ITEC 521 reflections

In chapter 9, the authors discuss how schools must change in order to help educators teach 21st century skills.  I really liked how the authors discussed the benifits of open source software.   I agree with the authors how not all classes and teachers will use the same software.  Teachers could use just the software that they need.  School districts could save a lot of money by using open source software!  The authors also reference David Warlick’s ideas of using Wiki for online textbooks.  I think it would be great if educators collaborated to create digitial textbooks.  My only concern is for students who do not have access to a computer or the internet at home.  Those students would still need a paper copy of their text book to reference at home (of course they could always use the public libarary’s computers).

I also like how the authors stated that teachers are too busy to try new things (integrating technology, for example).  I agree that educators are very busy, but I do think that it is possible to slowy integrate technology into lessons without spending lots of extra time planning.  Educators don’t have to jump in and start all the ideas suggested in this book.  I think that the key is to collaborate not only with coworkers in your school , but with other teachers on the internet.  My coworkers and I each take turns making lessons using the Smartboard and we put them on our school shared drive so that we do not have to re-invent the wheel. 

Reference:

Schrum, L. & Solomon, G. (2007). Web 2.0 new tools, new schools.  Eugene, OR:  International Society for Technology in Education.

I am in the process of completing online training about internet safety (for my job) using the website

http://isafe.org (create an account, go to the educators tab, then click on i-learn online).  The course is free and is full of very good information!

 In Chapter 6, the authors discuss leadership with technology tools.  I agree with the authors when they stated that administration and teachers must have a vision of how the technology tools can be integrated (page 120).  I also agree that teachers and all support staff must then “buy into” this vision.  I think that all school staff must be on board for the integration of technology in order for change to happen.

I always feel as though teachers are role models for their students.  We have our students for 8 hours a day.  They watch us very closely.  We need to model appropriate use of technology and how technology can enhance their skills.

I really like the planning guideline for Web 2.0 on page 120.  I think that this guideline really summarizes how much thought and planning needs to be done when considering using a new tool in your school. 

I also really liked the reasons administrators should use blogs.  I think that if more administrators saw those reasons they would consider using a blog for their school.  If they were worried about keeping up with the comments, they could even just post weekly updates on their school website.  I know that parents would not be able to comment back, but at least they would know what was going on in their child’s school each week.  Community members could also check the website and see what the school was doing.

Internet safety article:

Last week, after talking with a co-worker, I learned about the new internet safety law.  I think that it is very important that teachers explain to students how to be safe while on the internet and appropriate use of the internet.  I think that we need to start teaching students in Kindergarten.  It is amazing how much Kindergarten students can do on the computer!  I think that it will be interesting how the state decides to regulate the teaching of internet safety.  And, if it is a formal program, then (like the article said) , we of course will need funding.  I do not think that it  needs to be in addition to anything we teach.  We can incorporate internet safety in our day to day routines.

References:

  Brumfield, R. (2006) New VA Law: Teach Web Safety.  e School News.  Retrieved June 29, 2008, from : http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/index.cfm?i=36946&page=3

Schrum, L. & Solomon, G. (2007). Web 2.0 new tools, new schools.  Eugene, OR:  International Society for Technology in Education.

In chapter five, the authors discussed professional development to help teachers implement technology.   I found it interesting, but not surprising, that the authors noted that even though school districts are spending money to train teachers to use technology, there has not been a huge change in the way technology is used in the classroom (page 100).  I think that it is important to realize that change takes time.  Not all teachers are fresh out of college and aware of all the technology tools available.  I also think that school districts need to evaluate their professional developments.  Is one 3 hour training session after a long day teaching really going to be all that effective?  And, are teachers only going to need 3 hours in order to feel comfortable enough to try to use that new tool in their classroom?  Probably not (although some will do great with only 3 hours of training).

I also like how the authors pointed out that districts and building will have to have a commitment to implement technology (page 111).  Teacher need to be held accountable for any goals that they set for implementing technology.  They do not necessarily need to have a formal evaluation completed by their principal, but what if the principal set time aside to check in with the teachers to see how they were doing with their goal?

I really enjoyed reading the VSTE article titled The New Literacy Crisis:  Immigrants Teaching Natives in the Digital Age(great job Dr. Coffman and other UMW students!).  I especially liked how the authors pointed out that when it comes to helping students learn the skills needed for digital literacy, there is not a mold that students will fit (all students will need different skills to succeed).  I also liked the DISCOVER method they created to help students with the digital literacy skills.  The method they created is clear and easy to understand for many grade levels.  When it comes to decreasing the divide between the digital natives and the digital immigrants the authors stated that it is important to listen to the students.  Use the tools the students are already using for social networking and incorporate them in your classroom.  This shows students the educational value the tools have.  Lastly, I agree with the authors when they stated that it is important for teachers to take risks with technology.  I think it is okay to show our students we may not be fully comfortable with a tool.  After all, the students may even be able to teach us something!

References:

Coffman, T., Campbell, A., Heller, E., Horney, E. & Slater, L. (2007).  The New Literacy Crisis:  Immigrants Teaching Natives in the Digital Age.  retrieved June 25, 2008 from http://www.vste.org/publications/journal/attach/vj_2007/vj_2007_06.pdf.

Schrum, L. & Solomon, G. (2007). Web 2.0 new tools, new schools.  Eugene, OR:  International Society for Technology in Education.

Chapter 4:  New tools in schools

In chapter four, the authors discussed various examples of how the new tools can be used in the classroom.  I like the New Tech High model and have actually researched that school model for a previous class.  The school model really helps enhance students’ 21st century skills.  The only problem is that the school model requires continued funding (this is the same problem every school district runs into each year).

I liked how the authors gave examples of how blogs could be used in the classroom.  They gave more examples than I had thought of for use of blogs in the classroom (for example using blogs for math discussions).  I also liked the examples of iPod use.  For a history lesson, the students used iPods and a voice recorder and students interviewed family members.  For a math lesson, students used iPods and a voice recorder to record their math fact rhymes.  iPods can also be used for ESL students to help hear pronunciations of words or sentences.  iPods can have great educational value!  I used two iPods in my Kindergarten classroom this past year.  I put alphabet songs on them and students who were having difficulty with letters/sounds had an opportunity to listen to the iPods.  My students loved using the iPods!

If you have a leadership role, you can help show teachers which tools would be best for various projects.  Technology should give the lesson more educational value (think 21st century skills).  Technology can also help teachers provide individualized instruction.  Also in a leadership role, you should model technology use.  I think of my principal-she uses Smartboards at our faculty meetings.  Depending on your leadership role, you could also be the one to select which tools your school will use and may even establish guidelines for the use of the tools.

Reference:

Schrum, L. & Solomon, G. (2007). Web 2.0 new tools, new schools.  Eugene, OR:  International Society for Technology in Education.

I found chapter three of our text (about tools) interesting because as teachers I think that it is very important that we stay current about the tools that are available for our students to use.  I also liked that the authors included many websites.  There are so many great websites out there!

I also agree with the authors’ misconceptions about open source software.  There is a lot of good open source software available that could really help school districts save money (they don’t have to spend money on software).

I also like how the authors discussed how different tools could be used in classrooms.  Students can use blogs to learn from each other and reflect on their learning.  The authors even gave a resource (http://classblogmeister.com) that helps teachers monitor use by students.  I think that podcasts are just making their way into classrooms.  Wikis would be a great resource for middle and high school students who are working collaboratively on a project (that way students can work on a project outside of school and they do not have to meet anywhere).   Wikis could also be useful if students are working collaboratively with students from another part of the world.  Podcasts are great because students can take their iPod with them and review a lecture or other information.  I think that Podcasts will be especially helpful to students with special needs or ESL students.  I really like the idea of using the social bookmarking site.  Students in schools typically use computers in a lab and usually are not assigned one particular computer, so bookmarking sites allow them to see their favorites on any computer (and they can share their site with other students).

Reference:

Schrum, L. & Solomon, G. (2007). Web 2.0 new tools, new schools.  Eugene, OR:  International Society for Technology in Education.

Chapter 2:  Students and Learning

I enjoyed reading chapter two because I feel as though the authors give us good insight into our students and how they are learning differently than we did.  I agree with the authors when they stated that students are digital natives and that they spend more time online than watching tv (page 26).  My Kindergarten students have many Webkinz animals and talk about when they are going to be online so they can chat with each other!  I also agree with the authors when they pointed out that technology causes our students to work, play, and think differently (page 27).  I think our students rely on the internet to find answers for school, communicate with their friends, and play games.   Students also make the technology tool fit their needs (the authors mentioned how this is called the customization generation).

From this chapter there were two points that I thought were the most interesting.  I like how the authors pointed out that technology allows teachers to provide individualized and differentiated instruction.  I think that it is so important that teachers provide individualized and differentiated instruction, especially to the ESL and special education population.  I also liked the idea of connectivism.  I think the idea of technology as a key factor in student learning is so important, especially as we learn more about how our students’ learning has changed. 

Reference:

Schrum, L. & Solomon, G. (2007). Web 2.0 new tools, new schools.  Eugene, OR:  International Society for Technology in Education.

My twitter user name is:  smmoore

I am still exploring the site and thinking of ways this could be used in a classroom.  I found that this website contains great ways that Twitter can be used in the classroom:  http://academhack.outsidethetext.com/home/2008/twitter-for-academia/

I am already a member of del.icio.us but have not updated in a while.  Looks like I have some updating to do!  Here is my URL:
http://del.icio.us/shan2003

Here is my wiki space.  Please request to be a member in order to comment.

http://shannonitec521.wikispaces.com/

Thanks! Shannon