coming into my classroom with their own language so to speak and I need to be one of the people who needs to help them change their mindset.
The quote "Chatspeak is destroying students’ command of written English" is true. If we as teachers don;t prevent students from talking or writing in this language they have created then we are setting up our students for failure. We will all be talking and writing like robots in the future because we will all be programed to talk extremely fast and with a limited vocabulary.
Reference
Copyright © 2007, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)
The problem comes when students bring chatspeak into the classroom and use it in their assignments. If a student turns in an english paper and has words LOL, or WTF I am not doing my job as an english teacher. I need to be educating my students on proper english. They are coming into my classroom with their own language so to speak and I need to be one of the people who needs to help them change their mindset.
The quote "Chatspeak is destroying students’ command of written English" is true. If we as teachers don;t prevent students from talking or writing in this language they have created then we are setting up our students for failure. We will all be talking and writing like robots in the future because we will all be programed to talk extremely fast and with a limited vocabulary.
Reference
Copyright © 2007, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)
Cell Phones in the Classroom
I think cell phones should be banned in the classroom. I may be old fashioned but the classroom is for learning and instruction, not texting and updating your myspace. Students today have technology at their fingertips and it is everywhere. The classroom should be a place that utilizes technology but cell phones should not be included.
With my experience working as a campus monitor I have seen the bad side of cell phones that included students setting up drug deals or fights while sitting in class. Not only do cell phones distract students from learning, they are a potential safety concern.
The quote "Bring your cell phones to the first day of class" is surprising to me. I don't think one teacher I know would say this or agree that having cell phones in their classroom is a good thing. Students can call, text or email their friends in their own time at home and out of school, but as long as they are in my class cell phones will not be used or tollerated. Students will always have them but I will structure my class to limit time they can use them, if they do I will use it as a teachable moment.
Reference
Copyright © 2007, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)
With my experience working as a campus monitor I have seen the bad side of cell phones that included students setting up drug deals or fights while sitting in class. Not only do cell phones distract students from learning, they are a potential safety concern.
The quote "Bring your cell phones to the first day of class" is surprising to me. I don't think one teacher I know would say this or agree that having cell phones in their classroom is a good thing. Students can call, text or email their friends in their own time at home and out of school, but as long as they are in my class cell phones will not be used or tollerated. Students will always have them but I will structure my class to limit time they can use them, if they do I will use it as a teachable moment.
Reference
Copyright © 2007, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Web Quest #2
I just finished looking at Tom's web quest. His topic was on Salmon and I really liked his web page. The color scheme and lay out was the best part of the web quest. All the colors and pictures went well together and it makes it easy for the reader to follow. The process is well thought out and any student who uses this will like it.
This web quest would be an excellent resource to use in a classroom because it is a fun assignment, and creates higher order thinking skills. The assignment is designed for students to create a power point presentation. The pictures and video links tell a story and help teach the content in an easy to follow and descriptive fashion. Overall this was a nice web quest and good work by Tom.
This web quest would be an excellent resource to use in a classroom because it is a fun assignment, and creates higher order thinking skills. The assignment is designed for students to create a power point presentation. The pictures and video links tell a story and help teach the content in an easy to follow and descriptive fashion. Overall this was a nice web quest and good work by Tom.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Web Quest #1
I just finished looking at Caitlin's webquest. This was a very good example of a webquest that can be used in a classroom setting. It was easy to follow, has a good design and was very creative with the design and presentation. I think students would really enjoy this webquest because it is so easy to follow and has clear and defined objectives and descriptions of assignments.
Caitlin followed the rubric and I don't think there is much need for change. The color scheme is well thought out and creative. It is easy on the eyes and invites the student into a learning environment. Students will be able to understand the content, follow the lesson and overall gain a further understanding of art throughout this lesson. Good job Caitlin, nice work.
Caitlin followed the rubric and I don't think there is much need for change. The color scheme is well thought out and creative. It is easy on the eyes and invites the student into a learning environment. Students will be able to understand the content, follow the lesson and overall gain a further understanding of art throughout this lesson. Good job Caitlin, nice work.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Power Point Presentations
In our last class we presented our five minute power point presentations. Each class member did some great work and I learned a couple of new things that I didn't know before. Each presentation was unique in their own way and really showed the creativity and subject knowledge that each person has in this class.
The major point that I will take away from this lesson is not to have to much text in your power point. I think over my years in college I have worked on my presentation skills and power point construction. I have made many power points over my college career and I continue to improve on my creativity and knowledge of this useful educational tool.
After watching, listening and being apart of each students power point I really appreciated how each student put their personality into their slides, planned effectively and prepared what they were going to talk about prior to class. One thing I can't stand is when a student or person created a power point, puts way too much text and too many pictures on their slides and is not prepared to speak to the class and get their information across.
Some people will read right from their slides, follow their extensive notes word for word and not include the class in their presentation. These types of presenters are boring and get old after a short time. I enjoy watching active presenters that use their power point as a useful tool to engage the audience and keep them active in the learning process.
Overall the presentation were really great and each student seemed to follow the class rubric for grading. I think we all did a wonderful job of presenting our material in only five minutes and each of use will be better power point designers and presenters in the future after completing this lesson.
The major point that I will take away from this lesson is not to have to much text in your power point. I think over my years in college I have worked on my presentation skills and power point construction. I have made many power points over my college career and I continue to improve on my creativity and knowledge of this useful educational tool.
After watching, listening and being apart of each students power point I really appreciated how each student put their personality into their slides, planned effectively and prepared what they were going to talk about prior to class. One thing I can't stand is when a student or person created a power point, puts way too much text and too many pictures on their slides and is not prepared to speak to the class and get their information across.
Some people will read right from their slides, follow their extensive notes word for word and not include the class in their presentation. These types of presenters are boring and get old after a short time. I enjoy watching active presenters that use their power point as a useful tool to engage the audience and keep them active in the learning process.
Overall the presentation were really great and each student seemed to follow the class rubric for grading. I think we all did a wonderful job of presenting our material in only five minutes and each of use will be better power point designers and presenters in the future after completing this lesson.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Educational Technology and Student Attention Spans
I agree with the side that our students are too dependent on technology and the internet. When I first read the article "Is Educational Technology Shortening
Student Attention Spans?" the following quote really got me thinking. "Imagine a school with no library,no books—just computers. All research is done using the Internet. Instead of students typing papers, printing them off, and handing them in to a teacher, they create digital content online using a blog or wiki." This quote scared me. Why am I learning to design lesson plans including different activities such as papers or group projects if all the students know is email.
If I give an assignment I expect the student to turn the paper in to me. I might be thinking in an old school manner but I believe technology is good but only if used in the proper way. Students should be able to do research with the internet because it is faster and has a lot of quick information but they need to write the paper on their own and turn it in to me. I don't like to read papers from email and I would rather read a hard copy, write comments and return it to the student.
Where is our countries education headed? Will technology take over our classroom? I think it all ready has in a sense but without books, and other useful resources found in a library we will be teaching robots. I am not encouraged by the fact that students rely on the internet but I guess it is a fact of the time we live in and i am going to have to adapt my teaching strategies to respect technological diversity and an ever changing technological culture.
Reference:
Is Educational Technology Shortening Student Attention Spans? 2008, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)
Student Attention Spans?" the following quote really got me thinking. "Imagine a school with no library,no books—just computers. All research is done using the Internet. Instead of students typing papers, printing them off, and handing them in to a teacher, they create digital content online using a blog or wiki." This quote scared me. Why am I learning to design lesson plans including different activities such as papers or group projects if all the students know is email.
If I give an assignment I expect the student to turn the paper in to me. I might be thinking in an old school manner but I believe technology is good but only if used in the proper way. Students should be able to do research with the internet because it is faster and has a lot of quick information but they need to write the paper on their own and turn it in to me. I don't like to read papers from email and I would rather read a hard copy, write comments and return it to the student.
Where is our countries education headed? Will technology take over our classroom? I think it all ready has in a sense but without books, and other useful resources found in a library we will be teaching robots. I am not encouraged by the fact that students rely on the internet but I guess it is a fact of the time we live in and i am going to have to adapt my teaching strategies to respect technological diversity and an ever changing technological culture.
Reference:
Is Educational Technology Shortening Student Attention Spans? 2008, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Cyberbullying
In today's society and advances in technology, bullies have found new ways to torment fellow students in ways that don't involve the school directly. Cyber bullying is the new term created to describe the threats, tormenting, harassment or humiliation that students undergo by these cyber bullies. These only difference between a bully in the school yard and a cyber bully is technology. Both types of bullies are detrimental to the successful education of students around the world and bullying should not and is not tolerated in schools or on the world wide web.
Cyber bullying uses the internet, cell phones, social networking sites and other interactive technology just as if a bully in a school would steal someone's lunch money or pants them in the hallway. Both girls and boys are cyber bullies. I have not experienced this type of bullying myself but I have been a witness to the negative consequences it has on students in a public school setting. With my experience working as a campus monitor at Wilson High School for two years we dealt with cyber bullying a handful of times.
Schools face a lot of trouble when dealing with this issue. Most schools fight with the idea about is it the schools responsibility to stop, prevent or intervene in cyber bullying. I think the school does need to prevent and stop this type of bullying. I know that at Wilson when a school policy is broken any cell phone, social networking site for example can be used as evidence. It is the schools responsibility to stop this type of bullying just as if a student was being picked on at school in the classroom.
When I become a teacher I will do my best to help prevent and stop cyber bullying. If my students are using a school computer they will not be allowed to be on a social networking site. My class will be structured so that they will not have the ability or time to be a cyber bully. If they do this behavior and I find out about it, or hear that someone is being tormented by another classmate I will report such activity, help stop it or refer the problem to the administration for further action.
Cyber bullying is a huge problem today. Technology is changing constantly and students are keeping up with those changes. Parents need to be a factor in their students life to teach them what is right and what is not. Cyber bullying can be prevented if adults are aware of what type of bullying is happening and the means that are used for bullies to convey their message of torment.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Copyright
Copyright in today's education is a big deal. People need to be paid for the work they create and when people take, steal or borrow other people's work without prior permission then a problem is created. There is a difference between plagarism and copyright. You can plagarize an authors work and also violate copyright if the work is protected under a copyright law.
The biggest thing that learned from our reading is that the Copyright Act of 1976 does not protect works published or created prior to 1976. In our group work session Chris and I used the scenario about the teacher who copied a whole book that was published in 1970. This book was fair use and in public domain because it was not published after 1796 and it also did not include a copyright notice when it was published.
I think that the way copyright laws are written are fair. People who create works need to recieve money for what they make. I am a musician and if my music is under copyright I wouldn't want someone else to steal my music for free. Copyright is a good thing if it is used properly. If a person gets permission to used a piece of work and go's through the proper steps than it is ok to use someone else's work as long as the sources are cited.
As a teacher in my classroom to make sure the materials I use fall under fair use is to clear what I use with the publisher first. I need to cover my basis and get everything I use cleared. I need to follow the copyright laws as they are written and always cite where I get my resources and materials.
Finally I will also try to monitor how my students use copyright in my classroom. Copyright violation is not exactly like plagarism but they are similar. My students will be taught what is right and what is wrong. They will learn what copyright laws are and what plagarism is to know the difference between them. If my students follow the same steps to protect them selves as i do then they will be ok.
The biggest thing that learned from our reading is that the Copyright Act of 1976 does not protect works published or created prior to 1976. In our group work session Chris and I used the scenario about the teacher who copied a whole book that was published in 1970. This book was fair use and in public domain because it was not published after 1796 and it also did not include a copyright notice when it was published.
I think that the way copyright laws are written are fair. People who create works need to recieve money for what they make. I am a musician and if my music is under copyright I wouldn't want someone else to steal my music for free. Copyright is a good thing if it is used properly. If a person gets permission to used a piece of work and go's through the proper steps than it is ok to use someone else's work as long as the sources are cited.
As a teacher in my classroom to make sure the materials I use fall under fair use is to clear what I use with the publisher first. I need to cover my basis and get everything I use cleared. I need to follow the copyright laws as they are written and always cite where I get my resources and materials.
Finally I will also try to monitor how my students use copyright in my classroom. Copyright violation is not exactly like plagarism but they are similar. My students will be taught what is right and what is wrong. They will learn what copyright laws are and what plagarism is to know the difference between them. If my students follow the same steps to protect them selves as i do then they will be ok.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Wikipedia
Wikipedia is one of the most visited sites on the world wide web. Wikipedia is a website that was designed to be a free online encyclopedia to give people all over the world access to the same high quality information. The one difference between Wikipedia and another book source or paid online encyclopedia is that the information posted on the website can be changed or modified by anyone.
I personally use Wikipedia maybe three to four times a week. I don't use this site for research or for a source on a paper but I mainly use it for trivial information or when looking up a quick fact on a topic I might have a background in. I really enjoy looking up when celebrities were born and how old they are by using this website. When I am watching an old movie and see an actor when they were really young I often use Wikipedia to see how old they were when the film was shot.
As a teacher I will accept work from a student that cited Wikipedia as a source as long as there are at least two other sources that are credible. I think the idea of using Wikipedia as a launching pad is a great idea. Get students engaged with material they otherwise would not want to do is key, get them started on Wikipedia and it will springboard them to other websites or resources to find information.
My policy regarding internet research will be simple. For every time a student used Wikipedia they must use at least two other sources. If a student doesn't want to use three sources then they can't use Wikipedia. I want them to be able to find reliable information on the web but at the same time i don't want them to become too comfortable using Wikipedia because it is so quick and easy. I will teach them how to search for reliable sources and how to determine if they are credible.
I personally use Wikipedia maybe three to four times a week. I don't use this site for research or for a source on a paper but I mainly use it for trivial information or when looking up a quick fact on a topic I might have a background in. I really enjoy looking up when celebrities were born and how old they are by using this website. When I am watching an old movie and see an actor when they were really young I often use Wikipedia to see how old they were when the film was shot.
As a teacher I will accept work from a student that cited Wikipedia as a source as long as there are at least two other sources that are credible. I think the idea of using Wikipedia as a launching pad is a great idea. Get students engaged with material they otherwise would not want to do is key, get them started on Wikipedia and it will springboard them to other websites or resources to find information.
My policy regarding internet research will be simple. For every time a student used Wikipedia they must use at least two other sources. If a student doesn't want to use three sources then they can't use Wikipedia. I want them to be able to find reliable information on the web but at the same time i don't want them to become too comfortable using Wikipedia because it is so quick and easy. I will teach them how to search for reliable sources and how to determine if they are credible.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Blogs in the Classroom
Using blogs in the classroom can be a useful tool to engage your students using the world wide web. Blogs are great at providing students information very quickly. If you have multiple topics that need to be covered you can have your students go to your blog and reach your postings. Students can also post their own information, or instead of writing a paper they can just post their work on the blog and the teacher can grade it that way.
I like when the article about 'trolls" talked about teaching kids social discourse. You can teach kids about a specific subject and the same time teach them about how to communicate to others. Teachers can set limits on what each student can post on their blog. Limiting responses to content information only is a good way to keep students on topic.
I agree that students have changed the way they gain information so I think blogging is a great tool that should be used more often. Students can learn how to respond to other studentss postings and learn something new about their classmates while reading their posts. You can teach respect, and character when using blogs. If you have a student write a blog you should expect them to respond to at least three other students and give them positive or constructive feedback.
The internet is good but it can be bad as well. Some students might abuse their internet right and use personal put downs on other peoples postings. I think if the blogging is monitored by the teacher and clear rules are defined and followed then blogs can be a safe, interactive means of finding new information and discussing topics between students and teachers.
I like when the article about 'trolls" talked about teaching kids social discourse. You can teach kids about a specific subject and the same time teach them about how to communicate to others. Teachers can set limits on what each student can post on their blog. Limiting responses to content information only is a good way to keep students on topic.
I agree that students have changed the way they gain information so I think blogging is a great tool that should be used more often. Students can learn how to respond to other studentss postings and learn something new about their classmates while reading their posts. You can teach respect, and character when using blogs. If you have a student write a blog you should expect them to respond to at least three other students and give them positive or constructive feedback.
The internet is good but it can be bad as well. Some students might abuse their internet right and use personal put downs on other peoples postings. I think if the blogging is monitored by the teacher and clear rules are defined and followed then blogs can be a safe, interactive means of finding new information and discussing topics between students and teachers.
Why Arnold Schwarzenegger is the Man!
Arnold cannot be beaten by anyone. Predator can't even kill Arnold. There is not a better action hero or kindergarten cop. Dutch, John Kimble are some of his characters. He is ripped, I mean 100% badass. He is the Governator and is in charge of everything. Don't mess with Arny becasue he will rip your arms off and beat you with them.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Social Networking
I just recently googled my own name and also did a search using pipl.com. I was surprised to find out how many links came up that I was included in. After I completed the search only a handful of websites actually included my name or myself. I spell my name with a Y and most of what came up included people who spell their name Jason instead of Jayson like I do.
There were only 5 websites which I was included and they were myspace.com, facebook.com, oregonlive.com, goviks.com and signmetoroadrunnerrecords.com. The reason these popped up is because I either have a myspace or facebook page, or there was an article written about me on the other sites.
The only reason I have a myspace or facebook account is to keep in touch with old friends or for band reasons. I have a personal myspace and facebook but I am also in a band with my brother which has its own myspace. I also showed up on signmetoroadrunnerrecords.com's website because my band has a site on their web page also.
I showed up on oregonlive and goviks because when I was in high school there were several articles written in the local paper that included me because I played many sports and those teams either won a championship or made it to the state playoffs. I also threw the shot put and discus for Portland State University so that is why articles were written about me on their website.
As far as being professional and protected as I become a teacher I think I am O.K. All my personal myspace or facebook pages are private and I don't have any bad pictures or content that will get me in trouble. I will continue to have these pages and there wasn't anything that came up in my searches that I am alarmed at so I think I am safe. I won't be changing my internet habits anytime soon.
There were only 5 websites which I was included and they were myspace.com, facebook.com, oregonlive.com, goviks.com and signmetoroadrunnerrecords.com. The reason these popped up is because I either have a myspace or facebook page, or there was an article written about me on the other sites.
The only reason I have a myspace or facebook account is to keep in touch with old friends or for band reasons. I have a personal myspace and facebook but I am also in a band with my brother which has its own myspace. I also showed up on signmetoroadrunnerrecords.com's website because my band has a site on their web page also.
I showed up on oregonlive and goviks because when I was in high school there were several articles written in the local paper that included me because I played many sports and those teams either won a championship or made it to the state playoffs. I also threw the shot put and discus for Portland State University so that is why articles were written about me on their website.
As far as being professional and protected as I become a teacher I think I am O.K. All my personal myspace or facebook pages are private and I don't have any bad pictures or content that will get me in trouble. I will continue to have these pages and there wasn't anything that came up in my searches that I am alarmed at so I think I am safe. I won't be changing my internet habits anytime soon.
Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants
Do I consider myself a digital native or immigrant? I consider myself a hybrid digital native. I have grown up with technology and have used and seen all the latest advances in the world of electronics. The reason I believe I am a hybrid is because even though I understand and know about most of the technology out there, I am still not able to afford or use most of these devices.
I am not that old and I still don’t understand technology like I should but for students who were born after I was have a further understanding about technology. Author Marc Presnky describes this learning gap between students of today and people who grew up without technology in his article Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. “Today’s average college grads have spent less than 5,000 hours of their lives reading, but over 10,000 hours playing video games (not to mention 20,000 hours watching TV). Computer games, email, the Internet, cell phones and instant messaging are integral parts of their lives” (Prensky, 2001). I am one of those college students who isn’t fond of reading and have regularly found information online instead of from textbooks.
In classrooms in today’s classroom students are so far ahead of the game most become bored or unresponsive to traditional teaching strategies. Such teaching strategies like lecturing is not a preferred learning method of today’s students. Information can be found anywhere students know where to find this information. “Digital Natives are used to receiving information really fast” (Prensky, 2001). Digital natives can find information instantly so teachers need to adapt their teaching to keep up with their students.
Finally, technology will continue to evolve. There are new advances everyday and most of these advances are being targeted at youth. Students today are far more knowledgeable about technology then students of the past. “They have been networked most or all of their lives. They have little patience for lectures, step-by-step logic, and “tell-test” instruction” (Prensky, 2001). Teachers must become knowledgeable about the latest technology to continue and educate students to their fullest potential.
Bibliography
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. In M. Prensky, On The Horizon (pp. 1-6). MCB University Press,.
I am not that old and I still don’t understand technology like I should but for students who were born after I was have a further understanding about technology. Author Marc Presnky describes this learning gap between students of today and people who grew up without technology in his article Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. “Today’s average college grads have spent less than 5,000 hours of their lives reading, but over 10,000 hours playing video games (not to mention 20,000 hours watching TV). Computer games, email, the Internet, cell phones and instant messaging are integral parts of their lives” (Prensky, 2001). I am one of those college students who isn’t fond of reading and have regularly found information online instead of from textbooks.
In classrooms in today’s classroom students are so far ahead of the game most become bored or unresponsive to traditional teaching strategies. Such teaching strategies like lecturing is not a preferred learning method of today’s students. Information can be found anywhere students know where to find this information. “Digital Natives are used to receiving information really fast” (Prensky, 2001). Digital natives can find information instantly so teachers need to adapt their teaching to keep up with their students.
Finally, technology will continue to evolve. There are new advances everyday and most of these advances are being targeted at youth. Students today are far more knowledgeable about technology then students of the past. “They have been networked most or all of their lives. They have little patience for lectures, step-by-step logic, and “tell-test” instruction” (Prensky, 2001). Teachers must become knowledgeable about the latest technology to continue and educate students to their fullest potential.
Bibliography
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. In M. Prensky, On The Horizon (pp. 1-6). MCB University Press,.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Introduction
My name is Jayson Schmidt and I am a graduate student at Concordia University. I am in the MAT program learning to be a teacher. My endorsement area is PE and Health. My favortie animal is the Gorilla.
Why the Blazers shouldn't sign Sean May
The Blazers shouldn't sign Sean may because he has been injury prone over his short career. He hasn't played in many games and will not be a contributor to our team of the future. if we sign Sean May he will not be an upgrade from Channing Frye who the Blazers should have kept. As long as Lamar Odem or David Lee is still availible don't sign Sean May.
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