Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Journal 9: Science + Technology = Creativity (and Fun)
Citation: Jared Mader & B. Smith, (20099, August). Science+technology=creativity (and fun). Learning & Leading with Technology, 37, Retrieved Aug. 5, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/AugustNo1/L_L_August_2009.htm

Summary: This article, showcases a three phase course of action for science teachers to students to be imaginative and innovative within the field science. The primary phase is to provide students with instruments for instance digital cameras, microphones et al. Allowing students to operate the tools as a means of rationalizing scientific tests and relevant research makes available visual education motivation. Students are also able to demonstrate research visuals within a PowerPoint presentation. Employing electronic tools enable the transition from the out dated poster presentations Phase two is giving students sufficient time to become accustomed with the new technology. The last phase is to support and promote originality and inventiveness. Students can transform a straightforward PowerPoint presentation into a movie using screen casting. And much more. This article incorporates and ties in elements up well for teachers by declaring, “The key to facilitating instruction that elicits these types of assignments is to provide students with the tools, give them the time, and then get out of their way.”

Q & A

What are some ways teachers can use technology to make learning interesting?

There are literally thousands of ways from making a class blog to making movies and so on.

What are some good resources for teachers to learn more?

Websites like the classroom 2.0 community can help teacher with new ideas.
Journal 8: Choosing the Perfect Tools for One to One
Citation: B. Brouterse, J.O. Corn & E.O.Halstead, (2009, August). Choosing the Perfect Tools for One-to-One. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37, Retrieved Aug. 5, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/Current_Issue/L_L_August.htm

Summary: This article centers on the issue of as the title suggests, selecting the most compatible appropriate technology equipment in particular, computer processing to get the most out of student education and teacher requirements. The article continuously expresses the significance of this. When a person is thinking about purchasing portable laptops for a school or district the article indicates six basic questions the buyer should consider prior to making the purchase. The primary question deals with purpose, is the piece of equipment single purpose or multipurpose? What operating systems are the administrators, technicians, and teachers accustomed to Windows, Mac, Linux? Is the school intending to establish applications/software by means of Web or CD Rom? Is the school intending to put in files. documents or presentations into a hard drive or Web? Is the equipment well-matched with printers, projectors, microscopes, or digital cameras? How long will the piece of equipment be able to function, deterioration, stability , battery life and virus protection? Finally, applying these six questions, the authors assessed seven products. And their overall findings and conclusions were that buyers should look at the overall quality of the equipment rather than the products price. Because what is initially low cost might end up costing more due to the poor manufacturing of the product and many other factors.

Q & A

What does the term “thin” refer to?
As indicated by the article, “thin” tools are computers associated with a network, they are not transportable.

What does the term “thick” refer to?
As stated in the article, “thick” tools are regular computers or laptops with regular working applications such as, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X or Linux.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

iMovie NETS 1,3

This is my iMovie project, a public service announcement for CSUSM.

Mogadischu film

Link: Mogadischu - der Film

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Inspiration Project NETS 1,3,5



This is my inspiration graphic organizer that I created using Inspiration software. which highlight some of my earlier NETS for Teachers projects.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Wiki NETS 1, 3, 5

This is my wiki page on my tool quiz egg. The exam generator.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Fair Use Copyright NETS 4

This is my Fair Use copyright assignment. I worked on this collectively with two of my peers.

Fair Use Harbor ED 422

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Excel Crossword NETS 3

Ed. 422 Crossword
Journal 7: Beyond Social Networking
Citation: Reynard, R. (2009, July 15). Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities. Retrieved July 30, 2009, from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2009/07/15/Beyond-Social-Networking-Building-Toward-Learning-Communities.asp

Summary:
This journal article discusses the benefits and shortcomings of incorporating social networking sites such as Facebook into educational settings. Reynard seems to suggest, that while making an exclusive group on social networking is a very good method for teachers to connect and “build community” with their students, students might not be interested in the idea if there was not an academic purpose behind the group. Most might feel a lack of privacy, or feel awkward about mingling with teachers away from class. But, one positive aspect that Reynard brings up is the more technological applications students are able to learn now, the more they will continue to learn in the future. And one of the many responsibilities of a good teacher I believe is, exposing and educating their students about all the different facets of technology as much, and as often as possible.

Q & A

How effective can social networking sites be at improving teacher/ student communication?

I think the answer to this question is unclear, in the sense that a lot of students might not want to share out or reveal personal information with their teachers or the entire class. Depending, very much on their individual personalities; some kids are naturally more outgoing willing to share, others might be more introverted and private.

Should social networking sites play a more prominent role in the classroom?

Why not, I think if the sites are used correctly it could be a great educational asset. Teachers could use these sites to facilitate learning via a method that is already familiar and relatable to most students. Using these sites for educational means might also make students more enthusiastic about learning.

Class Newsletter NETS 1,2,3

This is my class history geography newsletter that I created with MS Word.
Ed 422 Newsleter

NETS S Powerpoint NETS 1,3

This is my powerpoint reflecting on some performance indicators for 6-8 grade students.

Ed. 422 NETS ppt

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Journal 6: Don’t Feed the Trolls
Citation: Richardson, K. W. (2008, May). Don’t feed the trolls. Learning & Leading with Technology, 35, Retrieved July 27, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm
Section=May_No_7_&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=3972&ContentID=20817&DirectListComboInd=D

Summary: This article concerned the issue of acceptable and proper behavior and personal conduct over the internet and while blogging. With the advent of technology, an entirely new dynamic and dimension has been added to the amount and level of awareness educators as well as students need to be conscious of. The article’s main focus was the developing and increasing concerns over the incidents rude gossip and unacceptable posts and comments and other forms of unkind communication, left by students directed towards another student or group of students. The author seems to believe that educators should take an active role to instruct their students on the rules of proper conduct over the internet and online and also while posting/commenting on a blog. While I was reading this article, I kept remembering the old adage or “golden rule” of always treating others the same way you would want to be treated. I believe that this principle should also be applied to online environments. Cyber bullies need to know that they cannot avoid punishment or consequences just because, the infraction took place online.

Q & A

What are some steps that can be taken by teachers to educate students about this issue?

I think a good way for teachers to pass on and educate students about appropriate behavior online is, have all students take a netiquette quiz. Not only will the teacher be able to see what kind of behavior the students exhibit when online, the students themselves can reflect on their own responses and know whether to modify their behavior if needed.

How soon should student be exposed to concepts of acceptable online behavior?

I feel that the sooner students are taught about good online conduct the better. Like it or not, the internet has evolved into the main realm and method of communication and interaction for most, if not all students now. And students should also know that their behavior online should be the same as if they were in a traditional face to face conversation.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Journal 4: Online Meetings

Through electronic mediums such as Elluminate, Flashmeeting, Skype/Skypecasts, Google Talk, etc. students, teachers, and, other professionals have the ability of communicating and interacting with one another virtually, via computer rather than traditional face to face meetings. Sites such as Google docs and the many more others like it, are web based learning and course administration and organization systems. The main function and purpose of the tool is to serve as an electronic learning, conferencing, and online collaboration device designed for use in an educational setting or other professional fields. Some of the variation of features included among some of these providers are: note taking features, two-way interactive video, archiving and automatic indexing of e-learning sessions, and organizational tools for teachers (pop-up announcements, sorting of participants by hand raising, timers, and other features), whiteboarding, and an assortment of other collaboration devices. Some of the benefits of the application of a tool like this, would be the paramount element of convenience and the time flexibility it gives its users. An electronic virtual format such as this, might also encourage and enhance the learning experience for shy students, or students who are less inclined to speak in a public environment. Since these student are now able to communicate and interact with teachers and peers virtually, they will be more likely to participate in class activities than before. I also commented on three peers’ tools; Ro’s tool wikis which are online collaborative websites. Where students can make/ edit their own pages and also work together with others to make pages. Joe’s tool interactive boards which are better digital versions of regular whiteboards. …”Lessons can be recorded on them and saved for students that may have been absent, built-in maps, teaching whole group computer or keyboarding skills, digital story telling, brain storming, creating project calendars, diagramming activities, teaching steps to a math lesson, and many other uses.” And Fernando’s tool screen casting which is a tool used to record the user while going through the steps of a computer application or anything else. Very useful for making online tutorials.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Journal 3: Assessment Made Easy
Citation:
Zucker, Andrew A. (Jun/Jul 2009). Assessment made easy. Learning and Leading with Technology, Retrieved July 20, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/
Publications/LL/Current_Issue/L_L_June_July.htm

Summary: The article profiled the Denver School of Science and Technology, highlighting the significance, that this school was the first to become a one to one laptop school. The article also went on to discuss all the benefits associated with the use and implementation of such technology through encouraging statistics and positive impressions given both by education professionals and students. Overall, both educators and students seem to agree that a common element to this system that both sides appreciate is the ability to give and receive constructive feedback in a more expedient way than before with traditional paper grading and scoring methods. When questioned, both students and educators seemed to really like the speed component of using the computerized system. For educators, the most appealing aspect is the fast rate a pace at which the can complete and return grades as well as, provide constructive advice. And for students, it is speed by which they get such responses from the educator that they most appreciate.

Q & A

Does Technology have a correlation with improved academic achievement?
I believe personally, that it does. As suggested in the article, the particular school has a higher percentage of high school graduates, when compared with the rest of the state of Colorado. And overall, the student exposed to this method of instruction had a more positive attitude and outlook on education and academics. In addition, educators have become more effective instructors. Because, this system enables them to gage the competency levels of their class so that, educators may assess which areas need attention.

Would this be a system of learning that could be applied to all schools and all grade levels?

I feel that it could, if it were modified to fit in with the standards and requirements of the specific grade levels. However, as suggested by the article, the use of this new technology by itself, will not necessarily guarantee academic success. There are other components which need to be in place or present. Such as, knowledgeable and effective teachers and administrators and receptive students.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Delicious Social Bookmarks

National Archives

On this fascinating web-page, I learned a lot of interesting statistics and facts regarding the influenza epidemic of 1918. Through this site, I discovered that the influenza epidemic actually was responsible for more deaths, when compared with World War I. This site also has available to anyone who is interested, a wealth of historical primary sources related to this subject. Some of which included primary source photographs and documents. I believe sites like this are very important not only for good historical reference but, also a good secure educational resource.

NEA
According to this site, some of the at risk groups are American Indians & Alaska Natives, Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders, Hispanic/Latinos, African-Americans. I think that my teaching style would more closely fit, and be more identifiable with the first three areas listed: “determine the diverse groups served by your school. Consider cultural, linguistic, racial, and ethnic diversity. Find out the degree to which families and students in these groups are accessing available school services”, “assess what your school staff perceive as their staff development needs related to providing services to each group,” and “engage school staff in discussions and activities that offer an opportunity to explore attitudes, beliefs, and values related to cultural diversity and cultural competence.” I feel that the application of these three elements will improve cultural understanding. And also promote more equity/ equality in schools.

Cyber Bullying

According to the quiz results (0-5) I’m a “cyber saint,” which is good. I found it interesting to learn that victims of bullies are often bullies. I was surprise to learn that cyber bullying actually encompassed a wide range of issues to include, “Web sites and messages vary from school bashing, administration and teacher bashing and student bashing, to cyber bullying and harassment of fellow students, vulgarities and threats, to encouraging others to hurt or kill others.” I also find it shocking that there isn’t much legislation in place right now to prevent it and preventative measures vary from district to district.

Kathy Schrock’s Guide for Educators

For “subject access,” I selected history & social science, and then selected ‘Any day in history.’ This site will allow students to choose a date like a birthday and the site will provide interesting information on the historical events that occurred that day. I think this is a good site for teaching especially history. Because, it helps connect something personal and unique to every student with historical events to help them remember. For “teacher helpers” I selected ‘Bulletin Board Ideas’ because I believe bulletin boards make classrooms more colorful and inviting.

Multiple Intelligence

My quiz results were: naturalistic 8, bodily kinesthetic 0, musical 19, interpersonal 6, intrapersonal 31, visual special 8, logical mathematical 13, and verbal linguistic 25. I learned a discovered from this site that according to Gardener, there are “seven separate human capacities: musical, verbal, physical, interpersonal, visual, logical, and intrapersonal. And not all of them, including naturalistic, could be easily evaluated by the standard measuring stick of the time: the IQ test.” Also I learned that, the ability to and level of comprehension each student has, is more significant than their ability to recall and memorize information.

Tolerance

I would like to teach 7-10 grade social science. I selected lesson 4 “Loving Across the Color Line.” The educational goals of this activity are that students will, “1.) Read an excerpt from the Supreme Court's ruling in Loving v. Virginia, deepening their appreciation for the protections provided by the Fourteenth Amendment.2.) Understand the racist premise of miscegenation laws.3.) Contrast the racist premise of those laws with the “one love” message in Kevin Michael's ‘”It Don't Make Any Difference to Me.”’ At the end of the activity, students should be able to understand the importance of diversity and equality in the classroom and beyond.

Equity Awareness Quiz

I was really surprised to learn that African American women are four times more likely to die in childbirth in the U.S due to a lack of medical care compared to white women. I honestly thought and believed that things like death in childbirth still occurred in developed nations. I also thought that there was more equality in the health care system. Although not entirely surprised, I was a little shocked to learn the amount that CEOs at a daily rate compared to the average full time worker in the U.S. an average person’s income annually, is equal to what a CEO makes in only one day’s work. Talk about unequal distribution.

Netiquette

My score was a 50% 8-( So, I obviously don’t have good netiquette and need to learn. I also think it is important to pass on good netiquette skills to students. Since, the ways and methods of peer interaction and socialization has changed and evolved. No longer is it just one to one, face to face interaction. Socialization for young people now, encompasses all electronic mediums as well. Therefore, good netiquette is crucial. = - )

Friday, July 17, 2009

Journal 2: How Teenagers Consume Media: the report that shook the City.
Citation: Robson, M. (2009, July 13). How Teenagers Consume Media: the report that shook the City. Retrieved July 17, 2009, from http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jul/13/teenage-media-habits-morgan-stanley

Summary: In this report, fifteen year old Morgan Stanley intern Matthew Robson discusses and outlines how technological innovation and evolution, has radically revolutionized the recreational and social culture of today’s adolescence. According to Robson, most of his peers he interviewed, and most teens in general are gravitating towards the use of the electronic “tech” counterparts of traditional forms of media. For example, Robson states within the article that the traditional radio has been replaced by free music downloads online and more compact portable music playing devices, like the ipod. Moreover, Robson explains that activities such as reading the newspaper or any other printed material has now become nearly obsolete. Resulting from, technology like internet and television being able to provide information faster and easier to a wider audience.

Q & A

What would the impact of all this technology have on the “traditional” classroom environment?

I believe, that the answer to this question can already be observed in many of today’s classrooms. Large projection screens are replacing customary blackboards and laptops and individual computers are replacing old-fashioned pencil and paper. Furthermore, entire books and other print resources are being converted into electronic and digital versions.

Are there any dangers to having too much technology?

Yes, I believe that there are potential dangers that could arise from the use and dependence of too much technology. Mainly, the detachment from humanity and nature. Of course, technology provides two things that most people want: ease and convenience. However, I feel that people are still in need of more of the face to face and emotional contact and connection.
Journal 1: Do Your Teachers Need a Personal Trainer?
Citation: Owens, Aileen M (June/July 2009). Do your teachers need a personal trainer? Learning & Leading with Technology, Retrieved 07-13-09, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/Current_Issue/L_L_June_July.htm


Summary: This article brings to the forefront and highlights the issues of how best to, and the most efficient and effective methods in which technology can be incorporated by educators, in a manner that best serves students and teacher within the environment of the classroom. This article then discusses how, the more “traditional” technology training educators were receiving from tech professionals were too time consuming and “labor intensive” for both the educators as well as the trained technologists. As a result, an innovative solution to the problem was considered and put into action. The “Internship Program for Instructional Technology” wherein, university students who were knowledgeable and skilled in technological applications and processes, were “matched” with teachers in need of technological assistance. According to the article, the program is for the most part a success and mutually beneficial for all parties involved.

Q & A
How significant has the component of technology become in the classroom setting?

As the article suggests and implies, the incorporation of technology with education methods and strategies is the professional goal of most educators. Therefore, by utilizing the “student trainer” method teachers become more self-assured and more able to apply “the appropriate pedagogy and instructional strategies, and provide opportunities and support…” for themselves and those they teach.

Could it be possible that in the near future, this valuable tool will become more widely available?

According to the article, the student technology internship seems to be a relatively new program that overall, has been proven successful. And similar to aspects of the technological field, this program will continuously evolve and develop for the better. One can only hope that this program will be able to in the future, branch out from its initial starting point and become a tool and educational resource that is more widely available and accessible. Because, as the statistics in the article suggest the outcome of this program is positive and will continue to have far reaching benefits in a wide variety of areas. Including but not limited to the area of education.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Introduction


My name is Rolane Chen and I was born and raised in California. Growing up, I attended mostly special education classes up until middle school. I have attended a wide variety of schools beginning with: Canyon View Elementary Pomerado Elementary(in Poway), Mesa Verde Middle School and went on to Mt. Carmel High School. Most recently, I graduated from Cal State San Marcos with a Bachelor of Arts in History during the Fall 2008 semester.
One of my most favorite things to do is travel and get the opportunity to explore and experience different cultures and countries. To date, I have visited some seventeen countries including: Argentina, Chile, China, Croatia, France, Italy, Mexico, and Spain. One of my favorite "reality" shows aside from American Idol is The Amazing Race which aires on CBS. I also enjoy studying and learning world history (I watch the History Channel on a daily basis). I also love to learn to speak different languages; I currently speak English,Chinese, and some Spanish, and I'm now trying to learn German. My first impression of the "Mission Statement" was that it appeared very practical albeit, idealistic in some of its goals and intentions. However, I do admire and respect the COE's position on the implementation of collective learning and personal reflection and retrospect.
I have very little (okay none really) experience or knowledge when it comes to operating or using Mac computers. I have only been using my trusty, dependable PC up until now. Maybe I will be converted by the end of this class. I have come to the realization by having done the field observations in Edu. 350, how much technology in the classroom has developed and evolved since my school days and become such a fundamental and significant instrument of education.