Newsletter NETS-T (I, II, & III)

For this assignment I created a newsletter for my future math and science class using Microsoft Word. I included a Masthead with the newsletter title using word art, columns to separate articles, a drop cap for interest, clip art that related to my articles, customized bullets and added borders.

CSUSM PSA NETS-T (I, II & III)

For this assignment I imported prerecorded movie clips of CSUSM onto the Mac computer. I used the software iMovie to edit the movie to my liking and iTunes to add music to my movie. I then exported the movie and uploaded it to my blog for others to view.

Wiki Tools PhotoFace NETS-T (I, II & III)

For this assignment I contributed PhotoFace to the edu422 class wiki by using the Cool Tools for Schools website. On the wiki I explained what PhotoFace is, how it might be used with a middle school class and created my own sample of how I might use the tool in my classroom.

Click on PhotoFace to see my avatar!

Self-Portrait NETS-T(I,II & III)

For this assignment I drew a portrait of myself and used the scanner to import the pertrait into the computer. I then was able to upload the portriat to my blog to share with other members of my class.

Journal #9

Groff, J., & Hass, J. (2008, September/October). Web2/0. Learning & Leanding with Technology, 36(2), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4107&ContentID=21954&DirectListComboInd=D

Web 2.0 Today’s Technologies, Tomorrow’s Learning


This article takes a look into digital games, social networking and simulations and the effect using these tools have in the classroom. The authors first define each technology. Digital games provides worlds where players must work together to accomplish a task. Social networking sites like Facebook, where users connect with friends and are able to meet new people. Simulations are sites that provide the user with the opportunity to move within a digital space, allowing them to explore new ideas they would not in real life. Groff and Haas also discuss the MIT’s Education Arcade. This is where research occurs to understand potential benefits of the discussed technologies. The authors feel there are good technologies out there to benefit the student; the teacher just needs to utilize the tools. One tool that is discussed is a networking tool like Ning, this site allows the teacher to create a private social network for the classroom. By using these sites the teacher gives the student real world experiences. Sites that explore gaming for the student can motivate the students to work toward a goal and to collaborate on problems. Overall the games set a stage for experimental learning. The authors also state there will be “bumps along the road” in navigating the technologies. They state, just trying and experimenting will allow for greater learning in the classroom. Some strategies for success are playing with the technologies, partnering with a colleague, and find support with the school’s technology support. The authors feel that the students learning will be amplified with using technology tools in the classroom.

Questions

1. How can a teacher start using technology tools in class?

First the teacher should research sites like web 2.0 to get some kind of information that pertains to their class. Then read the comments that other teachers have posted on how well this project worked for their class. They can also ask questions in this site to get some answers. Finally, make sure there is the technology available at the school your school.

2. How would a teacher keep up on the technology that they are using in class?

I think working with other teachers collaboratively would defiantly help a teacher keep up with the technology. If they are utilizing the same tools it would be easy to ask questions and bounce ideas off on another. Also if the school has a computer technician they would be another area for help when trying to keep up with a technology tool that you are using in class.

Journal #6

Grenhow, C. (2010, March/April). A New concept of citizenship for the digital age. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.itse.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/Membersonly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentId=25564&DirectListComboId=D
A New Concept of Citizenship for the Digital Age

In this article Christine Greenhow defines and discusses digital citizenship. She starts out by stating the NETS-S definition of digital citizenship is the ability to practice and advocate online behavior that demonstrates legal, ethical, safe, and responsible uses of information and communication technologies. In her research to define digital citizenship she was surprised to find definitions of online citizen like behaviors to be different for different countries, cultures, school systems, and standard-setting agencies. She states that social media formats like blogging have given rise to discussions about to prepare young people to be com informed citizens. These media formats are allowing our youth to learn how to discuss and debate political, social and cultural issues. She also found, researchers from the university of Kansas have included with their definition if digital citizenship to include behaviors which uphold certain standards, like legal and ethical. These researchers feel young people should practice digital citizenship so that they are aware of social and political issues as well as what is displayed online is subjected to the public. They also need to respect the rights of others . Greenhow writes about two journal articles as well that are informational for digital citizenship. These articles are about cyberbulling and moralities of MySpace. She briefly points on how guidelines need to be set for educators when using these technologies in the classroom. She ends her article on the note of how students need to be aware of digital citizenship and standards need to be achieved in order to make sure of their awareness.

Questions
1. How could digital awareness be taught in the classroom?
This would be a great way to begin a computer class in middle school. Before all the games and computer activities begin some kind of digital awareness lesson should be taught. The teacher should address the students about responsibilities and etiquette of navigating the web.

2. Should their be a federal site about the use and misuse of the Internet?
Although I have not looked for a site like this one in the questions, I am sure there is one that exists. I think each entity whether it is a school or company, should have some kind of information stating what they expect from those who search and use the Internet at their site. I am assuming most places of business have this in place but I am not sure about schools. Something for me to look into!

Journal #8

Greenhow, C. (2009, June/July). Taping the wealth of social networks for professional development. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3620082009/JuneJulyNo8/36810g.pdf
Tapping the Wealth of Social Networks for Professional Development

This was an interesting article about information and communication technologies and how their uses in the work place is shaping the way we think, work and communicate. The author uses information from journals and books to find that with these forms of technology we our opinions can easily be publicized. Also for educators, the use of these technologies needs to research more for developing effective was to use them. She discusses two trends that she and her colleagues see happening now. The first is social bookmarking like Delicious. Sites such as this one provide a way for professionals to view other professional’s sites they are following. With this there is an openness, sharing and collaboration that can occur with professionals. The other trend is using social networking tools like Classroom 2.0 or Facebook. She states that this type of social networking allows for many to many broadcasting. Especially with education, teachers are able to put their work out on these sites to share or get feedback from other educators. She also gives links to some sites to learn how networks are creating social leaning opportunities.

Questions

1. After reading this article all I could think about was how do we find that trend in technology, when it first starts, where do we look?

I would think most young students are the one's who have enough time to find and use these tools first. High school or young college students would be the people who are utilizing the technology for mostly socializing. It is taking that information to the next step to use it in a way to benefit professionals that is beneficial to us all.

2. As a parent I would not allow my children to use certain websites like Myspace to post information about themselves. However I see it is a good tool to use for education purposes. How would teachers get around parents like myself, when wanting to use sites like Myspace?

I am not sure how to answer that question. Maybe the school as a whole could have a Myspace page and it is monitored by their technology technician. The content of the site could only be educational and related to what teachers allow. This may be a tough hurdle for some parents and educators to get through!