Journal #10 Let the Kids do the Work

Lawlor, J. (2010). Let the kids do the work. L&L—Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/Let_the_Kids_Do_the_Work.htm

This article is about a teacher who used web 2.0 to make his own Wiki.  The assigned his students simple tasks using wiki.  After seeing how his students responded to this assignment, he was extremely proud of his students.  In the article, he talks about how he was really happy for his students, because through the usage of Wiki, they have grown more responsible of their own learning.  Also students learned how to use this technological tool for their education.  Because students were participating in assignments more using Wiki, he had his students use Wiki for all of the assignments.  I found this article to be very interesting because this teacher realized that traditional homework isn’t very helpful, and found an alternative that students would voluntary engage in.

As a future teacher, would you use this tool in your classroom?

As a future teacher, yes I would use this tool in my classroom.  Although, I would only feel comfortable using this in middle school +, no grades under 7^th grade.  According to the article, many students were able to comfortable engage in activities through Wiki.  Using Wiki in the classroom, also gives students a variety of the type of work they are assigned to. 

 How do you feel about using technology only in the classroom?

Before I took EDUC 422, or read this article, I would have disagreed.  Now that I have taken a class where I have done all of my assignments using technology, I love it.  It is the class I am most organized with, and learn the most from through doing. I enjoyed reading this article, and would like to show it to my students one day. 

Journal 9- Playing with Skype

Journal 9 - Playing with Skype

Weller, T.J. (2010). Playing with Skype. ISTE, 37. Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20100304#pg30

In this article, the author Travis J. Weller talks about his past experiences with the program Skype.  Skype is a type of application downloaded from the Interne, allowing users to communicate with each other users via web camera.  Wellers says that he has one steadfast rule about using technology in my classroom and rehearsal hall: If it makes for a richer educational experience, then it is worth it.  He goes on and says how his experience with Skype was certainly enriching and well worth the brief amount of time if took for everyone to figure it out.  In the Connecting with Experts section, the author makes an interesting point and says that Skype makes it possible for educators to seek out experts in their subject areas and invite them to share in the classroom.

As a future teacher, would you use Skype in your classroom?

No, I would not use Skype in my classroom.  I, wouldn’t use it because I would choose other programs first such as iChat to video conference with other users.  There may be certain situations where Skype could be very useful though.

Do you see any problems with using Skype?

The only problem I could think of that would happen would be if Skype weren’t working, internet wasn’t connecting, camera wasn’t working, or the computer itself weren’t working.  There may also be time where the connection gets lost as well.  If teachers choose to use these sort of applications in the lesson plan, they should also have a back up plan in case anything happens.

that great.

iMovie CSUSM Stop the Hate- NETS III

This QuickTime movie was created using iMovie. This movie is designed to be a public service announcement regarding "Stop the Hate" at California State University San Marcos. For this assignment, I learned how to use a variety of tools in iMovie, to create movies. Some of the editing tools learned included transitions, text over clips, still frames, voice overs, titles, screen effects and many more.

Wiki- Google Docs NETS III & V

This wiki was created using an application called Wetpaint, which is a great site is a free, Web-based word processor through Google.com. Google Documents allows its user to that allows you to create and design your own "wikis." On my wiki, I discussed Google Docs which is a free, Web-based word processing program provided by Google.com. Google Documents allows its users to create, and edit documents with the option of collaborating with other Google document users in real time. Any of the shared collaborators are allowed to edit the document at anytime from any computer. Google docs also has an automatic-save feature. On my page, I have an example of a a wiki which I created.

Journal #8 Navigate the Digital Rapids

Journal #8 Navigate the Digital Rapids

Lindsay, J., & Davis, V. (2010). Navigate the digital rapids. ISTE, 37. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/Navigate_the_Digital_Rapids.htm

This article discusses digital citizenship and responsibility in the 21^st century. Digital Citizenship is the idea that people learn to become familiar with using the internet, and other technologies.  The author describes digital citizenship to be about transforming yourself into a professional who can effectively research technology trends, monitor the uses of technology in your school or district, avoid the fear factor that can easily paralyze you, empower student centered learning to create vibrant, exciting learning projects. She says that our students thrive on customized tools, such as mobile technology, and customized learning environments. 

In the article, the author talks about becoming familiar with digital citizenship.  She mentions how it is difficult and frustrating in the beginning, but once you start, you become familiar with it through experience.  Although, it is important to keep up with digital citizenship because the worlds technology is constantly advancing.

As a future teacher, should I except to encounter this?

As a future teacher, I do feel that I should expect to encounter digital citizenship.  This is because technology has become a major part and use in our everyday lives.  As a college student at California State University of San Marcos, it would be impossible to pass any of my classes this semester without using technology.   For most of my classes, all assignment directions are posted online, and I am required to digitally turn in most of my assignments as well.   Therefore, it is evident as a future teacher I would encounter this.  I would also be required to teach my students the proper use of technology, especially the Internet. 

What are seven suggestions for Digital Citizenship?

To Customize, Monitor and be engaged, Have a plan, Overcoming the fear factor

Deal with objections, Stay off Topic, and Put the learning in the hand of students 

Journal #8 Navigate the Digital Rapids

Journal #8 Navigate the Digital Rapids

Lindsay, J., & Davis, V. (2010). Navigate the digital rapids. ISTE, 37. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/Navigate_the_Digital_Rapids.htm

This article discusses digital citizenship and responsibility in the 21^st century. Digital Citizenship is the idea that people learn to become familiar with using the internet, and other technologies.  The author describes digital citizenship to be about transforming yourself into a professional who can effectively research technology trends, monitor the uses of technology in your school or district, avoid the fear factor that can easily paralyze you, empower student centered learning to create vibrant, exciting learning projects. She says that our students thrive on customized tools, such as mobile technology, and customized learning environments. 

In the article, the author talks about becoming familiar with digital citizenship.  She mentions how it is difficult and frustrating in the beginning, but once you start, you become familiar with it through experience.  Although, it is important to keep up with digital citizenship because the worlds technology is constantly advancing.