Give credit where credit is due

Technology has brought much attention to the art and design world in the past 15 years.  Websites like Pinterest and Etsy have introduced to the masses what was only available to those in the trade, gallery visitors, and/or artist or designers themselves.  With this in mind, it is important and moral when posting on any social media to give credit to the artist or designer.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/lesson/my-creative-work-k-2

Week 4 Reading

      #4     

           Chapter eight, again, emphasizes the importance of teachers knowing how to use technology in class.  We now know the value and the many strengths technology can bring to the classroom, to aid in easier and more engaging learning for the students, while making this teaching process easier for teachers.  However, the technology also comes with responsibility and a code of conduct.  It is the teacher’s job to enforce a code of conduct.

            The beginning of the year would be an ideal time to introduce the technology along with the teacher’s expectation of how the technology should be treated.  In September, as a teacher, I will give a short educational/moral lesson on creating passwords that can’t be easily hacked, along with viruses and hackers.  Correspondingly, I think it may be beneficial for each student to sign a contract, symbolizing they understand what their expectations are when dealing with classroom technology.  I would also the contract rules in the classroom near certain technology as a reminder of what they agreed to in the contract.

            Along with my lesson of conduct with technology it would be very beneficial to go over the health conditions that are involves when spending a great deal of time in front of a computer.  This is especially important now that children are spending a great amount of time on computers.  I would stress the importance of taking breaks every 30 to 60 minutes, doing this will reduce the risks of many computer related health issues.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, along with tendonitis are caused by repeated bending of the wrist when using the computer’s mouse.  Teaching my students the basics of ergonomics will be equally beneficial at the beginning of the year.  However, along with teaching one must be sure that proper ergonomics is available at the school to all students.  It may be difficult for the chair height to be right for every student, or to get the viewing distance at the proper 18-28 inches, or even the students’ elbows at 90 degrees. 

            All things considered, teaching a code of conduct, as well as healthy computer habits is just as important as teaching your students how to use technology.

Week 3 Reading

#3

Is technology making education easier?  Software such as voice recognition may be the future’s way of “writing” papers.  Note taking software may replace a notepad and pencil with a tablet and a stylist.  In the not so distant future many other kinds of technology will be introduced into our classrooms.  However, what is the purpose of the technology?  Is it to make studying easier, more fun, or is it simply something the students will want to do?

Already software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel has changed the lives of students and teachers for the past 20-15 years.  The days of handwritten papers and hand-drafted spreadsheets, for the most part, are in the distant past.  PowerPoint has allowed teachers to throw away their growing collection of handwritten transparent sheets and hot overhead projectors.  Now the entire overhead screen can be filled with color and bold, crisp font.  Graphics such as maps, photos, and videos can also be added to highlight the lesson.  This software has also given students the ability to give presentations as well. 

A lot of technology can be used to cater to the visual learner.  There are many photo editing, clip galleries, and graphic-centered software that can aid a teacher to enhance their lesson with great visuals.  This includes the use of videos into lessons.  Videos are not only beneficial to visual learners, but also make what is being taught relevant when students see what they are being taught in live action.  

Technology doesn’t have to stop in the classroom.  Teachers and/or school districts can setup class or grade webpages.  These webpages can include what each subject is covering, homework and project assignments, a calendar of events, etc.  This kind of technology is beneficial to teacher and students.  Students can go online at any time to see when assignments are due or to print out a study guide for an upcoming test.  A webpage can also allow parents to understand what is going on in their child’s classroom.

Week 2 Reading

#2

            Computers were first introduced into schools, in the 1990’s, at the time most families just started integrating personal computers into their homes for private use.  Therefore, PCs were somewhat unfamiliar to both adults and children, a slightly even playing ground.  When computers were brought into schools they were placed in computer labs, rows of computers nestled on tables.  Each class had their 45-minute special where the designated computer teacher would teach students about programs such as Mavis Beacon, and Microsoft Word and Excel. 

            However, as technology progressed and more research was done it showed that computers and related technologies are more effective when integrated into subject content and placed in the classroom.  Teachers can use technology to access information about the subject they are teaching at the peak moment the children are interested in the subject.  This not only further explains the subject, but also demonstrates to the class how to navigate technology to get information.  Integrating technology in this way enhances the learning experience, making it more interesting, and caters to visuals learners.

            Once the decision of integrating technology into the classroom curriculum has been made there are steps teachers have to take in order to insure its success.  First and foremost, the teacher must know how to use the technology.  This is obvious, but is extremely impacting.  When students see teachers navigate through different medias easily, it is not only teaches student how to use the technology, but also not being afraid of it and seeing its benefits.  Another step to take as a teacher is ensuring that technology is ready and easy to use.  This could mean rearranging the classroom for easy access to computers, or making sure the computers or other technology are in good condition and running. 

            Teachers also need to do careful planning, ensuring the entire curriculum is applying the use of technology and/or multimedia.  When teachers create a lesson plans, or revise the ones given to them, they must make sure the technology assigned to the lesson will be constructive and a skill they will use in the future.   This planning needs to be done at a district level, at the school level, and the classroom level.  The classroom level planning needs to make sure that all children in the class are getting a chase to use the computers as well.

Learning Cultures

GLE	K	1	2
1.2.2	Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of many cultures.
Evidence of Learning	§  Learn about many cultures through digital images and stories from around the world.
Examples	Basic Level
		·  Watch videos of cultural events and listen to music of many cultures. SS, A	·  Watch videos of cultural events, listen to music of many cultures and experience an online virtual tour. SS, A
	21st Century Learning Environment
		·  Collaborate as a small group to create a community map using digital tools. SS	·  Participate in an information exchange with students from another area of the United States. R, W, M, Sc, SS

During this class I will focus on 1.2.2. 

Week 1 Reading

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