JouRNaL #6: NeTS IV

Richardson, K (2008, May). Don't Feed the Trolls: Using Blogs to Teach Civil Discourse. Learning & Leading with Technology, 35, Retrieved July 28, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume_35_2007_2008_/MayNo7/L_L_May_2008.htm

With almost everything available on the internet these days, it is quite difficult to escape cyber world regardless of who you are. Even if you do not actively participate in cyberspace in some way shape or form, it may be likely that that some else is including into their internet use with or without your permission. This article refers to trolls as “a person who posts rude or offensive messages on the Internet, such as in online discussion forums, to disrupt discussion or to upset its participants”, and how many of these incidences are we aware of…too many! Even with online classes one finds those who just seem to want to pick a fight.

Questions:
1. What is the most important part of using programs online?

Remembering that just because it is not face-to-face does not mean that you are given a free pass to say or “act” in any manner. It must be conveyed that actions and conversation on the internet must mirror what one would be willing and able to say in person. It is okay to have reactions to others, but they must be done in a proper manner even though most or all of the interaction is head over the net.

2. How do we educate students today to prevent “trolls” from taking over?

I feel the best way to teach students proper and improper use of their internet time is to use previous incidences as examples, the same way history is studied and taught, issues of internet abuse and problems should be entertained and discussed. This will allow the students to be familiar with different possibilities and different resolutions.

JouRNaL #4 PHoTo SHaRiNG: NeTS I, II, III, & V

Classroom 2.0/Web 2.0 Exploration
http://www.classroom20.com/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=photos

Photo sharing is a way for users to store and share pictures with one another over the net; which allows people to access the stored photos from any computer usually by becoming a member, creating a user name and password, and typically for free. There are some photo sharing sites that charge for membership, but many are free of charge and allow others free access as well. Such photo sharing sites that many are familiar with are Picasa, Flickr, Snapfish, Kodak EasyShare, and Costco. Many people have used these sites to store and share photos, some are better than others depending on what you plan to use them for.
I have personally not used Flickr or Picasa but I have heard amazing things about both that I may be inclined to use Picasa fairly soon here. I have used Snapfish, Costco, and Kodak EasyShare; they are all quite similar in the sense that they are free to join, store, and share photos, however, after a certain period of time (usually a year), if you have not made a purchase they will delete you file, photos, and membership. I did not know this until I received the notice to purchase or my file would be deleted, which was most frustrating. I do not like the fact that I cannot just store my photos and purchase if I chose, and this is why I choose this tool so I may find a photo sharing tool that better suites me and my life style.

Once I entered into the Classroom 2.0 Photo Sharing tool, I found many different posts and information, however, I decide to focus on an area that would not only be beneficial to me, but also aid me as a teacher in my classroom. In making this decision, I did not follow the posts listed for Flickr, but rather followed “Suggestions Needed for Online Storage”, posted by Ginger Lewman, and “Video Attribution”, posted by Peter Lane. The technology behind the Photo Sharing tool, in the discussions followed, is to allow students to have access to their own work that they have complied throughout the year and the process of the class. One program mentioned in particular was Box.Net, which does have a fee to join ($50 for 5gig of storage space per year), but it can be used by the entire class. Having to use a program that charges is never a plus, especially because students and teachers do not necessarily have the means to spend, however, for the benefit of the class, it may be worth it to spend the money per year. So instead of just posting, saving, and sharing photos, teachers and students are able to post, store, and share photos, video, documents, and any other work they see fit to aid them throughout the school year as well as after. This type of tool would also allow teachers to post lesson plans (both written and verbal - by way of podcast), videos, photos, as well as other important and informational documents. This is a great tool for students to be able to gain access to and keep all of their work that they have accomplished. This tool had taught me that through certain programs, the host (most likely the teacher in this case) can grant access to others (students) under their personal account that would not require each individual to sign up separately or enroll; the students would simply use a common user name and password set up by the teacher awarded to the group for that year. After a certain period of time (for that year or once the teacher feels it is time) the host may close out the access to this group and allow access to the next group (new class of students). As a future teacher I would absolutely implement this tool and this program. I feel that keeping everything pertaining to the class in one common area where each student has access to it at any time would be beneficial to the class and the outcome of the students work. As well, students will be able to connect with each other for guidance, ideas, and help which will further their collaboration skills and help them to build on their overall performance as a whole.

JouRNaL #3: NeTS I, II, & III

Zucker, A (2009, June/July). Assessment Made Easy. Learning and Leading with Technology, 18-21

This program seems to be the perfect tool for teachers and students to interact in this generation with today’s technology. Youth are so involved in text messaging, instant messaging, and social websites that their attention is usually misplaced in face-to-face settings and this program can bring their focus back into the classroom. Many students are not comfortable speaking in front of the entire class for reasons of embarrassment, and this way they are able to communicate directly one –on-one with the teacher without bringing attention to themselves which can build on their confidence and security levels. The process of having immediate interaction and reaction from the teacher is the selling point to this program and it should absolutely be implemented into every school.


Questions:
1. Why is it beneficial to have immediate results?

Often what many do not realize is the stress and anxiety that goes into test taking. Even if a student is fully aware of the material and can succeed in teaching it to someone else, when put on the spot in a test format, many become too nervous to perform correctly and temporary forget or confuse the material. Therefore having to wait weeks for a test result only makes it worse on the student who is assuming the worst and not really ready to take in any more or new knowledge at this point.

2. What procedures can be practiced with feedback results?

These feedback results will show the percentage of students that did well or poorly in certain areas giving the teacher a chance to review with the students in the event that a significant number performed poorly in any given area. With this feedback, students will be able to understand the review of the material while it is still fresh in their mind rather than weeks later when they are in the process of learning new material and become confused.

JouRNaL #2: NeTS V

Robson, M. (2009, July 13). How Teenagers Consume Media: the Study that Shook the City. Retrieved 7/27/09, from http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jul/13/teenage-media-habits-morgan-stanley

This article simply showcases the evolution of technology and how everything has changed. I remember what a huge deal is was to go from cassette tapes to CD’s and how teens now do not even know what a cassette tape is (I won’t even go further back than that). Change is going to continue to occur is the vibe I was receiving from this article. Basically on a continuous basis, no matter what we get used to it will eventually change into something more current and “user friendly”. Plus everything on the internet is easier now, (conversation, contact, information, and work) it is just an all around way for things to get done and to keep connected. I know if it were not for the internet I would not be in touch with many people because I am not a talker, I like to text and email, I do not like to sit on the phone; therefore, this has made it easy for me to keep contact with many. As for news papers and radio, I am on the same wave link, with the exception of a morning talk show, I do not listen to the radio anymore, but rather to my iPod or Pandora internet streaming radio, this way I do not have to hear commercials or songs that I cannot stand.

Questions:
1. Has television evolved in a good or bad way?

I think television has seen the biggest turn around ever since TiVo and DVRs came in the picture. Having the option to record two or more programs at once as well as watch a program is pure genius. I definitely believe television has evolved in a good way. I personally do not watch live television programs anymore, everything I watch (or that I have time for) is what is recorded or saved on my TiVo.


2. What is the benefit behind TiVo and/or DVR boxes?

These boxes are beneficial to those that lead busy lives and do not necessarily have time for television at its scheduled time settings. For me personally, it is great because I can skip right through commercials (my favorite part), and just watch the program I wanted to see. The only down side is that I miss a lot of promotions for other shows and such. It is the best of both worlds in any case.

JouRNaL #1: NeTS I, III, & V

Owens, Aileen M. (2009). Do your teachers need personal trainers?. Learning and Leading with Technology, Retrieved 7/27/09, from http://www.iste.org

I found it extremely interesting that this project involved students interning in elementary grades and aiding younger students in alternate ways in which to conduct research and work on projects. I believe volunteering or interning are the most import positions especially for students, most of the time the hours are mandatory, but the students truly benefit from the experience and knowledge regardless. I really appreciate the approach and outlook of this program to bring students and teachers together, working in unison in order to further improve teaching and learning.

Questions:
1. What would be a benefit of using technology based lesson plans?

Of many, one of the more obvious benefits would be having everything on file electronically and the ability to reference the material at any point in time. This would make it easier to track when certain lessons took place, by which method, and allow the teacher to reflect on the triumph or failure of the project.

2. How would students benefit from technology in the classroom?

An important benefit, I believe, would be the overall access to the material. An issue of concern faced by students is the aftermath of an absence. When students miss a day of schooling they used to try to make up the work they missed, if it was possible and allowed by the teacher, however, technology would allow the student to access the material and stay in the flow of the course work.

del.icio.us SoCiaL BooKMaRKiNG: NeTS I, II, & III

http://www.delicious.com

1. National Archives: This links to a website that provides links and images to the documents of our national history. The Charters of Freedom national documents include The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The pictures and links open up into copies of the actual signed documents with explanations and background information, as well there is information provided about the presidents involved. I believe the value of including this in the classroom are that the knowledge and availability of these documents is important for students to be able to gain access to and easier for teachers to promote the learning of this history.

2. NEA: Students groups at the greatest risk of experiencing achievement gaps are racial and ethnic minorities, English language learners, students with disabilities, boys/girls, and students from low-income families. Under the “Becoming a Culturally Competent Educator” link the three areas that I feel fit my teaching style at this point the most are:
• "Engage school staff in discussions and activities that offer an opportunity to explore attitudes, beliefs, and values related to cultural diversity and cultural competence.
• Build and use a network of "natural helpers" at school and in the community as well as "experts" who have knowledge of the culturally, linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse groups served by your school.
• Network with parent, family, minority community, and faith-based organizations concerned with the needs of diverse students. Solicit their involvement and input in the design and implementation of initiatives for culturally, linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse groups".
I am drawn to these three areas because they are all centered around cultural diversity. I have studied cultural diversity and will continue to focus my studies and time in the genre in the future, and with each course I complete, I realize how much more needs to be done at a much earlier stage. I would like to implement cultural diversity in my classroom regardless of the age of students I may have; I believe it is never too early to begin.

3. Cyberbullying: according to the cyber bullying website, I am a “cyber saint”. This is very likely due to the fact that I do not need to use the internet to mask my thoughts and feelings about others. When I have something to say, believe me I say it... I have no filter. I just do not like the idea of talking behind barriers, everything with me is out in the open. The methods link on how to deal with cyber bullies seems quite helpful. This looks like it would be a good site to reference for guidance in the event such a situation arises in my classroom.

4. Kathy Schrock’s Guide for Educators: From “Subject Access” I choose performing arts and music, and from “Teacher Helpers” I choose gadgets and podcasting. The most interesting area of this site was the involvement in musicals and Broadway shows. As a musician and a believer that music and performing arts play a huge role in the learning experiences of children, I find it fascinating that this genre is included and considered when many tend to overlook it. I absolutely plan to incorporate music and arts into my curriculum; moreover, I would like to work within a VAPA program.

5. Multiple Intelligences: My top three intelligences were Musical at 100%, Interpersonal and Intrapersonal tied for second at 63%, and Bodily-Kinesthetic at 58%. The videos brought to light the different abilities that children possess in learning and know how I am able and unable to learn things, I understand that each child has a certain way in which they are able to take in and process information and I must be aware of these qualities in the future.

6. Teaching Tolerance Lesson Idea: This activity is for grades PreK - 2nd, subject is Creative Arts, and the topic is health issues. Students will begin with a story concerning body image, then they will converse about the diverse people they come into contact with, students will then trace their full body to realize their own distinctive shape and size, and speak of ideas to have a healthy life style. This lesson will help to guide children, even at this young age, to recognize and celebrate differences and diversity in body image and people. The link to this lesson plan is as follows: http://www.tolerance.org/teach/activities/activity.jsp?cid=827.

7. EdChange Multicultural Awareness Quiz: The two questions I found interesting were 1. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, what is the percentage of U.S. schools with no teachers of color on staff? and 2. A Princeton study of elite universities in the U.S. found that legacy applicants—people, usually white and wealthy, with a parent or grandparent who attended the institution—are far more privileged by legacy status than applicants of color are by affirmative action policies. The study determined that legacy status was roughly equivalent to how much of a boost to an applicant’s SAT score? I guess I should say I feel the first question irritated me, I feel it is ridiculous not for what it is asking, but for the way it is worded. I do not think that the proper wording of this question should be “teachers of color”, but rather ethnic or diverse or race, but at the same time there must be a reason for the question which is to shed light on that issue – I just do not agree with the wording. The second question was just interesting, but not surprising. I am not shocked with this question because this is a notion that I have heard many times and have heard to be fact. Whether or not this is true is not for me to decide, and though I still do not feel the wording of “applicants of color” is appropriate, I simply found this to be an attention-grabbing question – period!

8. Netiquette: My score was 60% which I found to be quite weird. I did not really understand some of the questions fully, especially the ones pertaining to chat rooms because I do not use chat rooms so I did not even know what they were asking. I feel it is important to teach students that there is another person on the end on technology and it should be treated in the same respect as face-to-face interaction. If it is not something they would say in the actual presence of the person, they should not say it at all. }: [

HeeRRRRooooo

Hey hey hey now... my name is Tess. I was born on the East coast, but I currently reside right here in San Diego, California. I went to school locally and graduated from Rancho Bernardo High School many years ago. My next stop was junior college where I received an Associates Degree from San Diego Community College District and even more exciting, just this past May, I earned my Bachelor’s degree from California State University San Marcos in Human Development, with an emphasis in Children Services. I have a strong personal interest in Music, Performing Arts, and Art programs and hope to work in Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) programs in the near future. As a musician, I want to focus my time, efforts, and talents in these areas of Arts and guide those in this field as well as evolve as a musician, professional, and educator.

At this moment in time I am currently a PC user. I rarely get the opportunity to use a MAC, and when I do I tend to get pretty frustrated when it does not act as a PC would just because I am so used to it. Although after this course I think I may change my mind, I kind of already have just after the one day. It is funny how things change when you actually KNOW what you are doing! I depend on technology more than I should I am sure, I use it on a daily basis; it is plain and simply MY LIFE! Everything I do is technology based, if my computer or phone are not working, I am a complete wreck. I am currently using Microsoft Office 2007 and sometimes still get quite frustrated with it.

The part of the CSUSM/COE Mission Statement that speaks to me is the mention of "life-long learning". Though it was not a factor in my decision to apply or attend at CSUSM, I feel as though it is the part that I agree with the most. As a future educator I feel as though I will be learning from my students as I teach them and that is extremely important to me.

SoCiaL BuTTerFLy

ReaDY... WaiTiNG... WiLLiNG... To FLY!!!