Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Cyberbullying.....How sad?


EXAMPLE SCENARIO 1:

Penelope and Rosetta work together on the Kinseytown High yearbook. They are
usually friends, but have a heated disagreement over the artwork for the
yearbook’s cover. During lunch period, Penelope sends a text message to Rosetta
stating “I’m so mad I can’t even sit near you. Leave me alone today.”

(1)Is this an example of cyberbullying? Why or why not?

No, because it is private.  Although it is a form Bullying, leaving Rosetta at a disadvantage, it is not publicized via the internet.

(2) If so, what discipline should the school impose? Why?

This would be a parental issue, where the students will need to discuss their altercation and feelings.  Hopefully they will be able to devise an apology, and create a solution to their problem.  They will work towards agreeing to disagree.

(3) What are the legal consequences, if any, in this example?

I do not believe there are any legal consequences.  Penelope stated her feelings and removed herself, telling Rosetta in a private way.  Although Rosetta may have been hurt, the issue should not go beyond the two of them, at school.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO 2:

Marla is a new student at school. In the school computer lab, William sets up a page
on MySpace called “Marla Go Home!” Several students post derogatory messages
about Marla’s appearance, calling her a “slob” and a “loser.” Marla sees the page
and leaves early. She stays at home for several days.

(1) Is this an example of cyberbullying? Why or why not?

Yes, this is an example of cyberbullying because it has been created and posted on the internet.  It is now visible to a worldwide audience.

(2) If so, what discipline should the school impose? Why?

The school should identify the creator and the people who posted comments.  They should be reprimand these students.  I feel that out of school suspension should be imposed on the creating student and in school suspension should be imposed on the posting students.  Each of the students should also be asked to write an apology and a paper discussing the effects of cyberbullying.  I feel that they should also be asked to participate in a class that will help them promote positive outlets.

(3) What are the legal consequences, if any, in this example?


The consequences could be filed under harassment.  Each of these students could be prosecuted for their persecution of Marla, if her parents seek to do so.

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 12: Reflection

REFLECTING ON WHAT I KNOW:
1)      What can I do to “get ready” for a lesson *in which my students use computers?

Follow these Step by Step Rules:
·        Prepare Handouts and Guides
o   Make Checklists and Guidelines to for students to follow, keeping them enaged and on task
·        Prepare Assessment Tools
o   Decide the type of assessment/ product for proof of student learning
·        Prepare Technology
o   Create templates
o   Bookmark important sites
o   Identify elements to be used and implemented


2)      Where does the “computer part” come when I am teaching a lesson?

The NTeQ model for “during computer use” allows students to use the computers as a source of engagement.  The educator determines what product the students will be creating and will partner it with a technology resource tool that will help create the product.  The students may be creating a presentation to present their information, they may be inputting data, or they may be typing their thoughts.  The students could also use computers as a source of drill and practice, meaning that they are using the technology to help learn and memorize a set of information.

3)      How do you ensure equal access for all students with only three computers?

The educator could use rotational groups, allowing students to work on various before computer activities, after computer activities, planning activities, and enrichment activities.  The students could be on a daily routine, working weekly to complete a project.  An educator will learn to accommodate for the lack of technology, by using it in a rotational pattern such as this.  They will incorporate various activities that do not require technology, to connect with the activities that do.

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 10: Reflection

   REFLECTING ON WHAT I KNOW
1)      How do you know that students understand a concept?

Graphic organizer can be used to help educators reach students on a deeper learning level, by having the students use an organizer as their final product.  One example could be having students compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the themes within two different stories.

2)      How can you depict student misconceptions of key information?

By using a graphic organizer during the planning phases, educators are able to determine what the students know and what misconceptions they have.  This will help identify their background knowledge and help identify what alterations need to be made about what they know. 

Students could use the graphic organizers to plan and organizer their information.  Once they have done more research and analysis, they can determine what information was true and what information was false.  This will provide them with learning opportunities, making inferences of how what they once knew connects to what they now know.

3)      How can students capture and transfer brainstorming ideas into written thoughts?

Students could use GoogleDocs to explain their thoughts on a studied topic.  They could each contribute their thoughts, combining those thoughts that are similar, and discuss those thoughts that are different.  It would be engaging and interactive.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 11: Reflection


What are the benefits of using problem-solving or educational software?

Problem-solving Software
Example and How to use
TimezAttack
TimezAttack is a program used to increase student performance with multiplication tables.  This program provides simulations where students improve their multiplication table performance by defeating ogres.  To defeat the ogres, students must collect snails (that actually aid in providing the answer) and use these snails to break walls and identify the patterns in multiplication.  It allows them to work at their own pace, but provides them with a competitive race with their peers, in regards to levels of completion.
TimezAttack can be downloaded from http://www.bigbrainz.com/online/select_school.php
Educational Software
Example and How to use
SuccessMaker
Successmaker uses a variety of multimedia actions to teach students new skills and reinforce basic skills.  It provides mastery-practice, assessments, and provides feedback to both the students and teachers.  Students can be set at their own level and from there they will progressively improve.  By working to increase student performance in both math and reading, Successmaker also identifies progress data.  This helps teachers to see what progress the students are making and provides them with suggestions about the amount of time the students need on the program to reach their goal.
Successmaker can be purchased from http://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PSZyM6&elementType=mergedNavGroup&navGroupName=Features%20and%20Benefits&PMDbProgramID=55601


How do I choose the correct software?

 



               I feel as though the Educational Software Preview Guide is best suited for my classroom.  It provides a search tool that enables users to filter software features that are important.  Users are able to give a title or publisher, but can also identify software by subject, grade level, mode, and hardware.  This will allow users to find software based on their needs rather than just providing various reviews.  Although the other sites did the latter, they are still great at providing information on various software programs.

When I integrate problem-solving or educational software into a lesson, what changes will be needed?


Problem-solving Software
Implementation Example
TimezAttack
Computer Functions:  Providing Practice and Feedback
Research and Analysis: Whole Program progress (Multiplication)
Results Presentation: Automatic Student Feedback and Correction (Multiple tries)(Repeat for mastery)
Activities Before Computer Use: Locate program and identify user name and password
Activities During Computer Use: How many computers being used?
Activities After Computer Use: Evaluation/Reflection of progress made
Educational Software
Implementation Example
SuccessMaker
Computer Functions: Providing Practice and Feedback
Research and Analysis: Specific reading or math skills reviewed, and provide extra lessons for those objectives with decreased improvement
Results Presentation: Final percentage for students and objective breakdown for teachers
Activities Before Computer Use: Locate program and identify user name and password
Activities During Computer Use: How many computers being used?
Activities After Computer Use: Evaluation/Reflection of progress made

For a Laugh......



Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 9: Reflection


How can my students use multimedia for their projects?

·        The students could produce a Powerpoint presentation for what they read during a jigsaw reading

An example of student work provided by
 
 
AArmentor09. (2011). Student example powerpoint presentation. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akep5RMpc24
 

·        The students could create a weather report via a video presentation

·        They could create their own animal by manipulating pictures using Flickr, and then write a paper describing its habitat and how it survives in its environment.

What applications are available for creating a multimedia presentation?

 
http://www.aviosoft.com/tips/demystifying-what-exactly-multimedia-is.html/multimedia
By Aviosoft|
 

·        Microsoft Powerpoint

·        Microsoft Publisher

·        Windows Movie Maker

·        Smart Notebook

·        Prezi

·        SlideShare

·        YouTube

·        Wordle

·        GoogleDocs

Should I place limits on how my students use multimedia?

               Yes, but the limits should deal specifically with educational purposes.  Students should be able to identify the goal of the presentation and focus on the content.  There should be limits on the “bells and whistles”, so as not to distract from the information presented. 
 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 6: Reflection

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 6: Reflection


1)      Now that I have access to the Web, how can I use it effectively?

Some examples are as follows:


Search Engine

Research, locate, identify, explore, inquiry

Email

Send, receive,

Web Calls/Conferencing

Communicate

School Websites

Communicate, Share, publicize

Wikis

Inform, collaborate, communicate, share, broadcast, publicize

Blogs

Inform, present, share thoughts, publish

 

2)      How do I manage students’ use of the Web in my class?

Here are some examples of classroom technology usage:


Google Research

Potential problem:

Students are unaware of the importance of keywords.  They are not able to identify authoritative sources.  Students believe any information they find.

Solution:

Show the following video--->

 

Identify the problem before they begin their search, maybe by giving them an anchor chart or rubric.

Youtube Videos

Potential problem:

Students pull up inappropriate videos.

Solution:

The teacher could provide a choice of videos on a topic rather than having them search on their own.  Have the students help them identify the key components they are looking for in a video.  Also, using YouTube through sites like Gaggle allows them to search videos, because it filters out the ones that are deemed inappropriate.

Flickr usage

Potential problem:

Taking pictures and manipulating or posting them without consent.

Solution:

All students should participate in a cyber safety course.  They should also have parental permission for internet usage and photo usage for educational purposes.  The teacher should also send home specific notifications, if they plan to use student photos.

 

3)      Which features of the Web do I use?


Search Engine

Students could use search engines to begin researching various content.  It will connect them with websites that can provide them with content information.

Email

Students could use email to send and receive assignments from their teacher. Teachers could also use it as a way to communicate classroom needs and share various resources for students and parents.

Web Calls/Conferencing

Students could use products, like FaceTime, to collaborate with students around the world.  Students could use this tool to collaborate and/or provide information.  It would be an awesome way to create digital pals.

School Websites

Students and parents can use the school’s website to find upcoming events, school information, and link them with online resources. 

Wikis

Wikis can be used to present classroom projects.  They can also be used to provide resources for students and parents to use at home.

Blogs

Blogs are a great way for students to have digital discussions.  They provide an outlet to give and receive peer feedback.