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.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
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?
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?
Monday, November 9, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, November 2, 2009
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
