Journal #7

"Are Schools Inhibiting 21st Century Learning" by Dave Nagel

The author of the article discussed how the potential for utilizing technology in education is being inhibited by schools or not implemented at all. Nagel states that the "idea of technology in education is to enhance learning, not limit it" but he believes that school IT departments are doing just this by limiting technology that will reach this goal. According to Project Tomorrow, teachers, parents and administrators do not even know that this is occurring in their schools. Security practices used to filter websites are one example of limitations on the use of technology in education. Since students are typically the first ones to adopt technology for personal and educational uses it is important that we engage our students with these technology methods to enhance their learning. Some of the uses that Nagel expresses a need to integrate education technologies such as social networking, educational gaming, online learning, and mobile technologies as was to "boost engagement". Students and teachers have both been receptive to the ideas but only about very few teachers that were surveyed were currently using these methods in their classrooms.

Reading this article I was actually very surprised to find that very few teachers were taking advantage of the current technology that is available to enhance their teaching and curriculum. I have to agree that students today would be more engaged in what they are learning at school if their teachers of administrators integrated the technologies that they are mostly familiar with in their education. For students today, technology is a part of their everyday lives and it only seems logical that they would be responsive to it in their educations. There are so many opportunities for educators to take advantage of but I really feel strongly that training of teachers in how to integrate technology is the first step. Many teachers are already overloaded with work and mandatory curriculum that possibly they may need someone in each school to help them learn about the opportunities that they can utilize in their classrooms.

1. In regards to mobile technologies, it seems like an excellent opportunity to "extend learning beyond the school day" but according to the survey, approximately 50-60% of student actually had these mobile devices mentioned so what happens to the other 50-40% of the student who do not have access to mobile technology if teachers do decide to use it?

2. Nagel states that web filtering, security practices are inhibiting learning for the full potential of 21st century learning but I am also concerned if these security practices are lifted then how can we as parents ensure that our children are gaining access to websites and information that is not appropriate for them or educational?

Journal #6

Podcasting can be used to post and distribute media (video & sound) files online. They are an effective way to enhance educational lessons by making the content more engaging for the students. They can also be easily accessed by students and convenient because they can view them on their own schedules. One of the main reasons that podcasts are a good teaching tool is because they are inexpensive and easy to use. Some of the devices that podcasts can be used on are MP3 players (ex: iPod), a pocket PC and cell phones. One of the most exciting things about podcasting is that many students already have technology to play them. Educators are now beginning to embrace this technology as a wonderful resource for teaching and learning. I found that the most recommended way of using podcasts (especially video) is using an inexpensive hosting company such as “HelloWorld” which offers more control over the content and contains no advertising in comparison to free hosting sites.

Examples of how podcasts can be used in education:
1. Class Lectures: A teacher can create a podcast with assignments and notes. Students and parents can download the podcasts to stay up to date on what is happening in class.
2. Critical Thinking lessons: teachers may list differing views than textbooks and offer students to reflect on the information through various podcasts.
3. Study Guides: Teachers can create a study guide compliation for exams accessible to their students from home.
4. Tools for teaching students with different learning styles. For example, student can have access to notes at home rather than trying to keep up with the class notes so they can focus on lesson being taught.
5. Assignments: Kids create a podcast about a topic to show what they've learned and share it with other classrooms.
6. Administrative: School administration can use podcasts for meetings and special events to increase community involvement in the among teachers and staff.
7. Virtual Fieldtrips: A class takes a virtual field trip through a podcast. Example: Boston Museum of Science exhibit podcasts.

On the Classroom 2.0 website I was able to find a lot of information regarding podcastings. One of the main things that I found was the collaboration of teachers who are able to share their resources with teachers who might be working on a similar lesson using podcasting. What better way to learn how to use the technology that to collaborate with a peer and share out the information with each other. In education, it seems resources for teachers are shrinking rapidly due to budget cuts and podcasting is not only inexpensive but it is an easy way to make up for the shortcomings of the lack of resources in education. I really admire teachers for finding niches like these to use in their classrooms in order to meet the needs of all of their students.

Journal #5

"Making Field Trips Podtastic!" by Aliece W. Weller, John C. Bickar and Paul McGuiness

This article explores the idea of using podcasts within the educational realm. One example cited in this article was the Harvard Graduate School of Education's exhibit at the Boston Museum of Science. This exhibit uses podcasting as a tool to teach students about science in a fun, interactive, and exploratory way. Interactive field trips like the one mentioned are being created to increase the amount of time and depth students can be engaged in the exhibits. In contrast to personal use of podcasting, museum exhibits based on podcasting actually increases interaction and collaboration of students on exhibits. Teachers who are interested in using podcasting in their classrooms don't necessarily need an MP3 player but they can also use a pocket PC. Other benefits of using a handheld PC is that students may also use it to take photos, video, record interviews, record notes in text or audio format, access information on the internet about topics thus student are able to customize their "learning experiences". Educators may also adhere to national and state standards with podcasting because they are able to create it themselves. Podcasting also does not require any additional software to purchase so teachers are able to use the already available resources found in schools. Although the podcasting field trip modules require additional time for educators to prepare, the virtual field trips will reduce their instruction time as well as increase their students engagement and understanding of the subject matter.

Before reading this article podcasting was something very unfamiliar to me. I am really starting to understand the potential of using podcasts in my classroom and I'm very excited for the opportunity to try. In comparison to traditional lecturing and textbook assignments podcasting really opens up the doors for students to learn on so many more levels. They are able to be in control of their own learning experience by see pictures, hear audio, and making testing their knowledge to open up the next module. In a way, it is very similar to how video games have captured the audience of our youth. Video games are interactive and challenging although podcasting offers a much more educational advantage! I was really amazed with the interactive modules created for the Boston Museum of Science and seeing how the students seemed to really enjoy their field trip and how excited they were to share their experiences with their friends. What a clever way to keep the educational ball rolling!

Questions
1. One of my questions is how can future educators learn about how to use podcasting in their classrooms? I researched a bit on the subject and there seems to be a lot of information out there about how to use podcasting in the classroom. I found a lot of good resources on the Apple website itself regarding how the iPod can be used in conjunction with education.

2. Are there case studies or examples of how educators can use podcasting in their classrooms? My question was based on the fact that I understand that using podcasts in the classroom are beneficial but I'm looking for actually examples and lessons that are shown to be effective in Middle School classrooms. I actually was able to find a few resources for science lesson plans and I'm starting to understand what ways my iPod can be used and how.

Journal #4

"Mind the Gap" by Cindy Long

The main point of this article was to bring up the issue that schools not only have achievement gaps but they also have technology gaps depending on if students have easy access to it or not. It cites several examples of how students who have easy access to technology are learning the skills that they need to go onto college. These students are "digital innovators" and have the opportunity to express themselves through various outlets using technology. On the other hand, the article also cites how students who have limited access to technology are falling behind in technology skills, thus less likely to graduate high school or consider college afterwards. The term used in the article is called the "participation gap" meaning that students with limited access to technology have fewer opportunities for them in the future. The article states that over 30 million Americans don't have a computer, which is most common in low-income and rural communities. The students of these households are falling behind in the future of technology but there are some examples cited that show promise. One of these examples such as Andrew Rasiej's NY program called mouse.org that teaches students from these low-income communities how to use and maintain computers in schools. Another example of success was teacher Brian Crosby's laptop program for his classroom. In a school where most of his students are "at risk" kids living below poverty level he focused on incorporating technology into classroom lessons. The result is that students are more likely to go to college. Other programs cited such as programs that offer low-cost broadband or free digital learning communities are all making a difference in the "participation gap".

I'm really beginning to see the importance of technology in the lives of students by reading articles like this. My thoughts on technology use before seemed like it was more of a luxury than a necessity for students but now I see what a struggle students have that don't have access to technology. I've never looked at how individuals who use cites such as YouTube and Podcasting as learning. Reading that 30 million Americans are without computers in their home astounds me! I see what a challenge this may be for teachers and for myself as a future educator to learn how make technology accessible to all of my students. Depending on the economic level of the students in classes, this may be more challenging, as they may have never learned the basics of computer use. I actually just did a classroom observation in a 5th grade classroom in Oceanside that really impressed me because of their use of technology. Like Brian Crosby's program, the school integrated laptops for all students and incorporated technology in a majority of the classroom lessons. I think that during the observation I didn't realize the importance of what the teacher was doing for all of the student in their classroom. But seeing that each student in the classroom might go home and not have the opportunities to learn on computers I now understand how important this is for the student's success later on.

Questions:
1. How could I integrate technology into my classroom? If the school I teach at supplies me with computers I would like to research programs or software that incorporate lessons from the classroom into an interactive learning experience. Sometimes you can find educational games that allow students to participate in their own learning process. This also breaks up the monotony of always lecturing students.

2. How can our government aid students that do not own computers or have Internet access at home? Like the BRAIN broadband program mentioned in this article, I believe that the government could offer reduced cost internet for students if they have computers at home or focus on having good computer labs in schools where students have access to computers and the internet for research and self-expression. If statistics show that students are more likely to go onto college if they have the technology skills needed later in life, we are only helping our country as a whole.

Journal #3

"Five Don'ts of Classroom Blogging" by Julie Sturgeon

This article discussed the perspectives of several professors on how blogging aids education and ways to integrate it into part of their curriculum properly. For example, it was found by one engineering teacher that his students really excelled when their peers reviewed their work rather than if he was the only one reading the material. Students are thriving on the capabilities of blogging because it engages them with pictures, video and music. Teachers are finding that their students are enjoying the opportunity to create their own blogs and at the same time they are learning how to write better. One of the main recommendations that the teachers suggested was to set guidelines ahead of time. By doing this it ensures that the student are clear about "code of conduct", consequences, and how they should be using their blogs and commenting on others. Teaching them how to blog was another point of importance since many students are not natural at the technology of blogging. Also, one teacher said that somehow there needs to be monitoring of the blogs and comments that are being posted. He stated that he didn't like many of the free blog sites since they didn't offer control and proposed the use of software but said it not quite as user friendly. He recommends researching educational blogs and asking the creators for start up advise.

I have to say that I really have enjoyed the creation of my blog through this class. Like a lot of other students my age, I didn't grow up with technology the way that students do today. I had always heard of blogs, wanted to create one, but never knew how to do it. In terms of usage, I never thought of using a blog in an educational setting before taking this class but when I read about article on blogging like this one I am really motivated to find out more ways that I can do this. The recommendations in the article are very interesting and it is helpful to have this information before I plan to develop a class blog of my own.

QUESTIONS:
1. How can a teacher filter a post/comment before it is published on a blog? I didn't care for the idea to use a software to filter the blog posts but perhaps a better idea would be to have my students email me their comments/posts and I could read them and approve them to post.

2. How would I be able engage my students of science on a class blog? I think I like the idea of using a blog to keep up on current events in the field of science. This way, the students are not only learning about science but they are learning about how science is impacting their lives today through the news etc. I believe that it would very educational if I could post articles on my class blog and have my students read and comment on the article.

Journal #2

"Speaking Math" by Janet Graham and Ted Hodgson

This article discusses the use of technology within the subject of math. The case study was based at Osbourn High School in Washington DC. The method used was a class discussion board that was drawn from the popularity chat rooms. Prompts were posted on the discussion board and credit was given for responses from the students. In this type of setting, the learning turned out to be more like fun for the students in contrast to work. The discussion boards also benefited non-native speakers to learn from their peers about the subject because the students share and teach each other in their own language.

I really felt that the use of discussion forums are more effective compared to chat rooms because students have the flexibility to answer each others questions at different times. This seems easier than chat rooms because all of the students do not need to be online at the same time to discuss the prompts and the use of a computer lab time wouldn't be needed. Before reading this article, I wouldn't have thought about the positive benefits peer discussions would have on non-native speakers but I'm definitely seeing that this is a great tool for me as a teacher later on to get the students communicating with each other.

QUESTIONS:
1. How would a teacher using this type of technology tool ensure that the discussions on the forum are teaching each other how to do the math correctly? This question was something that popped into my mind as I read this article because I do think that the peer discussions are beneficial but also worried if the students were teaching each other accurate information. Although the discussion boards or forums are mainly student driven, I think that the teacher needs to be involved to moderate and correct anything that might be inaccurate. As the article said, the teacher may print out the discussion questions and use them in class.

2. How does the use of classroom discussion boards and forums benefical to the teachers? When students participate in the discussion board questions, they are literally teaching each other and also reinforcing the concepts that they learned. Also, it is also helpful when non-native speakers are able to coverse in their own language regarding the subject material so the information being learned is more understandable. A teacher who is not fluent in the non-native speakers language wouldn't be able to do this as effective as their who do. Finally, I think that the use of technology in this way gives the teacher a good idea about what types of things their students are struggling with and may require additional time to teach.

Journal #1

"Social Networking for the K-12 Set" by Jim Klein

The focus of this article is on social networking and how the use of technology can improve so many aspects of education for K-12 teachers, students and parents. It discusses several examples how educators can implement technology into their classrooms that improve "communication and collaboration". Some of the ways in which technology can improve education are Web-based document sharing, blogging, RRS, and podcasting to name a handful. There were many positive benefits to the use of technology in the classroom such as eliminating barriers between students, teachers, and parents. For example, the use of a classroom blog helped to keep not only the students informed on what is going on in class but their parents as well. Through this classroom blog, classes are able to share their thoughts and knowledge about specific prompts. Tools like this such as blogging or web-based programs allow students to interact with peers in their class or students in the same district in a "safe controlled environment". Usage of technology actually instills a sense of community in the students and allows them to explore other aspects of the subject than just the textbook and classroom lessons.

Reading this article made me reflect about all of the ways in which I could possible use these methods in my own classroom later on. Being a student at CSUSM and already using WebCT for all classes I'm now understanding how these programs are making teaching more effective. I an odd way, many people might think that technology makes things more impersonal resulting in less interaction with peers. I'm finding the opposite to be true about the use of technology because it allows students like myself to review peer work, ask questions, and converse in ways faster than I can ever remember being possible as a former K-12 public school student.


QUESTIONS:
1. How can technology tools like the ones discussed in this article help me as an educator? I already know by taking my Education 422 class and reading this article that technology will be a large part of my classroom when I begin to teach. I'm already planning that I can begin my own classroom blog for each class that I teach to keep my students and parents informed. Also, the problem of parents depending on their children to be honest with them about assignments they need to work on is a thing of the past. Now, parents of my students will simply need to check my class blog and see what assignments their children need to complete. I truely believe that schools should be implementing web-based programs like WebCT to help organize student and teachers. As a future educator, I would think that having assignments submitted electronically be easier than simply handling loose papers all of the time with the risk of them getting lost. Podcasting is something I know nothing of but if it helps me become a more effective educator, I will be willing to try it.

2. List one way that technology allow for a more equal education for students from all socio-economic backgrounds? First, if a student has access to the web there is a wealth of resources for him/her for researching subjects of all kinds. I'm also learning that programs that we use to have to pay for are now readily available to use for free. For example, my neice and nephew come from a family with very limited income. They have always struggled with the fact that they didn't have the money to purchase Microsoft Word. Now, with programs such as Google Docs, they are able to work equally along side of their peers without feeling like they don't have the same resources to do their assignments.