Week 10: Final post
In my previous post I had discussed how we have met all of the course objectives. After my final post I have realized just how much I have learned from this course. Before this class I did not have any knowledge how all of the tools that we learned about. Voki, Animoto, Google Docs, making a WebQuest among so other many tools are going to be extremely helpful to my as a future educator. I have always known that it is a positive aspect to include technology into the classroom but I never knew just how to go about doing that. With these tools that I have learned about I will be able to create a fun, exciting and educational experience in my classroom no matter what grade I teach.
We discussed a lot about digital citizenship as well. Before the class I had heard this term before and I was only slightly aware of the full depth of this topic. The most important fact to take from the class discussions I believe is that as educators it is part of our role to teach our students how to use the internet and other technological devices in a smart and safe way. There are a lot of issues in the schools today that revolve around technology. It is our job to see the problem and to find a solution to help the students see it as a problem as well.
The first reason as to way I believe it is important for educator to incorporate technology into their lesson plans is what I stated about about digital citizenship. By using these devices in the classroom students will be able to learn just what they can use technology for. A second reason why teachers should be using technology is because everyone has a different learning style. Not everyone can sit and listen to a lecture, and not everyone is extremely good at researching. It is our job to understand our students and learn what their strengths and weaknesses are and use that in our lesson plans. By using different web tools students are able to have a chance to excel in what they are good at and to work on their skills that might need some improvement. We need to create an environment where the students feel comfortable, confident and willing to learn and try.
Even though integrating technology is extremely important, there may be some barriers we will face. If a teacher is going to assign an assignment that involves the computer for example, they need to make sure the students have a chance to use computers in school. Not every household has a computer and this would be putting some students at a disadvantage with the assignment. If the school does not have a portable computer cart available than the teacher needs to sign up for either the library computers or a computer lab. Another barrier that we may face is the students taking advantage of using a computer and not working on the assignment when they are supposed to. This is where the teacher has to discuss digital citizenship, make sure the students know what they are supposed to be doing and that the assignment is interesting and will hold their attention.
A great way to introduce technology in the classroom is having the ability to disguise learning as not learning. What I mean is that I have found when students don't think they are learning and that they are playing a game or are creating some fun and exciting, they are meeting learning objectives but they aren't fully aware of this. Some examples of this would be using web2.0 tools such as Animoto, Voki, Blogger, Diigo, Avatar creations, Scratch among many many more.
I have learned a lot of valuable and important information throughout this course. I will be able to take the knowledge that I gained and apply it to my future as an educator.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
What have we learned?
Midterm Review
LEARNING
OUTCOMES:
1.
Demonstrate the understanding of how technologies can effectively promote
student learning
We have achieved this outcome in many different ways. One way that we have
learned how technology can effectively promote student learning is by the
Webinar we were assigned in week one. In this assignment I learned how a
children’s television show engages the children in a learning manner. They use
fun character’s, they encourage thinking outside the box, exploring the world
around them and much more.
As
a class we have discussed largely on the matter of digital citizenship. Before
this discussion, I did not know what digital citizenship entailed. I have
learned that if students are aware of digital citizenship and do not abuse the
availability of technology, as an educator I can assist them in how to use it
effectively in their learning and in their lives.
2.
Evaluate and use a variety of current technologies to enhance content instruction
and to advance student’s technological literacy
We have achieved this learning objective in many
different ways. One way that we have learned to use a variety of current
technologies is by learning about Avitars, Wordle, Taxedo and Scratch. By
learning about these different technologies we have learned how to advance our
student’s technological literacy. When we create lesson plans and activities
around these programs, the student’s are learning how to use and navigate new
programs while learning the curriculum at the same time.
In class we completed the
I Am poem and learned how to make a Wordle. By going through these programs and
actually using them I have learned how I can use these in my future classroom.
3.
Design meaningful and authentic digitally based learning experiences with
multiple and varied assessments
In module six we met this learning outcome by
discussing project based learning. We learned about the Flat Classroom project
where students and teachers can interact and collaborate around the world. This
allows students to develop more culture understanding, build skills using
software and developing research skills among many other positive learning
experiences.
In this class we have
learned about and used a number of Web 2.0 tools. Currently we are creating a
lesson plan and beginning our WebQuest. With these two assignments we are
learning how to design a digital based learning experience for our students.
4.
Reflect upon and demonstrate effective use of digital tools and resources
There are many ways to use digital tools and
resources in an effective manner. One thing children like to do is watch
television and go on the computer. Why not use this to our advantage? Apply
this in the classroom. There are so many ways that this can be accomplished. We
have talked about many different Web 2.0 tools that are good example of this.
The children can use Animoto to tell a story, they can use Avitars to create a
speech or an important message, they can communicate with other students across
the world and they can research. It is our role as educators to make sure that
our students have the knowledge they need to use these tools appropriately.
5.
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of safe, ethical, legal and moral
practices related to digital information and technology
We have covered this learning outcome by discussing digital citizenship
and watching the documentaries Growing up Online and Digital Citizenship.
As stated in my blog named Where do
we go from here?, I have demonstrated how I have learned more on the topic of
safe practices related to digital information and technology. I discuss the
topic of stranger danger, digital footprints, teaching students what their
digital footprint is and how to incorporate safe practices in the classroom.
6.
Illustrate through application how state and national standards are implemented
within the curriculum (e.g., NH Curriculum Frameworks, ISTE (NETS-Teacher/NETS-Student)
and NH-ICT Literacy Standards for K-12 Students (306.42))
I’d say that we have just started discussing
this learning outcome in more depth. By working on our lesson plan and
beginning our research for our WebQuest we are beginning to really learn about
the national standards and how to incorporate them into out planning as an
educator.
7.
Demonstrate an understanding of the use of adaptive technologies and other
digital resources to personalize and differentiate learning activities for every student
I feel as though we have
briefly talked about this learning outcome. The great thing about technology is
that it can be used in so many different ways and the user is able to navigate
it in their own way. As an educator, I feel as though we have the ability to
personalize and differentiate learning activities based on the student’s
ability. If there is a group of students how need an extra achievement, and
educator may fulfill this by making an activity with technology more
challenging or with extra components. If a student needs an activity more
personalized for any reason, it is easy to achieve this through technology.
8.
Evaluate, adapt and reflect on emerging tools and trends by participating in
local and global learning communities and by reviewing current research and
professional literature
We have watched documentaries about to use of
technology and the trends that are taking place. We have also had discussions
in class on what to do in these situations and what would be the best response
with our students. We have also learned about a number of websites that can assist
us educators in a number of ways such as Diigo.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
As an educator... what will you do?
Week 4: Digital Citizenship
There is a growing issue in our society today that educators, parents and the community need to be aware of and need to be educated on; cyber bullying. Walking down a hallway in a school not only will one see students bullying their peers verbally and possibly physically, but one will also see students with mobile devices in their hands. Do you think they are texting their parents to let them know about their day? Probably not. They are texting their peers, spreading gossip and rumors and even texting unfriendly and hurtful words to peers. So... what do we do about this?
All too often do we are on the news about a young individual who has committed suicide due to cyber bullying. Young individuals are taking their own lives due to their peers not only bullying them in the school and social environment, but when they are in their home setting where they are supposed to feel safe. In the article The Importance of Teaching Digital Citizenship the author discusses what our responsibilities as educators, parents and a community are in teaching students of all ages what digital citizenship is. When thinking about the term citizenship, what comes to mind? The rights that we have as an individual in society, for example our freedom of speech and privacy. But there is more to citizenship than a list or our rights. We learn how to be a responsible individual in our community how to become a valued member to our society. Students need to learn that this also includes activities that they partake in online.
Two weeks ago, I did not know what the term digital citizenship really meant. I sure am glad that I learned what this means and how to go about teaching this to my future students. Students today do not only need to learn about social skills and social behaviors in face to face interaction, but also how to communicate this way online with peers or people they may not know. As discussed in Teaching Digital Citizenship in the Elementary Classroom , second graders are learning about digital citizenship and social skills and appropriate social behaviors by practicing blogging and researching. Do students really need to learning about this at such a young age? YES!! Young children are using the internet, using online game chat rooms, using social messaging among many other resources online. If we teach students in the classroom how to use these tools appropriately and what to do if they are approached by unwanted behavior, they will know how to react and how to take action. It is inevitable that students will be engaged one way or another online so it is our job as educators to educate our students on their safety and responsibility as an online citizen.
How do we go about teaching digital citizenship? My opinion on this is that we should find an engaging way to discuss this topic with the students. I feel as though standing in front of the classroom and giving the students a lecture about what to do and not do online will not be effective. Let's look at what else can be incorporated into teaching this topic. In the article Why teach digital citizenship? is an example of a blog response written by three third graders. I will be honest, when I first read this blog response I assumed it was written by high school students! As listed in the article, the students were practicing spelling and grammar, making an informed comment on someones work and how to communicate effectively and respectfully with another individual. From this article we learn that third graders were learning about digital citizenship AND were having an english lesson. Incorporating digital citizenship into other education lessons is going be key when I teach my future students.
There is a growing issue in our society today that educators, parents and the community need to be aware of and need to be educated on; cyber bullying. Walking down a hallway in a school not only will one see students bullying their peers verbally and possibly physically, but one will also see students with mobile devices in their hands. Do you think they are texting their parents to let them know about their day? Probably not. They are texting their peers, spreading gossip and rumors and even texting unfriendly and hurtful words to peers. So... what do we do about this?
All too often do we are on the news about a young individual who has committed suicide due to cyber bullying. Young individuals are taking their own lives due to their peers not only bullying them in the school and social environment, but when they are in their home setting where they are supposed to feel safe. In the article The Importance of Teaching Digital Citizenship the author discusses what our responsibilities as educators, parents and a community are in teaching students of all ages what digital citizenship is. When thinking about the term citizenship, what comes to mind? The rights that we have as an individual in society, for example our freedom of speech and privacy. But there is more to citizenship than a list or our rights. We learn how to be a responsible individual in our community how to become a valued member to our society. Students need to learn that this also includes activities that they partake in online.
Two weeks ago, I did not know what the term digital citizenship really meant. I sure am glad that I learned what this means and how to go about teaching this to my future students. Students today do not only need to learn about social skills and social behaviors in face to face interaction, but also how to communicate this way online with peers or people they may not know. As discussed in Teaching Digital Citizenship in the Elementary Classroom , second graders are learning about digital citizenship and social skills and appropriate social behaviors by practicing blogging and researching. Do students really need to learning about this at such a young age? YES!! Young children are using the internet, using online game chat rooms, using social messaging among many other resources online. If we teach students in the classroom how to use these tools appropriately and what to do if they are approached by unwanted behavior, they will know how to react and how to take action. It is inevitable that students will be engaged one way or another online so it is our job as educators to educate our students on their safety and responsibility as an online citizen.
How do we go about teaching digital citizenship? My opinion on this is that we should find an engaging way to discuss this topic with the students. I feel as though standing in front of the classroom and giving the students a lecture about what to do and not do online will not be effective. Let's look at what else can be incorporated into teaching this topic. In the article Why teach digital citizenship? is an example of a blog response written by three third graders. I will be honest, when I first read this blog response I assumed it was written by high school students! As listed in the article, the students were practicing spelling and grammar, making an informed comment on someones work and how to communicate effectively and respectfully with another individual. From this article we learn that third graders were learning about digital citizenship AND were having an english lesson. Incorporating digital citizenship into other education lessons is going be key when I teach my future students.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Where do we go from here?
Week three: Online Learning PBS
Growing Up Online
Digital Nation
Compare and Contrast each documentary. What has changed from the first one (Growing Up Online) made in 2008 to the newer one (Digital Nation) filmed in 2010 ?
In the first documentary that was filmed in 2008, the focus was on how technology was being used by the younger generation. They discussed how these teenagers would use the internet and technology to stay socially connected with their peers. Growing Up Online also covered how individuals were using the internet as an escape from their real life, and ways to be themselves and not worry about what others were thinking.
The documentary Digital Nation that was filmed in 2010 focused on the impact of technology today. Technology is used for much more than social connection but also for education, work environments, gaming and the military to name a few. It discussed the impacts on the brain along with how technology has changed what it means to be a human in some aspects. People today are becoming addicted to the internet and technology and it is changing the way that some people live.
Your thoughts on multitasking. Do you agree? Can you multitask? Do you disagree?
I found this discussion in the documentary to be very interesting. The study that was conducted in Digital Nation showed that even though young adults believe they are good at multitasking actually are not. I actually agree and disagree with multitasking. I can multitask and I often find myself doing it. I remember when I was in high school I would be on the computer writing a paper but talking on an instant messenger to three to five friends at once. My parents could not understand how I could do this and told me that it was only distracting me from my work. I find that there is a generation gap in this aspect. Young people today are able to multitask much easier than those of the generation before us.
However, should multitasking in the classroom be allowed? I agree and disagree with this. As stated above, I multitask and I did through high school, but was that the best for my education? Honestly I feel as though I could have done better if I had concentrated on one at a time. I'm really on the fence about which way to go with this topic.
Is there an addiction happening in society today with technology or is it just a new way of living? Should we be concerned?
I think there is an addiction happening in society today with technology. Technology has become a new way of living however it shouldn't be the only way we live. It amazes me sometimes when I go out to eat, to the movies or someplace public and I see a group of people who are all on their cellphone or some other technological device. People can not even have a conversation with someone without being interrupted by a cellphone.
In Digital Nation they talked about how in Tokyo they have cafes where anyone can go and play games for as long as the want. People will spend hours upon hours playing computers. In the documentary they said that people have actually died during tournaments because they go fifty plus hours without appropriate food and water. My jaw dropped when I heard this. When someone is ignoring their body to play a computer game, they are addicted. People have quite their jobs because all they want to do is play computer games.
I do think that technology is a great thing. There are many positive aspects about the internet and technology but I feel as though people need to realize when to much is to much.
Do video games serve a purpose in education or are they a waste of time?
Video games can serve a purpose in education. As shown in the Digital Nation documentary, video games engage students in learning. Students become engaged in a different way then they used to be. Reading text books, taking notes by hand and listening to a lecture does not help students. Incorporating what they know and what they are strong with will help them become engaged in learning. I feel as though by introducing technology in positive form in classroom such as this is a great thing. Teachers can use this is their advantage and not only teach children through games but also how to use technology in a positive way.
Do you believe that digital tools such as google tools can save schools that are struggling?
I do feel as though digital tools can save schools that are struggling. In Digital Nation they discussed a school that was really struggling and to turn this around they gave all the students laptops and incorporated digital tools in the classroom. This engaged the students in learning because technology is such a big part of their lives so when this was part of learning, they were excited about it and wanted to learn. As stated above, teachers need to use their students abilities and strengths in order to reach them in an education setting and to assist them in reaching their goals.
Do parents of today have any idea what their kids are doing online? Whose job is it to teach them the safety and digital responsibility?Parents/Teachers/Community/Government??
Because technology and the internet is not a new thing anymore, parents are aware of what can be done online. However, I feel as though some parents do not want to believe their children are participating in some of these online activities so they ignore it. Not all parents are like this. Some parents are very proactive in monitoring their children's online usage and discuss with the children the positive and negative aspects of the internet. In Growing Up Online, there was a young individual who explained how he always knew when his dad was watching what he was doing. The individual would pull up a screen that his dad would approve of but be doing something else on the side that his dad couldn't see.
I feel as though it is the parents, teachers, community and the governments job to teach the public on safety and digital responsibility. It isn't only the parents job to be proactive in this but also the educators, especially when technology is used in the classroom. In Digital Nation they showed the viewers how in Tokyo second graders have computer classes where they learn how to use this technology responsibly and in a safe manner. I thought this was awesome. To some this may seem a little young to have students engaged so much in technology but why fight the inevitable? There is no question whether students are going to be using technology or not. If educators and parents start teaching children how to use a computer the right way and how to use it safely, it will only better prepare them.
Are kids and adults today ruining their digital footprints by sharing too much information online without realizing that it may be detrimental to their future? Should they care?
Once you put something online, it is there forever. For example, if you put a picture on a social network and than delete later, who says someone else hasn't saved it on their personal computer and is putting it someplace else on the internet? I don't think young teenagers realize this when they are adding photos on their Facebook or MySpace page. They believe it's their own site and they are the only ones with control over the contents. I'm not sure if I would consider this ruining their digital footprint, but it may be something that one would look back on and wish they hadn't have done it.
I do think people should be careful as to what information they put about themselves online. Anyone can access the internet and look at what you are willingly putting out there. This is where parents and educators come into play. By having a discussion with children and teenagers about what could happen if too much personal information online it will allow them to be aware and more cautious as to what they are doing.
“Stranger Danger” and predator fears are often overblown by the media on shows such as Datelines “To Catch a Predator”. What are the real dangers of technology in this day and age?
The biggest danger is incompetence. Believing that nothing wrong could ever happen to you is the biggest danger. Some teenagers and young adults have a way of thinking that nothing bad will ever happen to them so sometimes they do not take the necessary precautions. In the Growing Up Online documentary they interviewed three high school girls who said they would never tell anyone online where they lived or any personal information. This is how everyone using the internet should think.
Share your overall reactions and thoughts about each documentary here. Please relate it to your views as a teacher/parent/coach/etc... What did you learn, find interesting, find disturbing, relate to, did not relate to, etc...from watching either documentary that you would like to share with others?
Both of these documentaries did a very good job in sharing with the viewers the major concerns about technology and the internet and how views are different between teenagers and adults. There was a lot of helpful information for future educators and how to use technology in the classroom. By using technology in the classroom it is going to help the students become engaged and want to participate in the classroom activities and discussions. This allowed me as a future educator to think about stepping outside the box of the tradition classroom and into whole new way of educating students.
One thing that I found very disturbing was in Growing Up Online they covered a story about a young boy committed suicide because of cyber bulling. Not only was he being bullied online, but he was able to research online ways to commit suicide. There has been an increasing problem with cyber bulling that really needs to be addressed by parents, educators and the communities. People need to know how to use the internet and technology in a positive way but they aren't going to know unless they are taught how to use these sources in a safe and responsible way.
When I become an educator I think it will be very important for me to share information such as these documentaries with the parents and guardians of my students. Educators and parents should be on the same page with topics that are for the students safety. When students see their parents and their teacher pair up together and are teaching the same thing in the classroom and in their home environment, it will be hard for them to ignore it.
Growing Up Online
Digital Nation
Compare and Contrast each documentary. What has changed from the first one (Growing Up Online) made in 2008 to the newer one (Digital Nation) filmed in 2010 ?
In the first documentary that was filmed in 2008, the focus was on how technology was being used by the younger generation. They discussed how these teenagers would use the internet and technology to stay socially connected with their peers. Growing Up Online also covered how individuals were using the internet as an escape from their real life, and ways to be themselves and not worry about what others were thinking.
The documentary Digital Nation that was filmed in 2010 focused on the impact of technology today. Technology is used for much more than social connection but also for education, work environments, gaming and the military to name a few. It discussed the impacts on the brain along with how technology has changed what it means to be a human in some aspects. People today are becoming addicted to the internet and technology and it is changing the way that some people live.
Your thoughts on multitasking. Do you agree? Can you multitask? Do you disagree?
I found this discussion in the documentary to be very interesting. The study that was conducted in Digital Nation showed that even though young adults believe they are good at multitasking actually are not. I actually agree and disagree with multitasking. I can multitask and I often find myself doing it. I remember when I was in high school I would be on the computer writing a paper but talking on an instant messenger to three to five friends at once. My parents could not understand how I could do this and told me that it was only distracting me from my work. I find that there is a generation gap in this aspect. Young people today are able to multitask much easier than those of the generation before us.
However, should multitasking in the classroom be allowed? I agree and disagree with this. As stated above, I multitask and I did through high school, but was that the best for my education? Honestly I feel as though I could have done better if I had concentrated on one at a time. I'm really on the fence about which way to go with this topic.
Is there an addiction happening in society today with technology or is it just a new way of living? Should we be concerned?
I think there is an addiction happening in society today with technology. Technology has become a new way of living however it shouldn't be the only way we live. It amazes me sometimes when I go out to eat, to the movies or someplace public and I see a group of people who are all on their cellphone or some other technological device. People can not even have a conversation with someone without being interrupted by a cellphone.
In Digital Nation they talked about how in Tokyo they have cafes where anyone can go and play games for as long as the want. People will spend hours upon hours playing computers. In the documentary they said that people have actually died during tournaments because they go fifty plus hours without appropriate food and water. My jaw dropped when I heard this. When someone is ignoring their body to play a computer game, they are addicted. People have quite their jobs because all they want to do is play computer games.
I do think that technology is a great thing. There are many positive aspects about the internet and technology but I feel as though people need to realize when to much is to much.
Do video games serve a purpose in education or are they a waste of time?
Video games can serve a purpose in education. As shown in the Digital Nation documentary, video games engage students in learning. Students become engaged in a different way then they used to be. Reading text books, taking notes by hand and listening to a lecture does not help students. Incorporating what they know and what they are strong with will help them become engaged in learning. I feel as though by introducing technology in positive form in classroom such as this is a great thing. Teachers can use this is their advantage and not only teach children through games but also how to use technology in a positive way.
Do you believe that digital tools such as google tools can save schools that are struggling?
I do feel as though digital tools can save schools that are struggling. In Digital Nation they discussed a school that was really struggling and to turn this around they gave all the students laptops and incorporated digital tools in the classroom. This engaged the students in learning because technology is such a big part of their lives so when this was part of learning, they were excited about it and wanted to learn. As stated above, teachers need to use their students abilities and strengths in order to reach them in an education setting and to assist them in reaching their goals.
Do parents of today have any idea what their kids are doing online? Whose job is it to teach them the safety and digital responsibility?Parents/Teachers/Community/Government??
Because technology and the internet is not a new thing anymore, parents are aware of what can be done online. However, I feel as though some parents do not want to believe their children are participating in some of these online activities so they ignore it. Not all parents are like this. Some parents are very proactive in monitoring their children's online usage and discuss with the children the positive and negative aspects of the internet. In Growing Up Online, there was a young individual who explained how he always knew when his dad was watching what he was doing. The individual would pull up a screen that his dad would approve of but be doing something else on the side that his dad couldn't see.
I feel as though it is the parents, teachers, community and the governments job to teach the public on safety and digital responsibility. It isn't only the parents job to be proactive in this but also the educators, especially when technology is used in the classroom. In Digital Nation they showed the viewers how in Tokyo second graders have computer classes where they learn how to use this technology responsibly and in a safe manner. I thought this was awesome. To some this may seem a little young to have students engaged so much in technology but why fight the inevitable? There is no question whether students are going to be using technology or not. If educators and parents start teaching children how to use a computer the right way and how to use it safely, it will only better prepare them.
Are kids and adults today ruining their digital footprints by sharing too much information online without realizing that it may be detrimental to their future? Should they care?
Once you put something online, it is there forever. For example, if you put a picture on a social network and than delete later, who says someone else hasn't saved it on their personal computer and is putting it someplace else on the internet? I don't think young teenagers realize this when they are adding photos on their Facebook or MySpace page. They believe it's their own site and they are the only ones with control over the contents. I'm not sure if I would consider this ruining their digital footprint, but it may be something that one would look back on and wish they hadn't have done it.
I do think people should be careful as to what information they put about themselves online. Anyone can access the internet and look at what you are willingly putting out there. This is where parents and educators come into play. By having a discussion with children and teenagers about what could happen if too much personal information online it will allow them to be aware and more cautious as to what they are doing.
“Stranger Danger” and predator fears are often overblown by the media on shows such as Datelines “To Catch a Predator”. What are the real dangers of technology in this day and age?
The biggest danger is incompetence. Believing that nothing wrong could ever happen to you is the biggest danger. Some teenagers and young adults have a way of thinking that nothing bad will ever happen to them so sometimes they do not take the necessary precautions. In the Growing Up Online documentary they interviewed three high school girls who said they would never tell anyone online where they lived or any personal information. This is how everyone using the internet should think.
Share your overall reactions and thoughts about each documentary here. Please relate it to your views as a teacher/parent/coach/etc... What did you learn, find interesting, find disturbing, relate to, did not relate to, etc...from watching either documentary that you would like to share with others?
Both of these documentaries did a very good job in sharing with the viewers the major concerns about technology and the internet and how views are different between teenagers and adults. There was a lot of helpful information for future educators and how to use technology in the classroom. By using technology in the classroom it is going to help the students become engaged and want to participate in the classroom activities and discussions. This allowed me as a future educator to think about stepping outside the box of the tradition classroom and into whole new way of educating students.
One thing that I found very disturbing was in Growing Up Online they covered a story about a young boy committed suicide because of cyber bulling. Not only was he being bullied online, but he was able to research online ways to commit suicide. There has been an increasing problem with cyber bulling that really needs to be addressed by parents, educators and the communities. People need to know how to use the internet and technology in a positive way but they aren't going to know unless they are taught how to use these sources in a safe and responsible way.
When I become an educator I think it will be very important for me to share information such as these documentaries with the parents and guardians of my students. Educators and parents should be on the same page with topics that are for the students safety. When students see their parents and their teacher pair up together and are teaching the same thing in the classroom and in their home environment, it will be hard for them to ignore it.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
All aboard the dinosaur train!
Week two; Literature/Webinar Review #1
Dig into Early Science Instruction with Dinosaur Train
The webinar, Dig into Early Science Instruction with Dinosaur Train, is about a children's television show on PBS called Dinosaur train that is targeted for the ages 3-6 years old. When children watch the show, they will join the dinosaur characters Buddy, Tiny, Shiny, Don, their parents and Mr. Conductor on adventures. The characters hop aboard the Dinosaur Train where they become scientists and observe natural world habitats and use general skills to explore the world.
On board the Dinosaur train, Buddy and his siblings not only learn about dinosaurs, they learn about earth and life sciences, plants and volcanos and than learn how to answer questions about these topics and how to find the answers. During the episode, there will be a live action segment where the characters will show the viewers how dinosaur facts relate to the natural modern world. For an example, they will connect and link animals based on their habitat or eating habits.
The mission of Dinosaur Train is to get young children interested in their natural world habitats. The viewers will learn general science skills and vocabulary such as observing, hypothesis, conclusion, species, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, predator, prey, fossil and nocturnal just the name a few. The show gets children excited and want to explore their own natural world. It gets interested in exploring, observing, collecting data, forming a hypothesis and drawing a conclusion. These are perfect for the 3-6 year old range because they are already natural scientists. This age group is already asking questions, making observations and trying things out. The show helps teach these children how to use these skills in a scientific manner. They learn that it is okay to be wrong! That you try a different way if it doesn't work the first time.
Not only is there a television show, but of course there is a website to go along with it! On the Dinosaur Train website, you will find online games and teacher resources for the classroom. For an example, in one of the games children will learn how to compare a dinosaur size to a modern day animal and decide which one is larger and which is smaller. For teachers, it helps you take a concept that was in the show and how to apply it in the classroom. One example would be to experiment with colors and mixing them. The children will learn how to form a hypothesis, collect data, change the data accordingly and draw a conclusion.
I have not heard of this show before and I found the webinar to be very interesting and informational on the background of the show and how it will assist a young age group. I am glad to see that there are television shows for young children that are educational. With the information that I have learned I will be able to use this in my future teaching. I feel as though anytime a teacher can relate their classroom to something the students do at home is a great advantage. Where they are already interested in the characters and the adventures it would be easy and fun to get their attention using the same characters in learning. This is a good way to incorporate technology into the learning as well. This show provides two sources of technology; television and a computer. To be able to teach children at such a young age how to use technology for learning is great.
I'm glad that I listened to this webinar because it taught me the background of an educational show. Normally when I thought about these shows I would think yes they are learning their colors, shapes, new language, etc. and think it was great. But now I see what more they can learn from these. A show like Dinosaur Train gets them excited about their own world and want to go out behind their house and see what they can observe and find. It gets them interested in using the scientific process in a way that keeps their attention. I've had conversations with some parents who do not think it's a good idea to allow such young children to watch television. I agree and disagree. Should they spend all evening sitting in front of the television? No. But what little time they do spend watching television should be educational. Parents can use this to their advantage as well by having the children go on their own journeys and adventures when the show is over. Now when I have these discussion with parents I will be able to have information to give them.
Course outcomes reached through this webinar;
#1 Demonstrate the understanding of how technology can effectively promote student learning
This outcome was met because it demonstrated how a television show can be used as an effective learning method. The show is full of education for young readers to take part in. Also with the website, it allows children to use another form of technology for learning.
Dig into Early Science Instruction with Dinosaur Train
The webinar, Dig into Early Science Instruction with Dinosaur Train, is about a children's television show on PBS called Dinosaur train that is targeted for the ages 3-6 years old. When children watch the show, they will join the dinosaur characters Buddy, Tiny, Shiny, Don, their parents and Mr. Conductor on adventures. The characters hop aboard the Dinosaur Train where they become scientists and observe natural world habitats and use general skills to explore the world.
On board the Dinosaur train, Buddy and his siblings not only learn about dinosaurs, they learn about earth and life sciences, plants and volcanos and than learn how to answer questions about these topics and how to find the answers. During the episode, there will be a live action segment where the characters will show the viewers how dinosaur facts relate to the natural modern world. For an example, they will connect and link animals based on their habitat or eating habits.
The mission of Dinosaur Train is to get young children interested in their natural world habitats. The viewers will learn general science skills and vocabulary such as observing, hypothesis, conclusion, species, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, predator, prey, fossil and nocturnal just the name a few. The show gets children excited and want to explore their own natural world. It gets interested in exploring, observing, collecting data, forming a hypothesis and drawing a conclusion. These are perfect for the 3-6 year old range because they are already natural scientists. This age group is already asking questions, making observations and trying things out. The show helps teach these children how to use these skills in a scientific manner. They learn that it is okay to be wrong! That you try a different way if it doesn't work the first time.
Not only is there a television show, but of course there is a website to go along with it! On the Dinosaur Train website, you will find online games and teacher resources for the classroom. For an example, in one of the games children will learn how to compare a dinosaur size to a modern day animal and decide which one is larger and which is smaller. For teachers, it helps you take a concept that was in the show and how to apply it in the classroom. One example would be to experiment with colors and mixing them. The children will learn how to form a hypothesis, collect data, change the data accordingly and draw a conclusion.
I have not heard of this show before and I found the webinar to be very interesting and informational on the background of the show and how it will assist a young age group. I am glad to see that there are television shows for young children that are educational. With the information that I have learned I will be able to use this in my future teaching. I feel as though anytime a teacher can relate their classroom to something the students do at home is a great advantage. Where they are already interested in the characters and the adventures it would be easy and fun to get their attention using the same characters in learning. This is a good way to incorporate technology into the learning as well. This show provides two sources of technology; television and a computer. To be able to teach children at such a young age how to use technology for learning is great.
I'm glad that I listened to this webinar because it taught me the background of an educational show. Normally when I thought about these shows I would think yes they are learning their colors, shapes, new language, etc. and think it was great. But now I see what more they can learn from these. A show like Dinosaur Train gets them excited about their own world and want to go out behind their house and see what they can observe and find. It gets them interested in using the scientific process in a way that keeps their attention. I've had conversations with some parents who do not think it's a good idea to allow such young children to watch television. I agree and disagree. Should they spend all evening sitting in front of the television? No. But what little time they do spend watching television should be educational. Parents can use this to their advantage as well by having the children go on their own journeys and adventures when the show is over. Now when I have these discussion with parents I will be able to have information to give them.
Course outcomes reached through this webinar;
#1 Demonstrate the understanding of how technology can effectively promote student learning
This outcome was met because it demonstrated how a television show can be used as an effective learning method. The show is full of education for young readers to take part in. Also with the website, it allows children to use another form of technology for learning.
#2 - Evaluate and use a variety of current technologies to enhance content instruction and to advance students' technological literacy
Teachers will be able to use a variety of current technologies to not only get their own teaching curriculum but also for children to advance their technological literacy. Where this show is targeted for the age group 3-6 years old, parents and teachers can assist the children and teach them the simple steps in using the computer to access the website.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Friend or Foe?
Do you remember your childhood? What did you and your siblings or friends do for fun? My brother and I would be outside from the time we got home from school until dinner was ready. We would make up games to play, ride around on the tractor, make tree houses, play pass among so many other activities. When I was growing up we had a computer and internet. But my brother and I never used it... for awhile anyway.
When children today look back on their childhood, they will remember Facebook, Twitter, Skye, email, instant messaging, video games, cell phones, hand held video game devices, iPods, Mp3 players among so many other things dealing with technology.
So what does this mean for children learning in the classroom? Children's interests have changed. It is the job of an educator to take notice of their students interests and strengths to decide what the best way is going to be for them to learn. So what do we do as educators? We make sure we are update with all the new technology. Does this mean we include technology in the classroom? YES! It sure does!
If students are bored in class and are not engaged... are they going to learn? No.
If students are enjoying class because it's using something that they are GOOD at, or KNOW about, or the teacher is including technology in learning activities... are the going to learn?
If there had been one of these in every classroom I had going through school... I probably would have done better and been a lot more active in my learning experience.
When children today look back on their childhood, they will remember Facebook, Twitter, Skye, email, instant messaging, video games, cell phones, hand held video game devices, iPods, Mp3 players among so many other things dealing with technology.
So what does this mean for children learning in the classroom? Children's interests have changed. It is the job of an educator to take notice of their students interests and strengths to decide what the best way is going to be for them to learn. So what do we do as educators? We make sure we are update with all the new technology. Does this mean we include technology in the classroom? YES! It sure does!
If students are bored in class and are not engaged... are they going to learn? No.
If students are enjoying class because it's using something that they are GOOD at, or KNOW about, or the teacher is including technology in learning activities... are the going to learn?
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