In Your Face
By: Christopher Beam
Facebook and Myspace are the two largest social networks on the Internet. However, Facebook has a cleaner image than myspace in which the interface is comfy, sturdy, and attractive without being too showy. Moreover, just recently Facebook has opened its pages to outside developers and has introduced a new tool kit called Facebook Platform. This new tool kit allows not only students but multimillion dollar corporation to poke around and rearrange the innards. Nevertheless, there are a few more simple things that Facebook needs to add such as email and an instant messaging program in order for Facebook to really stand out.
What social network do you belong to?
I don't belong to any social network; moreover, I don't really know much about the benefits of belonging to a social network. However, if I decided to join a social network, after reading this article, I think Facebook is the way to go.
How many people do you know have a Myspace account?
It's funny, I work for the Boys & Girls Club and I was amazed to find out how many middle school students have Myspace accounts. If this is the case for middle school students, I can only imagine how many elementary students have their own accounts. For this reason, I think parents should be more aware of their kid’s on-line activities.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Journal #8
Google Spy
By: Michael Agger
Google has recently come up with a new idea to send a camera equipped van to take 360 degree shots around the streets of the largest cities in the U.S. Subsequently, this new site is called Street View which allows users to view actual street pictures and in some instances a little more than that. The issue of privacy has been a concern for some people but Google responded by saying that Street View only features images that any person can readily capture or see walking down the street. Moreover, Google provides a page to report inappropriate images that should be removed.
Would you have a problem if Street View took a picture of your street or your house?
I would not have a problem if street view took a picture of my streets nearest intersection but I would have a problem if they took a picture of my house. I would not feel comfortable knowing that the public could view pictures of my house.
What kind of benefits does the site Street View have to offer?
I'm a visual person and there's only so much you can get from using a map. Hence, if I were driving to a specific location, it would really be helpful for me if I could see a picture of the actual location.
By: Michael Agger
Google has recently come up with a new idea to send a camera equipped van to take 360 degree shots around the streets of the largest cities in the U.S. Subsequently, this new site is called Street View which allows users to view actual street pictures and in some instances a little more than that. The issue of privacy has been a concern for some people but Google responded by saying that Street View only features images that any person can readily capture or see walking down the street. Moreover, Google provides a page to report inappropriate images that should be removed.
Would you have a problem if Street View took a picture of your street or your house?
I would not have a problem if street view took a picture of my streets nearest intersection but I would have a problem if they took a picture of my house. I would not feel comfortable knowing that the public could view pictures of my house.
What kind of benefits does the site Street View have to offer?
I'm a visual person and there's only so much you can get from using a map. Hence, if I were driving to a specific location, it would really be helpful for me if I could see a picture of the actual location.
Journal #7
4 Steps to Standards Integration
By: Vanessa Domine
In this article, the author talks about how she outlined 4 easy steps that allow educators to visually assemble curriculum where standards are at the forefront of their teaching and where instructional technologies play a supporting role. The first step teachers should make is to create a list of all the possible technological tools the school has to offer. The second step is to create a simple curriculum goal statement. It can be any kind of goal that is grounded in a specific content area that aligns with district and school goals. The third step is to create a list of teaching strategies that might include lecture, demonstration, large/small group discussion, research, or media research. Hence, this allows teachers to reflect and if necessary, revise their teaching style to accommodate specific standards and students with special needs. The last step is to lay in front the three lists in order (take inventory, curriculum goal, and teaching strategies.) Thereafter, the educators can generate a technology integrated matrix. By doing these four steps, teachers can experiment using new media technologies to support existing curriculum or, conversely, use traditional media technologies to support new or unfamiliar curriculum standards.
What if during your inventory you realize the school only has limited resources of technology?
If I found myself in a school with a limited amount of technological resources, then I could always ask for a reasonable request of technological tools that I felt was needed to enhance learning in my classroom. Moreover, I could consult with the district or school technology plan to find out what equipment the school has to offer.
How often do teachers change their curriculum or try to find new strategies to enhance learning in their classroom?
Most teachers are skeptical in trying new things or take time to find better ways to enhance learning in their classroom. Once teachers become comfortable with their teaching style it's very hard for them to take a risk and try something new. I think if teachers really cared about teaching and their students then they will always try to find the best possible approach and teaching style that will benefit their students.
By: Vanessa Domine
In this article, the author talks about how she outlined 4 easy steps that allow educators to visually assemble curriculum where standards are at the forefront of their teaching and where instructional technologies play a supporting role. The first step teachers should make is to create a list of all the possible technological tools the school has to offer. The second step is to create a simple curriculum goal statement. It can be any kind of goal that is grounded in a specific content area that aligns with district and school goals. The third step is to create a list of teaching strategies that might include lecture, demonstration, large/small group discussion, research, or media research. Hence, this allows teachers to reflect and if necessary, revise their teaching style to accommodate specific standards and students with special needs. The last step is to lay in front the three lists in order (take inventory, curriculum goal, and teaching strategies.) Thereafter, the educators can generate a technology integrated matrix. By doing these four steps, teachers can experiment using new media technologies to support existing curriculum or, conversely, use traditional media technologies to support new or unfamiliar curriculum standards.
What if during your inventory you realize the school only has limited resources of technology?
If I found myself in a school with a limited amount of technological resources, then I could always ask for a reasonable request of technological tools that I felt was needed to enhance learning in my classroom. Moreover, I could consult with the district or school technology plan to find out what equipment the school has to offer.
How often do teachers change their curriculum or try to find new strategies to enhance learning in their classroom?
Most teachers are skeptical in trying new things or take time to find better ways to enhance learning in their classroom. Once teachers become comfortable with their teaching style it's very hard for them to take a risk and try something new. I think if teachers really cared about teaching and their students then they will always try to find the best possible approach and teaching style that will benefit their students.
Journal #6
Laptop Program Update
By: Pamela Livingston
Three years ago, Pamela Livingston wrote about a day in the life of a middle school student at Peck Middle School. In the article, she mentioned about a then six-year-old laptop program in which students had access to lap tops. Ms. Livingston visited the school again last year and noticed that the school had expanded their laptop program to include younger students. Laptops are moving into the lower grades, with sixth graders experiencing the one-to-one program. Sixth grade teachers are using lap tops to integrate activities in their English, History, Math, and Science classes. Moreover, they have extended their wireless network into classrooms; therefore, students are able to use e-mail, network saving and printing and access to the Internet. Subsequently, the shift in laptop availability has decided the school to take a bold move and eliminate their seventh and eighth grade technology classes. As a result, Teachers in every classroom are required to implement technology into their classroom. In addition, this change has made their sixth grade technology class more important. This class provides the skills used in math, science, English, and history. For instance, before starting a history project, sixth graders learn about appropriate websites where they can go and find information about a certain topic. One important program that is introduced to these students is called the LARK program. This program teaches students about Legal, Appropriate, Responsible, and Kind concepts about computers. Peck and many other schools are doing tremendous things with their one-to-one programs. There will be an entire generation of students soon who will have known firsthand the advantage of learning during this digital age. Many of these students won’t even be aware that not so long ago learning with computers meant leaving your classroom and walking to the computer lab once a week for isolated, non-integrated lessons.
What can be one of the negative aspects of introducing a wireless network inside the classrooms?
Teachers may encounter problems such as students visiting inappropriate websites; therefore, I think it's important for teachers to be constantly monitoring their student's activities.
At what age should students be introduced to technological tools?
I think the earlier the better, there are so many educational programs designed for children of all ages that can set them off to a good start in school.
By: Pamela Livingston
Three years ago, Pamela Livingston wrote about a day in the life of a middle school student at Peck Middle School. In the article, she mentioned about a then six-year-old laptop program in which students had access to lap tops. Ms. Livingston visited the school again last year and noticed that the school had expanded their laptop program to include younger students. Laptops are moving into the lower grades, with sixth graders experiencing the one-to-one program. Sixth grade teachers are using lap tops to integrate activities in their English, History, Math, and Science classes. Moreover, they have extended their wireless network into classrooms; therefore, students are able to use e-mail, network saving and printing and access to the Internet. Subsequently, the shift in laptop availability has decided the school to take a bold move and eliminate their seventh and eighth grade technology classes. As a result, Teachers in every classroom are required to implement technology into their classroom. In addition, this change has made their sixth grade technology class more important. This class provides the skills used in math, science, English, and history. For instance, before starting a history project, sixth graders learn about appropriate websites where they can go and find information about a certain topic. One important program that is introduced to these students is called the LARK program. This program teaches students about Legal, Appropriate, Responsible, and Kind concepts about computers. Peck and many other schools are doing tremendous things with their one-to-one programs. There will be an entire generation of students soon who will have known firsthand the advantage of learning during this digital age. Many of these students won’t even be aware that not so long ago learning with computers meant leaving your classroom and walking to the computer lab once a week for isolated, non-integrated lessons.
What can be one of the negative aspects of introducing a wireless network inside the classrooms?
Teachers may encounter problems such as students visiting inappropriate websites; therefore, I think it's important for teachers to be constantly monitoring their student's activities.
At what age should students be introduced to technological tools?
I think the earlier the better, there are so many educational programs designed for children of all ages that can set them off to a good start in school.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Journal #4
Moderating and Ethics for the Classroom Instructional Blog
By: Patricia Deubel
This article discusses the pros and cons of using blogs in the classroom. Blogs are a new type of technology tool that are being used in some classrooms that benefit both the teacher and the student. They can be helpful in providing student journals and portfolios, communication with parents and more importantly enhancing classroom discussion. By implementing blogs in the classroom, it gives every student an opportunity to give their opinion about a class discussion. Some students are too shy or need time to come up with a well thought out idea, that by providing them with this new technology tool, they will have the opportunity to voice their opinion. Teachers also encourage students to view other student's responses and give a response about other student's blogs. However, one problem with blogs is determining how much free expression should be permitted by students. There are going to be instances in which students might write inappropriate comments to other student's responses; therefore, teachers should monitor and be aware of their student’s comments and responses.
1. What kind of problems could I encounter when using a blog when having a classroom discussion?
If I were teaching Spanish to English learners, I would like to hear their thoughts about the issue of immigration that we have in our country. However, one problem that I foresee is that I would be in a middle or high school setting; therefore, I would not know if students would be responsible enough to comment on certain controversial issues such as this one. But if I did decide to ask students for their honest responses to the issue of immigration, I would warn them ahead of time about giving appropriate responses and respecting other peer’s comments. Moreover, I would constantly be monitoring student's comments and responses.
2. What are the benefits of using a blog in the classroom?
There are many benefits of implementing blogs in classroom assignments such as students learning the skill of typing and becoming more familiar with computers. It also gives all the students in the classroom the opportunity to voice their opinion about classroom discussions.
By: Patricia Deubel
This article discusses the pros and cons of using blogs in the classroom. Blogs are a new type of technology tool that are being used in some classrooms that benefit both the teacher and the student. They can be helpful in providing student journals and portfolios, communication with parents and more importantly enhancing classroom discussion. By implementing blogs in the classroom, it gives every student an opportunity to give their opinion about a class discussion. Some students are too shy or need time to come up with a well thought out idea, that by providing them with this new technology tool, they will have the opportunity to voice their opinion. Teachers also encourage students to view other student's responses and give a response about other student's blogs. However, one problem with blogs is determining how much free expression should be permitted by students. There are going to be instances in which students might write inappropriate comments to other student's responses; therefore, teachers should monitor and be aware of their student’s comments and responses.
1. What kind of problems could I encounter when using a blog when having a classroom discussion?
If I were teaching Spanish to English learners, I would like to hear their thoughts about the issue of immigration that we have in our country. However, one problem that I foresee is that I would be in a middle or high school setting; therefore, I would not know if students would be responsible enough to comment on certain controversial issues such as this one. But if I did decide to ask students for their honest responses to the issue of immigration, I would warn them ahead of time about giving appropriate responses and respecting other peer’s comments. Moreover, I would constantly be monitoring student's comments and responses.
2. What are the benefits of using a blog in the classroom?
There are many benefits of implementing blogs in classroom assignments such as students learning the skill of typing and becoming more familiar with computers. It also gives all the students in the classroom the opportunity to voice their opinion about classroom discussions.
Journal #3
Real-Life Migrants on the MUVE
By: Ross Perkins and Kathy Arreguin
This article talks about using a network 3D environment inside the classroom. It motivates students in learning about any particular subject by providing them with a new exciting way of completing an assignment. One problem that many teachers encounter in the classroom is getting the students interested and excited about certain assignments. By providing students with this new concept called MUVE, it gives them the freedom of creating a project that teaches them about team management, visual design and other types of skills.
1. How is this program more beneficial to students, than the old traditional approach?
First of all, I think this program will help motivate students who have trouble finding interest in wanting to learn. Furthermore, they learn a lot more than doing research on a certain topic and then having to write a report about it. By using this program they're learning not only about the topic but they also learn how to create images, type, interact with other students, and more importantly work with a computer.
2. By using these computer programs would it cause teachers and students to communicate less?
No, I don't think so, on the contrary, it might strengthen the relationship of teacher and student. Usually when students are interested about completing an assignment it makes the teacher's job a lot easier; moreover, it creates a bond between teacher and student when they are both interested in the same thing, which in this case would be MUVE.
By: Ross Perkins and Kathy Arreguin
This article talks about using a network 3D environment inside the classroom. It motivates students in learning about any particular subject by providing them with a new exciting way of completing an assignment. One problem that many teachers encounter in the classroom is getting the students interested and excited about certain assignments. By providing students with this new concept called MUVE, it gives them the freedom of creating a project that teaches them about team management, visual design and other types of skills.
1. How is this program more beneficial to students, than the old traditional approach?
First of all, I think this program will help motivate students who have trouble finding interest in wanting to learn. Furthermore, they learn a lot more than doing research on a certain topic and then having to write a report about it. By using this program they're learning not only about the topic but they also learn how to create images, type, interact with other students, and more importantly work with a computer.
2. By using these computer programs would it cause teachers and students to communicate less?
No, I don't think so, on the contrary, it might strengthen the relationship of teacher and student. Usually when students are interested about completing an assignment it makes the teacher's job a lot easier; moreover, it creates a bond between teacher and student when they are both interested in the same thing, which in this case would be MUVE.
Journal #2
Social Justice: Choice or Necessity?
By: Colleen Swain and David Edyburn
In this article it discusses the debate of whether or not teachers should introduce technology into the classroom. Furthermore, what are the social implications associated with teacher's decisions to use, or not use, technology to enhance teaching and learning. I agree with the article when it mentioned that teachers who decide not to use technology in their classroom are leaving students at a disadvantage. Even if a teacher does not have access to technology in the classroom he/she can direct students to places in the community where they have access to these resources. Technology is used in almost every profession and will continue to grow in the future; therefore, teachers at any grade level should try to implement some kind of knowledge about technology in their classrooms.
1. If I only have limited sources of technology in the classroom, what can I do so that my students have an equal opportunity to access these technological resources?
Well, first I would find out how many students do not have access to certain kinds of technology and direct them to certain places in the community where they can find these resources such as the public library or the local Boys and Girls Club. I would definitely use technology in my classroom and encourage students to learn as much as they can about the different kinds of technology that the real world has to offer.
2. How would you implement technology in your classroom?
I would assign research assignments that would require students to visit some sort of internet source. Furthermore, I would recommend certain websites to students that can aide them in certain classroom assignments.
By: Colleen Swain and David Edyburn
In this article it discusses the debate of whether or not teachers should introduce technology into the classroom. Furthermore, what are the social implications associated with teacher's decisions to use, or not use, technology to enhance teaching and learning. I agree with the article when it mentioned that teachers who decide not to use technology in their classroom are leaving students at a disadvantage. Even if a teacher does not have access to technology in the classroom he/she can direct students to places in the community where they have access to these resources. Technology is used in almost every profession and will continue to grow in the future; therefore, teachers at any grade level should try to implement some kind of knowledge about technology in their classrooms.
1. If I only have limited sources of technology in the classroom, what can I do so that my students have an equal opportunity to access these technological resources?
Well, first I would find out how many students do not have access to certain kinds of technology and direct them to certain places in the community where they can find these resources such as the public library or the local Boys and Girls Club. I would definitely use technology in my classroom and encourage students to learn as much as they can about the different kinds of technology that the real world has to offer.
2. How would you implement technology in your classroom?
I would assign research assignments that would require students to visit some sort of internet source. Furthermore, I would recommend certain websites to students that can aide them in certain classroom assignments.
Journal #1
Your Google Guide
By: Doug Johnson
In this article, it mentions the simple tools that Google has to offer to the public. The many search tools that are available such as image search, scholar and book search. When doing research for any assignment, I am pretty skeptical about using websites that Google has to offer. Subsequently, I just recently realized that Google has its own scholar search tool that filters out all the non credible sources and provides users with scholarly journals and websites.
1. What’s one good way of narrowing a search on a particular topic?
By typing more than two words helps Google narrow down all the possible results. Hence, the more search terms used the more specific the results list will appear. Furthermore, by typing a topic word in a form of a question will also help minimize the results list.
2. What assignment could I create that will help my students distinguish between all
the possible results from a search?
I could give my class a list of words that would all be related in such a way that they would be forced to look at the description below each result and find the most accurate result.
By: Doug Johnson
In this article, it mentions the simple tools that Google has to offer to the public. The many search tools that are available such as image search, scholar and book search. When doing research for any assignment, I am pretty skeptical about using websites that Google has to offer. Subsequently, I just recently realized that Google has its own scholar search tool that filters out all the non credible sources and provides users with scholarly journals and websites.
1. What’s one good way of narrowing a search on a particular topic?
By typing more than two words helps Google narrow down all the possible results. Hence, the more search terms used the more specific the results list will appear. Furthermore, by typing a topic word in a form of a question will also help minimize the results list.
2. What assignment could I create that will help my students distinguish between all
the possible results from a search?
I could give my class a list of words that would all be related in such a way that they would be forced to look at the description below each result and find the most accurate result.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Intro Letter
My name is Miguel Horacio Soto, but my family and friends know me as Mikey. I'm full Mexican, both of my parents are from Zacatecas, Mexico. I was born in Oceanside, CA where I lived until I was six years old. Thereafter, I moved to San Marcos and lived here ever since. I attended Alvin Dunn Elementary, San Marcos Middle School, and graduated in 1999 from San Marcos High School.
As far as my experiences with technology, I'm not too familiar with the new mainstream type of technology such as ipods, digital cameras and hi-tech cell phones. It does bother me to see my younger sister being able to use all these new forms of technology that I have little or no experience working with. However, I am proficient in word, excel and powerpoint but I would like to learn more about photoshop and video editing. I'm more of a PC person but after my first day of ED 422, I'm beginning to like working with a Mac.
The mission statement of the CSUSM/COE was a factor in my decision to apply for the middle level credential program. I like the fact that they are committed to diversity. I have been working for the Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos for about three years now and I have realized how important it is for many kids from different ethnic backgrounds to feel comfortable in a classroom setting. That's one thing I would do when I become a teacher, I would try my best to make all my students feel comfortable in my classroom by providing a diverse classroom setting.
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