Sandra Jones Learning Module_13 Discussion Posts

Learning Module_2
Discussion Post 1: DIGITAL NATIVES Read to learn more about the war between digital immigrants & digital natives. Answer the following prompt after reading the article. I wonder
Me said Sep 8, 2013: I am subbing in a school district with the 1:1 initiative. Every student in grade 3-12 received laptops this year. I'm not sure how each teacher is utilizing this technology in their classroom but I've been told that it's up to each teacher and some rarely use them! This school has 86% of students on free and reduced lunch and a large majority of ESL students. It is amazing to see how quickly the students have adapted to this technology. In the mornings before the bell rings, students are glued to their laptops watching YouTube videos and playing games. I know, not very educational but they are learning to use the laptop and navigate the internet. Unfortunately, very few students have access to the internet at home. I believe the only way to tackle the problems of the haves and have-nots is through education. Just because students do not have computers or internet at home does not mean we should not use them in the classroom. Some students do not have books at home, should we stop teaching them to read? As teachers, it is our duty to figure out what are the best ways to utilize computers in the classroom and what homework should be assigned. Me said Sep 8, 2013: Mrs. Johnson - I like your statement that it is less about being a digital immigrant vs digital native and more to do with "digital stupidity". I agree that students do not seem to understand the ramifications of technology such as social media. Also, we must realize the parents of our students are all digital immigrants and therefore may not even realize what their child is viewing or posting. Some parents provide a computer or cell phone for their child but then leave them unsupervised with access to anything on the web! It is imperative that we engage the parents of our students with tips and insight on technology. Mrs. Johnson - I like your statement that it is less about being a digital immigrant vs digital native and more to do with "digital stupidity". I agree that students do not seem to understand the ramifications of technology such as social media. Also, we must realize the parents of our students are all digital immigrants and therefore may not even realize what their child is viewing or posting. Some parents provide a computer or cell phone for their child but then leave them unsupervised with access to anything on the web! It is imperative that we engage the parents,

DISCUSSION POST 2: REPLY TO THIS POST Prompt: What techniques could you use to teach your students about copyright laws? Me said Sep 7, 2013: Copyright laws can be tricky to understand, but students need to be introduced to this concept early. I am licensed to teach K-6 but I do not have my own classroom and I am currently subbing. When I get my own classroom, I will introduce this topic by discussing cheating on homework or tests and what the school consequences are. I will then discuss the digital side of copyright and utilize websites like Digital Passport. Me said Sep 7, 2013: Ashley F. - I like your idea of showing students images, videos, clips, and recordings and letting them decide if it is copyrighted or not. This would be great to split the class into two groups and let them debate a difficult clip or recording. Me said Sep 7, 2013: Janell - Thanks for posting A Fair(y) Use Tale, this is a helpful video!

Learning Module_3
DISCUSSION POST - MODULE 3 DUE 9-16-13 Read the view points of web based learning below. Formulate an opinion on the matter. Research web based learning and back up your statement with a fact or quote. Also, respond to one other classmates post. Use the guidelines for posting that were discussed in the first class. VIEW POINTS OF WEB BASED LEARNING 1. One of the values of using the web to access course materials is that web pages may contain hyperlinks to other parts of the web, thus enabling access to a vast amount of web based information. A virtual learning environment (VLE) or m anaged learning environment (MLE) is an all in one teaching and learning software package. A VLE typically combines functions such as discussion boards, chat rooms, online assessment, tracking of students' use of the web, and course administration. VLEs act as any other learning environment in that they distribute information to learners. VLEs can, for example, enable learners to collaborate on projects and share information.

2. Newer technologies such as computers and video conferencing are not necessar ily better (or worse) for teaching or learning than older technologies . . . they are just different . . . The choice of technology should be driven by the needs of the learners and the context in which we are working, not by its novelty.Bates AW. Technology, open learning and distance education. London: Routledge, 1995

Me said Sep 8, 2013: I believe web based learning is the future of education and is precisely why I chose to get an endorsement in technology (also because I love technology). For several years, the buzz word in education was differentiated instruction. Many teachers have been able to successfully differentiate in their classroom, but with web based learning I believe teachers can take this to a whole new level. Adaptive Web-based education systems attempt to be more adaptive by building a model of the goals, preferences and knowledge of each individual student and by using this model throughout the interaction with the student in order to adapt to the needs of that student. That is, a student will be given a presentation that is adapted especially to his or her knowledge of the subject and a suggestion is made of the most relevant links to proceed further. (Romero, Ventura, Zafra & de Bra, 2009) Our ultimate goal for student learning is to develop autonomy. With web based learning, I believe students have more control and independence in their learning. Romero, C., Ventura, S., Zafra, A., & de Bra, P. (2009). Applying web usage mining for personalizing hyperlinks in web-based adaptive educational systems. Computers & Education, 53(3), 828-840. Me said Sep 8, 2013: Elizabeth - I think it's wonderful that you use Skype with your "Holidays Around the World" unit. I'm sure this gives your students a new perspective of holidays as well as a deeper, richer experience that they could not get just from a text. I'm curious, how did you make your Skype contact for distance learning?

Learning Module_4
Discussion Post: Module_4 (Due 9-16) In your opinion, what is an effective use of video in the classroom? Remember to use these suggestions when commenting to a post. (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11323883/ius%20info/r505/module_1/Handout_Blog_Co mments.doc)

Me said Sep 15, 2013: There was a comment below the article that stated the bigger issue is how to use videos without misusing them. I don't think videos should be used solely in place of a lesson, however, I do believe videos are an excellent resource that can be used to enhance lessons and entice student interest. Me said Sep 15, 2013: Ms. Miller - I like your idea of using videos to introduce or wrap up a lesson.

Discussion Post 2: Using resources that are available to save time. (DUE 9-16-) Now that you know how to create your own video, try to find a video that has already been created that can work for that same unit or lesson. Use YouTube, schooltube, teachertube, or any other resource that you find.
Me said Sep 15, 2013: I found this video on School Tube that shows how to select a good fit book. http://bit.ly/NSjiQH

Learning Module_5
Discussion Post: Module_5 DUE 9-16 Share two problem solving strategies that you use in your classroom. What makes them effective? Be sure to include the grade and subject. Me said Sep 17, 2013:
When I was teaching 1st grade, an important strategy I used for math was model drawing. The students enjoyed the visual effects and were better able to comprehend abstract numbers. This strategy helped to build their confidence and understanding in solving other problems. Another strategy I used was encouraging students to look for patterns in their everyday surroundings. By searching for patterns in colors, shapes, and numbers students were able to make predictions and better understand the world around them.

Me said Sep 17, 2013: Mrs. Turberville - I like your strategy of "click and count to 5. If nothing happens, then click again." Patience is a problem for many students no matter what age. I know patience comes with age but I believe most of the lack of patience stems from the instant gratification society we live in. Students need to learn that solving problems, no matter the content area, are not easy and takes time. I'm always looking for good strategies to teach patience, I will have to try this one!

Learning Module_6
Watch 3 screencasts & reply with an opinion, idea, or observation. Me said Sep 25, 2013:

Whitney Your presentation was great. I've used Animoto for an assignment last year but did not realize all the editing features offered. I like that you can select photos from your own library or you have the option to grab them from so many online photo services. Me said Sep 25, 2013: Laura B. You did a great job on your screencast. Im glad you pointed out the section about telling your story in 7 steps. This is a great feature to help students develop their characters and plot, especially when students are working independently either at home or school.

Me said Sep 25, 2013: Kent Ive never used Blabberize but I agree that this is a fun way to introduce a new topic, rules, book character, or historical figure. I think students would also enjoy utilizing this web 2.0 tool.