Software Evaluation Form

Response to Myths and Opportunities 9/1/10

I found the Myths and Opportunities video very interesting. It reminded me a lot of the book I read and reviewed for EDU 742, The World is Open: How Web Technology is Revolutionizing Education by Curtis Bonk. Both the video and the book bring to light what the future of education could be like with the use of technology. This vision of the future is exciting and scary at the same time. We've got a long way to go to reach those lofty goals. We need updated technology and extensive teacher training in order to move down that path. I believe our entire culture will need to fully embrace the world of technology before our education system can change to the extent that both November and Bonk foresee.

Vodcast: Integrating Technology

How can you integrate technology into the elementary curriculum? Join us for a visit to Happy Berry School!

Web 2.0: Math Facts with Carrotsticks

Internet Safety Lesson Plan

Click here to see the Filimentality Lesson Plan on Internet Safety

Podcasting

Podcasting is creating and posting audio files on the internet for anyone to download and listen to.

Vodcasting is podcasting with the addition of video clips. It's like watching a video "on demand."

Podcasting is a relatively inexpensive way for students to present their ideas and work to a larger audience than just their teachers and classmates. It's a "no frills" but creative and fun form of communication without all of the privacy issues that can accompany the use of images.

I think podcasting would be a wonderful way for my ELD students to practice their English writing and speaking skills! I know they would be more motivated to write if they knew their stories would be heard by a lot of people. I also think they'd enjoy recording and then listening to each others voices!

Technology skills, technology policies and Internet Safety Rules for Students

1. What technology skills should be acquired by students at the grade level that you teach?

Age 8 to 11 years - grades 3-5 in elementary school

During the Piagetian Concrete Operations stage, children begin to thinklogically. In this stage, intelligence is demonstrated through logical and systematic manipulation of symbols related to concrete objects. Operational thinking (mental actions that are reversible) develops.

ISTE has established NETS-Student that includes a statement of whatstudents should be able to do by the end of the fifth grade. During the ICT Concrete Operations stage children:

• Learn to use a variety of software tools such as those listed in the 5th grade ISTE NETS-Student, and begin to understand some of the capabilities and limitations of these tools. (They do logical and systematic manipulation of symbols in a computer environment.)

• Learn to apply these software tools at a Piagetian Concrete Operations level as an aid to solving a wide range of general curriculum-appropriate problems and tasks.

2. What are the essential elements that should be addressed by an effective classroom technology policy guide for the grade level that you teach?

Be Nice to Computers

Always have clean hands

No food or drinks in the lab

Don’t touch the screens

Be gentle with mice & headphones

Print with permission ONLY

Click PRINT once

Leave your area neat, clean, and organized

• Misuse of the computer may result in loss of computer privileges.

3. What Internet safety issues should students and parents, at your grade level, be informed of?

DO choose a username and password that would be hard to guess.

DO only school work on school computers.

DO tell an adult if you see a site that is not kid-friendly.

DO NOT share your username and password.

DO NOT share personal information about yourself or others on the internet, such as name, address, telephone number, birthday, pictures, or the name of your school.

DO NOT open or respond to messages from strangers.

DO NOT download anything without asking an adult so we don’t get computer viruses.

Quantitative Research Design: Observational Designs

by Krista Robertson, Cindy Lancie and Erin Gardner

Internet Safety Policy

Book Review - The World is Open: How Web Technology is Revolutionizing Education

Book Review:

The World is Open

How Web Technology Is Revolutionizing Education

By Curtis J. Bonk

Published by Jossey-Bass, 2009

Review by Krista Robertson

For Technology in the Classroom, EDU 742C

Touro University – California

Instructor: Dr. Dan Beltramo

March 13, 2010

The World is Open is a non-fiction work that explores the realities and possibilities of twenty-first century education. Author Curtis Bonk describes in great detail how web technology is transforming education across the globe.

Bonk uses a model he calls “WE-ALL-LEARN” to demonstrate key technology trends that are changing learning in this new century. Bonk states, “When there are momentous shifts or megatrends occurring in education they must be explored, documented, grasped, and exploited ethically as well as thoughtfully. “ He calls these trends “’openers,’ as in the door opening to untold learning opportunities” for twenty-first century learners around the world. The “openers” are as follows:

1. Web Searching in the World of E-Books

2. E-Learning and Blended Learning

3. Availability of Open Source and Free Software

4. Leveraged Resources and OpenCourseWare

5. Learning Object Repositories and Portals

6. Learner Participation in Open Information Communities

7. Electronic Collaboration

8. Alternate Reality Learning

9. Real-Time Mobility and Portability

10. Networks of Personalized Learning

Each “opener” is thoroughly described and explored in its own chapter of the book.

The World is Open is an instructive book. For me it was eye opening as well as mind opening. After reading it I feel like I’ve had glimpses through windows that I hadn’t even realized existed. I learned so much from reading it. It’s not easy to read, though. Long and tedious are the words I’d use to describe it. However, if there was ever a book that was tedious to read but fascinating at the same time, this is it. It is definitely worth reading!

I absolutely agree with Curtis Bonk’s idea that web technology is and will be playing a key role in the globalization and education of learners in this century. Thomas Friedman expressed similar ideas in The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century. I think the possibilities are amazing and very exciting. I only hope that the role of interpersonal relationships does not decline with the rise of technological interactions. There is so much about being human that we can and need to learn from face to face contact and interaction with other humans.

Reading The World is Open has altered my perspective as an educator. I’ve always thought about technology as helpful, exciting and entertaining. Now I’m learning how much greater a role it can and does play in our world. Now I realize that we’re doing our students a disservice if we don’t teach them how to use modern technology. It is and will continue to play a significant role in their education and in their lives.

Understanding and Building Knowledge

How can technology support student understanding and building of knowledge?

Technology, particularly internet access, can exponentially broaden the scope of a search. Searching on the internet may also lead students to find information related to their search with which they previously had not made a connection. The images available online help students visualize things they've had no previous experience with. Students can visit places they've never been or may never go to.

Explain what types of products do you feel can inspire creativity and innovation?

Java and Flash are programs that are wonderful for bringing things "to life." Many websites are made with Flash because it allows for real life animation. It improves the fluidity and speed.

1st Reflection: What Do Students Need to Know?

What do students need to know before engaging in Internet searches and online social networking sites?

Regarding Internet searches, students need to be taught where to start and how to define or limit their searches. They also need experience in how to determine what is factual vs what's not factual. It would be helpful to understand the difference between a search engine and a metasearch engine.

Regarding social networking, students need to understand who their audience is. They need to be warned about the perils of posting personal information online. Students need guidance in time management, as well. Social networking is great, but it is what my husband and I call a "time-suck!"

Using Digital Media in the Classroom

Using digital media in the classroom is awesome!! It allows access to a variety of delivery methods to enhance instruction including images, current events, games, videos, simulations, blogs, data sets, and more. (Cruse The benefits to student learning are many: developing a common base of knowledge among students, accommodating diverse learning styles, enhancing class discussions, and increasing student motivation. In my own teaching experience I've found that the greater the variety of presentations and activities, the higher the level of student engagement and interest.

References

Cruse, E. Using Educational Video in the Classroom: theory, Research and Practice [Electronic Version]. Library Video Company.

Grunwald Associates LLC (2009). Digitally Inclined [Electronic Version]. PBS

Movie of Whale Songs

In the Language curriculum, we read several stories about whale songs. My students have a very specific idea about what a song is. They cannot grasp what a whale song is. This video shows a whale and the audio enables us to hear what a whale song sounds like.

Theory of Learning

Everyone learns in their own, unique way. As a teacher, one must utilize as many different forms of instruction as possible in an attempt to reach each learner, whether it's through visuals, speaking, text, action or music.

I believe that no matter what vehicle of instruction is used, learners must go through a process in order to learn a new concept. Merely seeing or hearing or reading something one time is not usually enough. Learners must be exposed to the concept, then think about it; review it; let the brain process it. Allow the concept to connect with other ideas in the mind. The next step is to apply the new knowledge. This is when the learners realize how well (or not) they truly understand. It's very helpful to gain feedback on one's application in order to make improvements or refine. Then apply it again.

See the slideshow of 21st Century Skills in Quicktime!