Journal 5

Is Cursive Writing Worth Teaching?

Eilts, Sharon. "Is Cursive Writing Worth Teaching?." Learning and Leading. 39.2 (2011): n. page. Web. 29 Nov. 2011. <http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Is_Cursive_Writing_Worth_Teaching.asp&xgt;.  

Summary: The article was a very interesting read. For a while now I have been thinking about this topic and wondering if cursive is still a large part of elementary curriculum. The article does a great job highlighting both arguments to the discussion. Leanne Potter holds the argument that students should in fact be taught cursive. She states that she has taken her students on multiple field trips to museums where historic documents are written in cursive. Students would not be able to understand the documents and read the cursive writing with out this educational practice. Leanne also recalls being at a museum once and over hearing a 6 year old say she can't wait to learn cursive! Leanne states that this is important because students still very much show interest in the topic and we should not take that away from them. Everyone has a unique signature and by not teaching our students this basic skill  the beauty of various cursive forms will be obsolete. Leanne also says that if students are not exposed to cursive writing they will have no interest in it later on in life and historic writings will be of no value to them. On the other hand Sharon Eilts has an opposing argument. She states that cursive writing has become obsolete and the mode in which students choose to write should not matter. Sharon states that with technology students can easily choose from hundreds of different scripts including cursive! Also as far as signatures go it is more commonly seen then not to have electronic signatures. Sharon feels we should spend time teaching our students other skills and not spend hours working on our cursive. Sharon feels we should move towards the future with technology and not be stuck in the past.

Question: How do you feel about teaching cursive in the classrooms?

Answer: I have to agree with both sides of the argument which would lead me to believe a good mixture of both should be incorporated into the classroom. I agree with Sharon that our students should not be spending hours in the classroom learning cursive but at the same time I do not feel it should be obsolete and never taught. Our students need to be well rounded and capable of having the skill in writing in cursive.

Question: How can we incorporate both views into the classroom?

Answer:  We can incorporate technology into the classroom and teach students how to use different scripts on the computer and if anything help them learn how to spell their name in cursive so that they have their own unique signature for life. Students may be able to find a cursive style they like on the computer and practice writing it on their paper. This would be a neat way for them to connect with technology and the paper.

Journal 9

Reading Redefined for a Transmedia Universe

Lamb, Annette. "Reading Redefined for a Transmedia Universe." Learning and Leading with Technology. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. <http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-november-2011.asp&xgt;.

This particular article presented many highlights that I had never really considered before. Since my childhood there has been many advances in the technological world in regards to reading tablets and other multimedia reading sources. The article by Annette Lamb goes into great detail about the advances in reading technology. First Annette discusses positives such that students are now downloading classroom texts or using e-readers instead of carrying around 40 pound backpacks. This is certainly a positive advancement. For years medical doctors are always talking about the harm of heavy backpacks and students. Annette then poses the question of what does it really mean to read a book? Her response was reading is the process of constructing meaning from symbols. This is an important statement to note because there is a lot of negative hype about digital books rather than paperback books. If a student can construct meaning from symbols presented then that is the definition of reading. There are also many features of e-books that one cannot accomplish with a basic paperback book such as: highlighting tools, dictionaries, digital book marks, font/size change, and note taking tools! Just as well many of these technological e-readers can pronounce words for the reader which will help advance reading skills. It is stated that struggling readers benefit from interactive readers. There are of course always negatives to any side of an argument. The negatives of interactive readers is that often readers can become lost/distracted in the reading from "eye candy" associated with the text. Another main point is that even though there are arrows directing the reader to move forward in the text, often students tend to go backwards and then there is no set path like a traditional book. I feel there needs to be a good combination of both traditional books as well as interactive readers. Educators need to recognize the needs of their students and then proceed from there. 

Question: Do you feel interactive readers should be the the sole source for future students?

Answer: I feel there needs to be a good mix of both traditional books as well as interactive readers. If students rely heavily on e-readers or interactive tools then they may not be comfortable with a traditional book and may even have difficulty staying focused. I agree that certain students would benefit from interactive readers especially if they have language difficulties. 

Question: How educators use interactive readers to help in the classroom?

Answer: Certain e-readers or interactive programs can track a students progress. This will help educators become familiar with the progress of each student and can then help them advance accordingly. These online assessments will help educators remain organized and will also know what level each student is at.

Journal 6 - Google+ -

"Google+: The Complete Guide"

Parr, B. (2011, July 16). Google : the complete guide. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2011/07/16/google-plus-guide/

Summary: I found this blog highly beneficial. Before taking this technology class I had always heard to buzz about Google+ but I had never taken the time or the interest to create my own account. I have had a Facebook for several years and the thought of having to "re-start" my social network with Google+ seemed a bit overwhelming. This blog has made the entire Google+ process seem very simple! There are a lot of aspects about Google+ that most users would be unaware of without reading this step by step guide. Perhaps the most intriguing feature of Google+ would be the "circles." I love the idea that you can set up who you choose to share information with. On Facebook there are privacy settings that allow you to prevent certain users from seeing content on you page but it is actually very confusing. Google+ makes it easy to set up circles which will help you manage who is able to see what on your page. I also really like the "hangout" feature that Google+ offers. Hangout makes chatting with your friends so easy! This video chat service makes it simple for individuals to come together and collaborate on projects, catch up, meet new people, etc. I love the feature that allows users on hangout the ability to watch Youtube videos together! This is a wonderful feature. Google+ is a much cleaner social network that appears much more professional than its competitors. After reading this blog article I have definitely been motivated to expand my Google+ account and start customizing it.

Question: How does the "spark" feature benefit classroom learning?

Answer: Sparks is a content recommendation engine that finds the most relevant and interesting articles and videos on almost any subject you can imagine. This can help students in the classroom find relevant articles to classroom discussion and further their knowledge on the subject. Students will also be able to share this information between each other and comment on what they find interesting.

"Educators-Google Plus is For You"

Brogan, C. (2011, September 30). Educators - google plus is for you. Retrieved from http://www.chrisbrogan.com/gpluseducators/

Summary: Chris Brogan helps educators see how simple and educational Google+ can be for classrooms. This article started off by helping educators see how easy it is to set up a Google+ account. It is advised that each student in the classroom start to add each other in "circles." These circles will allow students to share information between each other and only relevant content to the classroom discussions will be seen by the class. Brogan then  recommends that educators post lesson plans, share YouTube videos, photos, and more via links. This will then allow students to comment on these posts and get involved in classroom discussions. The collaboration between students will be present for the teacher to see as well as other classmates. This makes it easy for educators to see how the discussions are going. Probably the most beneficial for the students is the feature of "hangout." Students can set up video chats between classmates and get involved in class discussions. Brogan also suggests that special guests can be invited into the hangouts! This would be a great opportunity to get guest speakers from around the world into the classroom discussions!

Question: Do you agree that Google+ can be beneficial to a classroom?

Answer: Yes, I definitely agree that Google+ can be beneficial to a classroom. Especially after learning about the hangout feature. Often times it can be difficult for educators to schedule public speakers. Hangout on Google+ allows for a more convenient way to align schedules. I also feel it is a great way for educators to easily see classroom discussion between students.

Journal 4 – NETS-T # 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

It’s in the Bag Basham, J., Perry, E., & Meyer, H. (2011). It's in the bag. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(2), 24. http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october-2011.aspx

SUMMARY: This article was very interesting. I agree with the first part of the article where it states that many teachers want to incorporate technology into their classrooms. It is refreshing to hear that teachers are thinking outside of the box and are trying to engage their students with technology and trying to go bigger than just using a pen and a piece of paper. Technology I feel helps students become creative and it as well shapes them for their future. The idea that every student should have a “digital backpack” is interesting. The article explains that each backpack should include the following: Foundational Technology, Modular Technology, and Instructional Support Materials. Thankfully the article goes into detail and explains what each of these requirements entails. The foundational technology is simply the object that the student will use, for example, a laptop or a tablet to help support instructional content. Next modular technology would include, hardware, devices, and software chosen to meet specific instructional goals and desired outcomes… this could be for example a digital camcorder. Lastly the instructional support materials include things like curriculum resources that provide the structure, guidance, and specific information learners need to understand the content and finish the task. The importance of having a digital back pack is vast! Students will be able to do things hands on and see how it is done rather than just learning through a basic lecture. I am glad that more research like this is being done with our educational system. Improvement is always better!

QUESTION: How would incorporating a digital back pack in my classroom benefit the students?

ANSWER: The students would be able to experience lesson plans first hand rather than just hearing a lecture. Students would be able to be more creative with the specific topic and as well learn technology that will help them throughout life.

QUESTION: How would I be able to obtain digital back packs for a school that is not up to date?

ANSWER: Hopefully I could talk with the school that I work for and give different articles and support that shows students benefit with having technology incorporated into the classrooms. Maybe I could reach out to parents and see if they would be willing to help support their child’s learning with technology. Technology is a very important aspect of education and I hope that with time it will be included in every classroom.

Journal 3 – NETS-T # 4; C: promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.

Students Dig Up Dirt to Learn about Internet Safety

Morehouse, J. (2011). Students dig up dirt to learn about internet safety. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(2), 34. http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october-2011.aspx

SUMMARY: I was blown away by this article. The truth is the majority of people who use social networking sites do not realize what kind of information they are putting out for the world to see. My goal is to teach elementary school students. I was thinking this would be a more suitable assignment for older students. I loved Jesse’s idea of choosing someone random online and then creating a presentation about this unknown person with the information you find about them by using basic search engines. I know that after reading this article I want to go through a lot of my own personal privacy settings on the social networks I am apart of. The problem is a lot of the privacy settings are complicated and not straight forward. I am sure I can look up a recommended privacy setting list as Jesse offered to his students. It is unfortunate that so many young adults/teenagers are using these social networking sites and are creating a negative internet image of them selves. If educators or parents can present this information to students early on it will help them create a better image of themselves for a lifetime. Being safe on the internet is important and this exercise is a wonderful way for students to connect to its importance.

QUESTION: How can I make myself more “private” on the internet?

ANSWER: I plan on using a basic search engine and searching for myself on the web. I want to see what kind of information is gathered by doing this. If I notice information that I do not wish to be on the internet maybe I can possible tweak my social network settings or account information related to different sites I may be apart of.

QUESTION: How can I get parents involved in internet safety with their children?

ANSWER: I feel that providing parents with the recommended privacy settings for different social networks is a great way for them to help their children in making sure they are safe on the internet. Encouraging parents to participate in this “digging up dirt” exercise will help them be more aware of their child’s internet image and can hopefully become positive role models themselves in providing the world with a positive internet image.

Journal 2 – NETS-T # 3 Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock. Learning and Leading With Technology, 37(8), 12-14. McClintock Miller, S. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning and Leading With Technology, 37(8), 14-17. http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2010.aspx

“Join the Flock” – Hadley Ferguson

SUMMARY: Hadley Ferguson does an awesome job introducing Twitter and explaining the basic functions that it has to offer users. I found the article interesting because before our technology class I had never had a Twitter account. I didn’t realize that it is actually a tool that is helpful for educators both in and out of the classroom. The term “PLN” (professional learning network) is a term that I had never heard of before reading this article. It makes sense that people from around the world can come together and share information for professional development as well as common interests. The thing I like about Twitter is that you can actively follow users but you don’t have to join in on the conversation if you choose not to. Twitter allows users to be as active/non-active as they choose to be. I can clearly see how Twitter would be useful for professional development in any field of expertise. Twitter is also a great tool to incorporate into the classroom so students can follow issues/topics relevant to class as well as share knowledge with other classmates. I hope to build on my Twitter experience.

QUESTION 1: How can Twitter be used for professional development?  

ANSWER: Twitter is a wonderful way for anyone to gain professional development. For starters conducting a list to relevant key terms (associated with your profession) will help in your quest to add other twitter users. Once you find common interests with other users you can read what help people around the world (in the desired profession). Since people have different ideas and knowledge, Twitter allows all of this information to come together and you may take/absorb what you wish. I as well can contribute to my PLN by adding articles/ideas that I find helpful and that others may benefit from.

“Enhance your Twitter Experience” - Shannon McClintock Miller

SUMMARY: Shannon McClintock Miller gives wonderful tips to help Twitter users make their tweeting experience much more convenient. Since I have never been familiar with Twitter I was amazed by the different apps that are offered to help enhance your experience. Before taking this class I thought Twitter was merely for people wanting to follow celebrities. I never realized that it was actually a place where people come together for professional development. Having these apps that make the tweeting experience easier such as TweetDeck is a great idea to help users divide up their interests. These articles have really motivated me to becoming more active with Twitter. I plan on researching the resources a bit more and see if I can apply these features in my Twitter experience. I was also thankful that Shannon included the Twitter terminology! That alone made me more aware of the lingo associated with Twitter.  

QUESTION 2: How can I incorporate Twitter into my educational curriculum?  

ANSWER: Depending on the age of my students I would need to assess if they were mature enough to use this technological tool. If I thought my students could benefit from using Twitter I would need to also ask for parent permission and do my best to encourage parents to be involved with twitter as well. I could create a unique hashtag associated with our class that would allow parents to follow what we do throughout the day or on a weekly basis. Students could be involved by searching for relevant topics and tweeting them to our special hashtag. I feel students would enjoy the Twitter experience.

Technology Self-Assessment: School 2.0

Here are my results!

After taking the technology self assessment I was surprised with my results. I think I scored low in a lot of areas because it was hard for me to determine what I do with my classroom since I am not yet an educator. I feel I always stay updated with technology and I understand the importance of incorporating it into education. I chose to explore the NETS-Ts number 1: Facilitate and inspire students learning and creativity. I chose this area because it is the overall concept every educator needs to look at. Creativity in our students is a necessity. I chose to watch the 20 minute inspirational video by Ken Robins. The biggest statement that stood out to me is that most teachers live in their heads and mostly to one side. In our everyday education it is hard to back away from academic ability. If teachers could look at creativity as a whole and allow children to be good at different things besides math and science children will thrive.  Ken says that creativity should be equal to literacy. We don't have any idea what the future will hold for these children. By adults people are frightful of being wrong... so they are not to their fullest creative potential. It is wrong for teachers to make students believe what they value (dance, music, art, etc...) is wrong based off of academic success. This video was highly inspirational as was the technology self assessment. I plan on keeping the link to this site and retake the test when I am an educator. I feel that my answers will hold more value and then I could accurately assess myself. I hope to be an inspirational educator that allows my students to express themselves creatively. I want to value each of my students for what they can do, not for what they can't. We need to value the gift of the human imagination. We need to help our students flourish their imagination.

This assignment meets NETS 5: Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership.