After exploring the different resources over the last week the meaning of educational technology in my opinion is varied because depending on whose point of view you are considering it takes on a whole new meaning. I am slowly realizing that learning about educational technology can take place almost anywhere there is some form of technology available. I still agree with the philosophy that I drafted and feel that in some ways they do align.
After watching the videos my opinion on the use of some technologies in schools has changed. I think there is room to use more than what is offered in some areas. I think that too many teachers are uncomfortable with the idea of trying to include technology into their lessons but would greatly benefit from it if they did. I have personally spoke with a few who flat out refuse because they lack the skills to teach the material using technology and others are do not like computers or having to do anything with a computer. Both videos do make you pause and think about what are doing to contribute to the increasing rise of technology and are we doing enough to help keep our students engaged and interested in what we are teaching. I think it would only help and I would like to explore the possibility of using podcasts and ipods more in a classroom setting. In the videos there were quite a few things I didn't know but I look forward to learning ways to address some of these during my course of study.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Reflective Blog 1
Potential uses for blogging I see are ways to connect with others by keep a journal of personal ideas, interests, current events and news. According to Downes, I believe that we have met this potential but to a certain point. I personally think that if the author of the blog feels like they have nothing to discuss or say that the blog will not be continued as is the case with many blogs being required in some classrooms. I have to admit, unless I truly had a purpose to keep up with and continue a blog; I probably would not do it.
The article goes on to talk about how some students experience frustration with writing a blog, what the importance of blogging is and what blogging is about. I like the part of the article where it talks about blogging is really not about writing but actually first reading what is of interest to you. That point gave me pause because as a future teacher I want to find ways that positively affect my student’s technology use. It got me to thinking about how to focus on a student’s interests so they would want to create and use a blog other than as a requirement for a class.
I think one of the things that prevent this from being met is the disengagement some students experience with blogging. I like what the author says about engaging with content and other authors you read to connect with the larger part of the world in order for blogging to be successful in education. I can relate to this statement because what it says to me is that this person needs to find their voice by exploring or seeking out information and once this happens it provides them with something to discuss that is their own idea and not something prompted by a teacher.
After reading November’s article, a few of them stand out to me. I thought about it for a while to see if there was one over the other but I think it is pretty equal. To start the first one that talks about students believing everything that is on the Internet. I found this one interesting because I know from my own experience I am constantly telling my children as well as some adults that everything on the Internet is not true. You have to search and basically fact check the information to make sure it is valid. Although before reading this article I had never heard of the search engine called “link”, which sounds like it is a very useful tool when it comes to verifying information on the Internet. Informing students that they need to verify any information sources found on the Internet should be standard practice among educators. I also think November’s suggestion that every educator should look at The Hate Directory to gain an overall view of some of the material that is out there.
The second one that stood out was the idea of live cameras in classrooms. As I thought about the idea, I admit I like the sound of it to a certain point. I like the idea that parents could have instant access to what is going on in their child’s classroom. I also like the idea that it may make some teachers evaluate what they are doing in the classroom. It makes me wonder would this have any impact with the behavior of some students if they knew their parents were watching them and would the impact be positive or negative. I can understand why some teachers may not like the idea especially if they feel like they have something to hide. On another note I can understand why some may feel like it is an invasion, and others may not want the added criticism from some parents that do not agree with their teaching methods. Overall I think there would be more positives that could arise from live video classrooms than negatives.
In the automating vs. informating section what stood out for me was the point he made about schools may actually end up playing a part in the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer without realizing this is happening. I too thought that technology would provide an equal playing field for everyone; I don’t think I really ever considered the latter and the impact it would have. Also the part where he talks about high schools requiring students to take an online class is interesting because I just recently spoke with someone about how more and more colleges are moving from the face to face courses and going to an online only system.
The last thing that stands out to me is when he talks about not training teachers to use technology without bringing students along to take part in the training process and teaching teachers after school in a computer lab and how it can be counterproductive. The article was very interesting, it touched on many things I have either thought about personally or discussed with someone else. His approach and ideas are enlightening and it would be nice to see some of his views actually implemented throughout the education system.
The article goes on to talk about how some students experience frustration with writing a blog, what the importance of blogging is and what blogging is about. I like the part of the article where it talks about blogging is really not about writing but actually first reading what is of interest to you. That point gave me pause because as a future teacher I want to find ways that positively affect my student’s technology use. It got me to thinking about how to focus on a student’s interests so they would want to create and use a blog other than as a requirement for a class.
I think one of the things that prevent this from being met is the disengagement some students experience with blogging. I like what the author says about engaging with content and other authors you read to connect with the larger part of the world in order for blogging to be successful in education. I can relate to this statement because what it says to me is that this person needs to find their voice by exploring or seeking out information and once this happens it provides them with something to discuss that is their own idea and not something prompted by a teacher.
After reading November’s article, a few of them stand out to me. I thought about it for a while to see if there was one over the other but I think it is pretty equal. To start the first one that talks about students believing everything that is on the Internet. I found this one interesting because I know from my own experience I am constantly telling my children as well as some adults that everything on the Internet is not true. You have to search and basically fact check the information to make sure it is valid. Although before reading this article I had never heard of the search engine called “link”, which sounds like it is a very useful tool when it comes to verifying information on the Internet. Informing students that they need to verify any information sources found on the Internet should be standard practice among educators. I also think November’s suggestion that every educator should look at The Hate Directory to gain an overall view of some of the material that is out there.
The second one that stood out was the idea of live cameras in classrooms. As I thought about the idea, I admit I like the sound of it to a certain point. I like the idea that parents could have instant access to what is going on in their child’s classroom. I also like the idea that it may make some teachers evaluate what they are doing in the classroom. It makes me wonder would this have any impact with the behavior of some students if they knew their parents were watching them and would the impact be positive or negative. I can understand why some teachers may not like the idea especially if they feel like they have something to hide. On another note I can understand why some may feel like it is an invasion, and others may not want the added criticism from some parents that do not agree with their teaching methods. Overall I think there would be more positives that could arise from live video classrooms than negatives.
In the automating vs. informating section what stood out for me was the point he made about schools may actually end up playing a part in the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer without realizing this is happening. I too thought that technology would provide an equal playing field for everyone; I don’t think I really ever considered the latter and the impact it would have. Also the part where he talks about high schools requiring students to take an online class is interesting because I just recently spoke with someone about how more and more colleges are moving from the face to face courses and going to an online only system.
The last thing that stands out to me is when he talks about not training teachers to use technology without bringing students along to take part in the training process and teaching teachers after school in a computer lab and how it can be counterproductive. The article was very interesting, it touched on many things I have either thought about personally or discussed with someone else. His approach and ideas are enlightening and it would be nice to see some of his views actually implemented throughout the education system.
My Educational Technology Philosophy
The purpose of education in my opinion is to be informed on all levels and develop a general understanding of all subject areas. Education can and in most cases goes beyond the classroom. I believe an individual’s environment or life experiences also play a role in their educational background.
As a learner I often reflect on how past and present teachers have affected my life as it relates to education. I have always enjoyed learning but my desire to know and learn more about technology has grown over the past few years. I was curious and wanted to know more about how to use technology in my own life and later wished to share this passion with others. My motivation to be a teacher I feel has always been there but was not brought forth until I did my teaching internship where I taught Personal Finance and BCIS - Basic Computer Information Systems and was able to create and present lessons for my students. I selected assignments that related to what I was teaching and would allow the student to think about and reflect on the lesson. One of the focuses for my lessons was to include a critical thinking portion because I wanted my students to be able to apply what I taught them to their life and gain a deeper understanding of how to best use this knowledge.
The philosophies I believe identify to my style of teaching are pragmatism and constructivism. In order to be a successful teacher I feel that it is important that I am constantly learning and searching for new ways to teach a lesson or concept, motivating and engaging students, and that I am not afraid to take risks. I believe learning comes from the classroom along with different life experiences and it is essential that students learn from their mistakes as well as their successes. As a teacher, it is imperative that I reach and meet the needs of all my students the best that I can as well as involving parents. Derived from my experiences I learn just as much from my students as they do me.
Having my philosophy written down helps me to remain focused on my overall educational goals I have as a future educator. It is a constant reminder to put myself in my students shoes, by evaluating and reviewing my teaching practices to allow room for growth.
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