Rosalind Wiseman wrote an article titled, "How to Fight the New Bullies," which focuses on the new form of bullying being done through chartrooms, text messaging, email and other networking sites. This is a dangerous form of harassment because it is anonymous. Although the legal and educational systems are working to address and defeat this issue, it is a difficult one to control. According to the article, cyberbullying is all too common, as 90% of middle school students have had their feelings hurt online and 75% have visited a website criticizing another student.
What kinds of kids are more likely to be a cyberbully?
Any child with access to a computer or phone can either become or fall prey to a cyberbully. Being big and intimidating is not a prerequisite for the cyberbully.
Even kids that would not normally torment others, feel empowered by the anonymity the Internet provides. This means that teachers and parents need to be on the lookout for this kind of behavior, even if they feel as though a certain child could never do something like this.
How this situation be combated?
If only 15% of parents know what cyberbullying is, then that is an issue in itself. Parents need to educate themselves about what their child is doing when it comes to the computer and cell phone. If they are very involved in their child’s life, teach them the correct way to use technology (and explain its damaging effects), then the student will be a lot less likely to be harsh to others. Even an action as simple as placing the computer in the living room instead in their bedroom will help them be accountable. The article also lists other ways in which this problem can be prevented, such as install monitoring and filtering software, and use technology as a way to reinforce family values.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Journal #4
In the article, “From Toy to Tool” Liz Kolb explains the advantages of cell phones in education. She states that because of the prominent role cell phones play in student’s lives, they ought to be given some sort of consideration as a learning tool. Since cell phones now have immense capabilities, students are able to conduct an interview with a local author or war veteran, snap a few pictures, record the conversation and a short video, all with the click of a button. This information is immediately posted to a blog site, ready to be edited. Kids can get into groups and transform this raw material into an imaginative and effective imovie. Although there are concerns that come along with audioblogging, teachers just need to make sure they inform kids regarding netiquette. Students need to understand the severity of their actions when dealing with the interent.
What is an appropriate age to begin audioblogging?
I think that audioblogging is ideal for the middle school/high school aged kids. Although older elementary students would most likely be able to create an audioblog, many of them do not have cell phones at that age. It might be a good idea to have the younger students group together for projects, evenly distributing those who either own a cell phone, or have access to one. They could use their phones to capture pictures or conduct an interview during a class field trip (i.e. at a mission or play) and turn them into an imovie during computer time.
Are cell phones a good idea in the classroom?
Even though cell phones are generally viewed as a distraction in class, they can be a powerful educational tool, if used correctly. Teachers need to be strict with their cell phone guidelines in the classroom so as to not disrupt learning. It is easy for kids to cheat and abuse this privilege. Out of class research is a more suitable time for students to use their phones
What is an appropriate age to begin audioblogging?
I think that audioblogging is ideal for the middle school/high school aged kids. Although older elementary students would most likely be able to create an audioblog, many of them do not have cell phones at that age. It might be a good idea to have the younger students group together for projects, evenly distributing those who either own a cell phone, or have access to one. They could use their phones to capture pictures or conduct an interview during a class field trip (i.e. at a mission or play) and turn them into an imovie during computer time.
Are cell phones a good idea in the classroom?
Even though cell phones are generally viewed as a distraction in class, they can be a powerful educational tool, if used correctly. Teachers need to be strict with their cell phone guidelines in the classroom so as to not disrupt learning. It is easy for kids to cheat and abuse this privilege. Out of class research is a more suitable time for students to use their phones
Journal #3
The article, “Video in the Age of Participation” by Glen Bull describes the growing prevalence of digital videos in technology. Although videos are occasionally used in the classroom, the difficulties of isolating the small, relevant clips can sometimes outweigh the benefits. Technological progress is making it increasingly feasible to embrace the use of video clips in education. National Geographic has set up a web cam at a watering hole in Botswana, which allows for a live video feed of some extremely exotic animals and an excellent education opportunity. The Discovery Education unitedstreaming Web site equips teachers to not only with 40,000 short video segments, but also with the corresponding content standard and grade level. Lesson plans and materials may be provided in addition to the videos, to further aid the educators wanting to pursue the perks of technology. The Discovery Network provides several workshops for teachers to become acquainted with the all the site has to offer.
In what ways can teachers utilize digital videos in education?
Since the Discovery Education site has so many videos available, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using this type of technology as a resource. They have teacher resources and lesson plan ideas that are enhanced by their abundant clips. Aside from the 40, 000 precut videos, teachers and students can edit and remix their own. This presents an opportunity for student groups to get together and deliver a speech or mini-lesson with a tailored video as their visual aid.
Are live web cams a good idea in the classroom?
Yes, web cams that provide a live video of a specific location, such as the watering hole in Botswana, are a tremendous opportunity to really experience other countries and environments first hand. Instead of glancing at a still photo in a textbook, students can actually observe the scene and become engaged with the people or animals. Cultures come alive as students watch the bustling city of Hong Kong during rush hour or the tranquility of the Serengeti at dusk.
In what ways can teachers utilize digital videos in education?
Since the Discovery Education site has so many videos available, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using this type of technology as a resource. They have teacher resources and lesson plan ideas that are enhanced by their abundant clips. Aside from the 40, 000 precut videos, teachers and students can edit and remix their own. This presents an opportunity for student groups to get together and deliver a speech or mini-lesson with a tailored video as their visual aid.
Are live web cams a good idea in the classroom?
Yes, web cams that provide a live video of a specific location, such as the watering hole in Botswana, are a tremendous opportunity to really experience other countries and environments first hand. Instead of glancing at a still photo in a textbook, students can actually observe the scene and become engaged with the people or animals. Cultures come alive as students watch the bustling city of Hong Kong during rush hour or the tranquility of the Serengeti at dusk.
Journal #2
In the article, “Breathing Fire into Web 2.0,” Justin Hardman and David Carpenter explain how The Hong Kong International School has taken its faculty and students into the 21st century by creating an “all-in-one” web-based system, named myDragonNet. Through this system, teachers and students alike have the ability to communicate and collaborate by way of Web 2.0. It also allows instructors various tools that are valuable in the development of curriculum along with an online portfolio management system. Justin Hardman, a former alumnus of the school, was hired to create this tool, ensuring that the program would be designed specifically for HKIS. By interacting with students and faculty, Hardman was able to personalize myDragonNet, so it reflected the visions and goals of the school. This system parallels the real world as social networking acts as the foundation for this endeavor, preparing students for what is to come. To further classroom management, teachers continuously update their WebPages, which contain information regarding topics such as sports, clubs, and classes. Teachers can share their tried and true methods as resources and unit plans are available and distributed among educators. To encourage reflection and growth students have a digital storage tool, enabling them to showcase all of their work. It is the schools wish that, “within the community of myDragonNet that their identities and accomplishments are much more authentically represented than they would be in Facebook or MySpace.”
Are systems like myDragonNet appropriate for all schools, or just the more technically focused?
I cannot think of a school that would fail to benefit from a tool as pragmatic as this one. If it is the school’s responsibility to prime kids for the “real world,” then they need to understand that the real world is immersed in all kinds of technology. Collaboration and class management are essential aspects of education and should be made more readily available for teachers and students.
What might some of the drawbacks be to a system such as this?
Any program carries the threat of abuse and exploitation. It is vital for students, as well as faculty members, to go through some sort of a class that trains them in netiquette. They need to be aware that they are interacting with real people, even though they cannot see them face-to-face.
Are systems like myDragonNet appropriate for all schools, or just the more technically focused?
I cannot think of a school that would fail to benefit from a tool as pragmatic as this one. If it is the school’s responsibility to prime kids for the “real world,” then they need to understand that the real world is immersed in all kinds of technology. Collaboration and class management are essential aspects of education and should be made more readily available for teachers and students.
What might some of the drawbacks be to a system such as this?
Any program carries the threat of abuse and exploitation. It is vital for students, as well as faculty members, to go through some sort of a class that trains them in netiquette. They need to be aware that they are interacting with real people, even though they cannot see them face-to-face.
Journal #1
In this article," Professors Adjust Their Methods To Reach Technology-Savvy Generation," Eleanor Yang Su depicts the ever-evolving technological society that we live in today, coupled with the powerful impact it has on school systems. Professors are being forced to align themselves with the their technologically savvy students in an attempt to gain interest among the class and sustain their attention. Although many teachers are conforming to this seemingly intimidating trend by utilizing equipment such as clicker remotes and creating class software, many refuse to go without a fight. For some teachers, new technology is said to be “dumbing down” courses by substituting academically rich books for mindless entertainment. Relentless multitasking is another commonality among the Millennials despite the array of evidence that reveals its ineffectiveness. This in turn produces work of low quality and poor effort.
Does the use of multimedia in the classroom equal the inherent disappearance of books and PowerPoints?
I hope not! I do not think that there is a book-substitute available, and I would surely hope that teachers would not eliminate these invaluable resources from the classroom due to technology. I can understand the fear of technology that many possess if they think it will replace the necessities of learning altogether. It can be an immensely convenient tool within the classroom, if used correctly, transforming the way that information is distributed from teacher to student.
How has technology already revolutionized the university system?
Technology has become a mainstay in most college classrooms, especially those titled “smart.” Teachers are now integrating clickers, videos, and the Internet as staples into their curriculum. Teachers should always be taking advantage of the ways to enhance their lesson plans and stay connected with their student’s lives.
Does the use of multimedia in the classroom equal the inherent disappearance of books and PowerPoints?
I hope not! I do not think that there is a book-substitute available, and I would surely hope that teachers would not eliminate these invaluable resources from the classroom due to technology. I can understand the fear of technology that many possess if they think it will replace the necessities of learning altogether. It can be an immensely convenient tool within the classroom, if used correctly, transforming the way that information is distributed from teacher to student.
How has technology already revolutionized the university system?
Technology has become a mainstay in most college classrooms, especially those titled “smart.” Teachers are now integrating clickers, videos, and the Internet as staples into their curriculum. Teachers should always be taking advantage of the ways to enhance their lesson plans and stay connected with their student’s lives.
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