Technology is something you cannot ignore; it is an integral part of our society and demonstrates the power of our nation. Without proper instruction on the use of technology, people become crippled and are unable to function at their full potential in the community that has been created with the introduction of the internet. As teachers we stand in a position where we are able to educate students on the ways of technology and help develop them into fully functioning members of the technological age. As discussed in the article “Who are Today’s Learners,” teachers must first overcome two opinions: “The first is that the majority of today’s students are all extremely techno-savvy, even intimidating, to the average teacher; the second is that students from low-income backgrounds are typically technologically impoverished, with little tech access at home and little skill in using technology” (Greenhow, 1). It is not right to jump to conclusions about your students without any digging into what they truly know. Technology is a needed element within the classroom, thus as teachers we must make use of this resource.
It is important to keep in mind that not all students in a classroom have access to computers and other technology resources at home. Just because they do not have this equipment easily accessible does not mean you should not use it at all. It is important to use technology so that we develop all student skills, otherwise we leave them in a compromising position: “Students without these skills are at a decided disadvantage in terms of future educational and employment opportunities in our global, technological, and information-based society” (Swain & Edyburn, 15). As teachers we must encourage and promote the use of technology within not only our classrooms, but also at home and other public locations. There is access to computers available for anyone; it might be more work for some students, but it is necessary to have the children of the future become acquainted with the technology of our time.
Even though computers still scare me at times, I believe that I must learn how to adequately use them so that I do not do a disservice towards my students. Computers provide students with the chance to succeed in new ways: “Students can use instructional technologies to enable them to learn and demonstrate their learning in new ways, thus preparing them for an exciting and unlimited future” (Swain & Edyburn, 18). By using computers within the classroom and outside of it, students will have the opportunity to explore lessons, topics, and ideas with the freedom of the internet. They will be able to connect to their work in a new way because they will be able to work through it in a manner that they understand. Students have become attached and obsessed with technology, by allowing them to use it to complete assignments engages them in a way that they can relate to.
Understanding that not every one of my students will have access to a computer at home, I will have to be willing to put in some extra effort. At the beginning of a class I will take a survey to find out which students will need extra help or time to produce assignments that require computers. Also, I will include some class time to using the computer lab, especially for projects that specifically require internet research or word processing. I also understand that I must allow students to have the opportunity to have some work time before or after school where they have access to a computer. When needed, I will make sure that every student has the same opportunity and chance to complete an assignment.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
PowerPoints
This process of creating PowerPoint presentations has been enlightening. PowerPoints have been a part of our education from the beginning and many teachers have taken advantage of this program to liven up their presentations. It was interesting to do all the reading on the do’s and don’ts of presentations because it makes you think before you start any presentation. My favorite aspects of the presentations in class were the backgrounds. A few of the PowerPoints used pictures very effectively as backgrounds. These images were good at enforcing what was being said. Also some presentations were very good at using the perfect amount of words on their slides. The combination of a few words and great pictures for backgrounds made the PowerPoint engaging and made the information stick in my mind.
On the flipside of the fantastic backgrounds and word choice, there were a few presentations that were heavily based on bullet points. It became distracting when slides were filled with words and pictures and there was no white space to allow your eye to fall upon. When there is that much information on a single slide it becomes difficult to retain any of it. It’s just hard for your mind to recall and work through that much information at a time.
I feel that I had a problem with putting too many words on a page too. I tried very hard to minimize my word choice and only put crucial words upon a slide, but at times I was unable to attain this goal. Also I feel like the biggest downfall of my presentation was the backgrounds. My choice of format was not that engaging and I feel like I could have chosen my pictures more efficiently.
I feel that PowerPoint has great potential when a presentation is needed. Lecturing is necessary in a classroom even though it tends to be the least favorite form of instruction and PowerPoint allows lectures to have a little bit more flair. Through this program you are allowed to add pictures, words, sound and video to make a lecture more tangible and address visual learners. For many, having visuals reinforce what is being said is very helpful and makes the information that is needed to be digested more retainable. Even though PowerPoint can be very beneficial, there are also a few things that can go wrong with this presentation. Sometimes presenters fall back on PowerPoint though and use this type of presentation just because it can be easier. Also this program can be used poorly. Presenters are not always equipped or fully understand the most effective uses for creating PowerPoints. Another issue is that sometimes teachers will begin to use PowerPoints for every lesson and then these presentations can become boring and will no longer be useful tools for instruction.
On the flipside of the fantastic backgrounds and word choice, there were a few presentations that were heavily based on bullet points. It became distracting when slides were filled with words and pictures and there was no white space to allow your eye to fall upon. When there is that much information on a single slide it becomes difficult to retain any of it. It’s just hard for your mind to recall and work through that much information at a time.
I feel that I had a problem with putting too many words on a page too. I tried very hard to minimize my word choice and only put crucial words upon a slide, but at times I was unable to attain this goal. Also I feel like the biggest downfall of my presentation was the backgrounds. My choice of format was not that engaging and I feel like I could have chosen my pictures more efficiently.
I feel that PowerPoint has great potential when a presentation is needed. Lecturing is necessary in a classroom even though it tends to be the least favorite form of instruction and PowerPoint allows lectures to have a little bit more flair. Through this program you are allowed to add pictures, words, sound and video to make a lecture more tangible and address visual learners. For many, having visuals reinforce what is being said is very helpful and makes the information that is needed to be digested more retainable. Even though PowerPoint can be very beneficial, there are also a few things that can go wrong with this presentation. Sometimes presenters fall back on PowerPoint though and use this type of presentation just because it can be easier. Also this program can be used poorly. Presenters are not always equipped or fully understand the most effective uses for creating PowerPoints. Another issue is that sometimes teachers will begin to use PowerPoints for every lesson and then these presentations can become boring and will no longer be useful tools for instruction.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Chatspeak - Its Impact on Students
The world of texting has developed its own language. Chatspeak allows students to shorten words, spell them inaccurately, and create a whole new lingo. Even though I have fallen prey to this new “language” as I’m an avid texter, I feel that chatspeak has really damaged students’ ability to write properly at times. As an English major, I understand the need to switch back to using technical English, but many of my friends and students I have worked with do not have the same understanding: “When it comes to students and their use of chatspeak, it will be more difficult for many to switch gears to effective and meaningful writing” (Chatspeak, 2). As I have become aware of this issue I strongly believe that “Chatspeak is destroying students’ command of written English…” (Chatspeak, 1).
During school, it is our duty as teachers to educate our students and make them understand the necessity to be able to command the English language both in the oral and written manner. These skills are necessary for these students to acquire because they will need them when they enter the business world. If their minds are warped to this new form of chatspeak, they will not be able to effectively communicate later in life: “The shortcuts and acronyms that make instant messaging, text messaging, and online chatting so popular have no place in academic, business, and other formal writing settings where it is essential that all individuals involved are using language that is clear and concise” (Chatspeak, 2). Reading through this article has made me wonder how I will be able to combat this issue in my own classroom. I understand that chatspeak is the language of the generation and students need this opportunity to connect with others, but I want to impart upon them the need to also get in touch with the English language in its most proper form. I also wonder why others do not believe that the chatspeak revolution does not affect young minds and their development in language acquisition.
During school, it is our duty as teachers to educate our students and make them understand the necessity to be able to command the English language both in the oral and written manner. These skills are necessary for these students to acquire because they will need them when they enter the business world. If their minds are warped to this new form of chatspeak, they will not be able to effectively communicate later in life: “The shortcuts and acronyms that make instant messaging, text messaging, and online chatting so popular have no place in academic, business, and other formal writing settings where it is essential that all individuals involved are using language that is clear and concise” (Chatspeak, 2). Reading through this article has made me wonder how I will be able to combat this issue in my own classroom. I understand that chatspeak is the language of the generation and students need this opportunity to connect with others, but I want to impart upon them the need to also get in touch with the English language in its most proper form. I also wonder why others do not believe that the chatspeak revolution does not affect young minds and their development in language acquisition.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is the new fad of the technological era. With the freedom and endless possibilities of the internet, students have taken bullying to a whole new level. Cyberbullying is when a child harasses, embarrasses, makes fun off, slurs, and/or slanders another child through the outlet of technology, such as on the internet, a chat room, text message, blog, posted picture, etc. Bullying is no longer a face-to-face occurrence, but a person can be attacked from any location and these hurtful actions can cause emotional damage. I do not believe that I have any personal experience with cyberbullying, or at least I’m not aware of it if I do.
Cyberbullying is a prevalent issue on any school campus that both administrators and teachers must address. This form of harassment can disrupt a teacher’s ability to instruct within their classroom. The effects of cyberbullying are felt within the grounds of the school, but many times schools are unable to act and try to alleviate the problem. A school has the ability to teach students about the negative effects that occur when a person demeans another in this fashion, but unless real threats are made not much action can be taken. Anti-harassment policies are instated in schools and students can be punished for cyberbullying, but this is if the action takes place on the campus. The legal issue with this subject is whether or not schools have the right to regulate students’ internet use from home. Freedom of speech is being questioned with this argument, but the use of cyberbullying is disrupting learning and even causing deaths. Students who are being cyberbullied will tend to become withdrawn. Their attendance and grade might slip and they involvement within the setting will lessen. Students who face harassment of this kind feel attacked and they have no way to alleviate this pain.
Addressing the schools role in this issue is tough. The effects of cyberbullying directly affect the environment and success of a school, but at the same time these students are using their own computers and electronic devices to cause this harm. Why should a school have the ability to control a student’s private home life? This question is what is at the root of schools not taking more action when considering the rise in cyberbullying. It is a problem, but how would a teacher like the schools telling them how they are suppose to live their private life. It is just not fair.
My plan for confronting cyberbullying will most likely be both preemptive and reactionary. I believe that I will address the whole class on the issues of harassment and cyberbullying by incorporating these subjects into a lesson somehow. I want students to think about how they would feel if they were put into this kind of situation. This would be a group activity. Later, when an issue of cyberbullying does arise I would speak to the people involved individually and try to help the situation dissipate. These situations would be more reactionary. I want to create an environment in which my students can decipher from right and wrong. I hope to be a model for good conduct and students will take a cue from my own actions and not resort to such childish, mean-spirited actions.
Cyberbullying is a prevalent issue on any school campus that both administrators and teachers must address. This form of harassment can disrupt a teacher’s ability to instruct within their classroom. The effects of cyberbullying are felt within the grounds of the school, but many times schools are unable to act and try to alleviate the problem. A school has the ability to teach students about the negative effects that occur when a person demeans another in this fashion, but unless real threats are made not much action can be taken. Anti-harassment policies are instated in schools and students can be punished for cyberbullying, but this is if the action takes place on the campus. The legal issue with this subject is whether or not schools have the right to regulate students’ internet use from home. Freedom of speech is being questioned with this argument, but the use of cyberbullying is disrupting learning and even causing deaths. Students who are being cyberbullied will tend to become withdrawn. Their attendance and grade might slip and they involvement within the setting will lessen. Students who face harassment of this kind feel attacked and they have no way to alleviate this pain.
Addressing the schools role in this issue is tough. The effects of cyberbullying directly affect the environment and success of a school, but at the same time these students are using their own computers and electronic devices to cause this harm. Why should a school have the ability to control a student’s private home life? This question is what is at the root of schools not taking more action when considering the rise in cyberbullying. It is a problem, but how would a teacher like the schools telling them how they are suppose to live their private life. It is just not fair.
My plan for confronting cyberbullying will most likely be both preemptive and reactionary. I believe that I will address the whole class on the issues of harassment and cyberbullying by incorporating these subjects into a lesson somehow. I want students to think about how they would feel if they were put into this kind of situation. This would be a group activity. Later, when an issue of cyberbullying does arise I would speak to the people involved individually and try to help the situation dissipate. These situations would be more reactionary. I want to create an environment in which my students can decipher from right and wrong. I hope to be a model for good conduct and students will take a cue from my own actions and not resort to such childish, mean-spirited actions.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Social Networking
I am not a very popular figure on the internet. As I searched through the Google and Pipl sites I did not find many links about myself. On Google I found pretty much nothing; even the listings for Facebook where not for me, but other Becky’s out there in the world. Most of the information about me out there on the internet was found on the Pipl site. On Pipl, my Facebook profile was listed and most of the other listings were just phone book type information. They listed my name, address, phone number, and family members. I have not yet left a very big trail for others to follow. The only other site that I found that actually referenced me was an article from The Outlook that listed the Oregon State University Graduates for the year and the GPA rankings. (http://www.theoutlookonline.com/features/story.php?story_id=127811080161629400)
I have always been very cautious about what I post on my Facebook because of my younger niece and nephew. Due to this, I did not need to go to my site or any other site to change anything. Before I post anything on my profile, I first consider whether or not the material is appropriate for a seven-year-old and secondly, if it can damage my image in any way. If things show up on my page that I think are inappropriate I delete them immediately and even warn friends not to tag me in pictures. If I want a picture on my site that I did not put there myself I will find it and add a tag. I believe it is very important for me to be aware of how I project myself because I do not wish to hurt my opportunities for acquiring a job in any way. I have dedicated so much of my life to the pursuit of becoming a teacher and due to this I have made many choices to protect myself from receiving any allegations of misconduct. I believe that if I keep being picky about what I put on my the internet and who I allow to view my information, I will be able to protect myself very well. As I enter into the teaching profession I am also aware that I will build a boundary between my life in the classroom and my social life outside of the school. I feel that students do not need to be spectators to my personal life.
The article “Have You Googled Your Teacher Lately? Teachers Use of Social Networking Sites” draws attention to how important it is to be aware of how the internet can hurt your credibility as a person and as a professional. The most interesting fact that caught my attention was “An online social networking profile can cause problems even before a teacher enters the profession. Stacy Snyder, a teacher candidate in secondary English education at Millersville (Pennsylvania) University, was denied her teaching certificate and given an English degree rather than an education degree after campus administrators discovered photos on her MySpace profile in which she portrayed herself as a “drunken pirate” (683). This story signifies the importance of being cautious about how you are portrayed at every moment because one little thing from your past can destroy your future. Reading these words hits home and makes me grateful that I have been careful about my profile from the beginning. I would be devastated if one picture ended up ruining my chance of becoming a teacher.
Even if we don’t like to admit it, teachers must live up to higher expectations. Every person deserves to have a personal life, but this can become difficult in the realm of education because a teacher’s role is to be someone to look up to and to be trusted with the lives of children. This position demands a person to act in a moral manner. Due to this, teachers must reflect upon every decision and action they make and understand the consequences if they do something that can be interpreted as compromising. As teachers we are living in a “fishbowl.” Our lives are visible to all and if we act inappropriately we will be reprimanded by society. It might not be right for teachers to be held to such high standards, but it necessary so that the children of future generations have at least one role model to look up to.
I have always been very cautious about what I post on my Facebook because of my younger niece and nephew. Due to this, I did not need to go to my site or any other site to change anything. Before I post anything on my profile, I first consider whether or not the material is appropriate for a seven-year-old and secondly, if it can damage my image in any way. If things show up on my page that I think are inappropriate I delete them immediately and even warn friends not to tag me in pictures. If I want a picture on my site that I did not put there myself I will find it and add a tag. I believe it is very important for me to be aware of how I project myself because I do not wish to hurt my opportunities for acquiring a job in any way. I have dedicated so much of my life to the pursuit of becoming a teacher and due to this I have made many choices to protect myself from receiving any allegations of misconduct. I believe that if I keep being picky about what I put on my the internet and who I allow to view my information, I will be able to protect myself very well. As I enter into the teaching profession I am also aware that I will build a boundary between my life in the classroom and my social life outside of the school. I feel that students do not need to be spectators to my personal life.
The article “Have You Googled Your Teacher Lately? Teachers Use of Social Networking Sites” draws attention to how important it is to be aware of how the internet can hurt your credibility as a person and as a professional. The most interesting fact that caught my attention was “An online social networking profile can cause problems even before a teacher enters the profession. Stacy Snyder, a teacher candidate in secondary English education at Millersville (Pennsylvania) University, was denied her teaching certificate and given an English degree rather than an education degree after campus administrators discovered photos on her MySpace profile in which she portrayed herself as a “drunken pirate” (683). This story signifies the importance of being cautious about how you are portrayed at every moment because one little thing from your past can destroy your future. Reading these words hits home and makes me grateful that I have been careful about my profile from the beginning. I would be devastated if one picture ended up ruining my chance of becoming a teacher.
Even if we don’t like to admit it, teachers must live up to higher expectations. Every person deserves to have a personal life, but this can become difficult in the realm of education because a teacher’s role is to be someone to look up to and to be trusted with the lives of children. This position demands a person to act in a moral manner. Due to this, teachers must reflect upon every decision and action they make and understand the consequences if they do something that can be interpreted as compromising. As teachers we are living in a “fishbowl.” Our lives are visible to all and if we act inappropriately we will be reprimanded by society. It might not be right for teachers to be held to such high standards, but it necessary so that the children of future generations have at least one role model to look up to.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Digital Native or Digital Immigrant?
I find myself in an interesting position as I ponder the question of whether I’m a digital native or a digital immigrant. My young age places me as a member of the technological era as I’ve grown up with all the newest technology around me, but I have always shied away from these innovative inventions and lived in the world of the past. Due to this I would have to call myself a digital immigrant. As all of my friends were excited about their new computers, video games, iPods, mp3 players, and all those other high-tech gadgets, I was immersed in books. For some reason I never wanted to understand or use the technology around me. Maybe it was partially out of fear of the unknown, but I have never had the desire to join in with the new trends except for the cell phone. As I read through Prensky’s arguments I was struck by the words “…needing to print out a document written on the computer in order to edit it…” (2) I broke into laughter at this point because I had printed out his articles from the computer because the hard copy form was more to my personal preference. It became so clear to me that my mental barrier towards technology was getting in the way and it is something I need to adapt before I enter into the classroom.
In high school technology never played a major role in any of the classrooms I experienced except for the basic PowerPoint presentation or the occasional DVD. I attended a private high school that was on an extremely low budget and due to this technology was not a big concern. The school was more concerned with making sure the facility was up to date and that classrooms had the equipment they needed to have to get by. Once I entered college I had the opportunity to experience more types of technology such as the smart board and the document camera. Almost every classroom also had a projector and a screen. As I look back on the use of these materials, I realize that they played a major role in making instruction more enjoyable. Having the ability to look at visual aids that supported lecture material made the subject content more pronounced and made a larger impression on me.
After reading these articles I’ve begun to realize the importance of changing my ways. Even though technology is not something that I am really interested in, I know it’s necessary to acquire the skills to use it so that I have the weapons I need to combat student inattentiveness. Students of this generation are programmed to function on technology and due to this it is essential that I incorporate the use of technology into every aspect of my instruction: “Today’s teachers have to learn to communicate in the language and style of their students” (Prensky, 4). I no longer have the choice of sitting on the sidelines when it comes to technology, I must move forward to be able to relate to my students.
There are so many ways to use technology in the subject area of Language Arts. Languages Arts is a hands on subject that revolves around interaction as students dive into the realms of reading, writing, speaking, and literature. Lectures never need to become boring because by just adding a PowerPoint presentation or a movie clip the experience can be made more entertaining. Every aspect of Language Arts can be supplemented by a form of technology. For example, when dealing with literature, students have the chance to view visual clips of famous works through movies and media clips. Also for audio learners, these works can be recorded and used as books on tape. Some genres of literature can also be made into games. Giving students a chance to create a computer game that follows the plot of a story would provide an experience for technology to thrive within the classroom. These are just a few examples of the unlimited possibilities. As long as I’m open to the idea of allowing technology to infiltrate my classroom, my students will become involved and their creativity will flourish as they are allowed to apply the world of books to their technological age. By adapting my ways of instruction I am enabling my students to mold Language Arts into a subject they can comprehend and relate to: “The cognitive differences of the Digital Natives cry out for new approaches to education with a better “fit”” (Prensky, 5). I must change so that my students can “fit” into the realm of education and succeed within it.
In high school technology never played a major role in any of the classrooms I experienced except for the basic PowerPoint presentation or the occasional DVD. I attended a private high school that was on an extremely low budget and due to this technology was not a big concern. The school was more concerned with making sure the facility was up to date and that classrooms had the equipment they needed to have to get by. Once I entered college I had the opportunity to experience more types of technology such as the smart board and the document camera. Almost every classroom also had a projector and a screen. As I look back on the use of these materials, I realize that they played a major role in making instruction more enjoyable. Having the ability to look at visual aids that supported lecture material made the subject content more pronounced and made a larger impression on me.
After reading these articles I’ve begun to realize the importance of changing my ways. Even though technology is not something that I am really interested in, I know it’s necessary to acquire the skills to use it so that I have the weapons I need to combat student inattentiveness. Students of this generation are programmed to function on technology and due to this it is essential that I incorporate the use of technology into every aspect of my instruction: “Today’s teachers have to learn to communicate in the language and style of their students” (Prensky, 4). I no longer have the choice of sitting on the sidelines when it comes to technology, I must move forward to be able to relate to my students.
There are so many ways to use technology in the subject area of Language Arts. Languages Arts is a hands on subject that revolves around interaction as students dive into the realms of reading, writing, speaking, and literature. Lectures never need to become boring because by just adding a PowerPoint presentation or a movie clip the experience can be made more entertaining. Every aspect of Language Arts can be supplemented by a form of technology. For example, when dealing with literature, students have the chance to view visual clips of famous works through movies and media clips. Also for audio learners, these works can be recorded and used as books on tape. Some genres of literature can also be made into games. Giving students a chance to create a computer game that follows the plot of a story would provide an experience for technology to thrive within the classroom. These are just a few examples of the unlimited possibilities. As long as I’m open to the idea of allowing technology to infiltrate my classroom, my students will become involved and their creativity will flourish as they are allowed to apply the world of books to their technological age. By adapting my ways of instruction I am enabling my students to mold Language Arts into a subject they can comprehend and relate to: “The cognitive differences of the Digital Natives cry out for new approaches to education with a better “fit”” (Prensky, 5). I must change so that my students can “fit” into the realm of education and succeed within it.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Introduction
My name is Rebecca Knoke, but I go by Becky. I recently graduated from Oregon State University with my degree in English and I plan to teach Language Arts at the high school level. Most of my experience in the classroom so far is from observing and being a teacher aid. Even though I have not spent that much time in a classroom setting working with children I have spent much of my time doing volunteer work with my church Ascension Lutheran. Through these volunteer experiences I have had the opportunity to work with, teach, and mentor children from all backgrounds. I have a great passion for this kind of work and make it a high priority in my life. Right now I am eagerly awaiting a mission trip to Guatemala that I will be going on in late November. My favorite animal is a penguin. I love these little guys. My favorite color combination is black and white, which makes me like penguins even more. They are fascinating creatures and I intrigued by the way they move in the water. I envy their grace and beauty within the water because I am a swimmer and I've always wished I could be at home in the water as they are.
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