Internet Safety

The videos posted on blackboard were all informal in there own way.  The internet is a form of technological means that should be utilized when it comes to student development but at the same time monitored strictly.   

Video 1:  This video does not particularly serve as a means of educating one on new views related to internet safety.  It easily explains the proper steps that should be taken when a internet predator has made possible contact.  Its significance lies in the fact that all children should know these steps when there is a possibility that there personal space is being violated. Children have more than one means to accessing the internet which makes it extremely hard to monitor their use.  This is why it is extremely essential that they know the the dangerous possibilities that exists with the internet along with the best ways to avoid them.    

Video 2: The second video portrays the cruel reality that exists when it comes to preditors on the internet.  The video does not serve as a means to new vision or perspective on this particular topic, but rather reminds us that not all people have the same intentions when it comes to internet activity.  It also shows how children are quite naive when it comes to communicating on the internet, which is why parents have to not only monitor but also teach about the possible dangers. 

Video 3: The last video does a great job of of showing how children use large amounts of technological means through their everyday lives.  With children having such strong dependence on various forms of the media along with technological based electronics, it is extremely important that educational standards include these forms of communication.  Educators are constantly working to find the most effective ways improve cognitive development and motivation with their their students.  Wikis, blogs, podcasts, interactive websites and other programs could all be used to improve student productivity.  With high standards being implemented on the federal and state levels regarding education, it is extremely important that districts use the most effective approaches.  Educators must understand that we are in a technological era that should be embraced and used as a means to reach our children.

Here is a site that has some steps to improving internet safety - http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/net_safety.html

Technology and education - this site takes a while to search through but has some good info - 

http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/technology/front_tech.htm

NJCCCS / NETS

Guidelines in the form of the NJCCCS and NETS are extremely important to the technological development of schools throughout the state.  Similar to other major subject areas, it is crucial that districts  work with the same standards and pace throughout the entire state to ensure that all students are given a similar opportunity for technological growth.  The guidelines serve as the groundwork in which educators build upon when creating basic lesson plans to a year long curriculum.  

The NETS (2008) do in fact set standards when developing technological based lessons.  Technological benchmarks are explained in detail of what should be carried out through a technological curriculum.  The main problem is that the terminology used could be considered confusing and hard to fallow.  It would be understandable if teachers did have difficulty implementing these standards into specific strategies and assessment tools. 

The NJCCCS on the other hand tend to accommodate educators quite a bit more when it comes to terminology and construction.  The NJCCCS standards were created with consideration so that they could easily be applied to lessons regarding all age groups and grade levels.  They include precise instruction on skill levels that should be obtained along with recommended actions that should be taken throughout one's lesson.  This would be a great source of guidance for teachers who are new to using technology in their daily schedules.  

Standards such as these must be created on the state and national level so that students are abbe to keep up with the technological demands of the present day.

 

Thoughts on GE 570

Overall, this was one of the most informative classes I have taken in regards to education.  I never knew there were so many angles that could be taken when instructing students.  Sometimes as teachers, you tend to forget that innovation and an imagination can go a long way.  Throughout this class I have realized that teaching is a learning process very much like the lessons we are responsible for.  We learn from our mistakes, then use them to better ourselves and become more effective.  

Another eye opener for myself was the amount of technology that is available for cognitive growth.  It does appear that many districts are timid of the idea, but many of the programs shown great promise in being affective.  We must remember that technological programs will not be implemented to replace to performances of teachers, but rather to compliments their strategies and thoughts.  I am excited to see the programs that will surface in years to come.

Lastly, I just wanted to say that I could tell that everyone in class makes contributions to the profession of education in some way.  Just by meeting everyone a couple times per week, I was able to tell that everyone shares that special passion that all educators should have.  I have learned from all of you in some way, and I thank you for that.

Thank you once again and have a great summer. 

How To Measure Performance

Today I noticed an article posted by the New York Times that was about drastic improvements by students in New York relating to standardized testing.  The article is a little bitter sweet because even though it does speak of improvements in test scores it also argues the the accuracy of the percentages/claims that are being celebrated.  It does in fact seem that there have been improvements, but it should not overshadow the fact that work still needs to be done.  

If anything, this article just shows that the percentages that are formulated for state and national standards may not in fact represent the actual skill level that most students are at.  It seems that every state/district has its own way of determining scores to some degree.  

Here's the link.  Let me know what you think - www.nytimes.com/2008/06/24/education/24scores.html?_r=1&oref=slogin    

Reciprocal Teaching

Through our class discussion yesterday it was very interesting to see the potential that reciprocal teaching can have on many levels of education.  Once students know what is expected of them in regards to the four different jobs that can be assigned.  Regardless of the task one is asked to complete, all students must think critically and break down the subject matter at hand.  Allowing them to work in small groups they are also given the opportunity to run ideas off of one another.  Many times students are able to explain ideas on more understandable terms because they are able to find better connections.  

One of the better features of this approach is when students get to develop wuestions that coincide with the topic being dicussed in class.  This is the perfect oppurutnity for the teacher to assess whenther thier studtns have understood the material.  This will also give them the chance to assess whenther they have presented the material in an affective manner.  

More importantly this techniques allows the students to be interactive rather than having them sit there and take notes.  The best way to have students understand a particular text is to have them learn it on their own terms and them give assistance where they may be having difficulties.  Through personal experience, students tend to retain information better when they learn information on their own.  Similar to that of multiple intelligence, students may not learn well strictly from the way you deliver information.

Reciprocal reaching is a method that allows teachers to better themselves based on the feedback they receive from their students.  This in fact helps an educator become the best they can be, which should be the goal of all educators.  If anyone has any feedback please let me know.

Online Programs To Assist Learning

I found it very interesting last week when we looked at various online programs that were developed to assist in a child's cognitive growth.  www.flocabulary.com was the most unique out of the group.  At this day in age it should be encouraged for districts to use any means in order to keep students motivated.  The proper precautions must be made in order to ensure that students are not exposed to content that may be inappropriate.  With the right measures taken, programs such as these may be contributers to reaching the NCLB  standards.  

At times I feel that teachers and administrators are afraid of giving such programs a chance because they do not fit the standards that most districts are custom to using.  Implementing such programs will also require proper training and the necessary precautions.  The time and effort put into these programs might be worth the gamble when considering the possible outcomes.  Teachers may have to leave their comfort zone and begin to use methods such as freestyle/hip-hop to reach their students on a more understandable level.  If meeting the children half way is going to make a difference, there should be no debate.

Here is a little background info on those who are responsible for this approach - 

http://jscms.jrn.columbia.edu/cns/2006-04-04/winter-hiphopinclass

http://media.www.wilkesbeacon.com/media/storage/paper533/news/2006/09/17/Opinion/This-Is.How.We.Do.It.learn.That.Is-2280702.shtml

Who Suffers From NCLB

As we all contemplate over the effectiveness of NCLB, there is no doubt that it was implemented to "bridge the gap" between students of various academic levels. As stated in an earlier blog, in theory it seems like a great idea, and is proving to actual work in most cases (just not necessarily in the unrealistic time frame given).
Recently there was an article in the New York Times that brings up a point that most people never think of, which is the lack of attention that the more privileged children are getting. So much focus is being put on the students who are struggling, that we begin to forget that all children need to be motivated and challenged on a regular basis.
For some teachers this may be a Major dilemma. Teaching jobs are at times put into jeopardy based on the results students get on test scores. If this is the case, a gifted student's interests may be put off to the side for the simple fact that they are going to score well regardless on standardized tests throughout the year. Recent studies have shown that while lower scoring students have been increasing test scores at a high rate, gifted students have shown little or no improvement.

Here is a link to the article - hope you enjoy it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/18/education/18child.html?_r=1&ref=education&oref=slogin