Post #6

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A paragraph discussing your thoughts about the use of Web 2.0 technologies in K-12 education. Would you use them? Why or why not? How? Use online resources.

A paragraph discussing your thoughts on Wikipedia as a learning resource.

A paragraph on new skills you acquired in the last week that you think will be especially useful to you in your educational career and why you think so.

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Again, I know that the world is headed towards a technology-controlled classroom, but I believe in good ol' teaching. By that, I mean an educated teacher, standing in front of a group of willing learners, and teaching them. Explaining situations, and formulas, and scenarios, and theories. Aside from allowing my students to use the advanced search engines to research assignments and passing out links to youtube videos that relate to the current lesson plan, I don't expect to get much use out of Web 2.0 or 1.0 or anything. I don't mind the students using these resources to make their learning easier, but, I find my practical, old-world teaching methods to be efficient. It's not what you say...it's how you say it. Remember -that-, kids. :-)

As far as Wikipedia goes, I don't think anyone should trust it as a "live by, die by" resource for facts. But, it is organized well and if the actual fact you are looking for is cited, it could be worth using or at least following up on. Wikipedia can lead you to some pretty awesome links; web sites, images, videos. Wikipedia is good for gathering initial information for a topic, so you know which areas to focus on. But, double-checking the information's truth with other sites is imperative.

I have used Powerpoint to teach classes in the past and also sat through classes where the teacher used Powerpoint. I have found it too distracting for the students and, in some cases, for the teachers. If you can make it work for you, then great but, not my style.

Post #5

A paragraph on your views about using the Internet to support student research. When is it useful? Not useful? Look to Chapter 3 for ideas and inspiration.

A paragraph on other ways you might use web-based resources to support student learning. Share a few resources that are of interest to you. Use your book and online resources.

A paragraph on your concerns about being a teacher who supervises students in a technology environment. Be sure to mention the age/grade level of your students.

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The internet can be useful for backing student research when they use legitimate websites and information to support their already formed ideas. But, a website should not be used as the basis for a student's work. It should support it. Sometimes, though, students have a tendency to be naive and a little mischievous and they might find themselves in trouble doing things on the internet that they aren't supposed to.

Sparknotes.com can be useful for helping students understand underlying themes within stories. Granted a student should be able to discover the themes for themselves, but, if a student is struggling or just needs a little help, this website can be a great resource. But, use should be monitored. Also, dictionary.com and thesaurus.com are two great, quick, and reliable resources that students can use.

My biggest worry applies to generally all grade levels. Children, even at young ages are much more computer-savvy nowadays than they were when I was in grade school. I worry that students will take advantage of all the wonderful resources on the internet. I'm afraid they'll read summaries or reports of books without actually reading the books.

Post #4

A paragraph on how you, as a teacher, might make use of the concepts presented in Chapter 7, and what technologies you would like to use to achieve these goals.

A paragraph addressing why or why not you would encourage or require your students to develop outline, idea map, and storyboarding skills.

A paragraph on new skills you acquired in the last week that you think will be especially useful to you in your educational career and why you think so.

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Having taught classes before, I have found that creating an outline prior to giving a block of instruction helps keep you on track and also helps you start thinking about each talking point so ideas start bubbling in your head. I will also teach my students how create idea maps using Inspiration to collect their ideas during a brainstorm session before they attempt to write a paper.

Again, these ideas are useful for me as a teacher, as well as for my students. As I said, the could use the idea maps during brainstorming sessions before they write their papers. Outlines are good for keeping the students on track while giving speeches, or presenting material, or preparing study sessions.

I wish I could say I learned something over the past week. I have been proficient with search engines for some time now. If we went back to two weeks ago, I would say that learning how to use the Inspiration program has marked an advancement in my teaching skills.