Journal #4

“From Toy to Tool”
By Liz Kolb

Summary of article:
Liz Kolb argues cell phones are not just toys, they can be an educational tool. Educators often face recreational technology entering the classroom. Instead of trying to fight it, Kolb decided to use it. She proposes student cell phones can be used to post audioblogs. Students use cell phones to communicate and collaborate with the world. Maintaining a blog can be done through the use of a cellular telephone. A standard on newer cell phones is the option to record; and posting an audio recording can enhance the web log experience. The world around students deserves consideration for potential use in the classroom. Posting an interview taken outside of the classroom allows for creativity and engages students to use proper communications skills.

Questions:
I. New technology poses concerns. As a teacher how could I avoid foreseeable issues?
There are two concerns that I agree with Kolb: Privacy and Copyright Laws. In order to protect student privacy, a classroom web log will have to have an identification number and password in order to enter. In addition, students will be educated on permission slips. Any person interviewed or audio clipped must sign a waver form before sound is posted on web site. I could spend time going over copyright infringement laws and quizzing the students on them to avoid possible problems.

II. What’s so special about audioblogs?
Audioblogging may not be regularly assigned in classroom projects. However, having options when it comes to technology can be a wonderful asset as well as fun. Combining usefulness and fun is the key to perking student interest. A teacher can better intrigue his/her students if the material gives room for students to actively engage. The best way to accomplish that is by taking what the students like and creating an educational use for it.

Journal #3

“Video in the Age of Participation”
By Glenn Bull

Summary of article:
Glenn Bull states digital video is the next cutting edge arena in education. This technology will give educators the opportunity to select footage to pinpoint subject matter and enhance it through visual aids. Bull gives the example of the National Geographic website with a link to Pete’s Pond. This link allows viewers to observe African wildlife in real time. This wild cam allows real time learning which better connects students to material taught. In addition, Discovery education offers teachers a variety of short segment clips that fit with specific teaching objectives. This source also provides online digital video editing, which enables teachers and students to create montages of video clips. Technology gives way to direct information shaped for a specific audience.

Questions:
II. How does this technology differ from past videos shared in class?
Instead of an entire video shown to a class pertaining to one idea, a teacher will have the ability to shape digital videos to cover many aspects of learned material. To custom design short segment clips based on subject matter allows an opportunity for up to date information. While going to school I have noticed some in class videos seem decades old. More current clips will better strike student interests.

II. What are the benefits of students creating his/her own video clips.
I believe any opportunity for a student to create is very powerful. Technology is a wonderful tool to make thoughts come to life. The art of expression through video clips and montages may spark an outlet and/or ignite inspiration. If a student is free to think and learn in a creative atmosphere, education becomes exciting!

Journal #2

“Breathing Fire into Web 2.0”
By Justin Hardman and David Carpenter

Summary of article:
In this article, Hardman and Carpenter discuss schools lacking good communication between its teachers and its students. Technology has been presented as an answer to better communication and aid collaboration between administrators, teachers, students, and parents. A web tool called myDragonNet was developed by the Hong Kong International Schools (HKIS) in order to incorporate the needs of administrators, teachers, and students in a universal system. HKIS created a program that consisted of three key elements: I. classroom and group management, II. curriculum development, and III. electronic portfolios. These three components in this specialized program are designed to personalize an educational workspace, as well as promote social networking.

Questions:
I. How could the myDragonNet program help the public school experience?
This program allows a form for all students to participate. Many public school classrooms are over crowded which presents difficulty for teacher-student relations as well as student-student relations. The myDragonNet program allots a time and a place for teachers to reach out and create a more personal relationship with ones students. It also is an outlet for students that may be too shy to interject in a standard classroom setting. I believe this program has many benefits that would positively affect the classroom.

II. What about the students that do not have computers at home?
Throughout high school I did not have a computer at home. Many of my papers were completed at the library or at my grandparents’ house. Although technology is a great asset, it can be a huge inconvenience for those without. Teachers should do a consensus to see what types of technology are readily available to the students. There should not be an overwhelming amount of technological assignments. A balanced amount of required computer time will be equitable for students with easy access and for those without.

Journal #1

“Professors adjust their methods to reach technology-savvy generation”
By Elanor Yag Su

Summary of article:
In a society saturated with instant information, students are becoming distracted by technology. Beth Simon, a professor at UCSD, is on the front lines. She has developed software that constantly quizzes students understanding of covered concepts and material. The college experience is changing. Students are eager to incorporate the latest technology in work and leisure time. Many professors find teaching this generation of college students challenging, however a rewarding aspect is the increased teacher-student communications through the use of technology.

Questions:
I. What are some of the pros attending college in this technology-savvy generation?
Attending college amongst an array of technology allows for a very creative learning environment. Many classes are conducted through professional presentations created on Power Point by teachers and students. These visually appealing educational tools enable information to be updated and accessible with a click of a button. Class weblogs are another invention by this generation. Topics can be reflected upon and discussed amongst a professor and his/her students in an ongoing cyber klatch.

II. What are some of the cons attending college in this technology-savvy generation?
The article mentions the problems associated with multi-tasking, which creates quantity over quality. I agree with this notion and link it with a very fast past and demanding education. Another con I have noticed the failure to remember how it was before this influx of technology. I have seen college students not able to find a book in the library according to the dewy decimal system. One student commented that she was so used to gathering research off of the internet that it had been such a long time since she has had to look up an actual book.