Wednesday, May 4, 2011
What I Have Learned
I have really appreciated taking Instructional Technology because I have learned how to do many fun projects that I can use in my classroom someday. I have never been very "computer savvy" and new technology was kind of scary. However, since taking this course I feel more prepared to use technology with my students.
I loved the Smart Board presentation that we were able to take part in the last week of class and I really hope to be able to use one in my own classroom. There are so many fun ways to use this board and I think it would be a great interactive learning opportunity for my students. The podcast and imovie that I made would also be a fun way for students to show their creativity and could be used as an extension after finishing a unit. Making blogs like this one would be useful for students to interact with one another and could be a way for me to assess what they are learning. Technology is a great tool that should be used to enhance learning in the classroom and I hope to instill what I have learned through this class into my future students.
I loved the Smart Board presentation that we were able to take part in the last week of class and I really hope to be able to use one in my own classroom. There are so many fun ways to use this board and I think it would be a great interactive learning opportunity for my students. The podcast and imovie that I made would also be a fun way for students to show their creativity and could be used as an extension after finishing a unit. Making blogs like this one would be useful for students to interact with one another and could be a way for me to assess what they are learning. Technology is a great tool that should be used to enhance learning in the classroom and I hope to instill what I have learned through this class into my future students.
The Future of Technology
Thinking back to my elementary school days, I can remember using projector screens with transparencies and VHS tapes. Using the computer lab a couple times a week was a privilage and not something we did for everyday assignments. Today, students have personal laptop computers to complete their assignments and teachers use smartboards to teach. Many interactive games, virtual tours, and learning activities can be found online and have greatly increased learning opportunities for kids. Times are changing and the advancement of technology is not going to just disappear.
The future of technology can be scary for those who have the "we've always done it this way" mindset. I sometimes wish that more of my teachers and professors had the opportunity to teach with technology so that I could teach my students the way I was taught. I want my students to have as many educational tools as possible for them to learn and understand the concepts that I am teaching. Students with disabilities are able to use technology to help them in their learning and can even bring them to the level of children without disablities. As teachers why would we ever want to keep these students from success because of our fear of the future? Change is going to happen whether we want it to or not, so we should embrace it and use it to help our students reach their full potential.
The future of technology can be scary for those who have the "we've always done it this way" mindset. I sometimes wish that more of my teachers and professors had the opportunity to teach with technology so that I could teach my students the way I was taught. I want my students to have as many educational tools as possible for them to learn and understand the concepts that I am teaching. Students with disabilities are able to use technology to help them in their learning and can even bring them to the level of children without disablities. As teachers why would we ever want to keep these students from success because of our fear of the future? Change is going to happen whether we want it to or not, so we should embrace it and use it to help our students reach their full potential.
The Importance of Online Etiquette
The internet, like many other things in life, can be abused. We are hearing more and more stories in the news everyday of how people abuse it. If people do not start using proper etiquette in the online environment, the interenet which is supposed to be free flowing with information, will become more restricted. Online etiquette is important to ensure that the internet continues to be the imformation super highway for everyone who uses it.
The most important way that I follow this concept is by not posting anything that I will regret later. It is much easier to post something over the internet because you are behind closed doors and the consequences of the action are not immediately felt. This does not mean that there will not be serious consequences so we should all take the time to cool down before we do something that we regret.
The most important way that I follow this concept is by not posting anything that I will regret later. It is much easier to post something over the internet because you are behind closed doors and the consequences of the action are not immediately felt. This does not mean that there will not be serious consequences so we should all take the time to cool down before we do something that we regret.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is when a minor harasses, threatens, or targets another minor using the internet, phones, or other technologies. Cyberbullying is a growing problem among minors, especially teens and has had devastating effects in many situations. It takes on many forms including:
Real Life Stories
Safety Tips
Statistics and Resources
- sending insulting or threatening emails, texts, or instant messages
- spreading hateful comments about someone through emails, blogs, online profiles, or chat rooms
- stealing passwords and sending out threatening messages using a false identity
- building a web site targeting specific people
Real Life Stories
Safety Tips
Statistics and Resources
Academic Honesty
If we were all really honest with ourselves, we would admit that we have all been academically dishonest at one point or another. So the question is, what is the big deal? Why is academic honesty so important? Students who cheat do not have to put as much effort in completing their assignments and will have an unfair grade advantage. If they get away with this, they will continue to cheat their way through college and even after they find their careers. It seems like many schools are more focused on the grades their students receive than the actual learning that takes place. I believe that this is one of the reasons why students choose to cheat. They don't see the importance of learning information so they may never learn the skills needed to be successful.
It is my desire that all my students succeed academically, but not if their success comes by means of dishonesty. Although I cannot force them to use academic honesty, I can encourage it. Talking to my students about the moral implications of academic dishonesty as well as the negative effects it can have on their learning will hopefully encourage them think for themselves.
It is my desire that all my students succeed academically, but not if their success comes by means of dishonesty. Although I cannot force them to use academic honesty, I can encourage it. Talking to my students about the moral implications of academic dishonesty as well as the negative effects it can have on their learning will hopefully encourage them think for themselves.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Digital Citizenship for Teachers
As a Christian and future educator it is my responsibility to model the behavior I expect from my students. I need to make sure that I am following good digital etiquette and using technology resources appropriately. Using online sources can sometimes be tricky for teachers because of the copyright laws that have been set in place, so taking extra care to avoid copying these materials is necessary.
It is also important for teachers to educate their students about technology so that they can become digitally literate. With the ever-changing technology that is in our world, we need to be prepared to adapt and teach our students about these changes. Students learn their best when we can enhance the styles in which we teach and technology has allowed for this enhancement. I want to be able to teach my students about technology so that they can use it in the appropriate manner. Access to technology is important for ALL students and this is why I will provide access for those who do not have technology at home. Everyone deserves an equal chance to succeed!
It is also important for teachers to educate their students about technology so that they can become digitally literate. With the ever-changing technology that is in our world, we need to be prepared to adapt and teach our students about these changes. Students learn their best when we can enhance the styles in which we teach and technology has allowed for this enhancement. I want to be able to teach my students about technology so that they can use it in the appropriate manner. Access to technology is important for ALL students and this is why I will provide access for those who do not have technology at home. Everyone deserves an equal chance to succeed!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)