Saturday, November 8, 2008

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Journal 10

Shein, Esther (October 2008). Making History. The Journal, Retrieved November 3, 2008, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23394

This article promotes the use of technology in any project-based and collaborative activity that teachers want ti include in their instruction. Students are growing up with technology and is considered their “comfort zone,” which is directly linked with their learning style. Incorporating simulations enhances the learning of students by having hands-on experience in any content across the curriculum. My favorite quote in this article, "In 21st-century classrooms, using technology and analyzing and defending your position in front of a group and working cooperatively with others is where we're headed," perfectly describes or future classrooms. The softwares mentioned are available for teachers to take advantage to make instruction more effective.
Questions
What are some of the benefits of using technology for a collaborative activity? Technology-infused approach increases new levels of engagement and motivation. They also learned the ability to analyze, become creative, learn to work as a team, listen to other opinions, and problem solved.
What are some of the softwares mentioned in this article? One of the school districts subscribed to Discovery Education’s Streaming and Power Media Plus, which provide classroom access to audio files. Capsim Management Simulations was used for students to create their own multi million dollar company and eventually present their experiences and what they learned to class.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Journal 9

Reynard, Ruth (October 2008). Avoiding the 5 most common mistakes in using bogs with Students. The Journal, Retrieved October 21, 2008, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23434

Implementing a tool of technology, which specifically mentioned in this article is the use of blogs in the classroom, must be incorporated correctly. Reynard discusses the most common mistakes that educators make in using blogs with students. This article is very valuable to up coming teachers because technology in the classroom is the future. This article stresses the importance of a clear context of how the instructor wants this tool to be used, otherwise students will not participate. The learning outcomes are just as important as the learning objectives of a lesson. Obtaining a clear understanding of the learning outcomes will benefit the students learning. Implementing blogs in the classroom will develop new skills and a higher learning through analysis, synthesis, new ideas, and applications. Blogs have been proven to be a crucial addition in the classroom.

Questions
What type of environment should blogs be used in? Blogs are intended to be used as a individual publication. Instructors comments must be supportive and constructive to keep students interest and participation.
What practices should be followed when grading blogs? Instructors must create clear rubrics so that students have a clear understanding of how their work is being evaluated. The assessments should include reflection statements, commentary statements, new idea statements, and application statements. Clear grading rubrics is crucial to students moving forward in their thinking, help them process to a higher level of understanding, and apply their learning to a practical context.

Journal 8

Curtis , Diane (2002, November 1). A '"Fantastic Super" Use of Technology: Closing the Digital Divide. Edutopia, Retrieved October 11, 2008, from: http://www.edutopia.org/fantastic-super-use-technology

This article stresses the importance of communication and involvement within the school system. Opening up life lines to students, parents, and the community create a classroom community with constant support. Scrogg’s leaves no room for excuses for no parent involvement. The parents at this school participate in fundraising and volunteer in the class. The program and curriculum implemented at this school incorporates the advantages of technology immersion. This program has proven to be successful with everyone in the school system and the community. Some of the benefits of this program for teachers are less paper work and more support from parents and administration. Overall, Scrogg’s has implemented a program that includes everyone.

Questions
What are the benefits of the teachers having their own web page? The main advantage of these web pages are to keep students and parents informed. This web page provides weekly newsletters that can be used to announce up coming events, awards, and various functions. This is also a great forum to post students work for immediate feedback or praise. The teacher can also make the page personal and opportunity for students and parents to get to know them.
How does Scrogg’s support treating teachers as professionals? Teachers are given lots of verbal support and allow them to voice their opinions on future hires. The offices are also set up near their classrooms with all the tools needed to be a success in the classroom. Collaboration amongst teachers is also encouraged.