Journal # 5

Potter, L., & Eilts, S. (2011). Is cursive writing worth teaching?. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(2), 7-8. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october-2011.aspx

While the world is advancing and developing in technology, some educators tend to argue that cursive writing is useless and will never again be utilized in the classroom. They also argue that if we take the time to teach cursive in these advancing technological times, the learning capability for technology will go down in students due to time wasted in teaching cursive. While all of these arguments are valid points, the importance of cursive in the classroom reaches far beyond wasting time in class. I believe that teaching cursive will not only improve motor skills in younger children, but it will also allow them to read old text written in this style for historical purposes. If one makes the argument against cursive, it is almost as if they are saying that history means nothing to our students. Cursive was very prominent throughout the very beginnings of our very own country. If we do not teach our students to write in this way, they will not be able to research or connect to the historical meaning of our country. Another argument that can counter anti-cursive education would be the fact that it is important to give students the option of how they want to write in their future. Some people in today’s time use cursive as their main source of handwriting. It is a preference some students may want to choose for themselves. Why take that right away? Also, if one argues that cursive is “growing out of style,” then why have signature lines on important legal documents? Apparently, cursive still has importance in some aspect of our community?

Questions:

What about those disabled students who lack in the motor skills or ability to produce any form of writing?

~ As an educator, I would not penalize those students for lack of ability to write in cursive. Rather, I would find a digital source, such as an iPad or digital voice activation source that aids in their ability to contribute a thought to paper. Those students who are able to write should be taught everything in which cursive entails. Students should not be denied any form of education.

How could you incorporate technology and cursive in the classroom?

~ The iPad is a wonderful source to use in the classroom because it has so many different apps that support learning. One application they have that would aid in learning cursive would be the iStudious. This particular application has a digital notebook where students can take their own notes or even practice their cursive while taking notes. This app saves the notes they have taken and also allows students to make digital flashcards from these notes. It is something that should be incorporated into classrooms. It allows the art of cursive, taking notes and learning become fun and interactive.

Journal #4

Basham, J., Perry, E., & Meyer, H. (2011). It's in the bag. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(2), 25-26. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october-2011.aspx

The education in the United States is predominately geared around a tight structural organization. It has been engrained in the minds of students to come to class, takes notes, and ask questions. This structure leaves little room for leading, problem solving and the ability to think for oneself. The idea presented about a Digital Backpack is a fantastic way to incorporate developing student’s technology skills as well as promote individuality and problem solving skills. I think that this idea would be difficult to find funding for by the state, but it should be implemented in as many classrooms as possible. The main objective of the Digital Backpack was to meet and cater to the diverse learning goals of various students. Each child has different ways and levels of learning. Some students are visual, while others are more hands on. Some students are also a little slower in understanding the material. The Digital Backpack brings all of these elements together, if utilized and administered properly. It allows for students to work at their pace and gives them the tools to solve their own problems. Hopefully in the near future, the world will recognize that technology is only growing faster and faster. It is something that will be in high demand for a while, therefore it is imminent to allow students to grow with the forever advancing world.


Questions:
How would a potential teacher utilize this resource in his or her classroom?
~ I think this answer depends on the age range and grade level of the students. Younger students could use this to create digital art projects given certain programs with instructions. They could also use particular pre- installed apps to become acquainted with technology etiquette such as the prevention of cyber bullying or plagiarism. Older and more advanced students could use this resource as a means to complete digital projects and interactive apps. If the teacher had an online class blog, a Digital Backpack would be handy in pulling out during class to read and comment on each other’s blog entry during class.

How would you find that balance between flexibility and time efficiency?
~It is important to recognize that this device needs to be utilized properly in order for it to be effective. It has to allow for flexibility as well as time management. Students should be able to quickly grasp the concept with the instructions provided and be able to finish their assignments by a particular due date. I think a good way to administer these concepts would be to dedicate particular days of the week to a Digital Backpack session. This would allow students to focus on one thing throughout the day. You would have to be careful of scattering their brains with too much at once.

Technology Self Assessment: School 2.0

I chose to research the NETS-T V module: Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership.As a prospective educator, I feel it is important to connect with other professionals and gather new ideas to help improve one's own educational theories and practices. On the School 2.0 website, I ran across a link that took me to a website called Classroom 2.0. This is a community of professional educators that develop their own blogs and are able to actively communicate ideas with one another. The idea closely resembles that of Twitter in that you are able to reach a community of people with the same ideas and interests, yet the style is very different in that it is blog  based atmosphere. Not only are you able to post blogs with different classroom ideas, but you are also able to post on live forums, host or participate in webinars, or chat live with one another. This type of website is highly important to educators because it allows the professional community of teachers to work closely together to improve their classroom styles as well as improve learning for their students. I think a website like this allows teachers to know that help is out there and available if needed.

Journal # 3

Morehouse, J. (2011). Learning connections: students dig up dirt to learn about internet safety. Learning and 
 Leading, 39(2), 35. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Learning_Connections_Students_Dig_Up_Dirt_to_Learn_about_Internet_Safety.aspx

 Many people do not know or fully understand the complexity and vastness of the internet today. While a lot of its usage is beneficial and helpful to students or companies, it is also a very dangerous place to roam. The rate of pedophilia is just one example of the harm that online communities can promote. It is very important for students to understand that the internet and technology opens the door to a huge world with many different types of people that are not always out for your best interest. The experiment by Jesse Morehouse in his classroom proves that technology safety awareness needs to be addressed more often in education! Younger students especially need to know that privacy is not addressed on the world wide web. I believe that students learn through trial and error. If something is told to them, they may or may not believe it. I thought that data mining each other in the classroom was a great idea because it demonstrates how quick personal and small information can leak out to anyone in the world, regardless of their intentions.


Question 1:
What are other ways to demonstrate and teach safety awareness regarding technology?
One way that a teacher can demonstrate safety awareness is showing students documentaries or videos where people went too far and got in trouble with  the law or their own safety. I think that students need to visualize something in order to truly comprehend the complexity of the issue.


Question 2:

Is it still worth it to utilize technology in the classroom while risking student privacy?

Yes! Even though there are privacy issues developing with technology, I think that there are many ways to steer away and prevent any form of threat or harm. Technology is never going to leave, so why not make the best of it.