Here are discussion questions for Week 2, 3 and 4. You can pick any one of these questions to start with and hopefully others will follow (to response, to comment). Please participate actively and post as much as you can. A minimum of 1 post is required by the end of Week 3. For how-tos please check the updated Project 4 Blog at http://edu315.wikispaces.com/Project+4+Blog
Q1. One of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for teachers is to Model Digital-Age Work and Learning. Can you describe an example activity or scenario that shows you are a teacher who can apply your digital knowledge and skills in a school/classroom setting? (From Reading 2.1)
Q2. Prensky (2001) argued about the distinction between digital natives and digital immigrants and about the fundamental causes of the decline of today’s education in the US. What do these arguments mean to you as a teacher candidate? (From Reading 3.5)
Q3. Educators are talking about Web 2.0 and its potentials in education. What do YOU think Web 2.0 is? Try a one-sentence definition in your own words (Reading 3.1, 3.3, 4.2, 4.3). Can you give one example of its potential use in an elementary or a middle school classroom? (From Reading 4.1)
Posted by Dr. Shi at 9:40 PM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
As said in question 2, Prensky talks about digital natives and digital immigrants and how this could contribute to a decline in today's education. I feel that, as a future teacher, this means that I will have to use technology frequently with my future students. I have read a couple of articles written by teachers who use blogs as a way of teaching their students. It seems as though it was a great benefit to the students, not only because they knew how to use the technology, but also because students who do not like talking in class seemed to be more willing to participate in the blog. I believe that blogs are a great way to get students involved in things such as going over a book being read in class and talking about certain topics in history. I also feel that I will have to take classes as my years of teaching progress because technology changes and improves all of the time and I may not be as up-to-date with it as my students at times.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Rikkilkurtz. Sure, you will need to take classes as part of your professional development, but you will also be able to learn by yourself. Hopefully through this course - and all the college education, you learn how to fish instead of just getting some fish ;-)
ReplyDeleteCome on, folks, say something here - you do not have to surprise the world ;-)
From Reading 3.5, I agree with the article and feel it is my job to incorporate technology into learning. The article mentioned making educational games for students. I think this is a great way to reach children in this generation. Some students who come into my classroom will know how to use a computer; consequently, my students can make educational games. This is one way that I can assess what they learned. It will also make learning meaningful. I know, as I grow as a teacher, I will have to try to keep up with various new technological advances. This will be challenging at times, but I am confident I will be able to learn from my students or peers to keep up with technology. This will make learning exciting in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteWeb 2.0 is currently used as the term to describe the internet as we know it using applications such as blogs, wikis, social networking websites, and RSS (allows users to observe summaries of their feeds all at the same time). An example of using Web 2.0 in the classroom is a program called Gradefix. It is a program that helps students create a study schedule to prioritize their homework and extracurricular activities to reduce stress. Also, teachers are now using spelling websites to do spelling tests and quizzes online with the students which is an easier method of grading for the teacher (the students print out their results after taking the online exams) and also allows the students to interact with technology and typing on the computer.
ReplyDeleteHey, folks, not much action here, huh? I might need to bride you. How about a million dollar for each post ;-)
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: Technology is being incorporated into classrooms more and more, and there are many ways that teachers can model this growing phenomenon. I think that the use of technology in the classroom depends on the school district you are teaching in. For example, some schools may have the equipment where what the teacher is doing on his or her computer can be presented on the overhead screen, such as what most classrooms at SUNY Cortland have. In this situation, the teacher can model many things on the computer, such as ways of using Microsoft programs or different ways to research things on the internet for projects. For classrooms that do not have this equipment, teachers can still model technology by having groups of students come to the class computer or computer lab. Some activities teachers can do with their students on the computer is research certain things on the internet for a history or science project, play educational games found on websites or programs, blog about certain lessons or activities, or type a response paper or story. Another way to incorporate technology in the classroom is to use digital cameras. The teacher can model how to use a digital camera, and the students can use them to take pictures of certain things for a lesson, such as objects around the school that have different angles for a math lesson, or pictures of nature for a science lesson.
ReplyDeleteQ2. Prensky (2001) argued about the distinction between digital natives and digital immigrants and about the fundamental causes of the decline of today’s education in the US. What do these arguments mean to you as a teacher candidate? (From Reading 3.5)
ReplyDeleteSince I consider myself a Digital Native, I feel pretty well prepared to teach my future students in ways that are meaningful and engaging for them. They (and myself) grew up in the fast paced technological world and had access to millions of video games, websites and videos right in our own house. In order to be able to compete with the students' love for TV and gaming, I hope to make educational games and an online classroom where students can interact and help each other with homework or studying. It will also be useful to have a computer in my classroom so that we can discuss as a class what websites should be trusted and which may be flawed and misleading. I agree with many of my peers when I say that I will need to continually learn, from students and experts, all about the changes to and uses of technology. Prensky states that although it is not definite that children's brains are different structurally, they definitely think differently and all teachers must be willing to alter their teaching to best teach their students.
Evelyn- Question 2:
ReplyDeleteI found article 3.5 very interesting. I agree that digital immigrants need to make big changes in their teaching style in order to teach the digital natives. Technology is not going anywhere; it is only becoming more of a necessity for students. Teachers need to use their students’ skills in technology and incorporate it into learning. Luckily I grew up with technology and have had a lot of experience with it. As a future teacher, I will use my knowledge and skills in technology while teaching my students. Using technology makes learning more fun for students, and most of the time makes them want to participate more. I will continue to learn more and more about tecnology to keep up with the fututre generations to come. We can't be successful teachers in the future if we are stuck in the past. As time goes on things will change, and how children learn will change. Teachers have to keep up with that change in order to be successful.
Q1- Technology in the classroom is very important. It allows the students to become enganged in their learning in different ways than before. One piece of technology that can Model Digital Age Work is the Smartboard. The smartboard is a tool that can alow the students to directly engage in their learning. The smartboard can allow internet pages to be transfered to the touchscrean in the front of the calss. Students can work together durring free time playing educational games and researching projects. This tool is fun for the students to use and can get them excited about their learning. The teacher can lead these activities to display the use of this technology.
ReplyDeleteQ1. A simple way for a teacher to apply their digitals skills to the classroom is to have students work on projects that require simple popular programs. A teacher can do a Math project that requires data collection and graphing. The children will be getting a math lesson and at the same time will be exploring microsoft excel
ReplyDeleteQ2- The digital native article is interesting but also a reality check. I did not realize until I read this article how different digital natives and digital immigrants are. It is amazing how fast our generation is technologically friendly. I think because our generation is so fast on picking up the new way of technology, it will be easier to teach in the classroom. One complication that can arise is that fact that we, as teachers in this generation, will have to take continuing education classes so we can continue to keep up as technology continues to become more advanced and complex, even for us. As a teacher I also need to prepare myself in the event of not knowing something technological that my students may know. I have to be open minded to instruction from my students to myself possibly about a new technological advance that I have not learned yet.
ReplyDeleteI think the advances in technology and growing up as a digital native is a great advantage. In the article when the author explains how computer games were invented or set up to help some of the engineer workers is a great idea. It seems as if it was tutorial which I can see being very helpful for my students. Every student learns in a different way and having many choices can benefit their learning and my teaching styles.
Q2. Prensky (2001) argued about the distinction between digital natives and digital immigrants and about the fundamental causes of the decline of today’s education in the US. What do these arguments mean to you as a teacher candidate? (From Reading 3.5)
ReplyDeleteI found this article very interesting. I completely agree that there is a huge gap between generations with and without technology. My mom, for example, used to be the exact definition of a digital immigrant. Not only did she not know how to use technology but she wasn't interested in learning either. I've spent so much time trying to get her to be interested and learn how to use it and she's learned basic skills and is slowly learning more complicated. I consider myself a Digital Native so I would love to have different kinds of technology in my classroom. I think it's important to at least provide the option for children to explore technology. I agree with the idea that it needs to be a mixture of digital immigrant content and digital native techniques. This seems to be the best solution to the problems being experienced.
Q2. Prensky (2001) argued about the distinction between digital natives and digital immigrants and about the fundamental causes of the decline of today’s education in the US. What do these arguments mean to you as a teacher candidate? (From Reading 3.5)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Prensky in that as educators, we need to learn different ways to teach our students who are very technologically inclined. If they are used to receiving their information instantly, and in certain ways, trying to teach them in "old-fashioned" ways, with text books etc, they are going to be disconnected and not interested. We always need to adapt to our students, and learn ways to teach them so that they are being accommodated to. Whether we prefer one way of teaching or not, it is not us that needs to learn the material, it's the students. If the students are retaining the information they need to be learning, what does it matter in what way they are taught?
Q1: The use of technology in classroom settings seems to be growing and advancing worldwide. Therefore as a future educator it is part of my job to help in teaching and encouraging students to engage in the use of technology. Some scenarios and activities that I may use as a teacher to incorporate technology into my classroom may include, the use of computers, both in the classroom and taking trips to the computer lab, using smart board, and Elmo, of course depending if the school district I’m teaching at has it available. Other ways of including technology within the classroom could be creating projects and assignments that include the use of web (researching and surfing), digital cameras, blogging, and much more. Teachers can be very creative in the many ways that they can incorporate technology within their classroom.
ReplyDeleteQ2: As many of my classmates have mentioned previously, I also agree with the Prensky (2001) article. There is a significant gap forming between the older generation (Digital Immigrants) and new/future generations (Digital Natives.) The idea of having the digital immigrants learning the ways of the digital natives is smart, because in today’s world, most people are technologically advanced. As teachers, we need to be willing to alter our theories if it means future success for our students. The text states, “teachers will have to change if they truly want to reach their students” (Prensky, 2001.) I think this statement is absolutely true because we live in a technologically based society that is constantly changing and upgrading. If we want to stay on base and be able to teach our students, then we may need to adapt to the ways of “digital natives”. Also, as teachers, we are life-long learners; therefore, we can look at this technology craze as part of our continuous learning process. This can become beneficial to students and teachers and potentially lead to a higher success rate for all.
ReplyDeleteQ2. I never realized how significant the technological differences were between the generations until I read the Prensky (2001) article. I always realized that I knew more about technology then my parents but it never seemed that important because there was always someone there to help them. But, thinking about teaching a class and being at a significant technological disadvantage from the students shows how important it really is to be a digital native. With this knowledge I know I will have to continue to further my education in this field so I do not become the digital immigrant to my future students.
ReplyDeleteQ2. Prensky (2001) argued about the distinction between digital natives and digital immigrants and about the fundamental causes of the decline of today’s education in the US. What do these arguments mean to you as a teacher candidate? (From Reading 3.5)
ReplyDeleteA: I agree that there is significant gap between previous generations and new generations when it comes to technology. As andreadellaccio said, it is hard to always see the gap because there is usually someone around to help out our parents when they have troubles. My dad has always been able to figure out technology since his work requires it, yet there is a number of things that I know how to do that he will never understand on a computer. Since we all want to become teachers, there is going to be an issue with upcoming generations knowing even more about technology than we do. Teachers are usually the ones that hold the knowledge, but this may not be the case when it comes to technology. It will be important to become a digital native and understand the basic concepts of technology. If there was a student in my classroom that spoke a different language, I would want to understand his culture so I could communicate with him. This applies also when it comes to technology. Since technology is unfamiliar to most of us, we will have to continue to work and understand how to use it. Technology will always be here, which is why I am obligated to gain more knowledge about it as a future teacher.
Q2. Prensky (2001) argued about the distinction between digital natives and digital immigrants and about the fundamental causes of the decline of today’s education in the US. What do these arguments mean to you as a teacher candidate? (From Reading 3.5)
ReplyDeleteI also agree that there is a gap between generations and their knowledge about technology. However, this gap can be eliminated if the Digital immigrants take the initiative to learn the new technology that their students are learning. When you become a teacher you will not have a lot of time and energy to keep discovering all the new updated technology as soon as it comes out, like most of your students will. This does not mean that teachers cannot keep themselves informed and updated once they discover that their students are engaged in certain technology. As a future teacher it will be part of my job to keep myself updated and be in tune with my students technological needs so that I am not teaching them in an outdated technological language. Also, my learning styles might not be the same as my students, and although my students' learning styles may be completely different they are not wrong and they should be accepted as valid. To fully support my students learning I have to be able to know the technology that they are accessing and incorporate it into my teaching.
I think that the incredible increase of technology in the past decade will work in my benefit when I become a teacher. When I was in elementary school, we only had a few computers in my school and they were located in the library. I would consider myself a digital native but technology is always changing and improving. I think that my students will be digital natives as well and I will probably learn new things from them every day. I could use the internet to expand on lessons discussed in class. Many children are very interested in computers and the internet so using this source could keep them interested in the lesson. I also believe that students would be more inclined to go home and talk about what they did in school when they used different sources like the computer throughout the day. Students might also have the opportunity to teach their parents something they might not know about current technology. Technology could also work to my advantage to help those students who need a visual aid to help them understand something.
ReplyDeleteQ3: Web 2.0 seems to generally capture the evolution of the internet. The introduction of YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter have expanded the way the world can interact. It means new ways of expression, but as it applies to this subject, new ways to teach. To reitterate what has already been said, it provides more interaction. As teachers we can take advantage of popular sites such as YouTube to search videos that can prove to be educational. Clips from television shows that are no longer on the air such as School House Rock, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and The Electric Company are at our disposal. Web 2.0 allows elementary school teachers to break down the barriers of traditional education, and reach students on a new level. It is important for us as teachers to maintain a steady pace parallel to the ever-evolving expansion of technology.
ReplyDeleteGood posts, too bad I can't pay the bribe!
ReplyDeleteTechnology increasing isn't just because of the web. There are some non-computer learning tools that also help. Can you think of any?
Leap Frog toys provide interactive learning for children ranging from birth through middle school. Leap Frog products are growing rapidly in popularity because they engage children in fun games that help them learn in all subjects. The intergration of fun and learning is a goal educators strive to reach as best as they can. Such products are used in classrooms not as an alternative to teaching, but as a helpful tool that can be used in learning centers. There are a vast amount of different products available from Leap Frog and similar companies that can prove to be very useful in in the classroom and at home.
ReplyDeleteQ2 I agree with Pensky that we need to adapt to our student's learning ability with new technology. In order to be a good teacher, you need to know the background in which the child is from. If you do not know how to use the technology that they do, then it is going to be hard to connect with the students. Children learn very quickly, and that being said, the teacher's need to learn just as fast too. I believe that technology advancements in the classroom will be very beneficial because the students will be able to learn from a different style, rather than just having to listen to the lesson planned out. On the other hand though, doing everything on technology hinders the student's ability to public speak, their handwriting will be a lot worse, and other negative outcomes.
ReplyDeleteHooked on phonics is another example of non-computer educational learning tool that assists children from birth all the way through 8 years and up. This interactive learning tool comes equipped with books, books on tape, flash cards, and several other non-computer useful materials. As a young child going into Kindergarden, I personally remember using the hooked-on phonics learning product to help prepare me for school. Not only does hooked-On Phonics help with reading, spelling, and language concepts, now it also offers assistance in math. Also, another non-computer learning aid is the "Muzzy" videotapes that allow children to explore different languages. The "Muzzy" learning tool is a language learning course for children of all ages. The interactive videos introduce children to speaking a second language.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these products are non-computer learning tools that help children to succeed early in life and t and prepare them for school.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteQ2: Like many other classmates, I agree with this article and thought it was very interesting. I read other people's comments on the reading and feel that you all have several valid points. In today's society, technology is so advanced and people are always coming up with new ideas. I personally find it challenging to keep up with all of it and sometimes feel that I am technology illiterate even though I grew up in a technological world. Growing up, I had a computer and video games but it was never a priority to my brothers and I because we were always preoccupied with other things such as playing outside and being involved in sports. I only know the basics of the computer and the basics of how to use a computer. However, I realize that when I am a teacher in the near future, I am going to have to be updated with new technology because that is what today's generation is being brought up on.
ReplyDeleteIt will be complicated for me to be a successful teacher in the future if I do not continue learning about and keeping up with technology because as time goes on, everything changes. For example, learners are not the same as they have always been and the same methods that worked for teachers when I was in school will not necessarily work for my students. In addition, every student learns differently and I have to take that into consideration. To fully support my students’ learning and have them be successful, I will have learn and utilize the technology they are using and incorporate it into my teaching. Because of this, I agree with many of my peers that Digital Immigrants need to learn the new technology that everyone else is learning. If we do not, it will be difficult for us to engage and communicate with our students. I do not want to be the digital immigrant that is not up to date on technology.
Technology has a number of advantages—it is essential because of the many great things it has to offer and the countless things it can do for us. Technology makes everything much easier and faster.
Q2. Prensky (2001) argued about the distinction between digital natives and digital immigrants and about the fundamental causes of the decline of today’s education in the US. What do these arguments mean to you as a teacher candidate? (From Reading 3.5)
ReplyDeletePrensky’s argument impacts me as an aspiring teacher. As a teacher candidate, I need to teach the students in the most effective way for them, which will require me to be proficient in technology and a digital age and incorporate it into my lessons. Luckily, I feel as if I can identify myself as a digital native because I have grown up surrounded by new age technology. However, because it is such a quickly growing phenomenon and everyday poses an opportunity for advancement, it requires me to continue to learn and keep up with today’s children. With this being said, I will continue to educate myself and use what is most beneficial to the students in the classroom to ensure they are having a meaningful experience.
Q1. One of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for teachers is to Model Digital-Age Work and Learning. Can you describe an example activity or scenario that shows you are a teacher who can apply your digital knowledge and skills in a school/classroom setting? (From Reading 2.1)
ReplyDeleteOne of the ways in which teachers can model digital age work and learning together is the new technology where a teacher can work on a computer and students can view the work being done on the overhead projection. This is a very useful tool for teachers especially because if used properly it can save them a great deal of time showing the class what they should do rather then just instructing them. Less students may get lost if they have a visual representation in front of them to watch. This is a great model of technology since it differentiates the instruction for all learners in the classroom. Students all have different learning types and with the use of this new technology auditory students benefit from hearing the teacher give the instructions, and visual students benefit from the teacher demonstrating and being able to view the instruction. This is also a great tool to get students involved with the use of technology. Teachers can provide projects where the students can take turns modeling different activities on the computer while the class watches. So it not only gives a variety of ways for the teacher to demonstrate the instruction, it can also be a fun way to get students involved in the class.
Q3: Question 3 asks for a definition of Web 2.0, I think Web 2.0 is a look into the future. Web 2.0 is an interactive way to surf the web or communication. We find this in wikis and in blogs. I think it is making teaching more accomodating to students as well as parents. One example of Web 2.0 would be the wikis, we could use this in the classroom from day to day. Teachers could post assignments as well as interact with his or her students and their parents.
ReplyDeleteQ2. Prensky (2001) argued about the distinction between digital natives and digital immigrants and about the fundamental causes of the decline of today’s education in the US. What do these arguments mean to you as a teacher candidate? (From Reading 3.5)
ReplyDeleteI believe that I am a digital native and so are my future students. However, I did not think about how much new technology will come out in the future and there probably will be a time where my children in the classroom know more about the new technology than I do. As teachers though, it is our job to keep up with the times. As some of my peers have said before me the article was interesting and made some valid points. I know it is very important to use technology in the classroom because the children we will teach are the children of the technology age and play so many games and activities that may make school and classroom activities seem boring. In the future I think we will use technology in the classroom to meet every students individual learning style because there are so many options when using a computer. I know that I can use my students technological skills and focus them towards their learning and classroom activities to make class more interesting for them.
Q3. Educators are talking about Web 2.0 and its potentials in education. What do YOU think Web 2.0 is? Try a one-sentence definition in your own words (Reading 3.1, 3.3, 4.2, 4.3). Can you give one example of its potential use in an elementary or a middle school classroom? (From Reading 4.1)
ReplyDeleteI think that Web 2.0 is a form of communication via internet that provides viewers important information and allows them to reflect and add to the content. Experienced Web Designer sources are great examples of Web 2.0 for teachers. Having your own classroom website will make it easier for everyone (the teacher, students, and parents/guardians). If the student is confused on due dates or forgot their homework or assignment in class, they can go and find it on their class website. Now days, it is hard for teachers to contact every parent by phone because they mostly work throughout the day. The website will keep parents involved in knowing what their children are doing inside the classroom and to keep their child on track of his/her tasks. It is an excellent source to keep the communication between teachers, students, and parents open and to clarify any misunderstandings of the classroom’s objectives and curriculum.
Q1: The use of technology in the classroom is rapidly growing and because of this teachers need to be extremely proficient in the use of technology in order to properly teach it to their students. One way a teacher can incorporate digital skills and knowledge into the classroom is to have the students work in groups to research a topic on the computer. The students would be asked to find important points of their topic and then create a brief powerpoint presentation that they will present to the class on the overhead projector. This will be an excellent activity because it familiarizes children with a lot of different technology all in one project. The assignment will really help the students understand what the teacher has modeled. This great use of technology will help engage all the students in the classroom actively and teach them a great deal about technology.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete