TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2010

I never was really exposed to much technology besides a T.V as a young child. My history with technology really started in middle school. The first time I was taught how to really use and make use of a computer was during middle school. During middle school I was constantly exposed to different types of technology and the possible benefits that can come with its incorporation in classrooms. Things like computer labs, online tests, and video diagrams became daily tools. I was not even part of the class that received personal laptops, but the incorporation of technology was considered standard by my 8th grade year. As a middle school student I was expected to have the skills required to navigate and make use of multiple programs. I had to use search engines, word processing programs, and even had to take online assessments.

The skills I've learned since middle school have not changed much. I have since learned how to make use of online communication. Using email and social networking sites like face book now seem essentialinstead of luxury. I feel somewhat confident and now have years of experience using Apple's. I am recently finding that my role is changing from learning using technology to teaching using technology.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2010

I thought the Alabama elementary school was very...unconventional. The School seemed to do everything Ken Robinson said schools aren't doing. The school inspires kids to create and learn at the same time. It seemed that the school's format of lessons would not allow for traditional and required curriculum to be intertwined but the teachers mentioned it was. If this is the case, meaning kids are learning the content and skills needed for future education and jobs I think they have a very good thing going. Not only are the kids learning the stuff that structured education requires but they seem to be learning in a way that allows them to create and to learn how to learn. They are using important resources like technology to learn. Things the the smart board and Internet resources are used to expose kids to modern day learning tools and direct them to further pursue interests. The smart board seemed to be a great tool for learning and the the kids had the ability to travel to Brazil without leaving the classroom. The kids are also learning how to operate such tools to enhance their learning The exposure they have to technology will create skills that will be more and more useful as we progress as a society. Students are experiencing the benefits of learning with technology first hand and learning how to use it to progress their own learning. I do wonder however with limited structure..Is it hard to manage the classrooms? It seems that a strong community, good team work, and lot of high order thinking occurs daily. It is nice to see such a radical idea pay off. This school could be the change Ken Robinson thinks we need.

Renne needs special attention. Unlike other students in the class her home life needs to be more heavily considered. Putting Renne in a group with a class clown and a gifted student may not be the wisest discussion. I would remove Renne from the her particular group and place her with student that would not be a distracting. I would place Renne with students that are closer to her ability level so she can more easily contribute with feeling inadequate. To further engage Renne I would try to incorporate math into her portion of the project. By playing to Renne strengths and providing her with different group, Rennes engagement would most likely increase. Examples like Renne's are exactly why it is important as a teacher to build individual relationships with students. As a teacher I am going to aim to know everyone in my class as well as build relationships with each member of the class.

I think that online games are a distraction. No matter how many screens or filters school provide and use kids will still find ways to access online games. Sure online games are fun and I even use them from time to time but they can be distracting to kids trying to learn in and out of the classroom. The goal of a teacher is to engage their students but this seems impossible if the kid is playing an online game during class. Students that play online games during class can not focus in on their lesson or work which can greatly effect the lessons potential potency. The article, "This Just In: Video Games Are Distracting" by by Craveonline states that online games have the potential to distract so much that they are leading to higher college drop out rates. This article is talking about higher age levels then the elementary level. However after reading this article one can assume that if online games are distracting to the point of dropping out in the college level image the impact they must have on younger students. It is important that online game use in not supported and often supervised during a child's working time. Online games are easily accessible and highly distracting to students are already swimming in a pool of other distractions.

I have really enjoyed ed 210. It is nice to have an online assignment book! I wish more teachers posted homework online and had a class website. It has also been nice to learn more about mac's. I own a mac and did not really know its full potential until now. It will be nice to have a general understanding of mac's for my future teaching career. Although I wonder, will they be the same when I get in front of a classroom? I think ed 210 will help me integrate technology not only for my teaching but also for my student life. It can apply the skills and resources learned in this class to other classes i am taking as a college student. It is eye opening to see how much technology can be inter grated with education. Ed 210 has help me understand that technology will be available tool for teaching and learning in my future. The basic ideas of incorporating and using technology to enhance learning will help when the mac I am using as a teacher is different form the mac I am using now.

About Me

HI, my name is Jake C. I am from from the great state of Maine. This is my second year at Husson University as an Education Major with a focus in Science. When I'm not at school I am a life guard and swim instructor. Being a swim instructor is one of many reasons why I choose to one day become a teacher. When I am not at work I am outside skiing, climbing, biking, hiking, and generally enjoying life. I look forward to sharpening my tech skills in ED 210. I am a very visual learner so this class should be great for me. Plus, I own a mac book.