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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Teacher Blog #1 (( So You Want to Teach)

http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/

This was a very insightful blog.  Apparently the blog is celebrating its third anniversary, as many posts refer to its development.  The creator writes about starting up the site and the amount of fun she had with it.  She has a wide variety of subject matter ideal for teachers.  On the left side of her blog, there is a list of topics ranging from "Top Five Teacher Characteristics" to "Why do Teacher's Quit?"  I read both blogs and they were very interesting.  There are also informative blogs about stress relief and how to keep students engaged.  As a future educator, I would find this information extremely helpful.  The blog itself was very cheerful, as the first thing the viewer sees is serene grass and puffy white clouds.......a very nice touch.  I would definately recommend this blog, as it was concise and to the point.  This was probably my favorite blog of the six

Educational Blog #2 (Yes Teach!)

http://www/shoemap.edublogs.org/

This was an excellent blog site.  I really liked the creator's technological background regarding teaching in the 21st century.  The formats and colors are pretty conservative, but the video at the beginning was totally creative.  The video is about 4 minutes long, as it tells the story of mass communication and sharing information through a cute animation.  Furthermore, the blog contained a Google Earth link, stating that one can see the Las Vegas strip in 1950. (pretty cool!!!)  There is also a section where the creator has a book review, as well as, discussion of learning style.  I thought that this blog was interesting and pretty straight forward.  There was a lot of information and it was kept current.  I woud recommend this blog to a peer, as it is creative and intriguing.

Educational Blog #1 (A Chat with Mary)

http://achatwithmary.blogspot.com/

The first education blog that I found to be interesting was created by a teacher.  Mary Frazier was a junior high teacher for 28 years, then becoming a technology specialist.  The blog is an educational assortment of information, as well as personal touches from Mary.  The blog includes metrics, games, and a personal profile of the creator, Mary.  Overall, the blog was pretty creative.  However, it has not been updated from Mary since December.  I liked the different animations she used, yet there was not a lot of color.  I do not think I would recommend this blog to my peers.  There are so many wonderful blogs out there, and this one just lacks excitement.

Classroom Blog #2 (Mrs. Frandsen's Class)

http://www.missfrandsensclass.blogspot.com/

I thought this blog was wonderful, as well.  Just as the first blog captured the viewer, Mrs. Frandsen's did also.  Her use of video movies and montages were outstanding.  She listed several different activities for her classroom, including shapes and an in class trip with a Native American.  Also interesting was her graphic that displayed who has been on her site.  There was an individual from Germany under my Crystal Lake location.  Mrs. Frandsen chose a polka dot background, which is certainly fun for a second grade blog.  She seemed to make sure that all of the students were photographed in different perspectives of her classroom.  I particularly like the two blogs I choses because I can see where they would be a useful resource in my future classroom.  I would recommend this blog too.

Classroom Blog #1 (Mrs. Hossack's First Graders)

http://teachers.saschina.org/ahossack

The first blog I chose was Mrs. Hossack's first grade.  This blog was so nicely done.  Mrs. Hossack is a first grade teacher in China.  She gives a biography of herself, as well as several photos.  She includes adorable photos of her first graders.  I loved the little girls in their beautiful silk dresses. 

Some topics on the blog were the first graders lessons and topics of interest.  For example, Mrs. Hossack wrote about the completion of the unit discussing Marc Brown, the author of Arthur.  There are games, updates on activities, and reviews of the students' daily work.  One of the posts I read was from a grandmother of a student in Mrs. Hossack's class.  She lives in the United States and is able to stay informed about her granddaughter through this wonderful blog.  I thought that was an excellent resource for that particular family.  The colors were bright and cheery.  I especially liked the way Mrs. Hossack displayed pictures of her first graders.  She had some animations, as well.  There was a graphic for mapping whoever visits the blog, which was pretty impressive.  Overall, I enjoyed the blog and would definately recommend it to a classmate.