In our last class we spent majority of the class discussing our peaks and pits about PowerPoint, twitter, facebook and more, when it comes to the classroom. Our class seems to be in agreement that those tools aren't appropriate for all age groups. I stand firmly, as you can tell in all my posts, that there is no need for pre-k to 3rd grade using social networks in or out of the classroom. They need to learn by experience and hands on things, and by asking questions to teachers or parents. Like mentioned in class kids these days are already glued to their phones and facebook/twitter why would we want to start kids even earlier? I do however think Teachers regardless of what grade they teach, should be staying connected though social networks. It does provide helpful ideas and tips every teacher could use. But i do feel there is a point when its too much. It is hard as a college student having to maintain a blog, twitter, gmail, facebook, read the book, and cant forget all our other classes. Oh plus our normal emails, then the schools email, and also D2L. I could only imagine how a teacher would feel. We do need to make sure we stay connected with the real world and try not to lose our face to face skills. There are ppl out there already that have lost those skills, and I just don't want my students to become those ppl.
I know how to work facebook (Alicia Pierce), gmail and I'm becoming pretty comfortable with blogger (Here and now, The Start of it all) , but Twitter (AliciaMP21) i honestly don't understand the point? My first impression is its pointless and a waste of my time. Ill give it a try and I hope in class ill gain the reasoning behind tweeting... we'll see i guess.
* Something to chew over:
Haven't you ever been in class when your teacher puts on a PowerPoint or overhead sheet and expects you to take notes and still listen to what they are saying? They read the material and go on to the next idea while you are still writing the last topic out. If teachers still stuck with paper copies students could focus more on the discussion and it'd help the learners who need explaination first then work it out...
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I need to become a networked learner...
While reading the pln's chapter two, Im realizing i need to open up more to the technology in the classroom. But like the book says "it all begins with your individual practice", which is where this blog comes in, Im trying to incorporate it into my life. The book also mentions Twitter, Diigo, Facebook, Google Reader and Blogger. I use two of those network sites, although i didnt realize that until now. I use facebook and blogger. I dont really understand the point of twitter, and i have no idea what Diigo or google reader is.. I love how the book admits on page 37 paragraph 2, that "face to face networks" are still very important and needed. Towards the end of the chapter, it talks about being in the talking to an "empty room" effect. I feel thats the pharse Im stuck in. Im just posting becasue i have to not because i have readers or followers waiting. I havent hit that moment when i realize why Im doing this or how well this help me grow as a teacher? I guess I understand the books view that haveing networks in your personal life can help you broaden your views, opinions, and ideas, but in class we talk about how we can use it in class. Thats what where Im having trouble. Im more of a Rudolf Steiner kinda teacher, I discourage tvs and computers at least until later ages.. The chapter ends with "Your netwrok will grow, and your learning will never be the same." Im looking forward to having a growing network and having my opinions changed with my learning styles being perfected..
A Powerpoint?
My first reaction to putting together a powerpoint to use in my future classroom was lets say a little less than exciting. I had no idea where to start or what I could even put into a lesson on a pp. I had to look through all the standards and find one that would be easy to put in a pp. Which was hard because I want to teach younger students and i feel things are better taught with a hands on approach. If i were to use this pp in a classroom it would be in conjuction with fake monies. That way its a hands on thing. Because of this project i di learn a few new things. I learned how to embed a pp in a blog! (Win for me) I also got to play around with pp more and become more famialiarized with the functions. Although i could not get certain things to load i worked around it and found other ways. Im not entirely sure I got my lesson totally through on the pp, but i tried.
Monday, February 6, 2012
The power of PLNs
I read the first chapter of PLN and its all about understanding the power of PLNs. The first chapter goes into detail about "the Big Shifts" and how its not easy to transition into, how there are new literate standards to adhere by because of the new shifts. It also talks about how skills will be changing and the effects of networking, and how we need to look forward not backwards" because its a change we have to face. This chapter just assumes teachers will be embracing the new technology age and just adapt. I personally have a few questions about that, and i disagree with a few of the statements.
I understand the world is changing and its a new way of life to have your cell phone attached to your hip. Along with the new ipads and such coming out too. But do we really want our four to eight year olds being glued to the computer, or having phones or ipads at such a young age? Those early years are the most influential years of a childs life. Freidrich Froebel once said those years are about "free work" and play. His theories were designed to stimulate learning, through self-playing and activities accompanied by songs and music. At such an early age thats critical in the development of the young ones. Think about it this way. Yes bringing technology into the classroom is a great idea for students who can determine the difference between good information and bad information. The book says these issues are just an "easy way to not have to deal with the real world realities". That’s not true. You can use technology in the classroom to a point with young ones, but when it comes to fifth graders then go all the way and jump right into the personal learning networks. There’s no reason to have a five year old on a computer chatting up some professor about anything when they can’t even comprehend what’s being discussed.
The book states that using networks in school will have these 7 effects
"1. students are better prepared for life and work in the 21st century
2. classrooms are more engaging
3. students are responsible for their own learning
4. instruction is more individualized
5. adults become better at their jobs and build problem-solving capacity
6. students are safer
7. schools save time and money."
I do agree with number 1, 2 (to a point), 5 and that’s it. I do not agree with the others. How does exposing five year olds in kindergarten to the wide world net make them safer? That doesn’t make any sense. Then for number 3, what do we do about the students who need help or what about when the students fail, is it all on them now? Not the teacher? As for number 7 yes the school might save money with not having the need for the teachers, but what about all the computers and web cameras and attachments that costs money?
I do realize I am an early childhood and special ed major so clearly all my questions would be in regards to those levels. I think PLNs would be very powerful in the right grade levels but as for me i find no need for them in my future classroom. Although I would be using them in my personal life to better myself as a teacher but in the classroom I only find a need to use a smart board, or power points to interact with students. They dont need to be web surfing just yet.
Friday, January 27, 2012
A different take
"Television didn't transform education. Neither will the Internet. But it will be another tool for Teachers to use in their effort to reach Students in the classroom. It will also be a means by which students learn outside of the classroom."
"It's not what the software does it's what the USER does"
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Links and such
Theres a good site provided by the government, The Office of Special Education, that provides useful information for teachers, students or parents.
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