Title: Editorial: Preparing Teachers for the 21st Century Classroom
Author: McEwen, Beryl C.
Journal Name: Delta Pi Epsilon Journal
Source: Delta Pi Epsilon Journal v. 50 no. 1 (Winter 2008) p. 1-3Publication Year: 2008
I found this article quite interesting because the author is a college professor, who teaches classes in business, expressing his frustrations with students being so inept in performing basic tasks involving technology. He admits to blaming the public school system, accusing teachers of not preparing students adequately for college. He then acknowledges that it is the professors that are educating the teachers that are not “preparing students adequately for college”.
I liked the idea that the author proposed about class web sites that had pictures of class members as well as brief bios so students can get to know each other and the instructor to create a more intimate learning relationship.
The article really got me thinking about who is really responsible for the lack of technology in classrooms. I think we all have a part to play in this dilemma. As the author points out, some responsibility lies with the college professors sending ill-equipped graduates out in the world to teach future college students. In my opinion, however, there is blame to be shared in all parties involved. Part of it, as the author of the article acknowledges, is due to professors not bothering to educate new teachers appropriately. I believe the bulk of the blame does fall on teachers though. Not everything you should use in the classroom is taught in college, especially when technology is advancing everyday! That is why it is important for teachers to participate in continuing education. There are so many ideas and skills to improve students learning. It Is the teachers responsibility to acquire knowledge on these skills so they can be taught in the classroom to better prepare students for college and the real world.
In addition to the responsibility of educators in general, I think learners should take accountability for their own learning as well. This currently applies to me. I am an adult and it is my responsibility to seek out education beyond what my present educators can provide.
Monday, December 15, 2008
101 ways to use a digital camera
This is my kind of article because it is straightforward: gets right to the point! Some of the ideas I had thought of or heard of before, but there were also a few I was excited about because I would have never thought of them myself. I am going to repeat some of the ideas and say why I like them.
The first one that I really liked was the ideas of taking pictures for passports. What a fun addition to a travel unit! I can recall in sixth grade having to do country reports. I want to be a sixth grade teacher, I think it would be so fun to pretend like you were traveling to the country that was being presented! Of course you would have to have a passport for this. It also provides for a good lead into a discussion about immigration and why we have passports.
I also really liked the idea of letting students take the camera home to take pictures of family events and traditions. That would really make for something interesting to use during a show and tell or a topic for morning meetings. It also demonstrated trust between the teacher and the students because letting the student take equipment home requires a lot of responsibility. I think it would give them a sense of importance and value as well.
I liked the idea of taking surprise photos of students being good and sending an email to the parents. Usually parents hear from the teacher when their child is acting up, what a pleasant surprise it would be to get an email from the teacher with your child demonstrating good behavior that you could actually see! It would certainly make their day and that child is sure to repeat the behavior!
The zoomed in photo makes for a good game. You could use the idea in your lessons as well. It would be a much more interesting way to introduce a new topic rather than just saying what it is. You could zoom in on the photo and zoom out further and further until the students guess accurately.
I laughed at the idea of sending the kids a postcard of the teacher over the summer. It would be kind of funny if the teacher was making a stern face with a quote like “remember to read this summer” or something like that.
I really liked all the ideas, in fact, I printed the article to put in my “teaching ideas” book so I don’t forget them!Sunday, December 14, 2008
My Beliefs
To sum it all up, I believe technology plays into the theory of "hands on" learning. It is just another tool to reach more of the learners. Especially in this age of technology. It is clear that I have to keep up with the technology trends by making myself more acquainted with the technology I currently have access to, and the technology that is in the coming horizon. I know I already mentioned the video I found on teachertube called Digital Learners, but it just sums it up so nicely. Children today use more technology then us old people, if you cant beat em...join em!
The upcoming generation is getting whatever they want, whenever they want, because it is at their fingertips! Lets make sure we supply a real, rich, and relevant education to live up to their high expectations!
The upcoming generation is getting whatever they want, whenever they want, because it is at their fingertips! Lets make sure we supply a real, rich, and relevant education to live up to their high expectations!
Lessons Learned
Though it seems that lately I spend more time with my computer than I do with real people, I hardly know my computer at all and what it is capable of! It is clear that the generation that I will be teaching will be the age of the digital learners!
If you refer back to my post on Sept 28th that really demonstrates the future of technology regarding children. And they have their own ideas of what the future holds for them! A common expectation in the Millennial article was a pocket size computer that had multifunctional abilities beyond that of a computer. Apparently, there is also a high demand for "robot teachers" so you could learn more and "not get yelled at as often". Gee...I hope I'm not out of the job in ten years!
Something that got me thinking was the possibility of holograms. I am suddenly picturing myself in a holographic classroom similar to the hologram room of the Star Ship Enterprise! It almost seems impossible (especially since it was also found on a technology wish list that also included a time machine). If it were impossible one of these days to be able to draw on holographic images as a learning resource, what a great tool that would be!
I do want to mention the video of the high school that had an impressive array of technology integration. These kids were doing really great hands on activities like collecting water samples in the river and using technology to test their quality. I was also impressed with the idea of physics and math connections with their daily activities such as cheer-leading and music. I loved the idea that the math class was calculating the physical fitness of the cheer-leading team. It was a great example to schools everywhere how beneficial and enriching technology can be.
If you refer back to my post on Sept 28th that really demonstrates the future of technology regarding children. And they have their own ideas of what the future holds for them! A common expectation in the Millennial article was a pocket size computer that had multifunctional abilities beyond that of a computer. Apparently, there is also a high demand for "robot teachers" so you could learn more and "not get yelled at as often". Gee...I hope I'm not out of the job in ten years!
Something that got me thinking was the possibility of holograms. I am suddenly picturing myself in a holographic classroom similar to the hologram room of the Star Ship Enterprise! It almost seems impossible (especially since it was also found on a technology wish list that also included a time machine). If it were impossible one of these days to be able to draw on holographic images as a learning resource, what a great tool that would be!
I do want to mention the video of the high school that had an impressive array of technology integration. These kids were doing really great hands on activities like collecting water samples in the river and using technology to test their quality. I was also impressed with the idea of physics and math connections with their daily activities such as cheer-leading and music. I loved the idea that the math class was calculating the physical fitness of the cheer-leading team. It was a great example to schools everywhere how beneficial and enriching technology can be.
Strenghts and Weaknesses
It would appear that I have many "weaknesses" in the realm of computers and technology. I can install and navigate software with the best of them by following the "dummy" prompts that are enclosed in a nice little box labeled "next", but if the process is clicker-user unfriendly, I am at a loss! And I admit that I do not understand some of the basic computer technology terms. Why in the world would they relate computer terms to food anyway? You got your "cookies" and "bites" (bytes), I mean, that's just asking for trouble anyway! In addition to the computer and technology terms that I do not understand, the copyright laws scare me. Nowadays, you have to walk on egg shells to use any media material without infringing on some law. I can understand why some teachers opt not to use it at all.
The following picture was found on google images
With all the tricks that I do not know, there are a few things that I do know. And I do come from a generation that is supposed to be pretty tech savvy. I am familiar enough with most programs to be able to figure out how to use them with a little instruction or some good ole' experimentation. For example, I had no idea how to make a digital story, but after I played around on Windows Movie Maker, I was able to figure out how to incorporate voice, music, cool transitions, and ultimately put together a pretty decent story.
It is clear that I need to further my education to become more aligned with the Technology standards. To start, I found a podcast called "Technology for teachers" that I subscribed to. I also found a great website that offers web tutorials at www.arps.org/resources. I think another thing that I can ultimately do to better the technology use in my classroom....is marry a "computer geek" and force him to help me! J/K (kinda) :)
The following picture was found on google images
With all the tricks that I do not know, there are a few things that I do know. And I do come from a generation that is supposed to be pretty tech savvy. I am familiar enough with most programs to be able to figure out how to use them with a little instruction or some good ole' experimentation. For example, I had no idea how to make a digital story, but after I played around on Windows Movie Maker, I was able to figure out how to incorporate voice, music, cool transitions, and ultimately put together a pretty decent story.
It is clear that I need to further my education to become more aligned with the Technology standards. To start, I found a podcast called "Technology for teachers" that I subscribed to. I also found a great website that offers web tutorials at www.arps.org/resources. I think another thing that I can ultimately do to better the technology use in my classroom....is marry a "computer geek" and force him to help me! J/K (kinda) :)
Sunday, December 7, 2008
WebQuest
I feel a little frazzled about the web quest. It seems like a huge task that I hope my group can tackle. We designated tasks but it just seems like something is missing. I suppose we we learn how to out it all together tomorrow in class. It just seems strange to me that anyone, anywhere can out anything they want online. I remember when teachers used to warn us about making sure our online sources were credible. Being as naive as I once was I just couldn't understand that. Wasn't there some sort of filtering process that allows people to publish only the good stuff online? And don't you have to pay for web space? At least, thats what I used to think. 
Well, as myspace, facebook, and blogger popped up I realized that cyberspace does not have a limited capacity it seems, and any Tom, Dick or Harry can post and publish anything they want and call it credible.
All I can say is, cyber-spacers beware, because cohort 10-2b is about to make its way to the web!
On an unrelated side note, the number rating system (1-5) has become some what of a favorite line of the class, a funny accusation if you will. We are constantly warning each other to stop being such a "5". Not a lot of "1"s get tossed about, I guess this seems appropriate as Axel Ramirez refers to us as "over-achieving freaks".
Well, as myspace, facebook, and blogger popped up I realized that cyberspace does not have a limited capacity it seems, and any Tom, Dick or Harry can post and publish anything they want and call it credible.
All I can say is, cyber-spacers beware, because cohort 10-2b is about to make its way to the web!
On an unrelated side note, the number rating system (1-5) has become some what of a favorite line of the class, a funny accusation if you will. We are constantly warning each other to stop being such a "5". Not a lot of "1"s get tossed about, I guess this seems appropriate as Axel Ramirez refers to us as "over-achieving freaks".
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