Journal # 11 Kidspiration and Atomic Learning

I went to the Inspiration website and looked at the different programs and decided on Kidspiration. I downloaded my 30 day free trial and dove in. I played with Kidspiration for a while to see what it was like. It became obvious that I needed some instruction and went to the tutorials at atomic learning. I am in the process of putting together a final product. My learning works around listening to a few introductory lessons then going to my document and trying to be creative. Once the idea set in that the assignment is about learning and being creative with this technology, it became fun. I chose geography and started with a city(Spokane) and went from there. I have currently listened to about two thirds of the tutorials and keep playing with the information. I don’t have a feel for how I would use this in the classroom; however the way the site is set up with verbal instruction; I can see students learning just as I am. It has been a fun process in that I am not sure what my final document will be; it keeps changing as I learn more.

Journal # 10 Gaming

I have always been interested in the fascination students and adults have with computer games. (I don’t have the same fascination, but I am interested in its educational applications) Under the gaming heading in the tools list Ed Jones asked if anyone was using any interesting interactive games for teaching history. He also asked for a list of games that were being used and opinions of them. One of the links is called Fling the Teacher. This link focuses on History and gives many topics to choose from with an appropriate grade level. The number of questions in each game is also provided; therefore you could choose a game with 30 questions up to 165 questions. Topics also vary depending on what area of history is the focus. A sample of the topics includes Ancient Rome; The Crusades; The Aztecs etc.
Another site which I found interesting was put together by teacher Larry Ferlazzo. This site titled Geography and the United States has interactive games that the students can play as well as hear languages from other counties. This site is huge with many links for learning history and geography. Some of the interesting topics for students to explore are; dances from around the globe; volcanoes around the world; and world folktales. The students will learn history; geography as well as diversity with these fun interactive games. I found this information inspiriting because anytime we can make learning fun half the battle is over.

Journal # 9

An Absence of Leadership. By Scott McLeod
ISTE Learning and Leading; October, 2007

Dr. Scott McLeod is the director of the UCEA Center for Advanced Study of Technology in Education at Iowa State. McLeod is concerned about leadership in schools as it pertains to preparing students for the technology driven; globally interconnected world. Dr. McLeod has two blogs that he uses to express his views and welcome colleagues into the discussion. Dr. McLeod blogs to point out that without proper leadership in schools student’s potential and future will be diminished. Administrators are the ones who can make positive change in schools as it relates to better and more involved use of technology. Most of the technology savvy employees in school districts are tech coordinators; media specialists; teachers or tech integrationists. The problem is that these individuals are not in a position of administration and/or don’t have leadership training. Dr. McLeod feels that schools and students will not see improvement until administrators know how to implement and build on technology related initiatives. The core problem is that administrators need more technology training and technology staff needs more administrative skills.

Questions
1. As a teacher how would I deal with administration that was not interested in technology in education? If I was in a position like this I would try and educate the people making decisions about the need for technology in classrooms. I would do this by giving solid examples and undeniable facts regarding the value of technology in schools.
2. What other ways can schools get administrators who can incorporate technology in schools and programs. Schools districts will change when people with training and a vision for the future are in positions of leadership. The most effective way for this to happen is to have staff with technology backgrounds get the training and become decision makers for schools and school districts.

Journal # 8

Laptops on Expedition: Embracing Expeditionary Learning. By Dianne Curtiss, from edutopia.

King middle school in Portland Maine is having great success with personalized, project based learning. The success is a direct result of the states decision to provide all seventh and eight grade students with an iBook laptop computer. The students stay with the same teacher for two years (looping) and participate in a four to twelve week interdisciplinary project. The projects have been varied and all have incorporated state curriculum standards. The projects have included an aquarium design judged by local architects; a CD narrative by Whitman’s O’Captain! My Captain! claymation explaining Newton’s law and many more. The students realize that their projects are to be seen by others and therefore work harder on the finished product. To present material in the various digital forms the student must reflect, look at the project, analyze and learn from their own representations. This type of process helps the students with deep learning of the subject matter. Another positive outcome is the students test scores. King middle school students have begun outscoring the state average in six out of seven subjects. This is even more impressive when taken into consideration that King middle school has 22 percent refugee students; 60 percent of the students are low income; and 28 different languages are spoken. Needless to say the combination of creativity; technology and project based learning is producing wonderful results at King middle school.

Questions
1. What would I do as a teacher at a school that did not have the resources for digital learning? If I was in a school that had very limited resources for the students I would call on experts for help. This would mean I would contact people that were in the know about federal and state grants. I would also contact tech firms that were willing to donate or have students get involved with their own services.
2. How would I encourage students that were not interested in technology and its applications for learning? As a teacher working with students who were timid or reluctant to use technology; I would group those students with friends in the classroom that were involved with a project that the subject matter was of interest to the student. I would have peers teach and encourage those students at a comfortable pace; making it fun.

Journal # 7

Is Distance Learning Effective? By Jean Kiekel and Dianne Stelacio

The article looks at distance learning and points out its importance and needs that it meets. Many schools are set in rural settings and getting teachers to all the students is impossible. Distant learning enables students to learn from highly qualified teachers as well as take classes that might not be offered in their home school setting. Distance learning also lets students learn at their own pace and style. Students with special needs can access other resources to help them with their own learning styles and better understand the concepts being presented. For distance learning to be effective it should promote independence not isolation. The key for this to happen is interaction with the content, instructor, classmates and self. Writing is a key component in distance learning and the students naturally improves this skill by editing and receiving feedback. Technology skills also improve as well as learning how to budget time and deadlines. Distance learning; as is pointed out in this article teaches skills far beyond the content area.

Questions.
1. How would I advise students who were considering distance learning?
I would advise students first to set a time and schedule for their learning. Deadlines may be out in the future and with no one forcing you to “go to class” it could be easy to fall behind. Self discipline is a must.
2. What are the negative factors with distance learning?
Distance learning certainly meets certain needs; however it does not replace what goes on in the classroom. Community building, social interaction, emotional attachments as a result of the classroom experience can not be experienced the same with an online class. My feeling is that both have their place; and one should not be the substitute for the other.

Journal # 6

“The Threat of Security” by LeAnn Robinson, Abbie Brown and Tim Green

This article points out the ongoing issues of the use of technology to improve teaching and learning; and the roadblocks fueled by lawsuits that hamper the process. The examples given in this article are extreme consequences put on teachers because of the fear of inappropriate use of the internet. One teacher was being monitored for inappropriate internet use because he ordered some bulbs for his garden. The bulbs were ordered on a Saturday while he was preparing for his class. Copyright law is another issue fueling restriction and fear. Teachers can’t download power point presentations in some cases because of the fear copy right infringement. E mail is another area where more answers are needed. In some school districts e mail is monitored closely and the appropriate use versus personnel use is a very grey area.
Technology and its uses in schools and its application to improve learning are invaluable. The barriers to technology which are fueled by fear of lawsuits, loss of grants etc. tie the hands of educators. Everyone agrees that students should be kept safe from the dark side of internet. If keeping students safe means the lack of technological tools in helping them learn, then what’s the point? Both sides in this ongoing battle need to identify problem areas and simplify solutions to reach a win/win situation.

Questions
1. As a teacher how would I deal with roadblocks to technology?
If technology was being restricted in my classroom I would ask very specific questions as to why and the motivation behind the lack of access. Once I was satisfied with the answers I would point out the restrictions don’t limit but negate the use of technology and continue to ask more questions as to what can be done.

2. Will restrictions to technology stop or slow down digital learning?
Technology is the future. Schools and learning with technology is also the future. The restrictions and barriers are tools of fear. Technology will advance at its own pace and it will be up to administrators to face the fears and collectively come up with solutions that keep pace with new developments.

Journal # 5

This Land is Your Land, By Rama Ramaswami
October 2007 “The Journal”
www.thejournal.com

The article talks about the transformation of learning that took place in Crosbyton Elementary School in Crosbyton, Texas. The interest and excitement in learning was due to the fact that the teacher, Sandy Harrell received four flattop wireless Dell computers as a result of a federal technology grant. Prior to obtaining the new computers the class relied on old hand me down computers that were slow and were often down due to storms in the area; knocking out phone lines. For about half the class the school computers were the only access they had to technology, for the other half who had computers at home very few had internet access. Sandy Harrell goal was to open the student’s eyes to the world and their own culture and history. Sandy Harrell put together a lesson on cowboys and more specifically rodeo cowboys. The students learned about local history by visiting websites about rodeos. The students picked different rodeo cowboys and read about their life on the cowboy’s blogs. They would follow the rodeo circuit from Texas to New Mexico, Wyoming and California. The lesson covered many different subjects like math, geography, social studies and problem solving. Harrell reported that it is hard to describe how exciting this has been for the class. The students are motivated to work together, have longer attention spans and have improved their reading abilities.

1. Question. How would I use technology to bring the outside world to my students?
The internet is full of wonderful resources like PBS and NASA to name a few. The goal as a teacher would be to find a subject area that is exciting and new to the students and have them learn and experience new material interactively with the right web based learning.

2. How would I deal with parents who don’t have the same access to technology as their children do at school. As a teacher I would communicate to the parents through the students. I would have the students take home work and projects that they have generated at school. I would also keep the students and parents informed of outside resources (libraries, chamber of commerce etc.) to learn about the benefits of technology and learning.

Journal # 4

Journal # 4

High Tech in Hawaii: The Real World Relevance of Technology

This article from Edutopia gives a handful of wonderful examples of how technology is being used in a Hawaiian school. In Linda Mithcell’s third grade language arts class the students are using HyperStudio and KidPix to heighten their imagination and therefore improve their descriptive writing. From the work they did on their storyboard they produced animation using these two programs. Seeing the storey helped them write with more emotion and clarity.
A nine year old student used technology to do an assignment on family heritage. Mathew, the student, interviewed his grandfather about his past, who was from Japan. Mathew used HyperStudio to illustrate the assignment with pictures and drawing and then had it displayed on a website.
First grade students use technology to track Miss Junie 2, an endangered sea turtle. The sea turtle can be followed by satellite and the students track her progress writing about it in their journals.
The school is Nuuanu Elementary school and it also has its own news cast. All the students are involved in the production or the talent parts of the broadcast. Some students do the weather, some read book reviews or public service announcements, while others work behind the scene to help with the production.
Technology at Nuuanu has helped students tie learning to real world applications but also has given every student a chance to excel. A student may struggle with traditional formats of learning but might flourish when given the chance to use technology in art or other formats not available without technology.

Question.
1. How would I bring in real world learning experiences for my students?
Real world learning experiences make learning come alive for students. As a teacher I would constantly be searching for groups in the community who could involve students with their work or projects. The Chamber of Commerce is a good resources as well as personal contacts and local colleges.

2. Kids love technology. As a teacher how would I help students with the proper use of computers as it relates to school and personnel time?
As a teacher I would have a lesson (ongoing) about the health of having a balanced life. I would identify the different aspects of a whole life and teach how to maintain these. In this type of instruction I would point out the benefit and downside of a life in and out of balance.

Journal # 3

A War of Words, By Jim Paterson

The article by Paterson pins two opposing sides on an important issue, plagiarism. The increased occurrence of plagiarism in education has produced a number of software programs that helps students with the proper ways to research a topic. Paper Tools Pro or P.T.P helps students research, site sources, paraphrase and organize the research on note cards. P.T.P also shows students the difference between paraphrasing and plagiarizing. The research notes then can be sorted and placed into a word processing document. Maribeth Mohan, a teacher in Glen Ellen, IL. Thinks this is a great learning tool to help students as well as fight the problem of plagiarism.
Mohan’s acceptance and approval of P.T.P. is not shared by everyone. Charlie Rowe, a professor and spokesperson for the Conference on College Composition and Communication is opposed to these programs. The CCCC feels these anti plagiarism programs create the wrong atmosphere for writing. The programs put the student in a position of being guilty until proven innocent, and it violates student’s rights. Rowe is in favor of teaching about plagiarism and the proper way of researching a topic with plagiarizing it. Rowe’s stance is that this technology reduces quality teaching and turns the technology into a babysitter or watchdog.

Questions.

1. How will I address the topic of plagiarism in my classroom?
As a teacher I would teach proper ways of research, edit and paraphrasing. I would make sure that my students understood that plagiarism is wrong. I would also combine the use of some of the tools used like Paper Tools Pro to give the students help when needed.

2. What would I do if I had a student who plagiarized a paper?
All problems or mistakes are an opportunity to learn. As a teacher I would find out the reasons for the plagiarism and proceed from there. Consequences would be given based on reasons for the mistake.

Journal # 2

“Infusion or Integration” by Kimberly Ketterer

The article by Kimberly Ketterer addresses the idea of infusion and integration. Educators, schools districts, students use these two words interchangeably without thinking about the different meanings. The question she asked is, are schools integrating technology or infusing technology? What is the difference and is this really something knew? Ketterer goes on to explain and define the difference between infusion and integration both historically and what the current use is. Infusion is the introduction of something new. Historical examples include pencils and pens, ditto machines and movie projectors. Current examples include copy machines, computers for writing and editing, and DVD player, just to name a few. Integration is the intermixing of people or items previously segregated. The Ed. Tech definition is important because it spells out the use of new items to enhance learning and teaching in the classroom. Historical examples include watching a film about a scientific method or listening to a storey on tape. Current uses are watching a downloaded video clip of a scientific method or listening to a storey downloaded to a MP3 player. Ketterer points out that infusion and integration of technology have been going on for a long time. She also points out that once infusion takes place it is vitally important for the integration of that technology to expand and improve learning. Technologies role in the classroom must be to help and support students in the learning process. This helping and supporting role is the difference between infusion and integration.

Questions.

1. How do we decide what technology should be used in schools with limited or very small budgets.
Students who can’t read or comprehend at grade level should be a prime target area. The money should be spent for technology to help students with the ability and hopefully an enjoyment of reading.

2. How will I better acquaint myself with the integration of technology in my classroom?
As a classroom teacher it is vitally important to stay current on what works and how to use new ideas in technology. To keep abreast of the new teaching that technology brings I will attend workshops, read ISTE and other sources as well as collaborate with other professionals in the field.

Journal # 1

Journal #1
Power of the Mashup, by Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss

This article talks about the success two teachers are having using an idea called the “mashup”. The mashup is combining new technologies with traditional teaching approaches to come up with something totally new. Jerome Burg combined his teaching of Candide with Google Earth, coming up with what he calls “lit tripping around the globe”. The students in Burgs class can visit the same locations the characters in the story do by using an interactive application of Google Earth. Using the visual aids that technology offers helps the storey come alive and lead to more involved discussions.
David Fagg, a history teacher in Australia used technology and traditional teaching to come up with his own “mashup” success storey. Fagg combined the students knowledge of MP3 players and digital cameras and had them do field work about a historical in their area. Fagg coordinated the student’s skills in podcasting with primary historical research. The students being competent in the technology found the experience fun and said “This is a better way of learning”.

Questions..

1. Can the use of technology and the idea of Mashup be counterproductive to learning?
Technology can be very interesting and become the primary focus in a learning situation. The teacher involved with combining technology and traditional learning methods must always focus on how the technology will improve student learning of the material being presented.

2. With technology changing everyday and more techno toys available for educators, how does a teacher decide what to use in a lesson that includes technology?
New technology surfaces every day, promising more and faster ways of doing things. Educators must focus on the essential learning functions, which remain fairly constant. If the use of technology supports and improves essential learning then it should be considered. On the other hand if technology does not help with essential learning then other options or traditional teaching methods should be used.

Introduction

Hello everyone; my name is Don Paul. I was born in Spokane, Washington. My family moved to California in 1960. I attended Hermosa elementary school in Fullerton and Sunny Hills high school, also in Fullerton. After High school I went to Washington State University in Pullman Washington. I played Basketball for the Cougs and graduated in 1974. I have had many different types of jobs in the last 30 years. I have been a loan officer, a professional sports promotion and ticket sales manager, roughneck(drilling rig), framing contractor, and the last 15 years I have worked with High school students who are considered at risk. I facilitated a Drug, Alcohol Tobacco prevention class as well as coaching Basketball, volleyball and working with students one on one or in small groups. I just recently relocated to southern California, and I am in the process of getting my certification.

My experience with technology has been a result of working at an Alternative school and taking a variety of on line classes. Computers were introduced in the schools in about 1994. I learned the different school programs to take attendance, make students notes etc. Over the last 4 years I have learned to take on line classes, submit papers, e mail, some power point, photo shop and general information gathering. I use technology on a daily basis for a variety of reasons. I get a lot of news on line, order merchandise, check the surf report, e mail, look up recipes, pay bills and on and on. I have used only a PC.

The most powerful part of the Mission statement for me is the diversity, educational equity, and social justice component. When I decided to get my credential I asked my principal where to go. He did not hesitate and fully endorsed Cal State San Marcos. I have taken educ 350 and edcu. 364 and have found the instructors very professional and believe in the mission statement as well as incorporate that vision in their instruction.