Good and Bad

Reference: Bryce, T. How Technology Affects Our Youth. Enzine @articles. 2011.

In the newsfeed above, Tim Bryce discusses how technology has it affects in more ways than one. One of the points he makes is that technology has made us want everything instantly including doctor visits and ordering food because of quick access to just about anything at our fingertips. I will be the first to admit I’m guilty with wanting things or information right away. What’s more alarming though is a study he shares which reveals that employees who are distracted by phone calls, emails, and text messages undergo at least a 10 point IQ loss than if they had smoked marijuana or lost a night’s sleep (Bryce, 2011). In a world that is constantly moving forward with technology innovations (smartphones, iPods, iPads, virtual gaming systems, YouTube, touch screen appliances, you name it) how do we find balance or is it even possible at this point and time?

BYOD: Bring Your Own Device

Reference: Strom, D. Why BYOD Isn’t a Trend. ReadWrite Web. December 5, 2011

While I can understand IT perspectives about “bringing your own device” as it relates to infrastructure support and security issues, I do have to wonder if resistance to the idea has much to do with the uneasiness of students permissibly having mobile devices in sight. On the surface, I can also understand this uneasiness but at the same time engaging students in the classroom with devices they use outside of class is not a bad idea or an impossible idea. Notice I said “engaging” because I do believe if students are not actively engaged in using mobile devices for instruction, then of course there is potential for misconduct. I think with anything however, there will always be that select group who will deviate from the intended purpose. Yes, misuse must be taking into account but it can still be a teachable moment for students because in the real-world there are consequences such as write-ups, suspension, and or termination when employees go against policy. And yes, there’s the potential for theft but is that not happening already anyway? Some teachers at my school are even disturbed with students having a Kindle in sight. In contrast, I ho no problem with it because students are still reading just in a non-traditional way. What are your thoughts on the “bring your own device” notion?

Microsoft Is In the Running for a “Voice-Controlled Future"

Reference: Titlow, J. Siri, Step Aside - Another Tech Giant Embraces a Voice-Controlled Future. ReadWrite Web. December 5, 2011.

It is AMAZING where technology has come from and where it's headed! According to the newsfeed above from the Read and Wrtie Web, Microsoft will soon release the XBox Live platform which is said to be an "all in one entertainment" center (Titlow, 2011). In addition to the upgrade's ability to offer its users live tv and web based videos, Microsoft has adopted the concept of Siri with voice controls for its once "gaming" innovation. Users will be able to give voice commands for which show or movie they wish to watch and BAM...it will appear on the screen. Reading this article has made me feel a little ancient especially considering all XBox 360 users have to do is wave their hand in a right to left motion to browse for a movie and here I am still using remote controls and radios with a dial. It all just makes you wonder, "Will simple tools such as the remote become obsolete now that voice control features are becoming very popular?"

"The Right Technology May Be a Pencil"

I agree with the stance of Mary Beth Hertz, who is the author of the Edutopia article The Right Technology May Be a Pencil. This ties in closely with my previous blog about calculators. Often times we are so accustomed to newer technology that we forget about older methods that work just as good. Students are always amazed to find out what the true meaning of technology is and a pencil is very much technology. I don't know about some educators, but giving my students instructions to take notes sometimes seems as if I'm speaking a foreign language. I've even had some to comment about the amount of writing done in a computer class but that's because the wave of technology has eliminated a lot of the basic skills older generations were taught in school. Often times, students want to jump right into starting a project but I have to remind them that it is a process called planning or drafting. So even as a computer teacher, I still use storyboards, two-column notes, exit tickets, one sentence summaries, manual proofreading activities, and other written activities in the classroom--all of which reinforce basic literacy skills. While some tools may come and go, the pencil/pen never will. Even when technology malfunctions, you can always count on the pencil/pencil as backup. I learned this valuable lesson just this school term when my lab was down for renovation the first three months of school. So we had no choice but to turn to paper and pencil to keep instruction flowing. Without the computers, I was able to keep learning meaningful and engaging but I must admit I sure am glad to have computer access now. :)

"Lessons from a Public School Turnaround"

Lessons from a Public School Turnaround was an inspiring newsfeed from Edutopia. Both the article and video was touching as to how one middle school, Cochrane Collegiate was once ranked as one of the lowest performing schools in the state. However, through strong leadership, meaningful professional development, and collaboration, the school is showing tremendous progress. While I believe structure, high expectations, engagement, and consequences are necessities in any educational setting, I agree with the teachers in the video that teaching and learning is about building relationships and collaborating. This however can be difficult to do if students sense stereotypes or believe a teacher does not care. Whether or not a teacher cares is significantly related to student performance. A saying I heard a while ago that has stuck with me since being in the classroom is, "Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Although teaching and learning also entails hands-on and authencity, I believe the previous saying wholeheartedly. Even as I dwell upon my school-age years, I worked harder for the teachers who showed that they care than I did for those who didn't. In fact, I believe this is how students determine their favorite teachers...at least I did.

No Calculators in Primary Schools

Reference: Vasagar J. & Shepherd, J. Subtracting Calculators Adds to Children's Math Abilities Says Minister. Teaching News. December 1, 2011.

According to the newsfeed referenced above from Teaching News, "National curriculum reviews" are beginning to question the use of calculators in primary schools (Vasagar & Shepherd, 2011). It is believed that students are becoming too dependent upon them early in life without knowing basic math facts by heart first. To a large degree, I agree that learning basic facts should occur before students are introduced to calculators. When I was growing up, learning multiplication facts by heart was required. As I think about my own students, some cannot quickly tell you the product of two numbers. If they don't have the calculator to reach for, they are counting fingers or drawing circles and lines.

In Singapore, hardly any 10 year olds use calculators in class which more than likely explain their high rankings in Math (Vasagar & Shepherd, 2011). The article furher reports that the UK ranks much lower than Singapore in math and is therefore considering following suit. What is your perspective on this? Do you believe calculators should or should not be permitted in primary schools before learning basic math facts?

"FOMO": Does it Apply?

David Strom's article FOMO for the Holidays from the Read and Write Web newsfeed has shed some light on one of the people who said, "I don't need a facebook page. Anyone who needs to get in contact with me already know how." That person was me about 2 years ago. According to Strom, FOMO stands for "Fear of Missing Out." I had vowed to never get a facebook page proclaiming mostly that I didn't have time. After much talk about facebook from others around me, I decided to create a profile still with some reluctance out of curiosity. I guess you could say I feared missing out lol. Now, I check daily like I do email and update my status often. I'm also thinking about creating a twitter account. Talk about the power of social media influence :).

In the article, Strom also makes a point that many people place their mobile devices at the dinner table to eat for "fear of missing out" when this was not the case years ago. Here again, I must admit I am guilty. Just about every where I position myself, my smartphone is nearby and I'm often checking for news and information updates. While I must admit the constant innovations of mobile devices have made it more challenging however to concentrate on one thing at a time, I agree getting back to quality time is so important in the scope of things.So, I will work on Strom's advice and try taking a "FOMO break." Is there anyone else "in this boat" besides me? :)

Teaching Kids to be Healthy

"New Teaching Theme - Keeping Healthy"

by Mark Warner

http://www.teachingnews.co.uk/2011/11/new-teaching-theme-keeping-healthy/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TeachingNews+%28Teaching+News%29

I thought this was another interesting link to share from Teaching News newsfeed especially with the obesity rate among children steadily increasing. In many ways, uses of technology are a great means for helping students to learn. However, it can also be a hindrance to healthy lifestyles if children are allowed or conditioned to sit in front of a television, computer or game system with very little or any physical activity. Physical Education/Health and Science teachers may especially find this information useful in teaching kids about the human body and the importance of physical activity as it relates to minimizing health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, etc.

16 iOS Apps for Schools

by Mark Warner

http://www.teachingnews.co.uk/2011/11/16-ios-apps-for-schools/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TeachingNews+%28Teaching+News%29

I thought the above link were some particularly interesting apps to share with teachers and parents especially for children in elementary grades from Teaching News newsfeed. Although I teach 8th grade, I know will they come in handy where my daughter is concerned. Often times, I watch in awe as my 4 year old takes my iPhone and maneuver game apps I have installed for her with ease. So while some adults might still be afraid of the technology that's unfolding constantly before our very eyes, kids today have no problem exploring and constructing knowledge on their own. As the saying goes, "If they can't learn the way we teach, then teach the way they learn."

“New Teachers: Is Your Principal a P.A.L. (Pretty Awesome Leader)”

By: Lisa Michelle Dabbs

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/new-teacher-principal-support-lisa-dabbs?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

I think some principals often times assume that new teachers have been adequately trained during their education programs for the classroom. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. As a result, principals overlook the fact that a new teacher’s success depends significantly on his/her role as a leader in the areas of guidance, mentoring, observations, etc. Often times, new teachers are assigned a mentor who is too busy themselves trying to meet professional demands and therefore do not do a very good job mentoring. And while I realize principals have a lot on their plate, support from an administration or the lack thereof can make or break a new teacher. I’ve had the best of mentors and the worst of mentors so I know what it’s like from both perspectives. Luckily for me, I had already worked in other capacities of the education sector before deciding to teach. So unlike a number of new teachers, this gave me an opportunity to observe and learn immeasurable strategies which later contributed to my success in the classroom. I do think that ample support from administration is everything for a beginning teacher. It’s pretty much like a parent nurturing a young child until he or she is independent enough to master certain skills on his or her own. In spite of busy schedules, principals have to also find ways to nurture new teachers. The idea for principals to keep in mind is most beginning teachers bring something new, refreshing, and different to the table. So, helping them succeed can be beneficial to all stakeholders but especially the children.

“My Teacher Is an App” - Pros & Cons

By: Will Richardson

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teacher-is-app-will-richardson?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Traditional education is increasingly taking a back seat to online education. I remember when distance education was typically done through colleges and universities. Now, the concept of an online education is making its way into a number of high schools across the country. In the newsfeed article from Edutopia, Miami schools superintendent makes a valid argument that “he sees no point in forcing the iPod generation to adapt to a classroom model that has changed little in 300 years” (Richardson, 2011). I couldn’t agree more with this notion considering it prepares students for hybrid and distance education classes in college. In addition, students are allowed flexibility in their schedules which can further allow time for gaining work experience via part-time jobs. One misconception however is that online classes are easier and that couldn’t be further from the truth. It takes far more discipline and commitment to be successful at online courses verses traditional courses.

Unfortunately for educators however, the more online schools and courses that are developed, the more teacher cuts will take place because school systems are recognizing this as a means to pull through budget crisis. According to the article, Georgia taxpayers spend more than half on traditional public education per student than it does on online education per student while Miami reports saving $1500 a year per full-time online student. (Richardson, 2011). I'm curious to know however how do grades of online students compare to those of traditional classrooms in a given subject. Is online education in various schools showing a significant achievement gap between traditional settings?

Is There More Schools Can Do to Deter Bullying?

http://ezinearticles.com/?Various-Effects-of-Bullying&id=6697262

The above newsfeed prompted this post on bullying. Undoubtedly, bullying is out of control! As the story below broke across the news this week, my heart sank as my mind tried to sympathize with the family of a 10 year old girl who committed suicide from allegedly being bullied. It also makes me ponder over what more schools can do to deter bullying.

One thing I emphasize in my class is that I will not tolerate the belittling of another student as I’m sure a number of educators do. While I try my hardest to ensure bullying does not take place in my classroom or to my knowledge, what is an educator to do when it goes beyond the classroom or when students keep silent? Like 10 year old Jasmine, many bullying cases extend beyond the classroom on social networking sites. Sadly, victims become reserved and feel like they are a snitch if they tell rather than release the hurt by telling someone. Kids can be so cruel and somehow it has to be a way to discourage such gruesome behavior before another life is taken.

http://www.wral.com/news/local/video/10390496/#/vid10390496

Are Educators Truly Safeguarded Against Student Allegations?

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-to-Do-If-You-Feel-One-of-Your-Teachers-Has-Acted-Inappropriately&id=6694899

No person in their right mind wants to hear tell of an educator’s inappropriate conduct with a student. In fact, any teacher who crosses this line with substantial evidence to back accusations should serve jail time. What happens though when false allegations are made toward a teacher can be just as detrimental for a teacher. All it takes is one vicious rumor to ruin an educator’s reputation and possibly even career. Generally, allegations against teachers are presumed guilty until proven innocent and stories of this nature are like magnets to the media. Sadly, resentful students use this tactic all so well as a means of revenge. Unfortunately, the damage to an educator’s credibility is never fully repaired even if an investigation or trial later proves innocence. The YouTube video below with Nicole Howell from Kentucky is an example among many of how an educator’s career and reputation can turn into a nightmare overnight.


http://youtu.be/LEmSw2Mi8MM

I pray I never encounter a student who is just that malicious but the thought is very alarming that this can happen to even the best of teachers. Often times, students will question why I don’t accept them as friends on Facebook but my biggest fear is the possibility of an unwelcoming situation. In this day and time, “I’d rather be safe than sorry.” What is your perspective on all of this?

Digital Generation As It Relates to Character Building

http://ezinearticles.com/?Character-Building-Books-For-Kids-And-Teens&id=6675243

I agree with Robart Horiton in the above article that kids today ability to thrive with the use of technology does not make it any easier for them to make moral and emotional decisions. In fact, I believe it has made it even more complex. As I talked with a student in confidence just a few days ago, I couldn’t help but think back to my teenage years when I was more concerned with pimples and crushes. Our teens today however face far more pressing issues. Even though bullying is nothing new, I never would have imagined cyber bullying at the magnitude it is now among other challenging peer pressures our teens face.

Nevertheless, this article validates that in spite of all the digital media around us, kids books on related topics can be useful in helping students to build or repair character development. So don’t throw out the traditional books just yet. They are not totally obsolete and can still have meaning.

Are Schools Addressing Low Performance of Boys?

http://ezinearticles.com/?Factors-Responsible-for-Poor-Performance-of-Boys-in-School&id=6680678

The newsfeed entitled “Factors Responsible for Poor Performance of Boys in School” inspired this blog post because the classes I teach are single-gender. From my understanding, the single-gender concept was adopted in our middle school division based on the teachings of Dr. Leonard Sax, the author of “Why Gender Matters.” I happen to love teaching single-gender classes for the most part even though a number of my students don’t like being separated by gender. Nonetheless, the newsfeed article references some valid factors as to why boys perform lower in school. At my school, teachers are expected to develop gender-specific lesson plans. Things I’ve learned to help make the learning environment more conducive to boys as result of teaching gender-specific classes for two years now are:

·    Dimming the lights.

·    Allowing boys to stand if they opt to.

·    Speaking louder for boys than girls.

·    Incorporating physical activity usually in the form of teams.

·    Relating classroom lessons/activities to real men.

·    Using humor often but taking authority when necessary.

Just to share with other teachers, our staff was advised in training once that sending boys to the principal’s office will cause them to become behavioral problems in the classroom. From past experiences, this has proven true although sometimes that is the only alternative. “The lack of male teachers in the school may also be a reason for the poor performance of the boys” (Snehal P., 2011). I do believe however that customizing and differentiating learning for boys will significantly improve the achievement gap compared to girls. It would be interesting to know just how many school systems across the country actually incorporate gender-specific lessons/activities.

Below is a YouTube interview with Dr. Leonard Sax and some of his views on why genders matter. 

http://youtu.be/eXqiJLZm-DI

"Is Video Blogging Appropriate for Education?"

Quite a few of my students have YouTube accounts and view/publish to the web on a frequent basis. So this method is nothing new to them. Besides, when we think about the visual gadgets that our students use on practically a daily basis such as smartphones, iPods, wii games, etc., it coincides with what they are accustomed to. Further, I am a visual learner as a number of my students are also. In addition, the brain is able to retain what it sees and hears far longer than just what it hears. I’m simply looking forward to the day when school systems will move away from fearing the worst in implementing these technical tools students are already using and embrace them as opportunities to maximize learning in the classroom. We can only teach our students the acceptable and responsible way to use the Internet. We cannot shield them from every piece of inappropriate content on the web. This alone should not be the reason we rule out teaching strategies that are favorable for students. Even with filtering programs, inappropriate content is subject to surface. Here again, we must teach them the correct way to respond if/when such instances do occur.

http://www.squidoo.com/Video-Blogging-In-Education

“Do Whiteboard Benefits Justify Their Cost?”

In the article named above, critics question whether the benefits of whiteboards justify their cost. Although I’m not privilege to have a smartboard, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in smartboard trainings and believe the benefits can be immeasurable for students. The sessions I participated in were very engaging and included both individual tasks and cooperative learning exercises. I’m all about making learning fun and engaging for my students so I know it wouldn’t be a wasted investment in my class :). I have however heard former coworkers comment on the fact they know teachers who have smartboards but don’t use them or are not comfortable using them. In cases such as this, it’s no wonder critics would question their effectiveness. A few things must happen however for their effectiveness to take place: (1) Teachers must be adequately trained so they are somewhat comfortable and knowledgeable of their use. (2) Teachers should allow students to frequently interact with the smartboards as a means for learning rather than being the primary operators. While I must admit, often times I learn from my students. So giving the students an opportunity to experiment with the smartboards can prove successful for both the students and the teacher. (3) As the old cliché goes, “If you don’t use it you will lose it.” So the use of smartboards can’t be an every now and then ordeal. Plus, practice makes perfect and much can be learned from trial and error. It works for me at least when I am working with a new program or piece of equipment. 

Article link: http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/are-white-boards-worth-the-money.shtml

Relevance of a Stronger Parent Community

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/creating-strong-parent-community-marisa-kaplan?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

I agree with this newsfeed hosted by Edutopia that “teaching can be a complicated profession” (Kaplan, 2011). In fact, I was just thinking today how amazing it is that one of the lowest paying professions has some of the highest standards to adhere to. Nevertheless, it makes a significant difference when you have parental support. Parents have to feel welcomed however and must be frequently invited to take part in their child’s education. Many times it is assumed parents are not concerned or interested in teacher conferences or school involvement when the fact remains a number of them are often times intimidated or fear the worst.

As educators, it is important to treat parents as guest and pull out the welcoming mats in the classroom just as we would guests who are visiting our home. Frequent contact is also important and not just in the form of a progress report or report card. Too, contact should not be made only when there’s negative information to share. All too often, communication is made when negative behaviors need to be reported yet positive behaviors are rarely communicated to parents. One thing I’ve tried to do in the past few years to create a stronger parent community is to send out electronic communications to parents with a subject line: Positive Message from Teacher. This has worked extremely well for me in increasing parental support and building rapport with parents. I also invite parents to join our class wiki space to stay abreast of course requirements, deadlines, and updates which gives them a sense of belonging. Lastly, I welcome parents to visit and observe my classroom at any time with or without notice. One aspect I am looking to implement in the very near future as a result of blogging is a weblog for parents to express concerns, questions, thoughts, or ideas concerning the course, and also provide the opportunity to collaborate with other parents in the course.  

Needless to say, a stronger parent community or the lack thereof influences student achievement. On a personal note, I think I honestly had to become a mother first and a teacher second because being a parent helps me to think along the lines of a parent first and a teacher second. Can you share some examples of how you create a stronger parent community?

Cell Phone Usage Among Low-Income Families…Hmm?

While I see the statistics from Edutopia's article "Should We Be Concerned About Apps Gap?", I find it hard to believe that only “22% of low income families have used a cell phone” (Watters, 2011). Undoubtedly higher income families will always have an advantage over lower income families as it relates to the latest technologies but cell phones are common in just about every household. In fact, nearly every student (if not every student) in my class owns a cell phone and better than mine :). The flourishing of mobile companies and race for the top among wireless competitors has also practically caused a revolution of cell phone give-a-ways for little or nothing with low cost or pre-paid cell phone plans. So the percentage stated is in question for me.

Adobe: More than Just Application Software

I am happy to learn thru the Teaching News RSS feed that Adobe has a free resource available to educators called Adobe Education Exchange. For educators who were unaware like me, all that’s needed is an Adobe account which I already had from some years ago and choice of a screen name for exchanging information. Subjects range from Administration and Management to Art, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Professional Development. I have already begun exploring the Information and Communications Technology section to find ideas that will enrich my content. I admire that Adobe who is notorious for software has cultivated a give and take environment for educators across the globe. It still amazes me sometimes that there is so much teacher content on the web that countless hours of lesson planning is not particularly necessary. In fact, it could be a waste of time given that the “wheel is already invented” for the most part. The need will always exist of course to modify and differentiate lessons, but with sites like Adobe’s corner of the web for educators much of the work is already done. In a sense, sites of this nature and the web in general for that matter have become just like a grocery store for teachers—pick up what you need and leave what you don’t want.

The link to Adobe’s FREE collaborative resource for teachers is: http://edexchange.adobe.com/pages/home.

Digital Divide: What Does This Really Mean?

Edutopia’s article on the “Digital Divide” jumps out at me as I think of my current situation at the school I teach. For the last two months, I have been teaching a technology-based class without computers with the exception of the teacher’s computer. Needless to say this has been fairly challenging and rather difficult at times. Mary Beth Hertz, the author “A New Understanding of Digital Divide,” notes however that the definition of “digital divide” has changed over the years. Contrary to popular belief, Hertz rationale is it no longer means the haves and have nots. Hertz points out that today it is HOW specific groups (particularly minorities) access the web that is generating a digital divide. I never gave it much thought until reading the article that a significant number of people do solely rely on cell phones to connect to the Internet and check email. So are rapid cell phone innovations really influencing mainly minorities in overlooking the bigger picture of personal computer uses? Why do you suppose the percentages are higher among minorities as it relates to exclusively using a cell phone for Internet access and/or to read email rather than a PC? Do you think future cell phone innovations will eventually lead to the personal computer becoming obsolete? The latter is a discussion I had with my students about a month ago and at least half believed cell phones would not totally replace PCs regardless of new innovations just as cell phones have not totally replaced house phones.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EdutopiaNewContent/~3/HM-4rznX-4w/digital-divide-technology-internet-access-mary-beth-hertz

Getting Started with Blogging

In the next few weeks, I really hope to learn ways to take my class to the next level with blogging. Although we have a class wiki space, blogging will be a new strategy I'm trying this year. I also plan to sought out helpful articles and teacher experiences of blogging in the classroom.