Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Journal #5: "Point/Counterpoint: Are Computer Labs Obsolete?" (NETS-T 3)


Parker, J. (2012). Point/counterpoint: Are computer labs obsolete?. Learning and Leading with Technology , 40(1), 12-16. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Are_Computer_L.

Summary: This article, titled “Point/Counterpoint: Are Computer Labs Obsolete?” is one that really caught my eye while I was looking at the online articles; it looked very interesting and as though it might pertain to my Ed 422 course in some way. Jessica Parker and Tim Telep, the authors, emphasize both sides of the argument while making note of many valid points for each side. The “Yes” side of the argument discusses the idea that computer labs are old “relics” that do not allow for collaboration and creativity to take place. Parker and Telep make note that there needs to be a shift in the relationship that we have with educational technology; it need to be “revolutionized.” The “No” argument focuses on the idea of lab instruction that is focused on the NETS, while allowing for the use of technology to further the content goals. They also highlight that computer labs offer an array of different learning opportunities that allow for educators to model how important technology is to their students. When instruction is given through the use of technology, in a computer lab, from a teacher who is passionate and knowledgeable in the topic, students are able to acquire valuable knowledge. 

Question #1: Could I see myself incorporating the use of computer labs into my daily instruction as a teacher?

Answer #1: I could most definitely see myself using the computer lab with my students. I am not positive that I could give my full instruction in the computer lab, but I do like the idea of incorporating the computer lab experience to continue my students’ education with technology.

Question #2: Do you believe that the use of technology can be revolutionized in the educational system?

Answer #2: I already believe that this is beginning to happen. Teachers across the world have started to incorporate modern technology to create a relationship with their students in the classroom, teaching the importance of being “tech-savvy.” This has been a huge step and I believe that it will only continue to become more relevant as the years go on in the educational system. 

Journal #4: "Join the Flock" and "Enhance Your Twitter Experience" (NETS-T 4 & 5)


Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock!. Learning and leading with Technology , 37(8), 12-15. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Join_the_Flock.aspx

Summary: This journal article, “Join the Flock,” advocates for building a PLN (Professional Learning Network) through the use of the social network called, Twitter. Ferguson addresses the ways in which educators can build such networks to form a community where they interact with one another, discussing lesson plans and even talking about the average day in the classroom. Ferguson demonstrates that twitter can be a great resource for educators and it allows for everyone to participate, even if they aren’t actively doing so. More introverted individuals can view discussions and posts while receiving the benefit of this PLN. Twitter is a readily available source that can allow for educational ideas to flow while educators develop a sense of community amongst themselves. I found this article to be informative and a wonderful resource for educators who want to build a true sense of community within the schooling system. This article advocates for using the modern social networks to transform them into educational learning networks, where educators and those alike can voice their opinions and hold educational forums.

Question #1: Could I see myself using Twitter in my educational career?
Answer #1: Before taking this class, I really had no interest in Twitter. However, after reviewing some of the benefits of Twitter and how to navigate it through the web, I would say that I would like to use this resource. I would like to be able to communicate and share ideas/opinions with people who have the same interests as I do and build a network that way.

McClintock, S. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience .Learning and Leading with Technology , 37(8), 14-17. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/Leading_and_Learning_Docs/June_July_2010_Join_the_Flock.sflb.ashx.

Summary: In the article named “Enhance Your Twitter Experience,” Shannon McClintock demonstrates how one can organize their twitter by sorting through the mass of tweets that are on the web. The twitter account can be set up in an array of ways, utilizing some very interesting tools that can be of aid when setting up one’s preferences. Certain tweets can be separated and put into different columns, depending on the number of interests and groups that you that you might have. This article also highlights the importance of using hash tags to organize your own twitter. These hash tags are a way for you to correspond in the twitter community by making note of topics and things that you find of interest in your tweets. Depending on the tweet, others could chose to follow you and join in on the conversation that might be taking place. The more followers that one might have, the bigger the Professional Learning Network might be. It is a great web-source and allows for many educators to benefit from it.

Question #2: As a future educator, would I advocate for other educators to use Twitter?
Answer #2: I think that any resource that is available to you, is one that should be utilized. Twitter is one resource that is easy to organize and navigate so that you can get the full benefits of being part of a community. I would definitely advocate for the use of Twitter to my colleagues because there is such a large educational dialogue that exists on the “twitter scene.”



Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Journal #3: Upside Down and Inside Out (Nets-T 2 & 3)

Fulton , K. (2012). Upside down and inside out: Flip your classroom to improve student learning. Learning    and leading with Technology 39(8), 12-14. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Upside_Down_and_Inside_Out.aspx. 


Summary: This journal article discusses the new idea of what is called the “flipped” classroom, which means that students view or listen to the teacher’s lessons at home and complete their homework in the classroom. This fresh idea was founded at Byron High School, in Minnesota, by Math teachers searching for a new approach to classroom teaching. The school had a lack of funds for school books and established the need to innovate a non-traditional approach that would still effectively demonstrate the class material. This new approach has been successful so far, allowing teachers and students to work collaboratively. Teachers are able to work in partnership to create lesson plans, while students are able to discuss course material in class along with the guidance of the teacher. This new-found approach has been very promising thus far and has influenced other schools to partake in this "educational innovation". I found this article to be very enlightening and informative; it is especially useful for future educators and those who are passionate about the educational system. Parents, and those alike, should read this article and be informed of  new effective approaches, like this one, of education that will take the place of the traditional approach. 


 Question #1: If I was an elementary school teacher, would I use this approach? 
Answer #1: Well, it would depend on the grade level of the classroom of students that I was teaching. Clearly, children have different developmental periods that affect just how and what they are able to learn. I would use this approach with upper grade level students, utilizing this method to highlight the importance of technology in our world today. I love the idea of allowing the time in class to be dedicated to student collaboration. This would allow for me to leave time in class for any lingering questions to be answered after the students worked in groups.

Question #2: As a teacher, would this be my only approach in the classroom?
Answer #2: I would like to acknowledge the diverse learning methods within my classroom, so I would say that this would not be the only approach that I would use in the classroom. I would like to use this approach to emphasize technology in the modern world, but I would also use traditional approaches to classroom teaching. I would want each and every student to get the benefits of their preferred learning style, and the only way to do this would be to blend the “old” with the “new.” 





Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Journal #2: School 2.0 Reflection Tool

The module that I chose to take a deeper look into was NETS-T #1: Facilitate & Inspire Student Learning & Creativity. Within this module, I focused on the resource titled "Creativity and Schools," which is a video of Sir Ken Robinson presenting his ideas of education and creativity within the educational system. He addresses many valid and interesting points through his presentation. He stated that he believes that creativity is as important as literacy within the classroom. I definitely agree with this statement; I believe that creativity is something that is essential within the atmosphere of the classroom. Children harbor such creativity in most instances and we, as educators, need to let the creativity flow to inspire learning. He also addresses that creative children who possess a true talent suffer the consequences of their talent not being valued in our society. Their talent and the creativity that comes along with it are "stigmatized". Sir Ken Robinson discusses the idea that we need to "radically reshape" the way in which we view intelligence. He brings up three points: intelligence is dynamic, diverse, and distinct. These are the principles that we should remember about individuals and intelligence. Intelligence should not solely be measured by academic success. I really enjoyed watching this video and listening to what Sir Ken Robinson had to say. 

Monday, July 9, 2012

Journal #1: 100 Things That Make ME Happy


      1. Babies
2.  Dancing
3. Listening to music with friends in the car
4.  Singing at the top of my lungs when no one else is home
5.  Green Tea Ice Cream
6.  When my 7 year old brother gives me a kiss on the cheek
7.  Spending time with my family
8.     Going to downtown San Diego with friends
9.     Reading a beautifully written novel
10.  Bikram Yoga
11. Hiking (especially at sunset)
12. Going to the beach
13. Spending the entire day at the beach
14. Cooking for my family and friends
15.  Seeing a smile on a child’s face
16.  Soulful voices (Christina Aguilera)
17.  Beach bonfires
18.  Receiving a friendly smile/hello from a stranger
19.  The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
20.  Listening to people’s life stories
21. 50’s style dresses
22. Thinking back to the wonderful memories with my grandfather
23. Romantic comedies
24. Horchata
25. Late night shenanigans with good friends
26. Laughing until I can no longer breathe
27. Roller coasters
28. Going to the Del Mar Fair
29. Farmer’s Markets
30. Bouquets of flowers
31. Starbucks gold card
32. The ocean
33. Boogie boarding
34. Learning new dance moves/styles
35. Mastering a new dance
36. Speaking in accents
37. Learning something new everyday
38. Country music/festivals
39. Bargains
40. Alpha Delta Pi
41. Disneyland
42. Pandora
43. Floppy hats
44. Seeing a child take his/her first steps
45. Being the oldest of 6 children
46. Late night conversations with friends
47. Lourdes’ chicken soup
48. Hearing the words “I Love You”
49.  Sunny days
50. The smell of sunscreen
51. Picnics
52. Writing raps
53. Spanglish
54. Bomb.com sushi
55. Using slang (in the appropriate context)
56.  Buying high heels
57. Revenge
58. Swedish Fish
59. The smell of coffee in the morning
60. My Iphone
61. The dollar section in Target
62. Hearing my mother’s laugh
63. Throwing parties
64. Waking up from a good dream
65. Receiving a text from someone I haven’t spoken to in a while
66.  Receiving an A on a test that I thought I failed
67.  Educated conversations
68. Philosophical conversations
69. Dressing up
70. Being overdressed
71. Crafting
72. Being spontaneous
73. Cuddling
74. Puff-Painting
75. Swimming
76. Floating in the ocean
77. Hugs
78. Nordstroms
79. My sisters
80. My sorority sisters
81. Fishing with my dad
82.  Ice blocking
83. Pranks
84. Getting compliments on a new outfit
85. Best friends
86. Happy Hour
87.  Sleeping in
88. Christmas
89. Thanksgiving
90. Celebrating a friend’s birthday
91. MAC Eyeshadow
92. Perfume
93. Looking at my Bachelor’s degree
94. Making daily lists
95. Looking through old photo albums
96. Glitter
97.  Going to a good play
98. Trying new food
99. Summer Concerts
100. The life I’ve been given.