Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Journal Five: Global Collaboration...

Rihardson, C. (2012). Global collaboration for elementary students. Learning and leading with technology, 40(1), 30-31. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/DigitalEdition/digital-edition-june-july-2012.aspx
 
This article documents what one teacher did using technology to facilitate learning and to connect with other schools/students across the United States.  Carmen Richardson, teaching in Hawaii, collaborated and shared information with students around the country.  First it was Vermont where the students shared and compared the weather in Vermont and Hawaii using time-lapsed videos.  Second, her students collaborated with Australian students on endangered animals.  She also used skype to connect and share with students from other places.

 The use of technology in this collaboration proved successful.  Skype, for example, is a free way to connect with family and friends around the globe.  To be able to use it in a classroom setting is a great idea.  Collaboration with students around the country/world is an excellent way for our students to expand their world and to really open up to the possibilities of experiences of students like them around the world.  Education should really be beyond the borders of the classroom.  Edmodo is another collaboration tool that we use that Miss Richardson utilized to communicate with students around the world.  Who know!!  The number of these web-based learning tools will continue to grow, and we should try and do our best to utilize/maximize it for student learning.

Question 1: What should the teacher do in preparing the students to be on skype?
Answer:  The teacher should set parameters of skype use to ensure that the students stay on task and not end up on other sites.  Expectations should be clear and in writing and signed both by students and parents.
Question 2:  What are the advantages of using skype for collaboration?
Answer:   The advantages are many: First, they can talk and see the students face-to-face.  Second, it is free.  Third, they can, in real time, collaborate and make friends aross the country/world. 

  

Monday, July 16, 2012

Journal Three

Upsidedown and Inside Out Article

          One thing has become very clear as I read this article.  The rush to create and incorporate technology in the classroom has mushroomed beyond our control.  While we need to balance the need to be updated on our knowledge of the internet and how it works, we should also look at how this phenomenon can become a blessing and not a curse.  Some have approached this topic with a sincere desire to help, others are out for themselves-making money.  Belive me, we are drowned in information but lacking in knowledge.  The article is about an attempt to incorporate technology, in yet another innovative way, to use technology in the classroom.
         Here are my views on the matter: First, if the use of Flipped can help some students, try it.  One size doesn't fit all.  Some students are very proficient and using technology to learn can be a positive outcome.  Yet, some will struggle to keep up with the new gadget or the new product.  Like the parents in the article, I am a skeptic when it comes to something new that all must learn to improve scores.  No.  Not all students can learn from using technology.  I have seen the disparity in my own classroom.  While some who have access to phones and know the ins and outs of its use, most of the students do not even have phones or access to a computer at home.  These are the students who will be marginalized and ended up being left behind.  Second, the article pointed out that discipline is a problem.  There is so much fuss and problems without having to use the computers.  When computer use is factored in, it is hard to control the behavior.  Third, staying on task while on computer is extremely difficult.  Students would be e-mailing, listening to music, going on facebook, etc.   

Question 1: What are the benifits of trying new things in the classroom?
Answer: Not all students learn the same way.  Some are more technologically savvy and must be given the chance to try new ways of learning.  They, in turn, will help others become proficient.

Question 2: What are the downside of incoporating a flipped upside down approach district-wide?
Answer: While students who are proficient benefit from a flipped classroom, most students do not have the means and are not proficient in technology.  Other problems include behavior and staying on task.  Other students can learn better having a textbook in front of them instead of a computer.