How long is it going to take for educators/educational administrators in this country to realize we are sending our kids out into the world ill-prepared for what lies ahead. We still want our students to memorize things - standing in front of a classroom feeding them information they can recite back to us on tests. Do we do this because it's in their best interests to be taught in the manner? Absolutely not! We do this because it's what is easy for us - we don't have to work so hard. We don't have to learn the latest technology to pass on to our students. We can rely on doing things in the same old way. We need more educators willing to work harder. That's why 307 is so important. Hopefully we will learn some of the skills we need to use in our classrooms to prepare our students for the flat world they will be entering.
Every teacher/administrator should be required to read Friedman. It's essential to understand how far behind other countries we are and how woefully prepared our students are when it comes to entering this flat world. How will they become the untouchables?
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
April 23rd Quiz - Going Backward a Bit
Shape-Shifting Portfolio - I guess when I look at myself along this line I think about my age and the fact I have so many more things to put in my portfolio than someone younger because I have lived so many more years and experienced/had the opportunity to learn so many more things than someone younger than myself. Also, I can't even begin to comment on all of the new things I have added to my portfolio this semester - especially from 307. There are so many things I can do now (maybe not do well, but at least do) than I could at the beginning of the semester. All of those skills have become a part of me. More importantly, how I feel about acquiring and using those skills have also become part of my portfolio. I can put anything into my portfolio, but if I don't use it then it's of no value. I have learned to have confidence enough in myself to at least give all of the things I have learned a try when I get into my own classroom. In that respect, my portfolio has grown so much this semester.
Pokinitis - I admire someone like Will who sees a teachable moment in almost every situation. He will inspire his daughter to become a great writer because of his enthusiasm for all she does. What a wonderful thing to bring to the table not just for her as his daughter but as someone who will have so much to offer to this world.
I wish I had had someone like Will to point me in the direction he does everyone around him. The really great thing is that through his blog and now his "office" in Second Life, we can communicate with him on an everyday level and he can steer us in some directions we might not have otherwise considered possible. Maybe someday we will be blogging away to him and he will inspire us to write a book about something as simple as poking someone. I look forward to the possibilities.
Pokinitis - I admire someone like Will who sees a teachable moment in almost every situation. He will inspire his daughter to become a great writer because of his enthusiasm for all she does. What a wonderful thing to bring to the table not just for her as his daughter but as someone who will have so much to offer to this world.
I wish I had had someone like Will to point me in the direction he does everyone around him. The really great thing is that through his blog and now his "office" in Second Life, we can communicate with him on an everyday level and he can steer us in some directions we might not have otherwise considered possible. Maybe someday we will be blogging away to him and he will inspire us to write a book about something as simple as poking someone. I look forward to the possibilities.
Blog Quiz - Week of April 25th
Task #3 - Last things first
First let me say - where was this teacher in the Buffalo School system giving his students simple/direct directions about saving the iMovie when I was doing mine. I could have used this information last week.
I am extremely interested in this since it is a joint project with the University of Buffalo - where my 18-year old son will be going in August. I thought it was a great idea to get kids so involved in technology. From my limited experience in the classroom I know that kids "die" to use the computers in the classroom. If we can allow them time and tasks so they can use computers and media then we have their attention already. From there it's just a matter of providing a little guidance and getting them started. Congratulations to Buffalo - not exactly my neck of the woods, but it's a city that I absolutely love.
Second - the web link for the media literacy when I clicked on it brought me to a site that was in a "foreign" language - or something like a "foreign" language. Is that the correct website? I just wondered if it is what I am supposed to be looking for.
Task #1 & #2 to follow shortly - I've got to go finish putting out things for our community's "Spring Cleaning" which occurs tomorrow. You snooze/you lose! Hope you'll understand. Be back to finish this quiz in awhile.
First let me say - where was this teacher in the Buffalo School system giving his students simple/direct directions about saving the iMovie when I was doing mine. I could have used this information last week.
I am extremely interested in this since it is a joint project with the University of Buffalo - where my 18-year old son will be going in August. I thought it was a great idea to get kids so involved in technology. From my limited experience in the classroom I know that kids "die" to use the computers in the classroom. If we can allow them time and tasks so they can use computers and media then we have their attention already. From there it's just a matter of providing a little guidance and getting them started. Congratulations to Buffalo - not exactly my neck of the woods, but it's a city that I absolutely love.
Second - the web link for the media literacy when I clicked on it brought me to a site that was in a "foreign" language - or something like a "foreign" language. Is that the correct website? I just wondered if it is what I am supposed to be looking for.
Task #1 & #2 to follow shortly - I've got to go finish putting out things for our community's "Spring Cleaning" which occurs tomorrow. You snooze/you lose! Hope you'll understand. Be back to finish this quiz in awhile.
High Stakes Testing - Helping or Hurting?
Check out this site for an on-line live chat about this subject on Monday, April 30th.
Friday, April 27, 2007
MP3's and iPods As A Vehicle For Cheaters
I heard this one on the radio this morning on my way to Cortland. A school (can't remember which state) is banning iPods in the classroom. It seems students were using this to cheat on exams. They were putting notes on them disguised as song lyrics and also loading mathematics formulas, etc. onto them. Then they would put them inside their shirts, run the chord up and put the earbud in place and hide the chord with their shirt collars.
Isn't technology wonderful - let's hope students put as much time and effort into using it for the good as they do in finding ways to use it for other purposes. I am always amazed. Think of the talent involved in hiding notes in song lyrics. What a waste of a student's time and talent. Just thought I would share this latest "use" of technology.
Isn't technology wonderful - let's hope students put as much time and effort into using it for the good as they do in finding ways to use it for other purposes. I am always amazed. Think of the talent involved in hiding notes in song lyrics. What a waste of a student's time and talent. Just thought I would share this latest "use" of technology.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Second Life
Okay, here's another great big - or should I say huge - challenge. I am going to give this Second Life business a try once I get caught up on my homework/blogging/research papers/studying for finals, etc. Okay, so I probably won't get to it anytime soon --- but I promise I am going to try and give it a try the first free moment I have. I actually am excited about this - not so much for myself but more for my son who loves video games. I think he will think this is great - I could be wrong, but I hope not.
Thanks, Ray, for showing us what you have done. I admire you for being able to do what you do with all of this technology. I know that you are not technically a student in our class; but I just wanted to let you know I admire what you do and the expertise you bring to us. Thanks for sharing your time and your knowledge - and thanks for your help with our iMovie. I wish it had worked, but that's not your fault. At least now I know how to add music to my stills if ever I make another iMovie. Just kidding - actually I have some wedding photos from my son's wedding last November that I would love to turn into an iMovie. He just had a birthday on the 23rd and I didn't know what to get for him so I told him I would catch up with him later. Now I think I have a great idea.
Thanks, Ray, for showing us what you have done. I admire you for being able to do what you do with all of this technology. I know that you are not technically a student in our class; but I just wanted to let you know I admire what you do and the expertise you bring to us. Thanks for sharing your time and your knowledge - and thanks for your help with our iMovie. I wish it had worked, but that's not your fault. At least now I know how to add music to my stills if ever I make another iMovie. Just kidding - actually I have some wedding photos from my son's wedding last November that I would love to turn into an iMovie. He just had a birthday on the 23rd and I didn't know what to get for him so I told him I would catch up with him later. Now I think I have a great idea.
Project #3 - iMovie
I can honestly say that working on this project has greatly increased the number of grey hairs that I have - although I try to keep them hidden. I have never been more frustrated by anything, and also never more proud of myself than when I finally had a small light bulb moment and got some of what I was supposed to be doing. Notice I said "small" light bulb moment. I am only too aware how much more I have to learn in order to make this a useful bit of technology for my Shape-Shifting Portfolio; however, just the fact that I have a small portion of it in my portfolio absolutely amazes me. And quite honestly, I think I will be the kind of teacher kids will love because they will feel so bad for me and my ignorance of technology and so incredibly excited about helping me learn and watching my face "light up" when I finally get it. It's going to be great, and I'm going to use it just so my students will feel sorry for me and then happy for me and finally inspired by me.
Why Teachers Quit
If you get Teacher Magazine, check out the article on "Why Teachers Quit". It's very interesting
Thursday, April 19, 2007
SCHOLAR'S DAY
I just wanted to say I thought Scholar's Day was something worth attending. I learned a great deal from the "Cyber Bullying" session, and I was also impressed by student's uses of podcasting to make presentations about Health, Elementary Education, etc., during the Poster Presentation on Podcasting.
My problem with Scholar's Day is the fact so many things go on all at one time. Why not make sessions shorter (maybe 30/45 minutes) and make more time slots available for those who wish to attend. I personally would have liked to attend at least four or five other sessions but could not because of conflicts with the ones I chose to attend.
I know that Professor Stearns was disappointed with attendance at some of these sessions, but I can honestly say the one on Cyber Bullying was filled to capacity and there were a great number standing as well.
I think the day needs to be "pumped up" from an advertising point of view. I know I got an e-mail about it, but not really much information unless you went to the site and looked at the schedule. Perhaps they could pass out copies of the schedule (like the one you received if you attended) to students before the day actually arrives and each professor could spend more time talking about Scholar's Day and what it means and why it's important for students to attend.
The bottom line, however, is there will always be students who choose not to attend and who choose to use it as a "day off" form classes. Unfortunately, nothing is going to chance that fact. For those professors who are presenting and feel they have something worthwhile to say which they want their students to hear then I think it's important for them to encourage - and not just encourage but let students know what they are presenting and why it's important for them - students to attend. Beyond that - and better marketing on the part of the college - there's not much that can be done. It's still a matter of choice and the only way to improve attendance in a greater way is to make it mandatory for students to attend at least two sessions. It's an idea.
My problem with Scholar's Day is the fact so many things go on all at one time. Why not make sessions shorter (maybe 30/45 minutes) and make more time slots available for those who wish to attend. I personally would have liked to attend at least four or five other sessions but could not because of conflicts with the ones I chose to attend.
I know that Professor Stearns was disappointed with attendance at some of these sessions, but I can honestly say the one on Cyber Bullying was filled to capacity and there were a great number standing as well.
I think the day needs to be "pumped up" from an advertising point of view. I know I got an e-mail about it, but not really much information unless you went to the site and looked at the schedule. Perhaps they could pass out copies of the schedule (like the one you received if you attended) to students before the day actually arrives and each professor could spend more time talking about Scholar's Day and what it means and why it's important for students to attend.
The bottom line, however, is there will always be students who choose not to attend and who choose to use it as a "day off" form classes. Unfortunately, nothing is going to chance that fact. For those professors who are presenting and feel they have something worthwhile to say which they want their students to hear then I think it's important for them to encourage - and not just encourage but let students know what they are presenting and why it's important for them - students to attend. Beyond that - and better marketing on the part of the college - there's not much that can be done. It's still a matter of choice and the only way to improve attendance in a greater way is to make it mandatory for students to attend at least two sessions. It's an idea.
It's Savannah by a Landslide
I already knew in class who I admired most in our class, but I don't get home until late on Wednesday nights - 9:30 pm - and so I didn't get ready to blog about her until this morning. In keeping with trying to do better in reading other's blogs, I looked at some this morning only to find Savannah's name everywhere as "most admired".
Savannah blogs all the time - she is my hero when it comes to this. I think she reads everyone's blog as well. She is always prepared (or should I go so far as to say she is over-prepared - if there is any such thing) for class. She is dedicated and knowledgeable. She is passionate about teaching - something I would hope we have in common. She is helpful - don't know something? just ask Savannah! If she doesn't know the answer she will point you in the right direction.
So, as my heading says, it looks like Savannah is ahead by a landslide; and lest anyone get upset with me, I know this is not a contest. I am just impressed by how many lives Savannah touches everyday, and I am sure she would be extremely modest and say how she's just like all the rest of us, a college student studying education and trying to do her best.
Savannah blogs all the time - she is my hero when it comes to this. I think she reads everyone's blog as well. She is always prepared (or should I go so far as to say she is over-prepared - if there is any such thing) for class. She is dedicated and knowledgeable. She is passionate about teaching - something I would hope we have in common. She is helpful - don't know something? just ask Savannah! If she doesn't know the answer she will point you in the right direction.
So, as my heading says, it looks like Savannah is ahead by a landslide; and lest anyone get upset with me, I know this is not a contest. I am just impressed by how many lives Savannah touches everyday, and I am sure she would be extremely modest and say how she's just like all the rest of us, a college student studying education and trying to do her best.
PBS Online Portal for Teachers
Check out this article. Click on the photograph after you read the short article and it will take you to the PBS Portal. Click on the Reading and Language Arts tab at the left and check out the lesson plans they have for critical thinking, etc. Nice site.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Megan and I taught Kaitlin some of the things in Garage Band - we showed her how she can use the effects to change your voice so that one person can "play" the part of more than one person. She felt this was helpful and gave her the motivation she needed to move on with her next project.
Kaitlin showed us how to make a web page, and she showed me how the use of the templates in this program are similar to those in the inDesign program which I used for my last project. I do not feel as intimidated by this now and feel I could search my way through this and set up my own web page. It is always easier for me to learn something new like this when I have a one-on-one instruction.
Kaitlin showed us how to make a web page, and she showed me how the use of the templates in this program are similar to those in the inDesign program which I used for my last project. I do not feel as intimidated by this now and feel I could search my way through this and set up my own web page. It is always easier for me to learn something new like this when I have a one-on-one instruction.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Virginia Tech Tragedy
It's hard to get away from the events on the campus of Virginia Tech for even one moment. As I sit watching the news again this evening I have become increasingly aware of one thing in my life - if I am going to teach then I need to be passionate about my commitment to the profession as well as the students I will someday teach. At least three professors lost their lives in the horrible events at Virginia Tech yesterday. One was 76 years old and had taught there for 20 years - that means he started his career at this school at about the same point in his life as I will be in mine when I begin my career.
Hopefully none of us will ever be called upon to give our lives in the course of our teaching profession, but maybe it's a good idea to take stock and ask ourselves if we love what we are doing enough to put our lives on the line. I hope I never face what these professors and these students have faced, but if I do I hope I will be that professor blocking the door so my students can escape out the window to safety. What an enormous love and commitment to the students sitting in your class every single day.
Hopefully none of us will ever be called upon to give our lives in the course of our teaching profession, but maybe it's a good idea to take stock and ask ourselves if we love what we are doing enough to put our lives on the line. I hope I never face what these professors and these students have faced, but if I do I hope I will be that professor blocking the door so my students can escape out the window to safety. What an enormous love and commitment to the students sitting in your class every single day.
One Day of Blog Silence in Memory of Those Who Died at Virginia Tech
Silence can say more then a thousand words.
On April 30th 2007, the Blogosphere will hold a One-Day Blog Silence in honor towards the victims of Virginia. 33 died at the US college massacre.
Check this out and see if it is something of interest to you. Using technology as a way of expressing our sorrow over loss and of mourning the students killed at Virginia Tech.
On April 30th 2007, the Blogosphere will hold a One-Day Blog Silence in honor towards the victims of Virginia. 33 died at the US college massacre.
Check this out and see if it is something of interest to you. Using technology as a way of expressing our sorrow over loss and of mourning the students killed at Virginia Tech.
Week of April 15th Blog Quiz
Task #1:
The most amazing part of the Baltimore County Public School article for me was the fact they were able to put servers and set up logins for teachers in 169 schools in only 2.5 weeks. I think so many times we hesitate to incorporate the latest technology into our schools because we think it would be just too difficult and time-consuming. If anything, this article should show us we need not be afraid and use such time constraints as issues in fighting the latest technology.
As for abolishing high schools - I would love to see more useof competency-based courses/schools. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of my life experiences helped me "test out" of certain classes because I already know enough about them from my own experience and my own learning outside of the classroom. I also agree we should allow younger students the opportunity to work if they so desire. Why not? We have laws which protect them from long work days and tiny salaries. If they are capable, willing, and motivated to try their hand at work why not let them? Farmers don't tell their children they are too young to work on the farm. We don't tell our children they are too young to help around the house - in fact we encourage it. Why should this be any different? And most importantly, I agree we sometimes teach our children nothing in a 13-year compulsory education does is make our students hate school.
My favorite line in the article is the one that says: "learning that benefits all students--is necessarily individualized ans self-paced. This is the elephone in the classroom from which no teacher can hide".
Task #2:
I am not surprised by Will's comments about this latest degree on "social computing". He encourages us to do our learning on-line so why would he be encouraged and excited by a university degree that does the same things we can do for ourself without the constraints of a university. Think about it - he says why know the presidents of the United States when you can use your cell phone to access the information on the internet. All of the things he feels we can do for ourselves are a waste of time for us to try and teach students. We need to teach them how to access the information - that is all they need to know. So, I can understand he would feel the best place to learn about social computing is on any one of the websites which deal with this subject. I have to say I agree with him. We already spend too much of our time teaching students what they already know - or what they already know how to access.
Task #3:
Barb and I are going to do an iMovie and we are going to use still photographs with voice overs to accomplish this movie. I am going to keep the subject matter a secret at this moment. It will be something of interest and significance to all of us who are soon-to-be ELA teachers. We will be working on it on Wednesday and I am excited about the project.
We will be learning from this project since neither of us has a clue how to put together an iMovie with stills and voice overs. We will need lots of help from Ray.
The most amazing part of the Baltimore County Public School article for me was the fact they were able to put servers and set up logins for teachers in 169 schools in only 2.5 weeks. I think so many times we hesitate to incorporate the latest technology into our schools because we think it would be just too difficult and time-consuming. If anything, this article should show us we need not be afraid and use such time constraints as issues in fighting the latest technology.
As for abolishing high schools - I would love to see more useof competency-based courses/schools. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of my life experiences helped me "test out" of certain classes because I already know enough about them from my own experience and my own learning outside of the classroom. I also agree we should allow younger students the opportunity to work if they so desire. Why not? We have laws which protect them from long work days and tiny salaries. If they are capable, willing, and motivated to try their hand at work why not let them? Farmers don't tell their children they are too young to work on the farm. We don't tell our children they are too young to help around the house - in fact we encourage it. Why should this be any different? And most importantly, I agree we sometimes teach our children nothing in a 13-year compulsory education does is make our students hate school.
My favorite line in the article is the one that says: "learning that benefits all students--is necessarily individualized ans self-paced. This is the elephone in the classroom from which no teacher can hide".
Task #2:
I am not surprised by Will's comments about this latest degree on "social computing". He encourages us to do our learning on-line so why would he be encouraged and excited by a university degree that does the same things we can do for ourself without the constraints of a university. Think about it - he says why know the presidents of the United States when you can use your cell phone to access the information on the internet. All of the things he feels we can do for ourselves are a waste of time for us to try and teach students. We need to teach them how to access the information - that is all they need to know. So, I can understand he would feel the best place to learn about social computing is on any one of the websites which deal with this subject. I have to say I agree with him. We already spend too much of our time teaching students what they already know - or what they already know how to access.
Task #3:
Barb and I are going to do an iMovie and we are going to use still photographs with voice overs to accomplish this movie. I am going to keep the subject matter a secret at this moment. It will be something of interest and significance to all of us who are soon-to-be ELA teachers. We will be working on it on Wednesday and I am excited about the project.
We will be learning from this project since neither of us has a clue how to put together an iMovie with stills and voice overs. We will need lots of help from Ray.
The Ron Clark Story
For anyone who tried to access the live video about Ron Clark from my blog (oops!) I have corrected it, and tested it myself. You should be able to view his website now. Sorry for the error and thanks to Professor Stearns for letting me know what I had done wrong.
CHECK THIS OUT
First, I cannot believe that a middle school teacher in Florida responded to my blog -- Second, check out the uses of technology in her classroom and check out her husband's classroom (completely paperless). I am so excited! Below is a copy of her blog to me on my Digital Musings blog:
April 11, 2007 12:28 PM
Jess said...
I teach middle school in Sarasota, Florida and we have what is called NeXt Generation. Our county school district is dedicated to utilizing as much technology as possible within the classroom. On our team, we each have an ActivBoard (similar but more user friendly than a Smart Board), each teacher has his/her own laptop, a class set of computers (mixture of laptops and desktops), and wireless internet connections.We teach our kids how to use Movie Maker, they create web pages using Front Page, they create pamphlets, conduct research, complete online labs for science and even take online assessments. My husband's 8th grade social studies class is complete paperless - he has all of his assignments and assessments online.In order to propel this country's future citizens into the 21st century, we need to invest the money into not only the most up to day and advanced teaching equipment, but also in the training of our teachers to use these machines to their fullest extent. I know that when I move from Florida sometime in the near future, I will not be in the same position, technologically speaking, as I am here. Unfortunately, there are many school districts who are unable to sufficiently fund these sort of programs.
April 11, 2007 6:23 PM
All of this points to our need to be sure and edit our blogs (you never know who is reading them) and our need to communicate with each other on our blogs. If someone who is not a part of our class is checking out our blogs then we owe it to ourselves and each other to check out the blogs of our classmates.
April 11, 2007 12:28 PM
Jess said...
I teach middle school in Sarasota, Florida and we have what is called NeXt Generation. Our county school district is dedicated to utilizing as much technology as possible within the classroom. On our team, we each have an ActivBoard (similar but more user friendly than a Smart Board), each teacher has his/her own laptop, a class set of computers (mixture of laptops and desktops), and wireless internet connections.We teach our kids how to use Movie Maker, they create web pages using Front Page, they create pamphlets, conduct research, complete online labs for science and even take online assessments. My husband's 8th grade social studies class is complete paperless - he has all of his assignments and assessments online.In order to propel this country's future citizens into the 21st century, we need to invest the money into not only the most up to day and advanced teaching equipment, but also in the training of our teachers to use these machines to their fullest extent. I know that when I move from Florida sometime in the near future, I will not be in the same position, technologically speaking, as I am here. Unfortunately, there are many school districts who are unable to sufficiently fund these sort of programs.
April 11, 2007 6:23 PM
All of this points to our need to be sure and edit our blogs (you never know who is reading them) and our need to communicate with each other on our blogs. If someone who is not a part of our class is checking out our blogs then we owe it to ourselves and each other to check out the blogs of our classmates.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Next Project
Barb and I are still working on what we are going to do exactly. It will be some sort of iMovie, and we are thinking of doing something along the lines of something like the one in the NY Times iMovie. I think it would be neat to use still photographs and turn them into an iMovie with music and voice-over.
More to follow.
More to follow.
Blog Quiz for Week of April 8th
When I read the O'Brien chapter I couldn't help think about a movie I just happened catch over the weekend - it was called "The Ron Clark Story" - and it was about a teacher in Inner Harlem Elementary School. This teacher walked into a classroom that tested way below all other classes in the school and the students simply did not care. As I read the O'Brien chapter and looked at learned helplessness, I thought about the kids in this Harlem school. They, too, had learned helplessness. They had been through 6 teachers in 6 months and no one thought they were capable of learning. Through different methods and an honest and genuine caring on the part of their new teacher -- he stayed with the class even when he wanted to quit -- he motivated them and when the state testing came at the end of the year, the kids in his class scored higher than any other students in the school - even the honors class.
Check out his website, and you will get some ideas for your own classrooms when you start teaching. He used rap music to teach them the presidents of the United States (and he taught them the presidents so they could remember other events in history in a chronological manner). Even though we are learning to question teaching to the test and the validity of high stakes testing at all, we can see a truly remarkable teacher here who pulled out all the stops and used every medium and every means to get his students to succeed in school.
This man is truly someone who engages his students. He has opened his own school this year and his students will visit every continent before graduating. An amazing story, and I thought of it over and over again when I read O'Brien.
Check out his website, and you will get some ideas for your own classrooms when you start teaching. He used rap music to teach them the presidents of the United States (and he taught them the presidents so they could remember other events in history in a chronological manner). Even though we are learning to question teaching to the test and the validity of high stakes testing at all, we can see a truly remarkable teacher here who pulled out all the stops and used every medium and every means to get his students to succeed in school.
This man is truly someone who engages his students. He has opened his own school this year and his students will visit every continent before graduating. An amazing story, and I thought of it over and over again when I read O'Brien.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Laptops for School
Here is a video clip that tells about an entire state - Pennsylvania - that is getting laptops for all students. They believe that we are not preparing our students for jobs in a technology driven future. Pennsylvan's gets it!!! This video talks about how you can tailor your instruction with each student in mind - not the same lesson for everyone. Check it out.
What does everyone think? Why is New York not doing this in our schools? If the governor of Pennsylvania understands we are now in competition globally in regard to our students, why doesn't the rest of this country "get it"???
What does everyone think? Why is New York not doing this in our schools? If the governor of Pennsylvania understands we are now in competition globally in regard to our students, why doesn't the rest of this country "get it"???
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Blog Quiz - Week of April 1st
Task #1
The articles from EDUCATION WEEK were simply a confirmation of what I have already come to believe is true from the texts in our 307 class and from my own experiences in the different forms of literacy. The "Outside Interests" article reaffirms most of what students use technology-wise is what they use on the outside of the classroom rather than on the inside. Schools offer little in technology - most computers in classrooms are not even for student use (and this I know from firsthand experience).
I understand so much of the reluctance to use these literacy forms stems from teacher "ignorance" and I also sympathasize with that "ignorance". It is difficult to embrace a media you are not comfortable with or knowledgeable about. If "schools represent the past ... and after-school is where they are training themselves for the future", then I think it is time to reassess our school systems and what we are teaching our children.
I loved the idea of using podcasts developed by the teacher for students to use for reviewing for tests. I had a similar idea when my group was working on our podcast and we were talking in class about lectures being done on podcast so students could download them onto their iPod to listen to them whenever they wanted. Imagine walking across campus reviewing for your test - kind of like using the time you spend standing in line somewhere, or waiting in traffic. It's a wonderful idea, and I can see students liking the idea since it doesn't require much effort on their behalf - just listening.
I must say I understand completely teacher's worries about their lack of training in these areas - "An hour of 'here's a neat tool you should try when you get a minute' show-and-tell isn't meaningful, nor is it effective". Sometimes I feel the same way in our class. We have more than a minute, but it doesn't feel like nearly enough to become comfortable with things. I guess that is probably why I will use these new media forms as a learning experience for both myself and my students as well. My students will be teachig me more than I will be teaching them.
My other concern is the one reiterated in the article, "A Digital Decade" regarding fears about "America's schools--particularly disadvantaged ones on the wrong side of the 'digital divide'--were being left behind". I share some of those fears even though research says 95% of all schools now have high-speed internet access. My fear is still for those students from disadvantaged homes.
As far as who "gets it" and who does not - I will say what I have come to believe from our texts and from my observations in class and outside of class - the students certainly "get it". They are comfortable in this new media age and are only too happy to share their expertise. Who doesn't "get it" - or maybe it's more who doesn't WANT to get it - are parents and school administrators, and some teachers. I certainly think some teachers are up for the challenge and see things are changing in our schools (and outside of them) and they know they must reach the kids or they will simply drop out. Administrators I think are too busy doing "business as usual" with emphasis on high-stakes testing and all of the things which have been done for years and years - it's hard to bring them into the 2.0 world.
Task #2
The Zine Project article brings home for me one of the things that Hobbs also talks about in her book. It is the fact there is "a strong relationship between literacy and power, context and learning" and those Zines are "particularly attractive to adolescent writers--mostly girls--who feel disenfranchised by peer pressures and societal ecxpectations to conform to physical, emotional, and linguistic social norms". Hobbs also addresses gender issues in her book. For me this is an especially important area - there are some ways in which my life would no doubt be different if I had learned the power which exists within writing. Just as Hobbs points out, writing can help us discover who we are. What better way to do this discovery then in a setting where the students feel comfortable. In that respect, I do not think I would make the Zines part of regular classroom activity - I think I would keep them something done after school.
Another important aspect of the Zine Project is the community involvement - teaching students to work together within their community. I think this is something so many future employers would find attractive. If we are going to be good citizens then we need to work within the communities in which we live, and I think this is a great way to accomplish this.
The articles from EDUCATION WEEK were simply a confirmation of what I have already come to believe is true from the texts in our 307 class and from my own experiences in the different forms of literacy. The "Outside Interests" article reaffirms most of what students use technology-wise is what they use on the outside of the classroom rather than on the inside. Schools offer little in technology - most computers in classrooms are not even for student use (and this I know from firsthand experience).
I understand so much of the reluctance to use these literacy forms stems from teacher "ignorance" and I also sympathasize with that "ignorance". It is difficult to embrace a media you are not comfortable with or knowledgeable about. If "schools represent the past ... and after-school is where they are training themselves for the future", then I think it is time to reassess our school systems and what we are teaching our children.
I loved the idea of using podcasts developed by the teacher for students to use for reviewing for tests. I had a similar idea when my group was working on our podcast and we were talking in class about lectures being done on podcast so students could download them onto their iPod to listen to them whenever they wanted. Imagine walking across campus reviewing for your test - kind of like using the time you spend standing in line somewhere, or waiting in traffic. It's a wonderful idea, and I can see students liking the idea since it doesn't require much effort on their behalf - just listening.
I must say I understand completely teacher's worries about their lack of training in these areas - "An hour of 'here's a neat tool you should try when you get a minute' show-and-tell isn't meaningful, nor is it effective". Sometimes I feel the same way in our class. We have more than a minute, but it doesn't feel like nearly enough to become comfortable with things. I guess that is probably why I will use these new media forms as a learning experience for both myself and my students as well. My students will be teachig me more than I will be teaching them.
My other concern is the one reiterated in the article, "A Digital Decade" regarding fears about "America's schools--particularly disadvantaged ones on the wrong side of the 'digital divide'--were being left behind". I share some of those fears even though research says 95% of all schools now have high-speed internet access. My fear is still for those students from disadvantaged homes.
As far as who "gets it" and who does not - I will say what I have come to believe from our texts and from my observations in class and outside of class - the students certainly "get it". They are comfortable in this new media age and are only too happy to share their expertise. Who doesn't "get it" - or maybe it's more who doesn't WANT to get it - are parents and school administrators, and some teachers. I certainly think some teachers are up for the challenge and see things are changing in our schools (and outside of them) and they know they must reach the kids or they will simply drop out. Administrators I think are too busy doing "business as usual" with emphasis on high-stakes testing and all of the things which have been done for years and years - it's hard to bring them into the 2.0 world.
Task #2
The Zine Project article brings home for me one of the things that Hobbs also talks about in her book. It is the fact there is "a strong relationship between literacy and power, context and learning" and those Zines are "particularly attractive to adolescent writers--mostly girls--who feel disenfranchised by peer pressures and societal ecxpectations to conform to physical, emotional, and linguistic social norms". Hobbs also addresses gender issues in her book. For me this is an especially important area - there are some ways in which my life would no doubt be different if I had learned the power which exists within writing. Just as Hobbs points out, writing can help us discover who we are. What better way to do this discovery then in a setting where the students feel comfortable. In that respect, I do not think I would make the Zines part of regular classroom activity - I think I would keep them something done after school.
Another important aspect of the Zine Project is the community involvement - teaching students to work together within their community. I think this is something so many future employers would find attractive. If we are going to be good citizens then we need to work within the communities in which we live, and I think this is a great way to accomplish this.
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