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)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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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