TeChNoLoGy!!!

The two articles I read for this blog made it clearer to me, that it was vital to have technology in the classroom but the question that still remains was how to deliver this tool to all students? The social justice component needs to be addressed so all students could benefit and be able to use this tool, learning needs to be accessed easier. All students are not all equal in opportunity, students do not have the same amount of resources available and there comes the challenge for the teacher! We have to work out a way, as was presented in these articles to teach the student how to use this tool called technology both in and outside the classroom. One may ask, how do we find out which students have or lack the resources needed; communicate, engage and find out a little bit more about your students’ life and with that knowledge work with your teaching community to find resources that will give all students the opportunity to take this tool into the future, challenging but doable.

Throughout my Blogs “times are a changing” as been a consistent theme for me. There are students with limited access of outside resources; consequently, we need to research, brainstorm and ultimately find the answers, all students must have the same advantage when presented with opportunities in the future. It is my responsibility as a teacher not to take the easy road but the more challenging one, so that the technological learning can heighten the experience for the students who have less or more resources at home, there would be no difference in the learning process. There are many options to explore; “bonus” groups, grants, community business mentoring, through their resources. These are only a few suggestions but we as educators can put ideas together and then I am convinced we cannot help but be an asset to ALL students!

So in conclusion and in my opinion this one tool stands out to aide all students but especially the students who lack resources because it gives them a fair running start into a successful future. We as Educators should use technology in the classroom because of its efficiency and wide range of uses; it has the potential to reach students of all learning styles and family incomes, which then gives students choices in their tomorrows. Why would we want to put a road block to the future, by doing that we only impact all of our futures, let us recognize the change and clear the path for all, lets be part of the change and look at all students, as our hope for the future, then the rest is up to our students but at least we got them to the playing field.

Video Games in Classrooms!!!

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear, Video games? Some might just view Video games as a “corruption of our youth,” others might say it is a tool for the lazy. Are there any positives aspects when addressing the issue of Video games? Well I believe there are many positive components of Video games, both on a personnel and educational level. Just as I discussed in my previous blog regarding cell phones being an asset, the same can be true of Video games but like all modes of teaching, they should be constantly monitored and supervised. I work at an elementary school where there are wonderful math Video games, as well as a variety of other games that can be used for learning in many subjects. You can definitely see the students grasping quicker while they are learning and having fun at the same time, so should we not use this tool, so learning can be facilitated in a way that students feel successful and have the continued desire to learn more? I will be discussing the positive use of video games, throughout this blog.

I really like James Gee; the guy in the video that we watched, I believe he nailed it when he said: "the academic domain is a game itself." I am convinced the overwhelming sentiment in the article discussions posted was that teachers, especially American teachers, need to become more Video game knowledgeable, in order to aide them with the students in their classroom. “The only thing to fear is fear itself,” we should use the tools provided to make a growing thriving learning community! Again, I believe when Video games are continually monitored and reevaluated, they have incredible potential as an educational tool. Lets roll our sleeves up and look at each students individual need and see if a particular Video game would benefit a students learning, it is available, lets not leave it on the shelve!

By reading the articles, I do agree with the issue that the games are too costly. I believe there are ways to resolve this problem, perhaps one would be; that instead of having the school purchase a game for each child, having learning mode segmented, purchase game for that learning mode and then have it available when needed to teach a group of students that would benefit from this modality. It is clear to me that the use of appropriate and well chosen video games in the classroom can create a more engaging learning environment. Games such as the Leapfrog, Explorer Globe and Where in the World is Carmon San Diego are fun, yet a “learning moment,” at the same time. I still believe there needs to be some brainstorming as to how Video games can be cost effective for school districts and that would be a task I would someday like to take on.

Video games should not be used as a replacement to teaching but a resource to the classroom, as a projector, overhead, computers, television and books; they should, as James Gee stated: when used appropriately be considered an asset not a detriment to learning. Every student learns differently and it is our responsibility to meet the individual students learning style, so they can feel successful and if Video games fit those criteria, why should we not use them? We need to feel confident in who we are as teachers, evaluate the new tools presented to us and if they do not work, then we do not use them but if they do, well need I say more…USE THEM!

Wikipedia Reflection

We have addressed the changing times and the fact that students today are technology users, so consequently a great deal of our/their time researching is spent online, but even with the conveniences of “Google-ing” your assignment topic, comes the inconvenience of having to sift through websites and decide if the information is based more on opinion instead of fact and whether the trustworthiness of a website is creditable and information can be validated. We should not lose site of the websites that have done their homework and carry with their presentation validation and credibility. I believe it is our duty as teachers to teach students how to evaluate websites, the same way we teach them to search for knowledgeable speakers for a presentation, so the student then has the tools so they can make an educated decision whether to use a particular website.
When I do research, I make sure to look for a site that has updated links on the subject matter I am searching and also is a website with a reputable reputation. When the site is cleared in my mind, I then feel safe to move forward on my project because the more reliable the source, the more reliable my research paper. When I am telling my students about Wikipedia, I will guide them to make their own decision, after going over what makes a website useful for research and I would also make them aware about the debate regarding Wikipedia, that it often covers too much, so to read carefully, check data before using. I won’t tell my students to not look at Wikipedia that would not allow them to grow as a critical reader and is not that what I am trying to accomplish?
One site that has been the subject of differences of opinion regarding its value has been “Wikipedia,” but, why? Well for one, Wikipedia, unlike most encyclopedias; doesn’t have an actual screening process, and is composed of collaborated posts on the particular subject discussed. Even the creator of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, expresses for college students to not rely on his site as a creditable source. (Young, Jeffrey R, 2006) Another reason is Wikipedia doesn’t supply information on where the subject of the articles posted data was obtained. This being the case, how can you be so sure the information is truly fact or the opinion? I will instruct my students not to reject Wikipedia, but I will be clear that it is not the most reliable of sites or a useful tool for research but perhaps just an appetizer to completely researched project.
Personally I use Wikipedia for personal searches, but I have never really used it in any educational research other then pictures, or a quick “overview” of a topic. I will be having an internet policy in my classroom, I will allow a wide variety of resources but I will expect all to be sited. Wikipedia is not “evil” but it is a website that gives me a learning opportunity, and that is; the internet can be valuable to all who use it, as long as they respect the tools that bring them to their final project.

Cellphones in classrooms

Cell phones in the 90’s was a new adventure, when I first saw someone making use of a cell phone, I was mystified, now I wonder what I did without it because it now feels like a necessity! The topic of “cell phones being banned” has become a very controversial issue in schools but it is not a clear resolve as some may think; instead a consistent thoughtful decision should be reached by teachers. I believe that the world is changing, technology is growing, we need to recognize the change and decide the place it should play in a student’s school day. Cell phones are a part of technology and it will be my job as a teacher to decide how the grey area of cell phones can work best in MY classroom.

In the article, Should cell phones be banned from classrooms?” In my opinion Josh was very closed-minded. He felt like that a student having a cell phone is a way for a parent to spoil a child, spoiling a student with technology is an option but it is our responsibility as teachers to provide opportunities, which demonstrates to the student that cell phones can be an educational tool. Liz sounded a little more realistic, she urged us not to be naïve but to be consistent by setting guidelines, when she said: “Teachers who are concerned that cell phones will be distracting inside the classroom can set up a social contract with their students defining the structure and rules around cell phone use in the classroom. For example, the teacher can collect the cell phones at the beginning of class and return them to the students when it is time in class to use them.” There were some valid thoughts on this issue and these thoughts have allowed me time to ponder and think about my reaction to cell phones in the classroom. I know I will consider cell phones to be an opportunity in my classroom but like all opportunities, whether it is a projector, overhead, computers, record player or today’s cell phone there must be guidelines so that it is an asset to learning not a detriment.

It's a fascinating, intriguing and exciting question: should we allow cell phones in the classroom for educational purposes? Many teachers at the present moment do not want students using phones in the classroom because they don't want students’ texting each other, which they think could be distracting to the learning happening in the classroom. Allow me the opportunity to respond to the above teachers; and that would be; cell phones would be a plus in the classroom and could be economically more feasible. Imagine a world, where cell phones took over the role that computers play in the classroom, would it not be cheaper because a great many students already own one and those that do not perhaps a Grant could be written for these students to purchase cell phones. The fact that students already know how to use cell phones would add to the benefits but we as educators should never lose sight that this new use needs to be constantly monitored, so that abuse of this new tool is not occurring. Some experts predict that between 10 and 15 million wireless phones could be sold as a result of this push in the school system. How do you feel? Would you support this initiative for your students, will it aid our students learning or will it hinder?

Beware of CYBER BULLYING!

The safety of the student should and always be a priority with the teacher and it is absolutely essential, then we add one more component to the safety issue, that being technology. We have to be aware of Cyber-bullying, Cyber-bullying involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others. There are several terms used for this abuse and they are: bullying, stalking or harassment but what ever the terminology, we as educators and role models need to make it clear that there are consequences for this behavior and it is not acceptable in our learning community!

The practice of cyber-bullying is not limited to children and, while the behavior is identified by the same definition in adults, the distinction in age groups is referred to as cyber stalking or cyber-harassment when perpetrated by adults toward adults. Common tactics used by cyber stalkers are to vandalize a search engine or encyclopedia, to threaten a victim's earnings, employment, reputation, or safety. A pattern of repeated such actions against a target by and between adults constitutes cyber stalking.

The Internet is a great tool, but like any tool can be used to hurt others and be extremely dangerous. Students can be a vulnerable target for cyber bullying but it is our responsibility to build a positive connection between staff and student. We must remember children learn from what they see us do rather than what we say. There are some copious steps in which we can set in place for the cyber bully and these are just a few of the thoughts that I feel should be addressed:
• Tell a trusted adult about the bullying, and keep telling until the adult takes action.
• Don’t open or read messages by cyber bullies.
• Tell your school if it is school related. Schools have a bullying solution in place.
• Don’t erase the messages—they may be needed to take action.
• Protect yourself—never agree to meet with the person or anyone you meet online.
• If bullied through chat or instant messaging, the “bully” can often be blocked.
• If you are threatened with harm, inform the local police.

It is imperative that the adult in the school community; the administration, teachers, students and parents, make a firm commitment to make a change. Since cyber bullying may not actually be committed while your students are in school, it's important to involve families because if the family is educated the child is protected beyond the classroom, open communication is key to this process. Consistent enforcement of effective consequences for bullying (inconsistent makes the problem worse) is essential. Consequences should be predictable, inevitable, immediate and escalating, so that the bully does not establish a playing field for this abuse on our watch or anybodies!

Teachers and Social Networking!

Using the Internet needs to be treated with respect and responsibility. The world of cyber space is growing faster, perhaps as fast a “speeding bullet” but with that speed, like a bullet, boundaries must be followed and teachers as role models should be standing at the front of the cyber space line! It is a teacher’s opportunity to show students, through the internet how they can grow in knowledge, while paving the way as responsible cyber space users. This is just the beginning of new mode of learning that may produce more than we can ever imagine, let’s walk this journey safely!
Teacher’s need to fully understand that they can be removed from their teaching positions’; if their behavior outside school (including on the Web) makes them ineffective in the classroom and more importantly if they compromise the ethical values of their school and community. The courts will generally support a school system's decision to release a teacher under the above circumstances; even if a crime has not been committed.
When searching for my name on line I discovered that the path was straight and direct; it led me to my Facebook and My Space Home pages. Responsibility and privacy are a top priority for me because then it becomes my decision, who I allow in my internet community. The internet allows me the opportunity to gain knowledge, skills but also gives me the chance to maintain the bond with people I have met through out my life and to do this in an internet “living room.” I would not change one moment of my internet socialization because it has really opened the door for me to look at and talk with the people that are important to me! One should remember as a teacher our responsibility, as role models does not stop when we walk out of the classroom; it only becomes more necessary for us to be vigilant on how we live out the values, that we talk about in the classroom. A teacher has a right to leave the classroom and have a personal life but also as human being that are teachers, we must understand, even more than some that there are consequences to our behavior.
Americans tend to think that the First Amendment means that they can say (or publish) whatever they want. But the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that governments can fire employees if their speech harms the mission and function of their workplace. A teacher like all human beings has a right to have ideas and thoughts on policy issues as long as they are discreet on how they express these thoughts. Example being when one Blogs, a teacher should think carefully about what they are discussing; whether it is school duty preferences or principals wardrobe, this does not break the first amendment but is it the best way to resolve or discuss an issue?
Consequently, with the digital age comes teacher responsibility and we must remember using the internet irresponsibly could cost one their current job and adversely affect their future career in teaching. After reading the article: “Have you Goggled Your Teacher Lately,” this made it clear that my internet world was open to all, so it was my job to see that the internet book on Mike Soriano is clear, honest and succinct. This means that the internet can and should be used as a learning tool but not as a social network with the students that our in my school community. It certainly is a wonderful way to reconnect with a student who has left your classroom community because if you are a “good” teacher, you always care about where that students path as taken them. I could understand after many years reconnecting with students after they have gone through there educational journey with you because once you let a student in your heart they really never leave; it certainly has been a wonderful gift for me to communicate with some of my past teachers and let them know the journey I am taking and that they had some part of that decision.

Digital Natives/Digital Immigrants

Marc Prensky’s articles, has caused me to reflect on the classroom; it is a new era with a new generation, that allows the opportunity to use a new mode of teaching, so more students can learn. This is a two-part series entitled "Digital Immigrants, Digital Natives," Marc Prensky (2001) employs an analogy of native speakers and immigrants to describe the generation gap separating today's students (the Digital Natives) from their teachers (the Digital Immigrants). According to Prensky, the former are surrounded by digital media to such an extent that their very brain structures may be different from those students of previous generations and which he states, “Digital Natives are used to receiving information really fast. They like to parallel process and multi-task. They prefer their graphics before their text rather than the opposite. They prefer random access (like hypertext). They function best when networked. They thrive on instant gratification and frequent rewards. They prefer games to "serious" work” (pg2). So as teachers what should our next step be?

As a student in Graduate school preparing to be a teacher, it is very clear that I must be open to change. It is necessary that I be aware of how a student learns and constantly search for the best way to reach our students before they mentally check out. We have to understand that a student learns either auditory, visual. Kinesthetic but we must not leave out the growing group called the digital learners. Many teacher up to now use the digital arena as fillers, when all else has been done, for the day in the classroom, then and only then, the teacher would throw in a movie, CD, or allow students to play games on the computer and it is time for that to change! I grew in a family with a TV, Phone, eventually Cell Phone, Nintendo games, I Pods but it was considered a luxury not a necessity until I was about 10, then the world changed and so did I. My family supported my learning journey, and discovered that I was a visual learner, complimented later by digital learning. When this discovery happened, the whole world of learning became a store front where I could pick and choose how I would learn. I would say I am a Digital Immigrant or a transplanted one because my age group was just on the cusp of the digital transition. Every class needs all modes of learning, some more than others, as a Theater Major, I cannot lose my focus on the person on the stage, that person/persons is transforming us to a time and place, that will become our reality for a few hours. How we get to that performance is where the Digital learner enters the theater forum. As a High School, Drama or History teacher, I will need to be open to the various modes of learning. In a Drama class, the stage is my focus but before the actor gets to the stage, a need for the digital learner to enhance the production in an even more creative way. One of the reason I love the theatre is that it is joint effort in a creative community, that energy is generated within each other and to the audience with really all modes of learning present. I am open to the change and Prensky is right, children are even different now from when I was a child. Prensky even admits by saying in part two of Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants: “We now know that brains that undergo different developmental experiences develop differently and that people who undergo different inputs from the culture that surrounds them think differently” (pg.3). It is my job to be aware and observant to the world and how the students around me learn!

When I attended undergraduate school, I realized that the Digital Native community had arrived. Like all forms of learning Digital learning helped me most when the professor realized there were four modes of learning and that same professor taught with that constantly in mind Incorporating all learners is the only way we can produce successful teachers and then successful students is the natural result to this approach in teaching. Prensky’s points are well taken as long as we hold on to that fact that all students have their own style of learning; it imperative that the Digital learner be added to the mix but as “good” teachers; it should never be exclusive of the other three modes of learning.

I am going to finish this post with how I have started it, Prensky makes many valid points, another example of this is when he says; “It’s not actually clear to me which is harder – “learning new stuff” or “learning new ways to do old stuff.” I suspect it’s the latter” (pg.4). I’d like to think that Marc Prensky accepts the fact that all modes of learning are important to meet all learners and at the same time we as future teachers must accept the fact, that there are new thoughts in a new world and we had best get on board!

My First Blog!

Michael Soriano
HS Drama/Social Studies
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