JOURNAL # 10
Technology in Ethiopian Schools:
Connecting Children from Various Cultures
By Judit Szente
This article reminds me that we often take the rest of the world for granted when it comes to educational opportunities. Education coupled with technology changes lives. The story of the Ethiopian schools and their partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) project in Ethiopia pays homage to this very notion. It created opportunities for earning a living that would not otherwise exist. Children who had very little, if any opportunity of attending school were suddenly being given the tools to make themselves competitive and marketable. Their days transformed from herding animals and working to generating multimedia presentations and creating business essentials.
Once the students were proficient in the use of technology, they challenged themselves with bigger projects. I like the idea of having the students document their lives using multimedia technology and sharing it with others in different parts of the world. I even see its potential use with English Language Learners. The world was an open book for the Ethiopian students for the first time, thanks to the Internet. Cross-cultural collaborations make the world a much smaller place and bring about understanding of other people. I really enjoyed this article.
QUESTION # 1
Most of the Ethiopian children involved in this project were very poor. How do they break the cycle of poverty?
Education with an emphasis on the use of technology would help break the cycle of poverty. It has been well documented that jobs of the future are going to rely heavily on the use of technology. Thanks to this project, the children are off to a head start.
QUESTION # 2
Why should the U.S. care if children in Ethiopia have access to computers?
We have a moral obligation to help the poor improve their quality of life. Ethiopians can make a significant contribution to the lives of others if given the tools, resources, and an opportunity to do so. Together, we can make the world a better place for everyone.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Kim's Journal # 9
JOURNAL # 9
My Space or Yours
By Joanne Barrett
This article was very informative. I knew that social networking was big deal, but I had no idea that about 90 million people are My Space users. Joanne Barrett does an excellent job of highlighting the appeal of social networking sites, but she balances that appeal with some common problems of use. The author maintains that with any form of technology there will be some positives and some negatives. She also gives some history or an overview of some of the most popular sites including My Space, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Friendster.
Social networking sites were created for various reasons. Some were created to keep in touch with friends and others were designed to meet new friends. One was created to share music, and another was meant just for the college crowd. The growing popularity with social networking ultimately transcended to high school students. With that transition came a number of concerns. Safety was the number one issue.
QUESTION # 1
What can teachers due to help keep students safe when using social networking sites?
Teachers can first educate themselves on what the students are using. Then, they can teach them ways of using that technology appropriately. Teachers could introduce the students to Netiquette and present an Internet Safety Course that would make the students aware of the dangers of the Internet and ways to keep them safe.
QUESTION # 2
Is your personal information protected when using social networking sites?
Some sites take as much precaution as possible, but the truth is, once your information is out there, there is a possibility that it will be compromised.
My Space or Yours
By Joanne Barrett
This article was very informative. I knew that social networking was big deal, but I had no idea that about 90 million people are My Space users. Joanne Barrett does an excellent job of highlighting the appeal of social networking sites, but she balances that appeal with some common problems of use. The author maintains that with any form of technology there will be some positives and some negatives. She also gives some history or an overview of some of the most popular sites including My Space, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Friendster.
Social networking sites were created for various reasons. Some were created to keep in touch with friends and others were designed to meet new friends. One was created to share music, and another was meant just for the college crowd. The growing popularity with social networking ultimately transcended to high school students. With that transition came a number of concerns. Safety was the number one issue.
QUESTION # 1
What can teachers due to help keep students safe when using social networking sites?
Teachers can first educate themselves on what the students are using. Then, they can teach them ways of using that technology appropriately. Teachers could introduce the students to Netiquette and present an Internet Safety Course that would make the students aware of the dangers of the Internet and ways to keep them safe.
QUESTION # 2
Is your personal information protected when using social networking sites?
Some sites take as much precaution as possible, but the truth is, once your information is out there, there is a possibility that it will be compromised.
Kim's Journal # 8
JOURNAL # 8
Virtual Schooling
By Niki Davis and Dale S. Niederhauser
As a teacher, this article left me completely overwhelmed. Just the thought of adding yet another component to the many demands and challenges that we face as educators is a scary thought. I feel like I am supposed to be excited and encouraged by this technology, but from the content of the article, it seems like much more work than what a regular classroom teacher endures. My fear may derive from not having any hands-on experience with virtual teaching. The article did make reference to the fact that field experiences in virtual teaching are needed for educators to buy-in to the concept.
On the other-hand, as a student, I love the idea of Virtual Schooling. I like the flexibility as mentioned by other students in the article, and the ability to remain place-bound, which was also mentioned. For me, the decision to take a virtual class depends on the course and the content. I like a combination of virtual with the traditional, but I learn best by physically interacting with the teacher and other students.
QUESTION # 1
Did the state of Michigan make the right decision in requiring high school students to take at least one virtual schooling course for high school graduation?
I applaud the state of Michigan for recognizing the benefits of Virtual Schooling, but I think the students should be encouraged and not required to participate in Virtual Schooling. Students should have a choice in how they engage in the learning process.
The article cited a few reasons why students choose virtual schooling, but what are some reasons why students would choose not to participate in Virtual Schooling?
What does the future hold for virtual schooling?
It is going to be very popular especially with parents who choose not to send their children to public schools for fear of harm to their children. As our schools become more and more unsafe, I think there will be growing support for Virtual Schooling programs. The challenge would probably be finding teachers who are willing to make the commitment to change the way they teach.
Virtual Schooling
By Niki Davis and Dale S. Niederhauser
As a teacher, this article left me completely overwhelmed. Just the thought of adding yet another component to the many demands and challenges that we face as educators is a scary thought. I feel like I am supposed to be excited and encouraged by this technology, but from the content of the article, it seems like much more work than what a regular classroom teacher endures. My fear may derive from not having any hands-on experience with virtual teaching. The article did make reference to the fact that field experiences in virtual teaching are needed for educators to buy-in to the concept.
On the other-hand, as a student, I love the idea of Virtual Schooling. I like the flexibility as mentioned by other students in the article, and the ability to remain place-bound, which was also mentioned. For me, the decision to take a virtual class depends on the course and the content. I like a combination of virtual with the traditional, but I learn best by physically interacting with the teacher and other students.
QUESTION # 1
Did the state of Michigan make the right decision in requiring high school students to take at least one virtual schooling course for high school graduation?
I applaud the state of Michigan for recognizing the benefits of Virtual Schooling, but I think the students should be encouraged and not required to participate in Virtual Schooling. Students should have a choice in how they engage in the learning process.
The article cited a few reasons why students choose virtual schooling, but what are some reasons why students would choose not to participate in Virtual Schooling?
What does the future hold for virtual schooling?
It is going to be very popular especially with parents who choose not to send their children to public schools for fear of harm to their children. As our schools become more and more unsafe, I think there will be growing support for Virtual Schooling programs. The challenge would probably be finding teachers who are willing to make the commitment to change the way they teach.
Kim's Journal # 7
JOURNAL # 7
Internet Safety: A Whole School Approach
By Greg Taranto
I found this article to be very intriguing. The Internet safety model created by Greg Taranto is collaboration at its best. I applaud his whole school approach to Internet safety and for recognizing that for the program to be a success, parents had to be part of the equation along with teachers, students, guidance, and administration.
I agree with the author that seventh grade is an ideal time to teach students about cyberbullying, protecting personal and private information, rules for Internet etiquette (“netiquette”), ways of handling threatening and harassing situations, and ways to determine the validity of information found on the Internet. The Internet Safety Survey included in the article is an excellent way to begin dialogue and introduce the week long Internet Safety Unit. It is refreshing that someone takes protecting our children on the Internet seriously and has offered a solution for reducing the potential for tragedy.
QUESTION # 1
If Internet Safety is being taught to 7th graders, should children have access to the Internet before grade seven?
If access to the Internet is restricted to grade seven, children will miss out on some wonderful learning opportunities. However, access should be limited and supervised. Parents and teachers can bookmark the sites that are appropriate for their children to avoid surfing the web or typing web addresses.
QUESTION # 2
Who is held accountable when a child does something inappropriate (criminal) on a home computer using skills that were learned at school?
It is the expectation that students will transfer knowledge outside of the classroom and incorporate it into their daily lives. However, it is the schools responsibility to keep the parents abreast of what is being taught to their children. It is the responsibility of the parents to instill values and morals into their children. Children can and should be held accountable for their actions provided they were properly taught.
Internet Safety: A Whole School Approach
By Greg Taranto
I found this article to be very intriguing. The Internet safety model created by Greg Taranto is collaboration at its best. I applaud his whole school approach to Internet safety and for recognizing that for the program to be a success, parents had to be part of the equation along with teachers, students, guidance, and administration.
I agree with the author that seventh grade is an ideal time to teach students about cyberbullying, protecting personal and private information, rules for Internet etiquette (“netiquette”), ways of handling threatening and harassing situations, and ways to determine the validity of information found on the Internet. The Internet Safety Survey included in the article is an excellent way to begin dialogue and introduce the week long Internet Safety Unit. It is refreshing that someone takes protecting our children on the Internet seriously and has offered a solution for reducing the potential for tragedy.
QUESTION # 1
If Internet Safety is being taught to 7th graders, should children have access to the Internet before grade seven?
If access to the Internet is restricted to grade seven, children will miss out on some wonderful learning opportunities. However, access should be limited and supervised. Parents and teachers can bookmark the sites that are appropriate for their children to avoid surfing the web or typing web addresses.
QUESTION # 2
Who is held accountable when a child does something inappropriate (criminal) on a home computer using skills that were learned at school?
It is the expectation that students will transfer knowledge outside of the classroom and incorporate it into their daily lives. However, it is the schools responsibility to keep the parents abreast of what is being taught to their children. It is the responsibility of the parents to instill values and morals into their children. Children can and should be held accountable for their actions provided they were properly taught.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Kim's Journal # 6
JOURNAL # 6
Social Justice: Choice or Necessity?
By Colleen Swain and David Edyburn
This article was very interesting to me. I never really thought about technology as a form of social justice. I have considered the issue of who has access to technology, but not in the framework of social justice. I believe that sometimes as educators we are bombarded with so many issues that we actually forget that there are solutions.
According to the authors, access to technology is only the first step. Being technologically fluent is a necessity to compete in our “global, technologically, and information-based society.” I find the framework provided by Swain and Edyburn to be very helpful. The article serves as a guide for teachers.
QUESTION # 1
The writers suggest that one way to equitably implement technology is to monitor teacher and student progress over time. Why is it important to monitor teacher progress and technology use over time?
Teachers can’t teach what they don’t know. If a teacher is not technologically fluent, the students are not accessing the skills that are vital to their learning.
QUESTION # 2
Swain and Edyburn also suggest that reflection is a key aspect of adopting a social justice framework. Why is reflection an important component of social justice?
Reflection allows the individual to evaluate and re-evaluate each lesson. Some questions for consideration would include:
What strategies worked well?
What needs improvement?
Who benefited from the lesson?
Did everyone have access?
What recommendations would you make for the future?
Social Justice: Choice or Necessity?
By Colleen Swain and David Edyburn
This article was very interesting to me. I never really thought about technology as a form of social justice. I have considered the issue of who has access to technology, but not in the framework of social justice. I believe that sometimes as educators we are bombarded with so many issues that we actually forget that there are solutions.
According to the authors, access to technology is only the first step. Being technologically fluent is a necessity to compete in our “global, technologically, and information-based society.” I find the framework provided by Swain and Edyburn to be very helpful. The article serves as a guide for teachers.
QUESTION # 1
The writers suggest that one way to equitably implement technology is to monitor teacher and student progress over time. Why is it important to monitor teacher progress and technology use over time?
Teachers can’t teach what they don’t know. If a teacher is not technologically fluent, the students are not accessing the skills that are vital to their learning.
QUESTION # 2
Swain and Edyburn also suggest that reflection is a key aspect of adopting a social justice framework. Why is reflection an important component of social justice?
Reflection allows the individual to evaluate and re-evaluate each lesson. Some questions for consideration would include:
What strategies worked well?
What needs improvement?
Who benefited from the lesson?
Did everyone have access?
What recommendations would you make for the future?
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Kim's Journal # 5
JOURNAL # 5
How to Fight the New Bullies
By Rosalind Wiseman
This is one of those articles that leave more questions than answers. I am thankful to Ms. Wiseman for sparking a discussion on this much- needed topic. “Cyberbullies use e-mail, instant messages (IM’s), cell phones, text messages, photos, videos, and social networking sites to humiliate and threaten others. It is horrible when anyone, let alone a child is taunted
Cyberspace is a place where people can hide behind their aliases and web addresses and remain anonymous if they choose. The danger with cyberspace is you don’t know who is doing the taunting, and everyone else knows about it. The potential audience is limitless. Being mysterious leaves no room for accountability, which makes so many people say and do things that they wouldn’t have the guts to do in person.
QUESTION # 1
How do you fight a cyberbully?
I have no idea. I don’t know if it would help to ignore a cyberbully, but I don’t think it would hurt. It takes at least two to have a conversation. There is a small amount of reassurance that legal and educational experts are taking the issue seriously. Accountability and consequences may eliminate much of the problem.
QUESTION # 2
What are some ways technology can be used to encourage others?
The same ways that people use to abuse each other with technology are the same ways people can encourage and support each other. My friends and I use e-mail all the time to lift our spirits. Jokes and funny pictures can work wonders.
How to Fight the New Bullies
By Rosalind Wiseman
This is one of those articles that leave more questions than answers. I am thankful to Ms. Wiseman for sparking a discussion on this much- needed topic. “Cyberbullies use e-mail, instant messages (IM’s), cell phones, text messages, photos, videos, and social networking sites to humiliate and threaten others. It is horrible when anyone, let alone a child is taunted
Cyberspace is a place where people can hide behind their aliases and web addresses and remain anonymous if they choose. The danger with cyberspace is you don’t know who is doing the taunting, and everyone else knows about it. The potential audience is limitless. Being mysterious leaves no room for accountability, which makes so many people say and do things that they wouldn’t have the guts to do in person.
QUESTION # 1
How do you fight a cyberbully?
I have no idea. I don’t know if it would help to ignore a cyberbully, but I don’t think it would hurt. It takes at least two to have a conversation. There is a small amount of reassurance that legal and educational experts are taking the issue seriously. Accountability and consequences may eliminate much of the problem.
QUESTION # 2
What are some ways technology can be used to encourage others?
The same ways that people use to abuse each other with technology are the same ways people can encourage and support each other. My friends and I use e-mail all the time to lift our spirits. Jokes and funny pictures can work wonders.
Kim's Journal # 4
JOURNAL # 4
From Toy to Tool: Audioblogging with Cell Phones
By Liz Kolb
According to Liz Kolb, cell phones do not have to be a classroom hindrance; they can be quite beneficial when used to construct knowledge. Kolb suggests that students can create audioblogs, using their cell phones as well as collect and store data, and develop multimedia projects. New cell phones are equipped with the capability of recording and posting live interviews. This article is full of ideas for audioblogging.
I am very excited to see that the author included some dialogue about the concerns with audioblogging. As I read through the article, I too had concerns. Copyright issues, although important were not my primary concern. My concern is protecting the students’ identity and safety. The author expresses concern over cell phone plans and the cost of internet sites. My concern is for the students gaining access to a cell phone.
QUESTION # 1
What age do you think is appropriate for students to use this technology?
Although I believe students as early as third grade can master the art of audioblogging, I don’t think they are ready for the responsibility of protecting themselves online. Some may disagree, but I would not recommend audioblogging for anyone under the age of 12.
QUESTION # 2
What affect does access to technology have on a parents’ control of their children?
Once a child has access to technology, how they use it is beyond a parents’ control. Sure parents can use filters and talk to their children about dangers of the internet, etc., but it is impossible to monitor a child’s every move. Thanks to “education,” children know how to access more information than they can handle. I hate to be a pessimist, but it’s just a matter of time before they stumble onto something that is inappropriate.
From Toy to Tool: Audioblogging with Cell Phones
By Liz Kolb
According to Liz Kolb, cell phones do not have to be a classroom hindrance; they can be quite beneficial when used to construct knowledge. Kolb suggests that students can create audioblogs, using their cell phones as well as collect and store data, and develop multimedia projects. New cell phones are equipped with the capability of recording and posting live interviews. This article is full of ideas for audioblogging.
I am very excited to see that the author included some dialogue about the concerns with audioblogging. As I read through the article, I too had concerns. Copyright issues, although important were not my primary concern. My concern is protecting the students’ identity and safety. The author expresses concern over cell phone plans and the cost of internet sites. My concern is for the students gaining access to a cell phone.
QUESTION # 1
What age do you think is appropriate for students to use this technology?
Although I believe students as early as third grade can master the art of audioblogging, I don’t think they are ready for the responsibility of protecting themselves online. Some may disagree, but I would not recommend audioblogging for anyone under the age of 12.
QUESTION # 2
What affect does access to technology have on a parents’ control of their children?
Once a child has access to technology, how they use it is beyond a parents’ control. Sure parents can use filters and talk to their children about dangers of the internet, etc., but it is impossible to monitor a child’s every move. Thanks to “education,” children know how to access more information than they can handle. I hate to be a pessimist, but it’s just a matter of time before they stumble onto something that is inappropriate.
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