“Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Creating Equitable Learning Opportunities,” by Don Hall.
The article talks about how students disengage when they come to school and that most dramatic disconnect occurs in schools with the highest percent of at risk students. These are the students who can least afford to miss out on meaningful learning opportunities. The article states that technology is actually accelerating the rate at which the divide is growing. The author says that if a district is already taking measures to actively address the divide in a positive way, technology will expedite that progress, but the reverse is also true as well. The author also explains that the divide represents students’ equity in learning opportunity and productive participation in society and feels that equity in learning are contributed by English Language Learner population growth and the fact that districts range from schools with 80% free and reduced lunch to students with million dollar homes. He also talks about strategies that can be implemented to counter or at least lessen this divide, such as an equipment refresh/replacement cycle program and a computer grant for students to have computers in their home. The goal is to extend the learning experience from the classroom to the home of these families to them these students a chance to compete with the more affluent students. There were several other strategies that the author suggested would help to lessen this divide, but says that what it comes down to is economics. He states that it is possible to create a more equitable learning opportunity for all students, however it is up to us as educators to make it happen…bottom line…it is well worth it!
Do I feel that the community should get involved in this issue? Absolutely. This is something that everyone should care about. I think it is really sad that education is based on economics. Every child has a right to an education and that education should be equal across the board as far as I am concerned. However, I know that this is not reality, but that does not mean that I feel it is fair.
Whose responsibility is it to ensure that every child receives an education that promotes success? In my opinion it is everyone’s responsibility. We are talking about the future adults of our society. I do not feel it is fair for a child to be penalized simply because their family makes less money than their neighbor. It is the school districts responsibility, the teacher’s responsibility, the parent’s responsibility, the community’s responsibility, the lawmaker’s responsibility as well as the students. But people have to care about the student and their education before the student will care about their education. It seems to be a big snowball effect. If no one cares or does anything, why would this child feel that they should even try (or why should they care). I’m sure it is not this way for every underprivileged student, but I can see where that attitude could come from.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Journal #9
“Online Learning in Harmony,” by Kimberley Ketterer.
This article discusses how the internet has brought together to very different learning styles behaviorist and constructivist. It tell how in the past that these two learning styles were kept separate and how teachers would spend countless hours researching which is the best style to use in teaching their students. Now with the use of the internet one teacher can use both styles to fit the needs of each of their students. If a student learns best through drill and practice there are perfect for students to do activities that will use the method of repetition to reinforce any subject content. If the student learns best through project-based learning, there are website they can use to explore images, sounds, text, stories, and ideas while collecting information. Now the two of these methods go more hand in hand. Students can be taught skills through drill and practice and this will pave the way for more exploratory and collaborative learning through the use of the internet.
Which of these learning styles do I feel describes my teaching style? I feel some students are going to need the repetition to reinforce the material, while others will appreciate a more open ended type discussions that encourage decision making. However, I really like how these to methods go together and one can build the students ability level to reach the other.
What type of learning style do I learn best from? I know that I am a hand’s on person. I have to be able to do something myself to really get a good grasp on it and not just have someone tell me the instructions for me to follow. But it really depends on what it is I am trying to do (the difficulty level). I can see where I would benefit from both of these methods. I also like to question why thing are the way they are, so the open ended discussion is appealing to me as well. I am probably like most students, in some areas I may need the repetition and in some areas I may need to investigate on my own.
This article discusses how the internet has brought together to very different learning styles behaviorist and constructivist. It tell how in the past that these two learning styles were kept separate and how teachers would spend countless hours researching which is the best style to use in teaching their students. Now with the use of the internet one teacher can use both styles to fit the needs of each of their students. If a student learns best through drill and practice there are perfect for students to do activities that will use the method of repetition to reinforce any subject content. If the student learns best through project-based learning, there are website they can use to explore images, sounds, text, stories, and ideas while collecting information. Now the two of these methods go more hand in hand. Students can be taught skills through drill and practice and this will pave the way for more exploratory and collaborative learning through the use of the internet.
Which of these learning styles do I feel describes my teaching style? I feel some students are going to need the repetition to reinforce the material, while others will appreciate a more open ended type discussions that encourage decision making. However, I really like how these to methods go together and one can build the students ability level to reach the other.
What type of learning style do I learn best from? I know that I am a hand’s on person. I have to be able to do something myself to really get a good grasp on it and not just have someone tell me the instructions for me to follow. But it really depends on what it is I am trying to do (the difficulty level). I can see where I would benefit from both of these methods. I also like to question why thing are the way they are, so the open ended discussion is appealing to me as well. I am probably like most students, in some areas I may need the repetition and in some areas I may need to investigate on my own.
Journal #8
“Virtual Schooling,” by Niki Davis and Dale S. Niederhauser.
The article discusses how the rise of distance education, online learning and cyber classrooms has created new roles and responsibilities for today’s teachers and administrators. It talks about how K-12 learning is expanding at an increased rate, especially for high school students and how in 2006 a school in Michigan became the first state to require an online learning experience for graduation. It goes on to tell how teaching responsibilities will change in response to the needs of digital students. It also names and explains the roles of all the key players involved in Virtual Schooling (VS). The article states that the current challenge in U.S. education is to prepare teachers for VS Preservice Teacher Education Programs. These typically provide field experience during which students become immersed in the culture of the school and begin to understand the complementary roles of education within each K-12 school. The article was written to raise awareness that every teacher may have a role to play in the facilitation of VS since its becoming a common experience in U.S. education.
What do I think of distance learning for the K-12 education system? Well, I think it is alright under certain circumstances. If there is a situation such as the Katrina incident or other such circumstances than I can see how it could be beneficial. I feel that although it is important for students to learn to use technology as a tool, a computer does not take the place of social interaction. I think that learning this is also an essential part of an education. In adulthood, very few people work at home and have that much of a limited access to other humans. If these students are going to work in offices or any other setting where they will come into contact with other employees, they would benefit from the interaction skills they gain from being in a classroom and also following rules such as staying in their seat or raising their hand before they ask a question etc.
Do I think it is a good idea for all teachers to learn how to help facilitate VS? Yes, I do. I feel that with the trend in the U.S. leaning this way at such a rate, it is important for us as educators to be prepared to help our students what ever that entails.
The article discusses how the rise of distance education, online learning and cyber classrooms has created new roles and responsibilities for today’s teachers and administrators. It talks about how K-12 learning is expanding at an increased rate, especially for high school students and how in 2006 a school in Michigan became the first state to require an online learning experience for graduation. It goes on to tell how teaching responsibilities will change in response to the needs of digital students. It also names and explains the roles of all the key players involved in Virtual Schooling (VS). The article states that the current challenge in U.S. education is to prepare teachers for VS Preservice Teacher Education Programs. These typically provide field experience during which students become immersed in the culture of the school and begin to understand the complementary roles of education within each K-12 school. The article was written to raise awareness that every teacher may have a role to play in the facilitation of VS since its becoming a common experience in U.S. education.
What do I think of distance learning for the K-12 education system? Well, I think it is alright under certain circumstances. If there is a situation such as the Katrina incident or other such circumstances than I can see how it could be beneficial. I feel that although it is important for students to learn to use technology as a tool, a computer does not take the place of social interaction. I think that learning this is also an essential part of an education. In adulthood, very few people work at home and have that much of a limited access to other humans. If these students are going to work in offices or any other setting where they will come into contact with other employees, they would benefit from the interaction skills they gain from being in a classroom and also following rules such as staying in their seat or raising their hand before they ask a question etc.
Do I think it is a good idea for all teachers to learn how to help facilitate VS? Yes, I do. I feel that with the trend in the U.S. leaning this way at such a rate, it is important for us as educators to be prepared to help our students what ever that entails.
Journal #7
“Technology and Teacher Retention,” by Robert Kadel.
This article talks about whether or not teachers are more likely to seek and stay at a school or district if they have a greater amount of technological resources. The article states that the research is still undecided. It states that teachers want to work in districts with more technological resources and once they are there, they stay there. But it also asks that if districts that have technological resources, but no support for teachers to use them would they be just as likely to stay with that district? It seems that the questions is not whether or not they have the technology, but rather the way the districts use those resources and support or train teachers in using those resources. The article also states that a teacher’s attitude about technology is a key factor.
What is my attitude towards technology? To me technology, especially in this day and age, is a must. Students who do not have the access to technology are at a real disadvantage. Most schools are having students do research on the internet and type papers on the computer. We are using computers, digital cameras, cell phones more and more as time goes on. When I was a kid I did not even know anyone personally that owned a computer and now, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t. It is unfortunate to me that there are schools that do not have the funds to provide enough computers for their students use. Like I said, this is putting these students in an awful disadvantage for their future.
Would I be willing to work at a school that did not offer computers for student use or training for teachers? I would. I would do my best to try and find ways to get computers to my students because I feel that they are an essential part of today’s education, but I would definitely work at an underprivileged school. Also, if a school district did not offer adequate training in my opinion, I would seek the training elsewhere to bring to my students.
This article talks about whether or not teachers are more likely to seek and stay at a school or district if they have a greater amount of technological resources. The article states that the research is still undecided. It states that teachers want to work in districts with more technological resources and once they are there, they stay there. But it also asks that if districts that have technological resources, but no support for teachers to use them would they be just as likely to stay with that district? It seems that the questions is not whether or not they have the technology, but rather the way the districts use those resources and support or train teachers in using those resources. The article also states that a teacher’s attitude about technology is a key factor.
What is my attitude towards technology? To me technology, especially in this day and age, is a must. Students who do not have the access to technology are at a real disadvantage. Most schools are having students do research on the internet and type papers on the computer. We are using computers, digital cameras, cell phones more and more as time goes on. When I was a kid I did not even know anyone personally that owned a computer and now, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t. It is unfortunate to me that there are schools that do not have the funds to provide enough computers for their students use. Like I said, this is putting these students in an awful disadvantage for their future.
Would I be willing to work at a school that did not offer computers for student use or training for teachers? I would. I would do my best to try and find ways to get computers to my students because I feel that they are an essential part of today’s education, but I would definitely work at an underprivileged school. Also, if a school district did not offer adequate training in my opinion, I would seek the training elsewhere to bring to my students.
Journal #6
“Social Justice, Choice or Necessity?” by Colleen Swain and David Edyburn
This article explores the social justice implications of instructional technology and provides educators with a framework for understanding the effects of their decision in using instructional technology in the classroom. It goes on to describe what social justice means and explains that students need to learn to use technology as a tool for solving a range of problems and that if they do not learn how to do this, they will be at a serious disadvantage.
How can I use the computer effectively in my classroom? I can teach my students the tools they need to use technology as well as make sure that every student is allowed equal time on the computer.
How can I get access to more computers/software for my classroom? I can check into getting free software and also research to find places willing to donate computers or find some that are refurbished.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Journal 5
"How to Fight the New Bullies," by Rosalind Wiseman.
The article talks about how with he use of cell phones and the Internet kids are now being bullied in a new way. It is not just a matter of a bigger kid picking on a smaller kid anymore. The author tells us what we need to know about "cyberbullying." She explains that it is a real danger because it is hard to know who is doing the threatening or bullying. The legal and educational system have started to address this issue, but in the meantime the author and other experts have began working on creating guidelines for using technology ethically.
Questions:
1. What can be done in the school system to counter act this? Educate our students. Teach them about this issue and how to respond, or not respond to it. Also, teach them how to use technology ethically as the author has suggested.
2. What can be done as a parent? Monitor computer use of your children. Have the computer in a central location in your home and check their my space. If a parent or other adult cannot read the material being posted, it should not be posted. The most important thing is to just be responsible, as you would with any other aspect of your child's life and their safety and/or safety of others concerning them.
The article talks about how with he use of cell phones and the Internet kids are now being bullied in a new way. It is not just a matter of a bigger kid picking on a smaller kid anymore. The author tells us what we need to know about "cyberbullying." She explains that it is a real danger because it is hard to know who is doing the threatening or bullying. The legal and educational system have started to address this issue, but in the meantime the author and other experts have began working on creating guidelines for using technology ethically.
Questions:
1. What can be done in the school system to counter act this? Educate our students. Teach them about this issue and how to respond, or not respond to it. Also, teach them how to use technology ethically as the author has suggested.
2. What can be done as a parent? Monitor computer use of your children. Have the computer in a central location in your home and check their my space. If a parent or other adult cannot read the material being posted, it should not be posted. The most important thing is to just be responsible, as you would with any other aspect of your child's life and their safety and/or safety of others concerning them.
Journal 2
"Breathing Fire into Web 2.0," by Justin Hardman & David Carpenter.
The article tells how as educators we are preparing students for the past instead of the future with the current use of technology in schools. It goes on to tell how teachers are using technology and how it can be used to connect students to the "real" world. They discuss how building a virtual learning in schools and say how creating an integrating system, such as myDrangonNet is the next logical step. This tool can be used both inside and outside of the classroom and as they stated a much better tool for students that their use of Facebook and MySpace.
Questions:
1. What are the benefits?
The article tells us that it would enhance communication, curriculum development, and teach them to create an electronic portfolio. Since we are in an age where technology is such a big part of everyday life, I feel it is important to provide our students with the tools that they will need to master the uses of technology.
2. What are potential downfalls to creating "virtual classroom?" While I feel that it is important to prepare our students for the real world and technology is a big part of that world, it is also just as important to teach our students the basics such as writing. This too is used in the real world. I am afraid that we are going to put such an emphasis on typing and neglect writing skills that are essential to a students overall education.
The article tells how as educators we are preparing students for the past instead of the future with the current use of technology in schools. It goes on to tell how teachers are using technology and how it can be used to connect students to the "real" world. They discuss how building a virtual learning in schools and say how creating an integrating system, such as myDrangonNet is the next logical step. This tool can be used both inside and outside of the classroom and as they stated a much better tool for students that their use of Facebook and MySpace.
Questions:
1. What are the benefits?
The article tells us that it would enhance communication, curriculum development, and teach them to create an electronic portfolio. Since we are in an age where technology is such a big part of everyday life, I feel it is important to provide our students with the tools that they will need to master the uses of technology.
2. What are potential downfalls to creating "virtual classroom?" While I feel that it is important to prepare our students for the real world and technology is a big part of that world, it is also just as important to teach our students the basics such as writing. This too is used in the real world. I am afraid that we are going to put such an emphasis on typing and neglect writing skills that are essential to a students overall education.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
