To be an educator is a noble task. To shape the hearts and minds of the future generations is a sacred and honorable responsibility. As the 21st century has come into focus, we can clearly see new materials available to the American citizen and to teacher alike. It is almost remarkable how quickly new technologies had cared themselves a niche into the fabric of our modern society. In many cases, the children of today have a different sort of education than those of ten years ago. Technology has crashed on to the scene in a big way, and clearly it’s not going anywhere. As educators it is our job to use these new technologies to not only educate about, but also with.
Students today in many cases could really teach their teachers a thing or two about computers and other popular technologies. It may even be a bit intimidating for teachers to even begin to use technologies, if they have survived this long without. These situations can breed all sorts of responses to technologies, all of which students will readily pick up on. As elementary school teachers, it is our responsibility to model a confident and comfortable individual. This includes a person who is willing to embrace change and a person who is willing to step out on a limb to learn new things. As future teachers we need to keep these things in mind.
In fact, there are a number of things out there that can really make the life of a teacher easier, in more ways than one. For example, the amount of assistive technologies available today has greatly influenced how far we can reach, and has served to raise the bar for students who would be cast aside otherwise. Without technologies we would never hear the words of a Steven Hawking or allow a mute student to speak. I will be the first to admit that at times it can be difficult to understand and maintain patience for a piece of electronic equipment or computer application, especially if it is new or foreign to the user. As teachers, we need to realize that this is true for our students as well. While they may never have learned a different way to do things first, they are also learning this information for the first time in their lives. It is still our responsibility to present this information to our students.
In fact, perhaps this information is even more important than other information to give to children. As many of us have discovered or heard, many new technologies need to be taught in order to best protect our children. With the added ability to communicate that technology has brought, it also brings a number of things that are not safe or appropriate for children. I think all educators would agree that they take the responsibility of keeping their students safe very seriously. As we delve further into the 21st century, we can see that the reality is that all students are affected by technology on a regular basis. What a fabulous opportunity to teach our students something valuable to their lives.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
ACTEM Confrence Top 10
10.) I liked the presentation on Apple Products. I learned that you can get certified in different apple programs, all of which fitting under the umbrella of iLife. With this certification you can teach others to be certified as well. This includes garage band, imusic, etc.
9.) I saw the new products that apple is introducing and why they are making changes to different products. It was helpful for me to hear the basics of a Mac computer from a professional in the business.
8.) I learned how school friendly Apple Computer is, (i.e. http://www.apple.com/education/k12/curriculumsolutions/collections.html)and that the Maine Laptop Project has really been a catalyst for a lot of new development at the company.
7.) I learned that design can play a very significant role in how a product does. This includes the creation of teacher handouts. A good design on a handout will aid student comprehension of the assignment as well as better understanding of the concepts.
6.) I learned the the font type serif means that the tops and bottoms of the letters lie in line on the page, drawing the eye in a direction. It is the best font type for long things.
5.) I learned that much of the success of the company FedEx had to do with the appearance of it's brand. There is also a arrow in it, that I had never seen before yet a non-English speaker would see it immediately. Subconsciously it tells the consumer that this is a forward moving and professional company.
4.) I learned that clip art can be more of a distraction than a helpful tool. Often times the best solution is to create word art that is functional as well as visually appealing. It can all be done with Microsoft Word.
3.) I learned about a number of really quality websites from The Best of the Web. www.iknowthat.com is a great resource for teachers and parents alike. It is interesting and offers legitimate information.
2.) I learned about the website emints.com that is a powerful search engine for teachers and education professionals.
1.) I learned that many times the most effective way to find what you are looking for on the web is to be sure that you have the right words to search for. For example, when looking for information on Native Americans, search for native American qtvr.
9.) I saw the new products that apple is introducing and why they are making changes to different products. It was helpful for me to hear the basics of a Mac computer from a professional in the business.
8.) I learned how school friendly Apple Computer is, (i.e. http://www.apple.com/education/k12/curriculumsolutions/collections.html)and that the Maine Laptop Project has really been a catalyst for a lot of new development at the company.
7.) I learned that design can play a very significant role in how a product does. This includes the creation of teacher handouts. A good design on a handout will aid student comprehension of the assignment as well as better understanding of the concepts.
6.) I learned the the font type serif means that the tops and bottoms of the letters lie in line on the page, drawing the eye in a direction. It is the best font type for long things.
5.) I learned that much of the success of the company FedEx had to do with the appearance of it's brand. There is also a arrow in it, that I had never seen before yet a non-English speaker would see it immediately. Subconsciously it tells the consumer that this is a forward moving and professional company.
4.) I learned that clip art can be more of a distraction than a helpful tool. Often times the best solution is to create word art that is functional as well as visually appealing. It can all be done with Microsoft Word.
3.) I learned about a number of really quality websites from The Best of the Web. www.iknowthat.com is a great resource for teachers and parents alike. It is interesting and offers legitimate information.
2.) I learned about the website emints.com that is a powerful search engine for teachers and education professionals.
1.) I learned that many times the most effective way to find what you are looking for on the web is to be sure that you have the right words to search for. For example, when looking for information on Native Americans, search for native American qtvr.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Webquest Ideas
My overall goal for this webquest is to teach students what is in their local surroundings and greater world.
1.A Day in the Life…
a. Topic: Students will explore the history of their town from many different viewpoints
b. Grade Level: 6
c. Task: After researching what lives was like students will recreate in small groups 3 structures and explain their use.
d. Roles:
1. Colonial Americans- You like your new land and look forward to finding new uses for its many resources
2. Native Americans- You are a strong and knowledgeable people but seem to be having trouble trusting your neighbor
3. The Earth- The more people come, the more you change. How have you changed and why?
2. The Water Cycle
a. Topic: Students will explore the cycle of water both on a global and local level
b. Grade Level: 5
c. Task: Students will research the cycle of water on earth and then as a class create a terrarium and observe it throughout the year.
d. Roles:
i. The Chemist: Is interested in the chemistry of the water cycle and how it physically changes and why
ii. The Physicist: Is interested in how it gets to where it is and why
iii. The Botanist: Is interested in how the water effects the plants on earth and vice versa
3. King Tut and Egypt
a. Topic: Through studying what is known about King Tut and other ancient Egyptian rulers, students will learn about Ancient Egypt, including contributions and how these facts translate today.
b. Grade Level: 7
c. Task: Students will research the life of ancient Egypt though the lives of some of their most famous characters. Students will create a diary/scrapbook from their character in small groups
d. Roles:
i. King Tut- Why am I so famous? Why is there a curse on me?
ii. Cleopatra- What am I famous for? What was my life like?
iii. Ramses II- What contributions did I make in Ancient Egypt
4. Ancient Greece
a. Topic: Students will study ancient Greece and find ways that their culture and our own might be similar or different.
b. Grade Level: 7
c. Task: Students will research their topic and create a visual representation along with written explanation of their group
d. Roles:
i. Mythologist- Creates a myth
ii. Geologist- Creates a map
iii. Art and Architectures- Creates a structure or art piece
1.A Day in the Life…
a. Topic: Students will explore the history of their town from many different viewpoints
b. Grade Level: 6
c. Task: After researching what lives was like students will recreate in small groups 3 structures and explain their use.
d. Roles:
1. Colonial Americans- You like your new land and look forward to finding new uses for its many resources
2. Native Americans- You are a strong and knowledgeable people but seem to be having trouble trusting your neighbor
3. The Earth- The more people come, the more you change. How have you changed and why?
2. The Water Cycle
a. Topic: Students will explore the cycle of water both on a global and local level
b. Grade Level: 5
c. Task: Students will research the cycle of water on earth and then as a class create a terrarium and observe it throughout the year.
d. Roles:
i. The Chemist: Is interested in the chemistry of the water cycle and how it physically changes and why
ii. The Physicist: Is interested in how it gets to where it is and why
iii. The Botanist: Is interested in how the water effects the plants on earth and vice versa
3. King Tut and Egypt
a. Topic: Through studying what is known about King Tut and other ancient Egyptian rulers, students will learn about Ancient Egypt, including contributions and how these facts translate today.
b. Grade Level: 7
c. Task: Students will research the life of ancient Egypt though the lives of some of their most famous characters. Students will create a diary/scrapbook from their character in small groups
d. Roles:
i. King Tut- Why am I so famous? Why is there a curse on me?
ii. Cleopatra- What am I famous for? What was my life like?
iii. Ramses II- What contributions did I make in Ancient Egypt
4. Ancient Greece
a. Topic: Students will study ancient Greece and find ways that their culture and our own might be similar or different.
b. Grade Level: 7
c. Task: Students will research their topic and create a visual representation along with written explanation of their group
d. Roles:
i. Mythologist- Creates a myth
ii. Geologist- Creates a map
iii. Art and Architectures- Creates a structure or art piece
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Inclusive Classroom
They say that the mark of a good society is how they treat their least fortunate. Disabilities are in fact a normal part of life; there is no normal adult who does or has never had contact with a disability themselves or another person with one. Fortunately, in our society we have developed many tools that are designed to help people with disabilities achieve at their highest potential. These technologies are growing in number and complexity every day. While they might be being used more behind the scenes than anything else, they are everywhere. Increasingly laws have been passed that encourage advancement in such technologies. Laws that require businesses and organizations to offer accessibility to all people, and many times this requirement entails the business or organization to install or purchase equipment or new technology. While it may seem to be an inconvenience to some, providing equal and safe access to all is nothing short of a noble and noteworthy act.
At this point in educational development we are steering towards an individually based learning design. CAST: Universal Design for Learning outlines such an approach. Developing an individualized curriculum for all students certainly seems like a step forward to me. I think the best step in overcoming the stigma of disabilities is to recognize similarities first. All students benefit from something different, not just those with disabilities. Of course, there is the other learning extreme, gifted and talented students. Students who fall into this category also need and benefit from individualized attention including bringing in assistive technology when and where it is relevant, providing more and better suited options for learning. After all the goal is to create a better society thereby encouraging all of its members to achieve their highest potential.
Another interesting aspect of this particular platform is the rapid growth of technology, particularly hi-tech devices available and in use. Interestingly, today’s students are often more technologically savvy than the majority of their teachers. This creates an interesting dilemma for the modern school teacher. Often times the students in the classroom are so familiar with these devices that they use them for numerous hours on a daily basis, both for entertainment and additional responsibilities. As a result, often computers- as well as cell phones- and other equipment, is seen, and used as a learning distraction rather than a tool. While there are some programs available that are specifically geared for students with a wide variety of special needs, the resource that these technologies represent remains relatively untapped in the classroom. Perhaps this is due to the informational generation gap, students being better informed on the matter than their teachers. To bridge the gap is difficult, especially with the label already attached to many of these things as simply a game piece or a distraction. If we want to, as a constantly improving society, overcome any inconveniences associated with technology in the classroom and provide all of out students with the most relevant and knowledge forward education, we will look to include all of these technologies in the classroom. This is ultimately to the benefit of both the student and the teacher.
At this point in educational development we are steering towards an individually based learning design. CAST: Universal Design for Learning outlines such an approach. Developing an individualized curriculum for all students certainly seems like a step forward to me. I think the best step in overcoming the stigma of disabilities is to recognize similarities first. All students benefit from something different, not just those with disabilities. Of course, there is the other learning extreme, gifted and talented students. Students who fall into this category also need and benefit from individualized attention including bringing in assistive technology when and where it is relevant, providing more and better suited options for learning. After all the goal is to create a better society thereby encouraging all of its members to achieve their highest potential.
Another interesting aspect of this particular platform is the rapid growth of technology, particularly hi-tech devices available and in use. Interestingly, today’s students are often more technologically savvy than the majority of their teachers. This creates an interesting dilemma for the modern school teacher. Often times the students in the classroom are so familiar with these devices that they use them for numerous hours on a daily basis, both for entertainment and additional responsibilities. As a result, often computers- as well as cell phones- and other equipment, is seen, and used as a learning distraction rather than a tool. While there are some programs available that are specifically geared for students with a wide variety of special needs, the resource that these technologies represent remains relatively untapped in the classroom. Perhaps this is due to the informational generation gap, students being better informed on the matter than their teachers. To bridge the gap is difficult, especially with the label already attached to many of these things as simply a game piece or a distraction. If we want to, as a constantly improving society, overcome any inconveniences associated with technology in the classroom and provide all of out students with the most relevant and knowledge forward education, we will look to include all of these technologies in the classroom. This is ultimately to the benefit of both the student and the teacher.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Teaching in the 21st Century
There are many times when I think that the differences between “now” and “then” are so small that they are really rather insignificant. However, perhaps it is more that I have overlooked a very important feature of modern life. The thing is that it has crept in so quickly and replaced the old ways of doing things so effortlessly, that it can be easy to overlook. Technology is a powerful tool.
Younger generations have the advantage of being born into it. Therefore, it is evident that the average 12 year old is more technologically savvy than the average 30 year old. Perhaps it is out of the ignorance of the older generation that in the learning environment, the classroom, and technology has become more of a distraction than a tool. Clearly the students who are using these tools are interested in using these things, but are using them in the wrong context.
The goals of teaching children have also changed. What they are expected to know often times did not even exist when earlier generations were in school. For example, children’s’ books are a relativity new phenomenon. Clearly, the responsibility for knowing relevant information regarding teaching is in the teacher’s court. As the world gains knowledge, demands for future generations also grow. The teacher is the facilitator in this important process.
Demands placed on teachers are many, and growing every day. But with the job they are entrusted with, who can expect any different? Different methods have been outlined to manage a classroom. It is not an easy feat to put things into another person’s brain. Especially if that other person would rather be doing something else anyway. Unfortunatly in many instances technology has slid into this grey area of classroom distraction. Clearly though, there any many advantages available with every piece, and it is in the teachers best interest to use technology as a positive rather than viewing it in a negative light. We were able to read about several different examples of different techniques that teachers have developed to use computers to their advantage. To use technology as a tool.
My favorite story was one of a collaboration between two sister classrooms, one Greek and the other Canadian. Not only were the students able to communicate even thought they were on different parts of the world, they were also able to learn from each other in very significant ways. An author was able to set up an activity for the two classes to work together collaboratively. They worked on stories together, each teaching the other his or her language, although English was the primary language goal. They had to communicate to create a cohesive story and were able to learn more real life information as a result. For example, the Greek students had the opportunity to learn expressions commonplace for an English speaker, but not found in a dictionary. Their education was grounded on a very real level. And as a result, there were number of stories written, both in Greek and in English. I thought that this was an excellent example of channeling the students’ natural curiosity and affinity toward technology and to use it as a tool in the classroom of the modern teacher.
Younger generations have the advantage of being born into it. Therefore, it is evident that the average 12 year old is more technologically savvy than the average 30 year old. Perhaps it is out of the ignorance of the older generation that in the learning environment, the classroom, and technology has become more of a distraction than a tool. Clearly the students who are using these tools are interested in using these things, but are using them in the wrong context.
The goals of teaching children have also changed. What they are expected to know often times did not even exist when earlier generations were in school. For example, children’s’ books are a relativity new phenomenon. Clearly, the responsibility for knowing relevant information regarding teaching is in the teacher’s court. As the world gains knowledge, demands for future generations also grow. The teacher is the facilitator in this important process.
Demands placed on teachers are many, and growing every day. But with the job they are entrusted with, who can expect any different? Different methods have been outlined to manage a classroom. It is not an easy feat to put things into another person’s brain. Especially if that other person would rather be doing something else anyway. Unfortunatly in many instances technology has slid into this grey area of classroom distraction. Clearly though, there any many advantages available with every piece, and it is in the teachers best interest to use technology as a positive rather than viewing it in a negative light. We were able to read about several different examples of different techniques that teachers have developed to use computers to their advantage. To use technology as a tool.
My favorite story was one of a collaboration between two sister classrooms, one Greek and the other Canadian. Not only were the students able to communicate even thought they were on different parts of the world, they were also able to learn from each other in very significant ways. An author was able to set up an activity for the two classes to work together collaboratively. They worked on stories together, each teaching the other his or her language, although English was the primary language goal. They had to communicate to create a cohesive story and were able to learn more real life information as a result. For example, the Greek students had the opportunity to learn expressions commonplace for an English speaker, but not found in a dictionary. Their education was grounded on a very real level. And as a result, there were number of stories written, both in Greek and in English. I thought that this was an excellent example of channeling the students’ natural curiosity and affinity toward technology and to use it as a tool in the classroom of the modern teacher.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Sep 3, 2008
Today is the first day back at school! It can be hard to get back into the swing of things, in fact I have been late for every class so far-not that I'm impressed with myself. I am also frustrated because last semester I learned how to properly use comas and I have forgotten all of those handy rules.
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