Upon completion of visiting the following websites, I have familiarized myself with the startling reality of cyberbullying, cyberharassment, and cyberstalking. It is truly unbelieveable to me that all of this has escalated to a new level in the twenty first century. According to several of the websites, because of the anonymity aspect, bullies feel more empowered. You never know who is talking to you in the chat room, or if they are truly who they say they are.
According to the USA Today article located in the second required website, this terrible situation is not always obvious to parents of teachers. It is the jobs of the parents and teachers to make themselves aware of the sites children are visiting while at school and especially at home. As a parent of a teenager, it scares me to think about all the potential harm the internet and technology can have on my son. We have to monitor our children. Additionally, these sites I researched talked about prevention and awareness. As stated earlier, the key is to become aware of what our kids are doing on line. The website entitled "Put an End to Cyberbullying" discusses some options parents do have. One option, which I thought was particularly necessary, was obtaining a software product that monitors and records details of PC/internet use. It is called SpectorPro, and it seems to be an excellent idea.
Some of the articles that I read while researching were very disturbing. Paricularly the story about Lori Drew, which I clearly remember in the news, is a true sign of the times. Unfortunately, there were no legislative laws against cyberbullying at the time of her trial. Although a jury found this mother of teenagers, guilty, the judge had to overturn the ruling. Lori Drew played a cruel joke on a young Megan Meier, acting as a love interest via My Space. Lori's motive behind this cruel act was to obtain information about her own daughter. Pure gossip and lying cost this young 13 year old her life. She was vulnerable, as most 13 year olds are, and when she received a message from "Josh" aka....Lori, that the world would be a better place without her, Megan committed suicide.
Some of the websites were awesome, in that they offered help, information, and just made people more aware of this horrible situation. The MTV site is geared more towards teens, which I feel is great. Perhaps if a teen knows someone who is being cyberbullied or is a cyberbully, they can refer to the site for advice. The other sites offer parents warning signs and ways to prevent cyberbullying.
I think that because the internet is such a vast platform for communication, parents and educators need to become more aware of its harmful results, as stated in the aboveformentioned stories. As a future educator, I will hopefully not encounter too many situations where cyberbullying is a problem. Although, technology is always changing and you never know what the future holds. I will try to ensure that my students are well informed about cyberbullies, cyberharrassment, and cyberstalking. It is all about abolishing ignorance and becoming aware as a community, whether it is in the classroom or at home. Some of the statistics are startling, and many of the required websites provided such statistics as a way of making our world aware just how dangerous the situation is.
Some obvious problems that can arise from cyberbullying are missing school, drop in grades, low self esteem or self worth. A lot of kids will stop eating or act depressed. Some of the sites mentioned how boys have a tendancy to cyberbully in a sexual manner, whereas girls usually bully about how someone may look. The fact that the "bashing" can be seen by the victim's entire peer group can have devastating results. Through IM, texting, email, chatrooms, and internet web sites, these bullies find their way to their victims. In the technological world we live in, it seems unavoidable, but it is not. It is best to educate ourselves, learn more about how to prevent situations from arising, as well as blocking incoming communication from a potential bully.
In closing, I want to make sure that my kids and my furture students are aware of cyberbullying. I want them to know that they do not have to take abuse and that it is necessary to tell an adult immediately. We can confront bullies, cyber or otherwise, and put an end to their destruction. I have included some additional sites regarding cyberbullying.
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/07/drew_court/
http://www.cyberbullying.org/
http://www.online-bully.com/index.html
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2005-03-06-cover-cyberbullies_x.htm
http://www.athinline.org/
The following site was an article taken from Fox News as recently as last month. A young girl from Ireland, who had been experiencing ridicule and harassment from her classmates, committed suicide. The article talks about the Facebook harassment and texts that two teenage boys engaged in with the young 15 year old, Phoebe Prince. There are charges pending.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584057,00.html
The following site is a "Workshop" for kids with games, real stories, activities, and help. This month's feature topic was a series on cyberbullying.
http://www.netsmartz.org/resources/reallife.htm
The next informational site features many icons entitled, GIRLS, BOYS, TEENS, SCHOOL, CYBER, DVDs, BOOKS, HELP.....It is a site to visit to gain more insight into the growing problem.
http://www.stop-bullies.com/cyber-bullying/index.html
Again, the following site is totally informational. It is geared toward parents and preventing cyberbullying. There is a feature article from Teri Brown regarding Cyberbullies and how they are on the rise.
http://www.preteenagerstoday.com/articles/safety/cyber-bullies-974/
Lastly, this site feature tips on preventing cyberbullying from starting in the first place. An article by Linda Criddle lists many different warning signs to look for, as well as what to do if your child is being bullied. It is a PTA.....every child, one voice site. It also talked about what to do if your child is the one doing the bullying.
http://www.pta.org/2210.htm
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Reflective Blog #2/Article 5
Flowers, J., Kirkwood, J., (2002). Elementary technology
education for teachers. Technology & Children Journal, (Vol. 6) (3),
8-10. Retrieved from EBSCO Host Academic Search.
The convenience of on-line courses is a huge factor in deciding whether or not to take them. This article states the advantages to signing up to supplement teachers' current knowledge. A lot of teachers decide to go for their masters degrees. In doing so, they are overloaded with work, family, and school. Offering on line courses, as all universities and colleges do, provide for much flexibility. Furthermore, because technology is changing so rapidly, the courses allow teachers to stay on top of the latest advances. Additionally, teachers require support from their school and administrators to provide any additional curriculum and materials that may be needed. Again, the focus is on the teachers staying "in the loop" as far as technology is concerned. The more educated our educators are, the better the instruction they can deliver.
education for teachers. Technology & Children Journal, (Vol. 6) (3),
8-10. Retrieved from EBSCO Host Academic Search.
The convenience of on-line courses is a huge factor in deciding whether or not to take them. This article states the advantages to signing up to supplement teachers' current knowledge. A lot of teachers decide to go for their masters degrees. In doing so, they are overloaded with work, family, and school. Offering on line courses, as all universities and colleges do, provide for much flexibility. Furthermore, because technology is changing so rapidly, the courses allow teachers to stay on top of the latest advances. Additionally, teachers require support from their school and administrators to provide any additional curriculum and materials that may be needed. Again, the focus is on the teachers staying "in the loop" as far as technology is concerned. The more educated our educators are, the better the instruction they can deliver.
Reflective Blog #2/Article 4
Hinshaw, Craig. (2001). One approach to elementary computer art. Arts
& Activities (Vol. 130) (2). 40-42. Retrieved from EDSCO Host
Academic Search.
Craig Hinshaw's research into computer art in the classroom is a sign of advancement in technology. The article focuses on a stylus being used in place of a mouse for a drawing instrument. Especially geared toward elementary aged students, the stylus allowed the art class to create many different and colored shapes on the computer. The second graders featured in the article got their "feet wet" by learning how to change color, shape, and text from the Windows based program. Not only were they receiving excellent knowledge on computer usage, but they were also having a lot of fun creating pictures. Additionally, the teacher had her students write an imaginative story to go along with thier picture. They were required to use the names of the shapes they used, as well as, the drawing they created. Overall, the computer is an awesome tool for creating art. The technology in classrooms is for more than just reading and math. Teaching computer drawing skills is rapidly becoming more popular.
& Activities (Vol. 130) (2). 40-42. Retrieved from EDSCO Host
Academic Search.
Craig Hinshaw's research into computer art in the classroom is a sign of advancement in technology. The article focuses on a stylus being used in place of a mouse for a drawing instrument. Especially geared toward elementary aged students, the stylus allowed the art class to create many different and colored shapes on the computer. The second graders featured in the article got their "feet wet" by learning how to change color, shape, and text from the Windows based program. Not only were they receiving excellent knowledge on computer usage, but they were also having a lot of fun creating pictures. Additionally, the teacher had her students write an imaginative story to go along with thier picture. They were required to use the names of the shapes they used, as well as, the drawing they created. Overall, the computer is an awesome tool for creating art. The technology in classrooms is for more than just reading and math. Teaching computer drawing skills is rapidly becoming more popular.
Reflective Blog #2/Article 3
(2007). Student response systems integrate with curriculum and
classroom technology. Electronic Education Report. (Vol. 14) (4).
4-6. Retrieved from EBSCO Host Academic Search.
This article focuses on technological resources that are necessary to supplement the already existing curriculum. Quizdom, a student response curriculum provides the additional curriculum through computer games and quizzes. Students are typically engaged in the computer lab, thereby allowing the teacher to add on to their prior knowledge already obtained in the classroom. Through such products as Quizdom, administrators can also reap the benefits. Data and student information can be tracked and updated throughout the day. Again, this article is proof that our classrooms are advancing technologically and we need to keep up with the trends.
classroom technology. Electronic Education Report. (Vol. 14) (4).
4-6. Retrieved from EBSCO Host Academic Search.
This article focuses on technological resources that are necessary to supplement the already existing curriculum. Quizdom, a student response curriculum provides the additional curriculum through computer games and quizzes. Students are typically engaged in the computer lab, thereby allowing the teacher to add on to their prior knowledge already obtained in the classroom. Through such products as Quizdom, administrators can also reap the benefits. Data and student information can be tracked and updated throughout the day. Again, this article is proof that our classrooms are advancing technologically and we need to keep up with the trends.
Reflective Blog #2/Article 2
Cocco, Anthony M., (2007). Managing personality types in the computer
classroom. TechDirections Journal, (Vol. 55) (2), 15-17.
Retrieved from EBSCO Host Academic Search.
This article specifies the issues teachers deal with in the computer classroom. Although personalities clash in regular classrooms, the author's focus on the computer classroom is a sign of the changing times, with all the technological advances and internet access. The teacher can see the diverse abilities in their students by their "know it all" personality to the "timid and unsure" computer student. Just as in regular classrooms, the teacher needs to be aware of individual learners and their needs. Many teachers experience students with vast knowledge, who could very well posess the same amount of computer ability as the teacher. Furthermore, the teacher may run into another type of problem; resistance. This article goes on to express the importance of classroom management in diverse levels of experience and knowledge. Basically, having excellent management skills will untimately lead to success in any classroom.
classroom. TechDirections Journal, (Vol. 55) (2), 15-17.
Retrieved from EBSCO Host Academic Search.
This article specifies the issues teachers deal with in the computer classroom. Although personalities clash in regular classrooms, the author's focus on the computer classroom is a sign of the changing times, with all the technological advances and internet access. The teacher can see the diverse abilities in their students by their "know it all" personality to the "timid and unsure" computer student. Just as in regular classrooms, the teacher needs to be aware of individual learners and their needs. Many teachers experience students with vast knowledge, who could very well posess the same amount of computer ability as the teacher. Furthermore, the teacher may run into another type of problem; resistance. This article goes on to express the importance of classroom management in diverse levels of experience and knowledge. Basically, having excellent management skills will untimately lead to success in any classroom.
Reflective Blog#2/Article 1
Kereluik, K., Koehler, M., Mishra, P. (2009). The song remains the
same: looking back to the furture if educational technology,
TechTrends (Vol. 53) (5), 48-53. Retrieved from EBSCO Host
Academic.
This article represents the concern over the ever-changing technology and how it affects the classroom. The authors' explain the importance of continuous appraisals of curriculum to ensure that new subject matter is included. Technology, as a resource, can play a key role in the manner in which the curriculum is taught. Frederick Devereux wrote an article expressing his amazement of the advances in technology in the classroom comparing it to the principle of the wheel to transportation. Starting with an overhead projector and ending with personal computers for each student demonstrated the fast paced advancements toward technological classrooms for the 21st century. However, it appears that many schools are having a hard time keeping up with the technology. The authors' fear that because time is needed for educators to learn the new technologies, that students may be delayed in processing all the latest advancements. Teachers have to upgrade and invest their own time to familiarize themselves with the latest changes. Additionally, teachers are expected to anticipate technological changes and proactively prepare. Furthermore, Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge or (TPACK) framework is a step towards understanding what makes a technology an educational technology, according to the author. In closing, veteran teachers need to convey to pre-service teachers to be ambitious in focusing on technology in the classroom. Clearly, the content of technology has changed with current teachers learning more and more everyday.
same: looking back to the furture if educational technology,
TechTrends (Vol. 53) (5), 48-53. Retrieved from EBSCO Host
Academic.
This article represents the concern over the ever-changing technology and how it affects the classroom. The authors' explain the importance of continuous appraisals of curriculum to ensure that new subject matter is included. Technology, as a resource, can play a key role in the manner in which the curriculum is taught. Frederick Devereux wrote an article expressing his amazement of the advances in technology in the classroom comparing it to the principle of the wheel to transportation. Starting with an overhead projector and ending with personal computers for each student demonstrated the fast paced advancements toward technological classrooms for the 21st century. However, it appears that many schools are having a hard time keeping up with the technology. The authors' fear that because time is needed for educators to learn the new technologies, that students may be delayed in processing all the latest advancements. Teachers have to upgrade and invest their own time to familiarize themselves with the latest changes. Additionally, teachers are expected to anticipate technological changes and proactively prepare. Furthermore, Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge or (TPACK) framework is a step towards understanding what makes a technology an educational technology, according to the author. In closing, veteran teachers need to convey to pre-service teachers to be ambitious in focusing on technology in the classroom. Clearly, the content of technology has changed with current teachers learning more and more everyday.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Teacher Blog # 2 (Paul Bogush - 8th grade social studies)
http://blogush.edublogs.org/
This blog was totally hilarious. The creator, an 8th grade social studies teacher, has many humorous anicdotes throughout the blog. I really liked his videos scattered throughout the blog. One was funnier than the next. I particularly liked the discussion on how to use your iphone during lunch to boost grades. Additionally, the opening post talked about his students "asking him to go pee". It was really funny as he explained how he does not need to grant permission. He only requires the students inform him of their whereabouts, not if they can use the bathroom. (funny stuff) He also had a very large collection of videos with titles, such as, "Questions that make us think", or "Videos that make us laugh". Overall, the blog was easy on the eyes and fun to read. It was pretty plain, but very effective. I would recommend this blog to a peer, as it was very funny and could be very helpful.
This blog was totally hilarious. The creator, an 8th grade social studies teacher, has many humorous anicdotes throughout the blog. I really liked his videos scattered throughout the blog. One was funnier than the next. I particularly liked the discussion on how to use your iphone during lunch to boost grades. Additionally, the opening post talked about his students "asking him to go pee". It was really funny as he explained how he does not need to grant permission. He only requires the students inform him of their whereabouts, not if they can use the bathroom. (funny stuff) He also had a very large collection of videos with titles, such as, "Questions that make us think", or "Videos that make us laugh". Overall, the blog was easy on the eyes and fun to read. It was pretty plain, but very effective. I would recommend this blog to a peer, as it was very funny and could be very helpful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
