tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.comments2012-03-18T21:39:19.830-04:00Village StakeholdersUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-8388856215637694802012-03-18T21:39:19.830-04:002012-03-18T21:39:19.830-04:00Allie,
Our superintendent's vison of 21st cen...Allie,<br /><br />Our superintendent's vison of 21st century technology has been instrumental in equipping classrooms with assistive technologies such as activboards, data projectors, activslates lumens, and laptops for certified teachers. Educational reform has endured many budget setbacks that weigh heavily on future needs. Fortunately, my school has built a dynamic collaboration with parents and the community. Our PTSO often purchases needed classroom items that we request. Last year, I was able to order a set of microphone headphones for the computer lab. <br /><br />As discussed in previous courses, there are many concerns and politics that we face when advocating changes reflective of the 21st century. One concern that I have as a computer enhancement teacher pertains to receiving adequate training. Upon initially being in this position, I was able to attend training sessions that kept me abreast of new technologies. However, since hiring a few ITS (Instructional Technology Specialists)who visit our schools twice per month, these sessions are no longer available. I am one of two certified teachers serving in an elementary computer lab. Just trying to establish a collaborative network wherein feedback could be shared has been a challenge. Technology is revamping our school systems and ineffective measures will eventually have to be addressed.Village Stakeholderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03751530661641451121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-90711589338962379802012-03-17T21:43:11.221-04:002012-03-17T21:43:11.221-04:00Cathy,
Does your school provide a lot of assistiv...Cathy, <br />Does your school provide a lot of assistive technologies? If you need something are they willing to purchase it for you? There are so many new resources available, educators can find practically anything they need to help there students. Our school has five amplification systems that have headset microphones as well as hand microphones. This is a great example of a simple modification that can be made in the classroom. <br /><br />Have you been able to attend any conferences for adding technology into your lesson plans? Many schools have a shortage of money so webinars are a great (and free) way to stay up-to-date on new technology resources!<br /><br />Allie HollandAllie Hollandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10617058093572043362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-8843470956063638722012-03-11T19:43:45.883-04:002012-03-11T19:43:45.883-04:00I just noticed that my comments did not post. I w...I just noticed that my comments did not post. I will try to recall my comments and repost them. <br /><br />I like how you are using your web page as a PLC forum for your parents, students, and other educators. To aid you in your creativity goal, I was researching a movie making site called xtranormal. The teacher creates an account for ten dollars and each student's account will cost you fifty cents per month. Students must be thirteen years old to have an account. The teacher has a page where he or she may create assignments. If the cost is too expensive, maybe you could select a small group of students to test it out with for this year. Here is the teacher video website so you can check it out:http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/featured/28 <br />I hope this is helpful!Marisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05156852600922456888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-77957921992404010542012-03-11T01:52:06.451-05:002012-03-11T01:52:06.451-05:00Your idea of having your web page as a PLC forum i...Your idea of having your web page as a PLC forum is an excellent idea. You can get input from parents and get them involved in what your students are doing. In your first goal, have you thought about having your students create movies using xtranormal? I have been really interested in having this be an option for my students. I checked out the website and there are a few requirements, but it seems REALLY interesting. The teacher gets an account for ten dollars a month and each student subscription is only fifty cents. Students MUST be thirteen. Other than that, all they have to do, is be able to type! Students can work on the projects at home or at school! You have a page where you can post assignments, due dates, and you can even delete movies if they do not meet the specified criteria set up by you! Here is the website: http://www.xtranormal.com/ Check it out and see if it might be something that works for you and your students. If it is too costly for you, maybe you can test it out with a few students this year and see if you/your students like it.Marisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05156852600922456888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-7162571443652060442011-10-13T06:49:49.578-04:002011-10-13T06:49:49.578-04:00Love this blog, keep up the great work wish you al...Love this blog, keep up the great work wish you all the best. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.toolsforenglish.com" rel="nofollow">tools for english language</a>Tools For Englishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08786951322852601544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-81723060109313758552011-10-03T03:31:13.590-04:002011-10-03T03:31:13.590-04:00Hi, Byron from your Waldenu class
Brain research ...Hi, Byron from your Waldenu class<br /><br />Brain research in recent years has also said that educators have explored links between classroom teaching and emerging theories about how people learn. Exciting discoveries in neuroscience and continued developments in cognitive psychology have presented new ways of thinking about the brain the human neurological structure and the attendant perceptions and emotions that contribute to learning. Explanations of how the brain works have used metaphors that vary from the computer (an information processor, creating, storing, and manipulating data) to a jungle (a somewhat chaotic, layered world of interwoven, interdependent neurological connections).<br /><br />Scientists caution that the brain is complex and, while research has revealed some significant findings, there is no widespread agreement about their applicability to the general population or to education in particular. Nevertheless, brain research provides rich possibilities for education and reports of studies from this field have become popular topics in some educational journals. Enterprising organizations are translating these findings into professional development workshops and instructional programs to help teachers apply lessons from the research to classroom settings.GQ94https://www.blogger.com/profile/12484402909035828930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-80237898207866965092011-10-01T21:18:47.041-04:002011-10-01T21:18:47.041-04:00Joanne to Catherine
You make a very good point ab...Joanne to Catherine<br /><br />You make a very good point about the need for teachers to design well-defined rubrics when students are creating a product. If students know the expectations and what is required they will be able to focus on creating connections so the learning is stored in long-term memory. <br /><br />A classroom environment using a discovery approach will promote an environment of inquiry and challenge as you suggest. Providing the opportunity for dis-equilibrium so students can adjust their thinking by either assimilation or accommodation (Laureate Education Inc., 2011).<br /><br />Well written post.<br /><br />Joanne C.<br /><br />Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program seven: Constructionist and constructivist learning theories [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10074106610043642781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-1456934921712871832011-09-25T17:46:41.805-04:002011-09-25T17:46:41.805-04:00Hi, Byron from your Walden class. I really wish so...Hi, Byron from your Walden class. I really wish someone would tell my why i can't use my google to post on blogs. But anyway, lol<br /><br />Wow, I really enjoyed your post. Also, thanks for reminding me about the blog post this week.<br /><br />I agree with your post in alot of ways cognitive learning does addresses how information is processed in the brain. Also, the assumption is that humans are logical beings that make the choices that make the most sense to them. Information processing is a commonly used description of the mental process, comparing the human mind to a computer.<br />Lastly, whenever students are engaged in learning and retaining that information I am very happy. This is supporting the cognitive learning theory. It is important that we as educators stay update on the information that could help students learn and retain what they learn. Technology is ever changing and improving, therefore we should too.<br />Great post!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-24102491078561979222011-09-22T01:22:33.932-04:002011-09-22T01:22:33.932-04:00I enjoyed reading your post. There was a lot of in...I enjoyed reading your post. There was a lot of information this week and your post is a good summary. <br /><br />Technology in a math classroom usually refers to a graphing calculator and maybe dynamic geometry software. This week's resources provided us with many different choices for technology that can be used for enhancing student understanding. I found myself quickly getting "lost" as I followed one link to the next. <br /><br />I believe the most powerful statement in your post is;<br /> As educators, we must continuously explore research-based theories <br /> and embrace the role of technology in education and training and the <br /> benefits that technology will provide in our facilitation of effective and <br /> engaging instructions that will enrich, engage and increase our students <br /> understanding and learning opportunities. (Blackwell, 2011)<br /><br />I am really looking forward to the virtual field trip with my geometry students. A whole new way of learning is sometimes uncomfortable but it is usually necessary to continue to grow professionally. <br /><br /> <br />Good post!<br /><br />Joanne<br /><br />Blackwell, C. (2011, September 21). Facilitating cognitive learning theories [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://blackwelltips.blogspot.com/Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10074106610043642781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-43356441087024966792011-09-21T13:13:18.911-04:002011-09-21T13:13:18.911-04:00I agree wholeheartedly that technology is truly th...I agree wholeheartedly that technology is truly the best way to achieve cognitive learning. I utilize technology on a daily basis in my classroom and while of course there are certain negatives (such as students trying to utilize the internet, playing computer games, etc.) they are easily corrected and the positives of using technology far outweigh the negatives. I also find that spreadsheets are effective, yet, I must admit that I do not utilize them as often as I should. What I ended up focusing on was the ability to take notes efficiently through the use of Word Processor tools and Wiki pages. I believe that whichever learning tools that were discussed in this week’s readings that one utilizes, it still encourages cognitivism and stimulates the brain, causing the student to become an “active,” learner, opposed to passive. Since we started using the computers in the classroom 8 years ago, I can honestly say that I see a tremendous difference in HOW students are approaching their work—they are much more serious about it and have far less excuses for not having it done! I enjoyed your post! JennJChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14318489993034971351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-58538546304973969792011-04-01T05:02:10.874-04:002011-04-01T05:02:10.874-04:00You all might enjoy this video by researcher Sherr...You all might enjoy this video by researcher Sherry Turkle about her book, "Alone Together." Scary...<br /><br />http://bit.ly/g4D6B6<br /><br />-kj-Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04709575476723965575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-55635857478510746612011-03-27T19:59:23.640-04:002011-03-27T19:59:23.640-04:00You raise great questions! I find that many of my...You raise great questions! I find that many of my students today do not know how to play when we go outside to the recess playground - and they are in second grade. Many of my students lack social skills because they are not forced to interact with anyone - at home or elsewhere. Many students have video games and those are used instead of playing outside with friends or riding their bikes. This is not only creating a deficit in social skills, but it is creating a health problem as well. Many of my students are overweight and out of shape due to lack of physical activity. <br /><br />I agree that we need to find the happy medium between social skills and technology. We should find it soon, or there may need to be a social skills class being taught at the high school levelellen.campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06239693499084880524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-88327883890269556332011-03-27T19:42:16.285-04:002011-03-27T19:42:16.285-04:00I love your points on how technology is actually h...I love your points on how technology is actually hurting our students. I see it in my classes when I try to grade essays that are full of text and IM speak. I don't know how often I return papers for students to re-do, and they don't understand why I don't accept it.<br /><br />It does seem to me that our students cannot interact appropriately face to face. Just this past Friday (the 25th of March)my students were telling me that they would do more work in class if they could just use their cellphones to text in the answers. <br /><br />How do I respond to that?<br /><br />Yet, on the flip side, we do need to teach our students the 21st century skills so that they can compete in the job markets of today and tomorrow. <br /><br />Where do we draw the line between technology and basic social skills in a real world?Milinda Montgomeryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08312691408382963635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-22320771681062114532011-03-27T17:07:25.794-04:002011-03-27T17:07:25.794-04:00What wonderful questions!
I've lived in Ala...What wonderful questions! <br /><br />I've lived in Alaska a majority of my life. I now live in Las Vegas. I discovered the "joys" of Facebook about 2 years ago. This was such a thrilling experience for me! Having traveled extensively and lived in many places, I wanted to track my friends and be a part of their lives. Facebook allowed me a glimpse of what they are doing while still feeling a "connection" to them. In 2009 I went home to Alaska for Christmas. I had not been home since 2007 and I was extremely excited. It was only a matter of time that I discovered most of my "friends" were by computer, not face to face. I even had some that I had not seen during the trip post a "great to see you" message on my Facebook wall. It seemed as if technology had made our friendships different. Last Christmas I learned my lesson. I focused on what was important, which was my family, and did not become offended when my Facebook friends were just that. Facebook friends.<br />I, too, have noticed that kids are not playing as much as they should. Yes, technology is wonderful, but our kids are missing out on so many wonderful interactions. They are often locked inside of their homes watching television, or playing video games. <br />All too often I have met friends for dinner only to find them texting or talking on their cell phones. And don't get me started about texting and driving! I have also played second fiddle to a cell phone conversation that has interuppted my face to face conversation with a friend.<br />The happy medium between technology and real life interaction is people making the choice of putting technology on the backburner and sitting down with their family, coworkers, etc. Yes, we are moving into an exciting and inovative technologigal era, but I hope it is not at the expense of old fashion values.Dequency Raglerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04798023132195754785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-70541367431372527212011-03-27T14:58:04.889-04:002011-03-27T14:58:04.889-04:00Great ending thought! As a health and physical ed...Great ending thought! As a health and physical education teacher I also worry about the lack of direct human-to-human communication and interaction. When I drive through the neighborhood streets, they look far different than the ones I grew up in. The difference being there are no children. They spend so many hours of their day on computers, video games and cell phones they rarely just go outside and play. It is evident that the technology we have now and will have in the future will support many of our daily needs and hopefully create a better world, but as you said we must not lose out on family dinners, conversations and outside play. We do need to find a happy medium in order to say healthy and connected on a deeper level then technology could ever provide.<br /><br />I really liked the articled you linked as well, the “Project Lead the Way” that started in New York is a great example of what more 21st century impactful jobs need to implement into our high school. By allowing the students to gain a head start into engineering and computer sciences will only increase the likelihood the students will continue their education in those fields after high school. The article even said eighty percent of students would follow up their studies in those fields in college. If we give the students a chance to start earlier in their careers, they will, but we need to provide that opportunity.1fitnessjunkyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15165849527230818532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-62098196965178977952011-03-27T13:42:35.637-04:002011-03-27T13:42:35.637-04:00Response to Cathrine
Your question about children...Response to Cathrine<br /><br />Your question about children playing sparked memories of my childhood.<br /><br />Children playing with each other is a part of social development seen in humans and other animals.<br /><br />One thing that I remember the most is the use of our imagination and creativity. I put two clothes pins together and it became a airplane or a broom became a horse. Today's children would not come close to seeing an airplane made of clothes pins. The graphics of television, movies,and video games,leaves little to imagine about. <br /><br />Our language has been invaded by text-talk and the need to verbalize ideas seems to be waning.<br /><br />Thanks for the commentsSam Garretthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17514096725891770892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-81709304652844401912011-03-27T00:01:23.369-04:002011-03-27T00:01:23.369-04:00Great questions! I have to say that as both a par...Great questions! I have to say that as both a parent and a teacher I push to have my kids together with family. Even with teenagers I make sure we have dinner every night at the table and that I ask each one how their day was and what did they learn in school. Any more I think parents just assume that the kids are fine and only become active parents when something goes wrong. By then it is too late. I often think that my students have lost the skill of talking to each other, in something other than a text that is, but we need to work on that as educators. I really agree with your thoughts in that yes we can have technology but we have to balance it out with good old fashioned family bonding time. I hope this is not something that we will have to fight to keep.Bethanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13492771032883648695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-90501983355322277542011-03-25T20:28:02.602-04:002011-03-25T20:28:02.602-04:00You raise a lot of good questions. I feel that a ...You raise a lot of good questions. I feel that a lot of children who are in middle school and up have forgotten how to play outside already. My opinion is that families who are really involved and care for their children will see to that these children will have a well-balanced home life. For the children who are not so lucky will probably lose the bonding time with their family, peers and the outside play time. As educators, parents and citizens we will all need to work together to make sure that the future generations have a well-balanced life. But how do we work together when a majority of our society is "all about me"? Everyone is out to benefit the individual and no one else. How do we go about changing this attitude?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14330000919928107262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-20401358650181967692011-03-20T08:33:59.484-04:002011-03-20T08:33:59.484-04:00During PD a couple years ago, I set up a website f...During PD a couple years ago, I set up a website for my classes. It was actually a wiki page, but I didn't use it the way we are in class right now. I hadn't realized all the applications/ possibilities for student collaboration. My principal set up a wiki for professional discourse last year, and it has been a great tool for those (few) of us who have taken advantage. <br /><br />I think it's neat that you have also found ways to incorporate the wiki into your personal life to make planning easier. Can't wait for those beach days!! :)Heather Sauerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12768685948687580617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-8226457698353118372011-03-15T16:48:55.968-04:002011-03-15T16:48:55.968-04:00Hi Dequency,
I'm anxiously awaiting to hear h...Hi Dequency,<br /><br />I'm anxiously awaiting to hear how your iPad venture went. I can only imagine how excited and motivated your students were to experience one of the latest technology tools to hit the market.Village Stakeholderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03751530661641451121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-43216352060845632922011-03-13T23:08:34.488-04:002011-03-13T23:08:34.488-04:00Hi!
I am about to venture into the world os iPad&...Hi!<br /><br />I am about to venture into the world os iPad's tomorrow. I only have one for 33 students though. It's kind of sad, but it's better than nothing. They will get to use it one day per month. I have porograms that differentiate for the needs of all of my students.Dequency Raglerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04798023132195754785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-17226902054403812822011-03-08T23:51:57.502-05:002011-03-08T23:51:57.502-05:00Hi Cathy! I have to commend you on developing a bl...Hi Cathy! I have to commend you on developing a blog for that many students! I have 200 and my coworkers and myself are working out the kinks too. One thing we came up with is having different teachers monitor different topics. We realized no one teacher could do it all so we are coming up with lists of topics, time periods etc to break up the work. The kids will appreciate correspondence from more than just one teacher and it definitely takes some of the work load from you. I look forward to working with you this course.Bethanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13492771032883648695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-20748448122723929562011-03-08T21:47:12.068-05:002011-03-08T21:47:12.068-05:00Thanks for the suggestion. I currently have my ow...Thanks for the suggestion. I currently have my own web page that I use for everything. I recently added a new link for student blogging. I created an individual blog per grades (2-5) teachers. The students absolutely love it. However, I now realize that it is near impossible for me to solely monitor 320 students comments. I'm brainstorming ways to collaborate with classroom teachers so that they can help monitor individual classes. I will certainly explore the wiki link. Thank you Ken!Village Stakeholderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03751530661641451121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-585492765796628675.post-3936364598479959082011-03-08T06:11:25.544-05:002011-03-08T06:11:25.544-05:00Hi Cathy!
One thing I have found that works ... w...Hi Cathy!<br /><br />One thing I have found that works ... wikis. They are easy to use, can be applied in every subject area, don't require a lot of setup, and kids love using them. Best of all, Wikispaces (my preferred wiki tool, there are others) provides free wikis to educators:<br /><br />http://www.wikispaces.com/content/for/teachers<br /><br />Hope this helps! Welcome to the world of blogging!<br /><br />-kj-Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04709575476723965575noreply@blogger.com