Monday, March 5, 2007

Journal #5

How To Fight the New Bullies
By Rosalind Wiseman


This article discussed the issue of cyberbullying. Basically, cyberbullying is the new form of what used to be bigger kids beating up and threatening smaller kids at school. The dangerous part of this issue, is that not only are kids’ names and reputations being slandered, but sometimes there are threats of violence. Because of this, it is difficult for the targeted child to feel safe in a place where safety should be guaranteed – school. The author, Rosalind Wiseman, goes on to say that safety precautions should be taken in the home first. Parents should monitor what kind of activity is going on on their childrens’ computers. The problem with this, is that kids are very apt to lie and not show their parents what they’re looking for. This matter is very important to discuss. Not only are young one’s prone to sexual predators, but now they are subject to danger from their own peers. The problem with internet-bullying, is that much of it can remain anonymous. Therefore, the target might not know who is making frightening accusations to them.

1. Does parent monitoring really help the situation of cyberbullying?
For some children, parent monitoring can help. However, there are some parents who don’t really care what their children are doing. This is probably the reason that their children are prone to bullying. So, I don’t think parenting is the only issue. The internet is too available to young people who don’t know how to use it properly. There should be a way to track where internet activity (bullying) comes from. I realize this is a very romanticized ideal, but that is just another way that might prevent kids from making such terrible mistakes online.

2. How does it make you feel that cyberbullying is so prevalent in our children’s society?
Honestly, it scares me that kids are so open to this type of abuse. It scares me that although the internet can be used as such a great tool for some, that for others, it can be used for such bad intentions. I guess that’s just how the world works. It is wishful thinking that everything, one day, will be perfect and peaceful.

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Journal #4

From Toy To Tool
By Liz Kolb


This article talks about the idea of audio blogging. It began by discussing the downfalls and perks to having cell phone use allowable in the classrooms and then it went in depth to discuss how cell phones could play a huge role in class. Many teachers do not want to give up control by letting students use their phones, but they have come up with a new way to use phones in an educational way. It never seems to baffle me to read about all the new technology that students are learning about at such a young age. This particular idea, audio blogging, is so interesting to me and I think that it will be a fun way to get students engaged and wanting to use their cell phones for other purposes besides personal chat.

1. Will educational cell phone use really interest students in wanting to audio blog?
I personally think that it definitely will interest students in audio blogging. Kids today are enthralled with the idea of blogging, (writing blogs) and sharing what’s on their minds-- I think it gives them a sense of importance. So, I do believe that audio blogging will encourage students to use their phones for not only personal uses, but also educational purposes.

2. How can teachers teach netiquette before using audio blogging in the classroom?
There are few different ways to prep their students for audio blogging. I think it’s very important for students to understand the safe and practical use of the internet and technology. It would be imperative for students to understand the rules of copyrighting, and safe use before using this tactic of teaching. I appreciate that the article specified how important it is for students to understand the protected use of technology.

Journal #3

Video In The Age Of Participation
By Glen Bull


This article was on the idea of digital video and how it’s uses are becoming easier and easier to access for educators. Before, teachers would have to rent movies and decide which clip would be useful for their classroom. But, this option made it difficult for teachers to know how much time should be allotted, and what clip would be most helpful. The problem with some classrooms is that much of the material is textbook based. Educators like to bring in some sort of excitement to help the material come alive. Using videos is an excellent way to do this, but choosing the correct clip is the difficult part. Teachers shouldn’t have to spend time searching and searching and rewinding and fast forwarding. Nowadays, in the new world of digital recording and sharing, many clips are accessible and easy to use in the classroom. For example, KPBS and the Discovery Channel make their clips available in a way that fits the school’s framework. In the age of participation, segments are shorter so that they can be incorporated more easily. Educators are also able to cut, edit, and remix clips so they can be better formatted for their classes. A few questions to ponder:

1. Should video material be used in the classroom to help facilitate learning?
Yes, it is important for video to be used in the classroom. Not every student is an audio learner. Many students are visual, kinesthetic, etc. type of learners. Therefore, not only textbooks can be relied upon for student learning. If educators are given the opportunity to teach their students using technology and video, it might accommodate students better.

2. Should teachers be educated on new technology?
Yes, teachers should be given the opportunity to learn about new technology. They can be more effective in sharing videos if they are knowledgeable on editing and remixing. They can make their lectures more interesting, and they can engage the students if they learn how to use the technology that is coming of age during the students’ generation.

Journal #2

Breathing Fire Into Web 2.0
By Justin Hardman and David Carpenter


This article entitled, “Breathing Fire Into Web 2.0” was a much different article than the first one that we read. The first journal we wrote was about some of the downfalls of technology in the classroom. This article, on the contrary, explains how faculty and students can use technology to their own benefit during class time and when class is over. What I found most inspiring about this article was argument that it had for myDragonNet. The argument was most convincing because of it’s organization. There was a section for how myDragonNet got started, for how it was developed, for how it can be supported in the classroom, and for how it is going to be beneficial for everyone. This article argued that online and technological advances can and are being used for the well-being and the futures of our young students. This web tool is helping students with communication, group collaboration, and organization of their work.

1. As a future educator how do I see myself using technology to mine and my students’ benefit?
I see myself using the web to communicate with my students. What will I communicate? I will use the web to exhibit well-done student work, e-mail students and parents, calendar dates and deadlines, upcoming work that will be due, etc.

2. Are the technological advances being used to our students’ benefit right now?
Yes, I believe technology is playing a huge role in our students’ lives. So much of what is happening in our society is based around technology—whether it be the computer, or telephone, or camera, etc. If students are taught to use technology in a positive way (learning and working) rather than for only personal use (myspace.com, chatting, etc.) then the advances will work toward everyone’s benefit. MydragonNet is a great tool for learning, and archiving student work for the good of their future.

Journal #1

Professors Adjust Their Methods To Reach Technology-Savvy Generation
by Eleanor Yang-Su

This article from the Union Tribune discusses the difficulty of engaging students without technology, but also losing student interest because of the use of technology in the classroom. The topic is somewhat of a “Catch 22” because professors are finding it nearly impossible to engage their students without pleasing them aesthetically. In a classroom that has over one hundred students, with an extremely large classroom, it would be very difficult to keep them engaged with simply a lecture. Now, many teachers allow their students to use laptops and other devices to take notes. The problem with that is, many students use their computers for uses other than note taking and class purposes. Many people use them for checking e-mail, chatting, playing games, watching movies, etc. A couple of questions to ponder:

1. How can teachers use technology to effectively engage students?
It’s difficult to say if anything can engage students. People already have a short attention span. Using technology could do one of two things: Engage them, or distract them. Maybe, a teacher could use different technology and softwares during class, and let students have access to these programs/technology outside of the classroom. But, during classtime, personal devices may not be allowed. This may seem like a harsh approach, but in order for most students to pay attention, we cannot hand them the distraction. Teachers should find a way to use technology effectively and purposefully.

2. What are some advantages to new and upcoming technology?
I think a major advantage to new technology is the ability to keep students interested in learning, in fun ways. Another advantage is keeping faculty up on new programs and software so that they can show their students exciting ways to learn about the material being presented.

Technology doesn’t have to be such a bad thing in colleges. Teachers just need to find loopholes to make it fun, attractive, and not distracting.