Exit 10/28/10

Today in class the first thing we did was reflect on our Delicious account. The average tags for our class was 51.5 tags. I was above average, but realized that I did not tag every account I added to Delicious, so I went back and added at least three tags for each website I added. The next thing that I found very intriguing was the Elluminate tool. I thought that this was very interesting because the whole class can engage in learning, if needed. Although, we just doodled on the elluminate site, I believe this is a quick and easy way to interact with your classmates as well as a great learning tool.

The next thing that we talked about in class and that I took away from class was the podcasting assignment. I know briefly what needed to be done, but now I know that the contemporary issue has to be towards/about PK-12grade learners. This assignment seems that it will be fun because you are able to put in your own thoughts about that issue. Next, we talked about our screen casting assignment due next week, which seems it could be difficult only because using a MAC is always difficult for me. Overall, the main thinking I took away from class today was the Elluminate tool.

Ch.6 Discussion Reflection

As an individual and a group, we exerted a lot of effort in preparing for this discussion. We met two times outside of class for extended period of time. We exerted equal amount of effort, which guided us an elaboration of all our ideas. We also exerted much effort in fostering past discussions. We focused on the positive things we must include and geared away from the negative things that we should not include. Through preparing for our chapter discussion, we also took time to rehearse what we wanted to say, which also allowed us to practice what we wanted to say.

The value of facilitating course content for my peers is important because it allows the students to express their knowledge and elaborate on certain information he or she obtained from the readings. I also think it is important to facilitate course content because sometimes, students are able to relate to someone who has to do similar experiences such as a chapter discussion. Overall, I think the main value of facilitating course content to my peers in the discussion. When discussing issues, students are able to further their knowledge on that specific topic.

Discussing course content with my peers impacts my future teaching in several ways because it shows me how I should teach and how I should not teach, also, to incorporate everyone’s needs into my classroom. Some things that I obtained through our discussion debriefing are using my teacher voice and filtering out filler words. I know that I try real hard to not use filler words, but it is hard to adapt to proper wording. A second thing that I would keep in mind for further discussion and my further classroom is considering different ways to share out, such as jigsaw. Having jigsaw groupings will allow me to expand each student’s thinking within different groups. I believe a jigsaw grouping with allow the students to incorporate their own personal side to each discussion, rather than just one discussion about one topic. Another thing that I would consider is to provide a summary of the discussion and/or lesson. Providing a summary will be an effective way to allow the students to know that the discussion or lesson is coming to an end. These are all future tips I will take into consideration for my future teaching.

Even though I enjoyed presenting discussion for chapter six, I am very thankful that it is over with. Doing a chapter discussion by promoting the discussion helped me to retain a lot more information that will be beneficial and important to know. I think the main thing that I will keep in mind for my future classroom is organization and preparation. As a group we did a lot of preparing and tried to organize discussion as much as possible. With preparation and organization a classroom will be more structured and the teacher (me) will be able to format a proper lesson and/or discussion.

Chapter 8: New Schools Cope with the New Technologies

How does this reading impact your thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning?

This reading impacted my thinking on technology’s role in teaching and learning by emphasizing what computer use can do for assessment, and with that the credentials students can take at any age. As I read the beginning of this chapter, three terms were defined, customization, interaction, and learner control. As the author defined each of these terms, I thought differently than how the term interaction was defined.  Interaction is supportive towards the students due to the immediate feedback because of a computer. However, if teachers took more time to do what they are suppose to do which is teach as well as help, than the student would receive that immediate feedback. Now, I am not saying that computers are wrong in engaging students in their learning, but sometimes I feel as if teachers are not given enough credit when feedback is given. Interaction should not just be related to technology, but also teachers.
         As I read the section on performance-based assessment, I was amazed by what researchers want to pursue for performance-based assessment. The national credentials is an idea that I came more and more against while I read on it. I like the idea that these credentials would “certify a learner’s expertise with respect to specific skills” as the author mentioned on page 114. However, I believe that the education system we have now, students go to school and learn the curriculum created by that school district is just fine. I know the researchers are trying to get education more on specific skills to prepare the students early on like of their occupation in life, but I would believe many students would miss out on opportunities. Now that I think of it, I really do like the idea that students can pursue their own specific skills, but what about the skills that all humans need to know. An example, if a student wanted to be a science professor, he or she would miss out on the general education because they would be focusing on that credential relating to their future occupation. That does not make sense to me.
        Later on in the chapter, the author mentions computer-based testing. I agree that computer-based testing will capture more knowledge because so much is available through a computer. I also know that computer-based testing has higher scores than paper-based testing. As I read this chapter, I agreed with things, but I also disagreed with things. I am so use to the traditional style that in time I will adapt to national credentials and other things that I am unfamiliar with.

What will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking?
                As a future teacher, one thing that I would try to do differently as a direct result of this new thinking is allow my students to get that chance to take computer-based testing/assessments. I believe that their scores will be higher than paper-based testing. As for national credentials, I will allow my students to do as they want. I cannot control what they do outside of the classroom, so if they wanted to take more credentials related to their future job, the more power to them. I think the national credentials will be most appropriate at the high school age or not “any age”. Another new thinking that I will apply to my classroom is looking for variety of different performance assessments. I think that giving tests does not always show performance to the best extent because some students just simply dislike test taking. So, I will try to incorporate projects, presentations, and tests in my classroom to meet everyone’s level of performance.

Ch.9: Social Networking

How does this reading impact your thinking about technology's role in teaching and learning?

                How this reading impacts my thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning is this chapter allowed me to rethink social networking within the classroom. Prior to this reading this chapter I heard of Facebook, but never heard of Ning. First off, I think Facebook is a great way to stay connected with family and friends, especially after high school. However, the more I think about it, I could easily stay connected through a phone call every once in awhile, or I could have easily stayed connected given their email address. Second off, as I mentioned in previous blogs, Facebook is too addicting and is a huge distraction. Like the author mentioned in the chapter, Facebook is blocked in many schools if not all. I know the schools I attended have Facebook blocked. Also, the schools I do practicum at have Facebook blocked as well. The authors guess on page 133—“…about 90 percent of public schools block it and would rather it didn’t exist” is very appealing to me. I would agree with his guess of about 90 percent, but at the same time I would if teachers just say that. For instance, at my high school Facebook was blocked and so many teachers insisted it was a waste of time and they were against Facebook. However, as I look back, many of those teachers who stated similar disliking towards Facebook now have their own account. Their account on Facebook is for connections between family and friends and not for academic reasons.

                Now, what I find most appealing in this chapter is the fact that some teachers have integrated Facebook into their classroom! I have not heard of any teacher doing this before prior to reading the chapter. At the middle school or high school level, I think this is a great way to get the students involved more because “it’s Facebook.” However, my only concern is for the elementary levels, typically students in K-5 grade do not have an account or at least I would hope not!  The example given on page 137 about Jim Meredith makes me think—“what’s the difference between blogs?” As I read this example, I thought to myself that this could have easily been done through a bloggers account for the class. However, I think the reason the teacher choose Facebook was because of the fact it was Facebook.

                As for Ning, I am still a little unfamiliar of this tool after reading the chapter. However, as I read about the examples of Ning being used in the classroom it seemed these examples had more educational and enhanced learning behind them. For example, professionals of that certain topic are able to get involved, whereas for Facebook, the examples given didn’t explain of any well-known people being involved within their class discussion. I feel Ning would create a better surrounding for students because the students are able to learn more about that particular topic.

What will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking?

        As a future teacher, one thing that I would do differently as a direct result of this new thinking is not to incorporate Facebook into my classroom. My future classroom will consist of students at the first, second or third grade level, so I would think Facebook would not be beneficial towards them. Instead, I will try to incorporate different social networking tools such as wiki for the students to reflect of their work. Using a wiki will also be a good way for students to create a discussion panel if needed. As for Ning, I am not sure if I will incorporate that into my classroom. I like the fact that professionals can be involved and that would be a great way for my students to understand better, but again, at the young elementary levels some of the student’s reading skills won’t be as advanced. As for now, I will consider a variety of teaching tools, but I don’t think Facebook and Ning are one them.

iRLO Reflection

How much effort did you exert designing and creating the iRLO?

In designing and creating my iRLO, I exerted a sufficient amount of effort. I took time to draw out my ideas on a piece of paper prior to using Scratch. In fact, I drew out three different rooms, so I knew how I wanted to create them. I also wrote down all the sprites I needed. Prior to getting help by my professor, I dedicated much of my weekend in trying to figure out how to work Scratch. I used the examples on Scratch to understand how to make my Sprite move by using the arrow keys. I also watched the tutorials online to help me succeed in certain features when using Scratch. After I could no longer figure out how to do anything, I sought help from my professor. In designing my iRLO, I made everything except for “friend” and I edited “room1”, other than that I created everything on my own. After I designed and created my iRLO, I had my friends test it, so I could make any changes needed. I exerted as much effort as I could in designing and creating my iRLO.

How does designing and sharing an iRLO impact your future teaching?

            How designing my iRLO impacts my future teaching is by knowing what is suitable for my intended grade level. When I was designing it, I tried to make everything that was suitable for a second grade level. After I thought that everything was suitable for a second grader, I allowed my friends to test my iRLO. Having my friends test my iRLO allowed me to see that not everything is suitable for the second grade level. If my friends could not figure it out, I knew that my directions were not clear enough, so I then added more directions to help them understand. When designing my iRLO I realized that being specific and clear as possible when creating an iRLO will benefit the students in a big way. As a future teacher, I will try my hardest to incorporate specific and clear directions so my students can understand them.

            How sharing my iRLO impacts my future teaching is by knowing that sharing your work may be the best policy as a teacher. When you share it with others you are allowed to get constructive feedback that will more than likely make my work, in this case my iRLO, better. Sharing my work also allowed me to gain a better understanding of other’s thinking, which can be used to make my iRLO better.

IWB Reflection

How much effort did you exert designing the lesson?

As I designed my Interactive White Board I exerted a lot of effort into designing my lesson. My lesson required prior thinking, meaning that I had to think of what I would actually teach before providing my lesson. I decided that my IWB wasn’t actually a lesson, but an IWB that would enhance the student’s learning from a lesson prior to the IWB. I made sure there were few errors and always double checked to make sure everything was where it was suppose to bed. I also accepted my constructive feedback from peers and will make adjustments to better my IWB. Another thing that I did prior to submitting my “work in progress” IWB, I made sure that I had the right Wisconsin Standard and made sure it was suitable for second grade.
            I spent a lot of hours in making my IWB to the best of my ability. Even though I did not know how to work a lot of the Smart Board features, I took time to explore certain features obtaining to my IWB. I also looked on Smart Exchange to further my ideas for my Interactive White Board. I believe I exerted a lot of effort in designing my IWB.

How does designing and sharing your IWB lesson impact your future teaching?

            Designing my own IWB lesson impacts my future teaching by allowing me to be more aware of the Smart Board features. By getting a head start with the IWB if you will, will allow me to be more prepared for my future lessons that are interactive with the white board. It also allowed me to see that it does require time. As a future teacher, I would hope it would only take an hour to prepare an IWB for my future students due to all the prior practice I had.

            Sharing my IWB lesson also impacted my future teaching. Sharing my IWB allowed me to see that having others review my work will allow me to make better changes in bettering that specific lesson. Sharing my lesson also allowed others to obtain ideas from my IWB. Also through sharing my lesson, I was able to obtain advice which helped me not only correct mistakes, but made my IWB friendlier for second graders. In reviewing my peers work, I was also able to gain ideas that I could use for the future if needed. Overall, designing and sharing my IWB lesson impacted my future teaching for the best.

Ch. 7 (Rethinking Education) What May be Lost and What May be LGained

How does this reading impact your thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning?

            How this reading impacts my thinking on technology’s role in learning and teaching is the chapter makes be rethink technology, again. As I read this chapter, I again, became more against technology use within the classroom and the fact of how fast technology is evolving.
            On page 107, one statement that I agreed with is when the author asked, “…will people become more isolated, sitting at home in front of a computer and interacting less with other people socially?” I find this question to have a straight forward answer. I know of several people who sit at home and chat online, whether it’s through Facebook, MySpace or Skype, and lack lives’ social skills. Some may say they are developing social skills using Skype because they can actually see the person perhaps, but I don’t think they are developing the correct social skills. What they are developing in online social skills, not lives’ social skills. Lives’ social skills include that face to face confrontation. I say this because the people I know that do this are some of my cousins. And let me tell you, they have no life social skills. When confronted with other they make a quick reply and quickly relieve themselves from that particular conversation. Now, I am not saying that all people are like this, but I feel technology uses like this are not beneficial for developing life social skills. Even though I can blankly answer that question with my own personal experiences, I also agree what the author states later on in the chapter.

            Later on in the chapter, the author states that technology is a great way to engage the students within an education setting. I agree with that as well. However, some technology can engage students for the wrong reason, which would counterfeit from their learning, but typically technology can engage the students in more enhance learning. It is important to keep technology in mind and also know how to correctly incorporate technology within your classroom.

What will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking?

            As a direct result to this new thinking, I will encourage my students not to invest their time in online chat rooms. Although, I can only do that much and cannot control their actions outside of the classroom, I will incorporate ways to develop social skills within the classroom. As to what those ways are, I am not sure, but will create them depending on my future students. Also, as a future teacher, I will incorporate as much technology as possible. When I incorporate suitable technology tools, I will make sure that the students are properly engaging in that technology. If the students are not engaging in active learning properly, I will make changes that will benefit them.

Ch.8: Podcasting, Screencasting, and Live Screening

How does this reading impact your thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning?

            How this reading impacts my thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning is by expressing more technology use for the classroom. As I read this chapter, I became more aware of podcasting, Screencasting and live streaming; I have heard of these uses before, but I never actually knew what they were. I think podcasting, Screencasting and live streaming definitely impacts technology’s role in student’s learning. Using these three technology tools are very beneficial for students who are a more visual/hands-on student.

            Each of these technology uses provides that extra alternative for students to take in account. Out of these three, I think the one most useful for a teacher to promote learning as well as their own teaching is Screencasting. Due to many new technology uses that are coming in the classroom, students will need that extra guidance in learning how to facilitate a certain site. When I think of Screencasting, I think of the tool I used for my iRLO-scratch. Scratch is a great program for students to use, especially at the upper elementary level, but Scratch can also be very difficult for students to operate. However, if I promoted Scratch within my future classroom, I could show a “demonstration” of how to do certain things through Screencasting. Screencasting is a great way for students to follow along. I believe that students will be able to engage in a site or selected program when they know how to navigate it.

            Out of the other two technology uses, podcasting and live streaming, I think the on that would be most beneficial for students is podcasting. The reason I think podcasting is beneficial for students is because of the exact same reasons/examples listed on page 116-117. I especially liked the examples given for a history class such as, “oral histories, interviews, or reenactments of historical events.” I know for me history was my least favorite subject because it was so difficult to understand and keep track of the important dates. However, with podcasting students will be able to reenact important things that happened in history, which will allow the students to engage and remember more important information. Each of these technology uses listed in this chapter were my favorite. Each of them will be beneficial towards my teaching and my future student’s learning.

What will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking?

            Due to a direct result of this new thinking, as a future teacher, I will incorporate Podcasts, Screencasting and live streaming into my classroom. Well, that is, I hope to. Before actually incorporating these into my classroom, I would “test” them out first before introducing them to my students. The two that I would use most, I believe, are Screencasting and podcasts. Each of these tools will allow my students to get a better understanding of any particular subject.

Chapter six discussion reflection

As an individual and a group, we exerted a lot of effort in preparing for this discussion. We met two times outside of class for extended period of time. We exerted equal amount of effort, which guided us an elaboration of all our ideas. We also exerted much effort in fostering past discussions. We focused on the positive things we must include and geared away from the negative things that we should not include. Through preparing for our chapter discussion, we also took time to rehearse what we wanted to say, which also allowed us to practice what we wanted to say.

The value of facilitating course content for my peers is important because it allows the students to express their knowledge and elaborate on certain information he or she obtained from the readings. I also think it is important to facilitate course content because sometimes, students are able to relate to someone who has to do similar experiences such as a chapter discussion. Overall, I think the main value of facilitating course content to my peers in the discussion. When discussing issues, students are able to further their knowledge on that specific topic.

Discussing course content with my peers impacts my future teaching in several ways because it shows me how I should teach and how I should not teach, also, to incorporate everyone’s needs into my classroom. Some things that I obtained through our discussion debriefing are using my teacher voice and filtering out filler words. I know that I try real hard to not use filler words, but it is hard to adapt to proper wording. A second thing that I would keep in mind for further discussion and my further classroom is considering different ways to share out, such as jigsaw. Having jigsaw groupings will allow me to expand each student’s thinking within different groups. I believe a jigsaw grouping with allow the students to incorporate their own personal side to each discussion, rather than just one discussion about one topic. Another thing that I would consider is to provide a summary of the discussion and/or lesson. Providing a summary will be an effective way to allow the students to know that the discussion or lesson is coming to an end. These are all future tips I will take into consideration for my future teaching.

Even though I enjoyed presenting discussion for chapter six, I am very thankful that it is over with. Doing a chapter discussion by promoting the discussion helped me to retain a lot more information that will be beneficial and important to know. I think the main thing that I will keep in mind for my future classroom is organization and preparation. As a group we did a lot of preparing and tried to organize discussion as much as possible. With preparation and organization a classroom will be more structured and the teacher (me) will be able to format a proper lesson and/or discussion.

Exit Slip 10/21/10

Some things that I took away from class today included our debriefing of Chapter six discussion. In my further discussion I will keep in mind to have a teacher voice as well as filtering out filler words. A second thing that I would keep in mind for further discussion is considering different ways to share out, such as jigsaw. Having jigsaw grouping will also allow us to to expand our thinking within different groups. Another thing that I would consider is to provide a summary of the discussion. Providing a summary will be an effective way to allow the students to know that the discussion is coming to an end.

Some other things that I took away from class included tips and tricks about the SmartBoard. The tips and tricks shared were very helpful. The tip that was the most benefiticial is knowing how to lock items within a SmartBoard lesson. When preparing my SmartBoard lesson, I became very frustrated that items were not locking, but now I know how to lock the items. A trick that I learned and thought was beneficial was knowing how to clone items to the infinite level. This trick will save me time in cloning  myself.  The tips and tricks presented in class were very helpful and good tips for the SmartBoard. Another thing that I learned about using SmartBoard is refering to color and text. Sometimes I forget about the color and size of text because most of the time it appears to be the right size on the computer I am using. I now know to keep the size and color of text in mind because the screens can vary in brightness.

During this class, I gained a better insight on how to make my future discussions better as well as understanding more tips and tricks obtaining to the SmartBoard

Exit slip 10/14/10

New thinking that I took away from class involved the Smart Board. We had to sign in my writing our name in the box and then dragging it into another area. What I learned was that you have to write your name first, put the writing tool back in its place, and then click on your name and drag it. I also learned that once one person writes something on the Smart Board, it becomes an object that one is capable of dragging. The second new thinking that was brought to my attention is the iPad. I have heard of the iPad, but I had no idea what it looked liked. I thought that it was something similar to iPods, but the device is big!
                Another new thinking that I took away from class today was when preparing for chapter discussion. I found that it is important to prepare groups prior to the class discussion. However, when preparing groups, it is also an important part to specify group locations within the class. Also, when it comes to preparing for chapter discussion, it is especially beneficial to “walk” the student’s through where to find presentation. The last new thinking that I took away from class today involves SCRATCH. I learned multiple things which will guide me in my iRLO. I think the main key thing to take away from beginning SCRATCH is to make all the sprites and objected needed for my iRLO. I learned that it will be more beneficial than making the sprites in the middle of making my iRLO.

Chapter 6: Three Eras of Education

1. How does this reading impact your thinking about technology's role in teaching and learning?
            My thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning did not alter. As I read this chapter, I was more educated on the three different eras rather than the enhancement of technology’s role. However on page 93 the author mentions this: “although high schools offer some choices, technology makes it easier for teens to pursue their individual passions on their own.” As I read that statement, I found myself agreeing that it. I know within high schools there are only so many course offered. For example, my high school offered a foreign language, Spanish, but that was the only foreign language offered. So, if there was student that wanted to learn German, he or she could not, so relying on technology would be more beneficial. To back up this statement is also a statement found on the following page (p.94). The statement says “they often reject what school has to offer, choosing to pursue instead whatever interests them or what they think is necessary to advance in their careers.” It is true! If a teen is looking to pursue more is fine arts, he or she will look to online resources.

            An idea that furthered my thinking about technology’s role is under the section of Pedagogy: From Apprenticeship to Didacticism to Interaction. Within this section the author talks about computer tutors or a game on the web. As I read this section, I was immediately reminded of the iRLO we have to do for class. I think games on the web and computer tutors help guide the students in helpful gestures. To me, that is no different than provide helpful gestures (on an assignment) as a teacher. Providing positive feedback, whether it is me as the teacher or the computer tutor will enhance the student’s learning.

2. What will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking?

            As a future teacher I will allow educational web games that aide in positive feedback for the student’s learning. I will even make my own iRLOs that obtain to the lesson, so that way the students can express their mistakes better because he or she is not just hearing them from me, the teacher. Also, as a future teacher I will provide alternative assessment. I know standardized testing can super overwhelming, but I will provide other ways to enhance their study skills. I know when I take any sort of test, whether it is a standardized test or not, I freak out! I am not a big fan of tests, but I would rather do projects obtaining to the information. So, within my classroom I will have a lot of interactive assessments for my student to take in hopes of calming their nerves. However, at the same time these assessments will increase their learning ability.

Chapter 7: Flickr

1. How does this reading impact your thinking about technology's role in teaching and learning?

            This reading expanded my thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning. Prior to this reading I did not know what Flickr was. After reading this chapter, I was persuaded to make my own account of Flickr. However, I choose not to because it is more “work” that I have to do for another account and besides I probably would fail to remember my password. What I found interesting upon reading about Flickr is how educational publishing and using images online can be. Technology can be something educators drive away from using, due to the online connection it may require. For instance, online blogging, Twitter, Facebook, etc. because those online social networking areas require limited privacy. However Flickr can be altered to meet the needs of privacy or making it “public”.  Having a classroom of students to interact with Flickr will be beneficial because the students can have privacy within that classroom. Typically, publishing pictures online makes parents and teacher weary, but with Flickr only a selection of people can view the photos. I think that is great because it keeps the student’s identity safe.

            Not only did I expand my thinking about technology by reading about Flickr, but I also deepened my understanding by knowing what one can do with Flickr besides just uploading images. The ideas that were presented in the book such as magazine covers, movie posters, photo field trips, “Make it mine”, etc were very interesting to me. I think using Flickr for a variety of different reason helps make the classroom diverse with its technology.

2. What will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking?

            As a future teacher, I will integrate Flickr within my classroom. Of all the chapters I have read, I really enjoyed learning about Flickr. A lot of the other technology that I read about made me think it was inappropriate for the grade level I wish to teach. However, I think Flickr will engage my students in understanding certain tools within the web. I would create one profile in which all the students will be able to access. At first I would introduce Flickr and show my students what it is and have them get used to it. After that I would introduce them in a “project”. I think a movie poster would be awesome at the second grade level. I would have them make a movie poster of themselves or their family. I think having a project that involves creativity will get them use to the tools they can use on Flickr. I would consider holding off on using Flickr as a place to blog, if you will, only because I believe the students will enjoy making their own movie poster. When using Flickr I would slowly introduce how to comment on other student’s pictures, but it would not be until the students are familiar with Flickr.

Chapter 5: The Seeds of a New System of Education

1. How does this reading impact your thinking about technology's role in teaching and learning?

            As I read this chapter, the first couple of sentences were reassuring towards my thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning. Through reading a variety of articles based upon technology within the classroom, some authors indicate that technology will “devour” schools and before we know it, we will be attending to the computer at home. However, as I read this chapter, I became less worried about that statement. On page 68, the author states that technology fits much more comfortably into the home environment, however, I would have to argue with that. Yes, I believe that technology settles better in the home, but I think it depends on what kind of technology. For example, computers are “home-friendly”, where home schooled students could access resources. However, the use of a Smart Board would be less likely because the Smart Board would have to be installed separately. I’m not saying that Smart Boards are not possible within the home setting, but it would be very difficult to arrange that setting.

            Technology’s role in learning in the workforce is very beneficial. As I read this section within the chapter, my thinking was deepened. Examples that were given in the book such as, Motorola, Accenture and Xerox allowed me to see that having multiple steps in re-educating employees is beneficial. I know several people in the workforce who continually take online classes to deepen their understanding about their own position. To correlate with online classes is the understanding of distance education. Prior to reading this chapter, I knew very little about distance education. Now, I realize how well developed it is. Personally, I would think that online classes would be difficult to comprehend things and there would be a lot of reading. For me, I am a hands-on person, so I do not think distance education is beneficial for me. However, some distance education I would have to be used to is D2L or summer session courses, which are hybrid courses (in my mind distance education).

            Another aspect of this chapter that I thought was beneficial for my thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning is the understanding of learning centers. I have heard of Sylvan, but other than that I do not know much about learning centers. While I was reading this section, the author mentions that these centers primarily focus on national tests. As I read that, I began to think that having learning centers obtaining to the Praxis tests would be very beneficial! I also see learning centers that can be develop throughout the nation. For me, I believe that learning centers can be develop within one society and does not have to be nation-wide. For example, I know on campus there is a study session for the Praxis II—to me that is a learning center, but typically just within the campus. Another section within the chapter that impacted my thinking was the section on television and videos. I agree there are certain television shows as well as movies that show adult secrets, but then again it is no different than bringing your child/student into a public place.

2. What will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking?

            As a future teacher, I will try to provide learning centers. My learning center may not be nation wide like Sylvan, Thompson, Princeton Review, etc., but it will focus on the student’s needs within the school I am teaching at. My learning center would be an after school program that would a way for students to learn in a different manner. Also contrary to what Neil Postman says about videos and television, I will show proper videos within my classroom. I think showing educational videos allows the students to adapt to his or her thinking. Along with that I will allow my students to have access to computer-based learning software. I know there is a CD-ROM: Oregon Trail that is very beneficial to a student’s learning. Allowing the students to have access to these items will enhance my student’s learning.

Ch. 6 of Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts (pp. 85-100) The Social Web

How does this reading impact your thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning?

            As I read this chapter, I was surprised to know that Twitter is commonly used within the classroom setting. I learned that technology’s role in teaching and learning, such as Twitter and social bookmarking do benefit students. Prior to this reading, I related Twitter to Facebook. I have my own Facebook account and personally, I do not like Facebook—it is too addicting. Facebook gets in the way of doing things, especially homework. However, I do not have a Twitter account. My reasoning for not having a Twitter account is one, because I already have Facebook to keep in touch with the family and friends around the world. Two, it would be too time consuming and by that I mean too addicting. And three, it would get in the way of tasks that need to be completed. Now, after reading this chapter, I understand that Twitter does not have to be just about social networking with family and friends, but can engage one in resources.

            When reading about social bookmarking, I became even more familiar with it. Seeing that I have my own Delicious account, I believe I am able to grasp a better understanding on social bookmarking. Having my own Delicious account has been very beneficial for me. However, obtaining another social bookmarking page may get confusing because Diigo has different components than Delicious does.

What will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking?
As a future teacher, I will try to incorporate Twitter into my classroom. However, I will incorporate it in with a twist. I will not allow my students to have their own account, seeing that I wish to be an educator at the first and second grade level, but I will allow my student’s parents or guardians to access Twitter. I will use Twitter as a resource tool for the parents by including what we did in class each day, what assignments are due, when spelling tests will be and multiple other things. As a future educator, I believe that communication with the parents is important so that way the teacher, student and parent(s) are on the same page.

      As for the social bookmarking, I will continue to use my Delicious account now. Although I will have an account, my students will not. I do not expect my students to properly engage in that because of their young age, nor do I expect them to be needing resources off the Internet for homework assignments. I will instead, use my Delicious account to access certain resources and then I will print them out and give them to my students.

Exit Slip 10/7/10

       Ideas or new learning that I took away from class today involved the chapter four discussions. Within this discussion, my thinking expanded when we, as a class, discussed tests. The assigned group discussed that standardized tests and how those test do not test content-based knowledge. I definitely agree with that. Teachers or administration should organize a better way to test student’s knowledge such as, projects, open-ended questions, group presentation, etc.  This discussion brought new thinking about my learning in regards to test. Another new learning I took away from class was when presenting chapter discussion; that it is okay to add directions within the Smart board lesson. I thought that including directions would not be appropriate at the older learning level, such as college.
       Another new learning that I took away from today’s class was understanding iRLO (Interactive, Reusable, Learning, and Object). At first, I thought that this would be a difficult assignment, but as I saw examples and began to relate it to my interactive Smart Board lesson. In a way, I think this assignment is very similar to the IWB, only because students will be able to interact with enhancing their learning and understanding of certain material. The last learning I took away was knowing where and how to find article resources containing information for my inquiry question. I tried looking for resources, but I did not/forgot to use “advanced search” on Google, so I was bombarded with a lot extra resources. Now, I know that I can use Google Scholar to find scholarly resources related to my question. Class today allowed me to be better understanding of chapter four, as well as items needed for the A contract.

Ch. 4: The Development of American Schooling (Rethinking Education)

à How does this reading impact your thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning?

How this reading affects my thinking about technology’s role in teacher and learning is this reading makes me realize how far education has come along. We, as future educators must continue this flow of education and learning.

           The text disappointed me when the author stated “…school will become less and less important as a venue for education.” Through the development of American schooling, this sentence applies those leaders in America’s education history such as Catherine Beecher, Horace Mann and John Joseph Hughes would be devastated to see their hard work and effort go to waste, if you will. The quality time and leadership they put into building future education will be interrupted by technological devices. To indicate that education would become less important means that the role of technology will, in time, bombard in school education. It seems frightening to me to realize that my dream of becoming and elementary teacher could possibly be altered by the role of technology in teaching and learning.

            Therefore, all future educators’ roles could be at stake. The only way to stop technology corrupting future jobs is by pursuing to adapt to technology. In the future, I believe technology will not only become an “I want” kind of a thing, but an “I need” because technology will be a necessity in the classroom. Through incorporating technology in one’s classroom will secrete a positive barrier for education.

            The following discussion on home schooling perturbed my thinking. To see a high percentage of parents that home school their children for a different reason other than the parents want to is quite alarming. I always believed that students who were home schooled were home schooled because their parents were interested in being an educator or they (the parent(s)) were home schooled when they were a child. However, on page 63 it says differently. To know that some parents are “afraid” of school for their children makes me wonder what particular educator(s) or school system disappointed the parents. Schools should be a place for the parents to trust and fully rely on the teacher to keep their child(ren) safe. Yes, students at a school can portray a negative image on other students, but that does not necessarily mean it is a bad environment. I think it is important for students to be exposed to other behaviors, which way a teacher can address the bad behavior and the other students know not to behave like that. Schools should be a safe environment for all students and parents to trust.

àWhat will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking?

            As a future teacher I will do two things as a direct result of this new thinking. One, I will engage myself, as a future teacher, to become more aware and knowledgeable in technology. If technology is hypothesized to disrupt the classroom setting by corrupting education, I will be the educator that takes all technology classes, so I am able to incorporate and promote technology within my classroom. The second thing I will do is make my classroom and the schools I teach at feel like a safe environment. I will try to eliminate peer pressure, bullying, drugs and promote high security of safety. Not only will I promote safety, but I will also mimic positive behavior through displaying good manners, which will teach my students how to be nice to one another. I will do all the preparing that I need to in order to advance as an educator at the elementary level