| Forum: Session 3 discussion - Jan. 30 | ||
| Date: Mon Jan 22 2007 20:35 | ||
| Author: Juliano, Tara <julianot@student.wpunj.edu> | ||
| Subject: Session 3 | ||
| I agree with Danielle that we are all preparing our students for their future. I teach third grade so I am in a bit of a different situation, but already the students see the vital role computers and technology play in our life. We use multiple programs in school to teach skills such as typing using Type to Learn, Microsoft Word, Ultimate Writing, and Inspiration. Daily use of the Smart board and the internet allow students to see a demonstration of how technology can be helpful. I feel that I demonstrate internet safety in the class by choosing the websites carefully and justifying why I chose the sites. Students see the power of the internet. As for most aspects of our lives, Everything in Moderation. If the students are bombarded with technology they will no longer find an interest in it and it will become very mundane. Our school is now 3 years old. With mounted Smart boards and projectors in every classroom, that was the ?hook? for the first year or two. The students were so fascinated by the Smart board and all of its functions, that a simple vocabulary matching quiz was now fun because they can use their finger to slide words across the screen. This year, the novelty has worn off, as my students have seen this since first grade. It is now a challenge to create new activities using the functions that they know so well. "Schooling is not about information. It's getting kids to think about information. It's about understanding and knowledge and wisdom" (Larry Cuban, 1993). In grades K-3, students are learning to read. In grades 4 and up the students are reading to learn. Students are responsible for understanding what they read. In third grade, reading comprehension is test on the state NJASK test. It is a very difficult task for students to complete. They have difficulty applying what they read and not just repeating story details verbatim. Some students will read to learn much earlier than others and those are usually the students that succeed on the state test. They are getting knowledge out of their readings instead of concentrating on sounding out words and letters. ?A very recent survey carried out in the USA by Henry Becker (1999) shows that whereas 68% of the teachers report using the Internet, and 28% report using it at least once a week, 18% use the Internet to post information, suggestions, opinions, or student work and only 16% use email to communicate professionally with other teachers.? From my personal experience it seems that the use of the computer in the classroom depends largely on the age of the teacher. I am 24 years old and I use the computer not only in the classroom but in my daily life. I couldn't?t have survived high school and college without the internet and all the computers amenities. Older teachers did not rely on this tool then and don?t rely on it now. Frankly I don?t feel some teachers are comfortable enough on the computer to teach students how to use it. On the contrary, there are many downfalls to technology. It does limit social interaction and real life experiences. Some students have seen the beach on the internet but have never actually been. Other students play so many video games that they rarely go to the playground and run around. Again, everything in moderation! |
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| Forum: Session 4 discussion - Feb. 6 | ||
| Date: Tue Feb 06 2007 20:09 | ||
| Author: Juliano, Tara <julianot@student.wpunj.edu> | ||
| Subject: Re: Ed Tech plans | ||
I feel that it’s very important to lay out a technological plan. Teachers and students need to know what’s ahead. Not only is the budget an issue, but the curriculum and standards have to be kept in mind. The school should really have a plan for what skills are going to be taught at each grade level, so as not to repeat or remove important skills. Clifton does not share their educational technology plan with us. As I’ve mentioned before it is a very large district with many schools, all at different technology levels. It’s not quite uniform enough to estate a plan that everyone can meet. Therefore, many schools have implemented what the teacher’s have sort of silently deemed an educational technology plan. We share our lesson ideas and uses of technology, hoping others will use it. I can’t believe how organized and concise the plans are on the NJDOE website. It seems to me that most schools are told to implement technology as they see fit. If you don’t fit it in one day it’s not a big deal. If you don’t meet the language arts standards one day…now that’s a BIG deal! I was totally impressed by the NJDOE’s website. It was very user friendly and I loved the fact that they have ideas of what the state is doing to meet that standard. In looking for the Namibian Ed Tech plans I found an interesting piece. On one of the websites it states the activities in use for furthering education. In looking back at previous updates I found this: Update 2 (July-Sept. 2004): |
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