Journal 7: Interactive Boards, NETS V

The technology that I researched on Classroom 2.0 was interactive boards. I chose interactive boards because even though I personally was not familiar with them I had heard that they were an incredibly interesting and useful tool. After following a few threads and doing a little research I learned that interactive boards are large interactive white boards that use touch technology to aid in interactive classrooms. Interactive boards also known as smartboards consist of a wall mounted white board and a projector, images are then projected onto the white board and the white board itself becomes a large touch screen where both teachers and students can interact and manipulate material. I followed the thread "how are you using your classroom smartboard?" where all types of teachers explained how they were using their interactive boards in the classroom. I learned that teachers are using interactive boards in in a variety of ways. Teachers reported using their interactive boards as a public computer for the classroom where the students can research and learn collaboratively. Another teacher described using them to make graphic organizers, reading logs, and concept maps as well as using interactive boards to play educational math and science games. Another thread that I followed was "Are interactive white boards necessary", this thread examined if using interactive boards are really necessary in the classroom considering that they are rather expensive and asked if using a less expensive simple projector and a digital sketch pad could be used instead. Teachers that have had the experience of using interactive boards seem to all agree that they are indeed an advantage to the classroom and are well worth the hefty price tag. The whole point of interactive boards are to place the students at the center of attention and to give them something that they can interact with digitally. Students now are able follow along with the teacher interactively and at the same time able to apply what they are learning.

Inspiration, NETS III

Using Inspiration, I created a graphic organizer outlining the assignments that I have have completed that meet the NETS-T requirements. I added custom graphics including pictures, and added descriptions of each of the NETS that assignments met.

Journal 6: The Trouble with Rubrics, NETS V

Kohn, A. (2006). The Trouble with Rubrics. English Journal, 95(4), Retrieved October 6, 2009 from
http://www.alfiekohn.org/teaching/rubrics.htm

In this article Alfie Kohn discusses reasons why rubric may not be the best way to ascess students knowledge and learning. Alfie believes rubrics should not be used as a means of “quick and efficient” grading. Rather, he believes that while quick and easy grading is appealing to teachers it is not in the best interest of the child. In order to truly make a judgment about the quality of the students learning the teacher needs to really take the time to examine what the students are doing. Furthermore, he argues that research shows giving children letter grades might not be the best for the child and when children are graded they tend to “think less deeply, avioid taking risks, and lose interest in the learning itself “. Instead, he believes that the ultimate goal of authentic assessment should be centered around an alternative to grades and thus eliminating grades as measures of performance in schools.

How could rubrics be used more efficantly in the classroom?

After reading this article I realize that there are far more issues with rubrics than I had realized. While rubrics are appealing to busy teachers it is important that they are used as guidelines for indicators of performance and not the basis for the students grade.

What are benefits of using rubrics?

Rubrics can still be a beneficial tool in the classroom. They could be used as a helpful guidline to visually show students what is being expected of them. Furthermore, students could use rubrics to review and revise their own work as well as use them during peer-editing as a tool to improve the quailtiy of their work before they turn it in.

Copyright Assignment, NETS IV

This assignment was created collaboratively using Google Docs, an online collaborative word processing tool. Using Google Docs both myself and my partner were able to add and edit the same document at the same time from any computer connected to the internet.
Copyright Assignment

PowerPoint, NETS I,II, & III

This assignment was created using Microsoft PowerPoint. This presentation demonstrated my knowledge of the NETS standards and the performance indicators for a specific grade range. The PowerPoint presentation contains custom graphics, custom animation, transitions between slides, and a hyperlink. Backgrounds, formatting, and text color and style were also manipulated on each slide to crate the final product.

NETS PowerPoint

View more presentations from whyte002.

PowerPoint Rubric

This rubric was created collaboratively to grade the PowerPoint presentations that were created. This rubric was created using iRubric an online web source where rubrics can be created from scratch or a selected from previously created rubrics. This rubric specifies all the requirement of the PowerPoint assignment as well as defines the point value for each section.

Social Bookmaking, NETS III & IV

Using Delicious, a social bookmarking website, I was able to navigate the internet and create bookmarks for interesting websites. I then embedded my Delicious tags on my blog so anyone looking at my blog would be able to click on my tags and see the many things that I bookmarked.

1. National Archives

The exhibit that I visited on the National Archives was "The Way We Worked", which showed us through photographs the enormous transformation that work places have gone through from the 19th to 20th centuries. Primary sources are extremely important in the classroom. History is based on primary sources, and through these sources we are able to piece together and understand our history.

2. National Education Association

The student groups experiencing achievement gaps are racial and ethnic minorities, English language learners, students with disabilities, genders, and students from low-income families. More specifically ethnic groups such as American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Blacks, Hispanics, and those who are gay, lesbian, and transgendered are at risk for experiencing these gaps.

In "becoming a culturally competent educator" I believe that the following three fit my teaching style:

A. Engage school staff in discussions and activities that offer an opportunity to explore attitudes, beliefs, and values related to cultural diversity and cultural competence.

I believe that it is important to get everyone on the same page. By engaging staff in discussions and activities that address achievement gaps and cultural diversity we are assisting in creating a environment that is understanding and open to diverse cultures. By opening the door to communication it helps to insure that staff feels comfortable discussing any questions or concerns about how to address those who are different than them.

B. Network with other schools that are developing and implementing culturally competent systems. Adapt the processes and information that are consistent with your school's needs and interests.

I am a firm believer that two heads are better than one. It would be a great advantage to see what other schools have done and to modify it to work with our own system. In many situations it is helpful to see the trial and error of others, in which case giving us ideas that we may have not thought of as well as saving us from trying things that others have already proven unsuccessful.

C. Gather and organize resource materials related to culturally diverse groups for use by school staff.

I think that by having resource materials related to culturally diverse groups available it may help teachers understand the cultures of some of the students that they will be teaching over the years. Furthermore, by having the materials available teachers can research other cultures on their own time and may provide answers for questions that teachers may have been to embarrassed to ask others.

3. Stop Cyber Bullying

I took the online cyber bully quiz and got a score of 4 making me a "cyber saint" meaning my online behavior is exemplary. While taking the quiz I was shocked by some of the questions that were being asked, I guess that using the internet in many of those ways had never crossed my mind. While reading in the teacher section I learned that while cyber bullying is growing problem many parents are not aware that it exists. This was alarming to me because if parents are unaware of a danger they cannot take the necessary precautions to try to protect their children from it. I also found it shocking that schools are essentially powerless when it comes to disciplining cyber bullies if the bullying happens off school grounds even if it is effecting students at the school. This information is extremely helpful, it provides teachers and students with ideas for dealing with cyber bullying and lets teachers know legally what their role in discipline can be.

4. Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators

Under "subject access" I selected performing arts and music. There was so much stuff that would be useful for teachers. There were links to many art, costume, and music sites as well as link to music related lessons plans. I think that this is a great resource for teachers. In many schools music and art programs are being cut because of lack of funding. Using this site teachers would be able to find the resources they need to bring art and music back into the classroom. Under "teachers helpers" I selected assessment and rubrics. I found here a collection of assessment rubrics and graphic organizers as well as rubric tutorials, rubric ideas, and instructions for making your own rubric. This is a valuable resource especially for new teachers that have not had a lot of experience creating and using rubrics.

5. Multiple Intelligences

My top 3 intelligences are intrapersonal 69, interpersonal 63, and logical-mathematical 56. The video that I watched was "Multiple Intelligences Leave No Child Behind". I found it interesting that there is a school based on multiple intelligences, where all areas of intelligence are viewed as equally important. Furthermore I found it interesting that the students strive to find out their strengths and weaknesses early so they can understand them and work with rather than against them.

6. Teaching Tolerance

The grade level that I chose was grades 1 to 2 and the subject that I chose was Social Studies. The lesson that I selected was "Freedom Flag", a activity designed to help young students learn the meaning of freedom. Students are asked what freedom means to them and then are asked to explore what freedom has meant to different groups of people throughout history. Next, the class creates a "freedom flag" out of construction paper with the key words for freedom written on the stripes and the students names on the stars. This exercise lets the students think about what it means to have freedom as well as in what ways their ideas of freedom vary from other students and other cultures.

7. Multicultural Education and Equity Awareness Quiz

Question 4: In a 2007 study, UNICEF rated the treatment of children in the 23 wealthiest countries in the world based on 40 indicators of child well-being. Which two countries received the lowest ratings?
I found this question to be extremely shocking. I had guessed that the countries with the lowest ratings would be Mexico and South America but I was shocked to see that the countries with the lowest ratings for the treatment of children was actually the United States and the U.K. It seems outrageous to me that the two richest countries on the list would be rated the lowest in the treatment of children. I guess in the case of the United States, being wealthy and a world leader does not mean that that we value the well being of our children.

Question 10: Powder cocaine (largely used by wealthy people) and crack cocaine (largely used by economically disadvantaged people) contain roughly the same amount of the drug per gram. Under federal law, how much of these substances must an individual be convicted of possessing to be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of five years in prison?
I actually knew the answer to this question, I had come across this information during my studies in college. It was explained to us class that many of our current drug laws are racially motivated. In order to get the mandatory 5 year sentence you have to have 500 grams of powder cocaine usually used by wealthy white people vs having only 5 grams of crack cocaine usually used by poor intercity blacks. When I heard about this law I thought it was outrageous, the same mandatory sentence should be given regardless the demographic of the user. Crimes should not be more or less illegal based on your S.E.S or the color of your skin.

8. Netiquette Guidelines

My score on the netiquette quiz was 100%. 8-) I think that teaching kids netiquette is very important. It gives students the knowledge that they need to be successful when using the internet. Technology is so prevalent in the lives of students today it is important for students know what behaviors are acceptable and what behaviors are not online.

Journal 4: What is Your Favorite Ed Tech Tool?, NETS V

Wurster, Paul. (2009). What is your favorite Ed Tech Tool? Learning and Leading with Technology, 36(8). Retrieved on October 5, 2009 from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=June_July_No_8_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4333&ContentID=23579&DirectListComboInd=D

This article examines a poll conducted by ISTE examining the most influential teaching tools over the past three decades. It was reported that as one might assume, picking a single piece of technology as the most effective tool was a difficult task for most teachers. Teachers selected internet tools such as e-mail, search engines, and wireless access and the most influential tool. General productivity tools were selected second, including word processors and spreadsheets followed by interactive whiteboards and projectors in third place. Web 2.0 tools such as wikis, blogs, and social networking sites were ranked fourth and portable digital devices such as laptops, cell phones, and mp3players came in fifth.

What is your favorite technology tool?

My favorite technology tool would the internet. I love learning and spend a lot of my time playing and researching on the internet. I like the freedom of the internet and the ability to find out anything. I think that it is a very useful tool especially in the classroom to have all that knowledge at the finger tips of the students.

How can I use some of these tools in my own classroom?

Many of these tools can be easily implemented in a classroom. Students can use the internet to do research and use word processing and spreadsheets to present projects. Furthermore, students can create custom web pages such as wikis or a class blog. Teachers will be able to use interactive white boards to present content to students and keep in touch and communicate through email. With technology continuing to grow and change the possibilities to use them in the classroom are essentially endless.

Journal 3: Walk, Fly, or Teleport to Learning, NETS V

Yoder, M.B. (2009). Walk, Fly, or Teleport to Learning. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(2), Retrieved September 22, 2009 from
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID=24200&DirectListComboInd=D

This article examines the use of multiuser virtual environments (MUVE’s) in the classroom setting. Multiuser virtual environments allow students to learn about many relevant topics using technology. Students are able to explore many important and relevant issues in a game-like fun atmosphere that will keep students engaged and participating in their education. Furthermore, these virtual environments can be important in teaching students about social and technical skills. Multiuser virtual environments provides a safe atmosphere where students are able to open their minds and explore areas and topics that they might not have been exposed to otherwise. Students are able to grow virtually learning and developing as they explore the different environments.

What is a benefit of using multiuser virtual environments in the classroom?

Using multiuser virtual environments in the classroom is helpful because it allows the students to learn important lessons and skills while also learning how to successfully manipulate and navigate a virtual environment. Furthermore, it gives the student a sense of control and allows them to learn while actively engaged.

What is an example of a multiuser virtual environment?

An example of an multiuser virtual environment is Global Kids. Global Kids allows students to safely explore global issues and supports them in becoming successful leaders. Virtual environments such as global kids promotes learning and responsibility in a safe and fun way where students are engage and really enjoy what they are learning .

Journal 2: Grounded Tech Integration, NETS V

Harris, J., & Hofer M. (2009). Grounded Tech Integration. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(2), Retrieved September 15, 2009 from
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID=24179&DirectListComboInd=D

This article emphasizes the idea of putting learning goals first and technology last. Using the “grounded” approach to technology integration in the classroom, the primary focus should be on the children's needs and the instructional plan and not on the technology available. Teachers will focus their attention first on crating activities that will produce the desired student outcomes and then they can select appropriate technology that will enhance learning and the teaching plan. This approach puts technology behind the instructional plan and keeps the focus on the students needs. I think that it is important that educators do not get carried with the technology aspect of the classroom and loose track of what they were trying to teach the students in the beginning. With so much technology available in schools it would be easy to put technology as the primary goal and let the lesson plan fall by the wayside.

Why is it important to use the “grounded” approach in the classroom and how can I implement this in my own classroom?

It is important to use the grounded approach in the classroom because it is important for students learning to remain the primary goal in education. In my classroom I can create lesson plans that foucus on the learning outcome of the students and after that is created I can then look for technology that will aid in the students learning.

Why is it important to incorporate technology into the classroom?

It is important to incorporate technology into the classroom because technology is something that will be part of their everyday life. It is important for students to be exposed to and learn how to use technology at a young age so they will be productive in the future.

Journal 1: Online Learning, NETS V

Coyle, S., Jones, T., & Pickle, S.K. (2009). From Alaska to Arkansas, Districts are Experimenting with Online Learning to Solve Access Problems. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(2), Retrieved September 9, 2009 from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/SeptemberOctoberNo2/e_Learning_Programs_Come_in_All_Shapes_a.htm

This article examines the different ways that school districts are using online learning programs. In this article the author examines the individual ways that three separate and very different school districts are using online learning to aid in the education of their students. The Yukon-Koyukuk school district in Alaska uses online learning programs to create a digital classroom. This digital classroom ensures that all students in the very large and remote school district are able to receive instruction regardless of their location. The Baltimore County Public Schools use online learning to expand course offerings to students that might not have had access to some specific courses such as advanced placement or honors classes. Furthermore, each student is assigned to a site mentor to provide help and guidance when ever it is needed. The Arkansas Department of Education had developed an distance learning program that provides flexible course scheduling as well as allows students to take advantage of specialized courses such as Spanish. All three of these online learning programs have been successful and have seen improvements in the students achievement scores. Online learning tools are becoming very useful and important tools for both students and teachers.

What is another benefit not discussed above of using online learning programs?

Another benefit to using online learning programs is that it helps students become familiar and proficient with using computers and other technology. Students in an online programs use the internet and other web and technology based applications daily. These programs will help to prepare the students for the technology advanced world that we live in today.

Why are online learning programs so beneficial to school districts?

Online learning programs would be beneficial to all school districts. Providing lessons online makes learning accessible to all student regardless of where they live or how busy they are. Students would be able to take courses that are not offered at their school contributing to their growth in knowledge and success.