Module 4 Reading Response

    Social Networking goes to school

      In the article by Michelle R. Davis Social networking goes to school, Mrs. Davis point s out the different kinds of technology educators are using in the classroom. She also shows how people around the world are using networking to expand the walls of their classrooms. This article speaks about obstacles that people face when trying to bring new technology into their schools. Some of the successful uses of social networking include connecting students to other classrooms around the country and around the world; also teachers and administrators are able to use the technology for professional development. Mrs. Davis discusses in this article how students in Florida classrooms are able to connect with students from Canada via Skpe to learn about Orca whales. Another school in North Carolina created a blog for students to post questions about math. Professional development is being conducted via twitter.
     Some of the obstacles educators are faced with when using new technology is that school systems and administrators who aren’t familiar with or don’t believe in the technology block their computer systems. The biggest issue teachers worry about are cyber bullying and privacy issues. As for me I believe that the use of technology in the classroom is valuable, however there must be certain controls established to make sure that students are being productive while using the technology. Students are using t he technology even when not in the classroom for social purposes and will continue to do so if not monitored properly. I agree with Mrs. Davis statement, “If you don’t take that golden opportunity to teach students about the responsibility of using these things, you lose a teachable moment.”

Module 3 Readings

A day in the life of Web 2.0

After reading this article I can understand how important it can be for educators to collaborate using web 2.0. Students, teachers, media, and administrative activities are all linked together through the use of Web 2.0 technologies, from classroom wiki's to text messaging. David Warlick conveys an image of how the multimedia tools of Web 2.0 may eventually change the face of education, transforming and expanding the learning experience for everyone involved.

Module 3 Readings

Integrating the Ipod Touch in K-12 Education

After reading the article about the integration  of the ipod touch into the school system I can see the benefits of such a thing. The recent sophisticated capabilities of the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad have encouraged further speculation on exactly how K-12 teaching and learning might be energized by such devices. College Students around the world have been successfully using the Ipod t enhance their studies and I don't see any reason why students in the grades K-12 cant be successful also. The Ipod will give students  new reasons to be interested in their own learning, many technological elements can easily correlated with everyday lessons.    

Module 2 Reading Response

QR Codes

I think QR codes in the clasroom are a wonderful way to engage students as they learn. Im a big fan of engaging students through activities, it has been my experience that students young and old learn more and faster with hands on activities. The studets who learn the conventional way are not lost because of hands on either they get it either way. Students just seem to remember doing activities rather than reading a book.

Module 2 Reading Response

Are Wiki's worth the time ?

This article is about the two opinions of Dean Shareski and Carol Ann K. Winkler regarding the collaborative, anonymous collections of online information, such as Wikipedia. Mr. Shareski feels that Wikipedia could very well be the best example of how teaching and learning is changing. Carol Ann K. Winkler, believes that Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, is no bargain for schools. I can understand the different opinions of these two people,  Carol Ann K. Winkler a librarian may have a valid point due to her background as a librarian. The creation of Wiki in a way puts less people in her library, therefore I understand that she isn't a fan. I agree with Dean Shareski, our world is changing and teaching and learning is changing along with it. Rather you agree with it or not we have no choice but to go along with society and what's popular.     

Module #1 Reading Response

Is Power Point Crippling our students ?

     I feel this can be a yes and no answer ! As an instructor I've used PowerPoint to stay on task as it pertains to class room time. I also use it as a tool for students to stay on track. Some students get lost for what ever reason, sleeping in class talking or just plain bored and zoned out for a few minutes. I believe if used properly PowerPoint can be beneficial to both students and educators. It seems as if the author of this article Kathy Johnson has some fear of being replaced by technology. If this is the case I  would say to her that technology should be embraced and the fear will soon fade. 

SMART Exchange Activities

-Name of activity

Identify and Graph Common Functions

-Age Level & Subject Recommendation

9th Grade Math/ Algebra

-Description of how you plan to implement with students

The objectives are to identify and graph common functions, including linear, quadratic, cubic, absolute value, radical, and rational functions. Distinguish between common functions based on their equations. Distinguish between common functions based on their graphs.  Students can use this activity to learn the teacher will serve less as a lecturer and more as a facilitator and coach while students complete the activity.