Wikipedia Reflection

For my Wikipepdia assignment I created a username and monitored this page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte. There was a lot of information on Charlotte already, so where ever I saw any discrepancies that I knew weren't factual I edited it. Since I am from Charlotte I only edited topics that I was familiar with. But I did not have to edit a lot because much of the information was true. 

For the most part I would say that I enjoyed the assignment. I myself use Wikipedia a lot just to find quick fun facts. Although all of the information can not be trusted, some of it is true. I think it should be up to the desecration of the reader to judge for themselves what is false. 

Wikipedia for me is important to the internet. The fact that it can be edited by anyone adds to its importance because in some instances you are getting complete unfiltered information. For example, me being a resident of Charlotte can add information on Wikipedia that no one else would know about, unless they are from the city. Yes of course that information can be false or true, but you can choose to believe it for yourself. I think that Wikipedia helps us to research things for ourselves. Just because a book says it doesn't mean it is true. We should find truth for ourselves. 

History of Wikipedia:

In the future I probably would not edit anything from Wikipedia again. But I would definitely continue to use it for my on needs. I enjoy going on it to look up cities and anything else I am interested in. 

As far as the classroom goes I believe you could use Wikipedia in an assignment to teach students how conduct proper research and not be dependent on just one source.

Copyright

(Credit:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GidwzOYiPl0&feature=player_embedded#!)

The primary motive of Copyrighting an item is to protect an arthur's or inventor's ideas. These people have devoted time and intellectual thoughts to creating these idea, and it is important that they be credited for it. It is necessary to believe that Copyrighted items came about as a result of arthur's works becoming stolen. 

I believe the main goal Copyrighting is to keep people from benefiting off another person creation. If I steal your idea I can benefit financially or even socially. So Copyrights makes sure to protect the creator of an idea by setting up Copyright Laws.

(Credit: http://bakuganusers.wikia.com/wiki/File:Copyright-8-18-10.png)

I think as a teacher much of what you do will be influence in some sort of way by Copyright Laws, since we are constantly in contact with literature. But teachers are protected by Fair Use Laws, which is a limitation and exception to the exclusive rights granted by copyright law to the author of a creative work. In the United States, fair use permits limited use of copyrighted material without acquiring permission from the rights holders. Since we as teachers will be using Copyrighted material for the benefit of education and not for the benefit of profiting from it, we are able to use Copyrighted materials. Even though this is the case I believe it is important to teach student about Copyrighting so they themselves can follow appropriate practices.  


Related blogs:
http://eci201.blogspot.com
http://catdaleynews.blogspot.com

Reference

References: “Fair Use." Copyright. U.S. Copyright Office, 05 2012. Web. 15 Oct 2012. <http://www.copyright.gov/>.

Banned Website Awareness Day

(Credit: http://www.aasl.ala.org/aaslblog/?p=3076)

Banned Website Awareness Day was established to raise awareness of the restrictive blocking of legitimate, educational websites and academically useful social networking tools in schools. This movement is pushed by the American Association of School Librarians or AASL. During this day teachers and school administrators are asked to spread the word about the overly restriction of these sites. (AASL)
So why do these restriction occur within schools? In an effort to keep students off adult sites and from coming in contact with any adult materials, many school systems have set up filters to block sites. But, In an effort to block these sites they have also block other sites that could potentially be gateways into adult materials through advertisements and form other users. They also block sites because some students can get distracted checking their Twitter or Facebook pages and not pay attention to their work.
The AASL believes that banning websites can come at the expense of students learning. We are in a day age where we are pushing innovation, technology integration, and real world learning within our educational system. But yet we are restricting some of the websites that could bring us to the technology level we would like to reach. Sites like Facebook and Twitter could have educational benefits. Rather it be through blogging, or by reaching outside the classroom to increase learning, these sites can be used to enrich the classroom experience. 
Many schools are in charged of what they restrict. As a teacher I would bring my concerns to my administration through evidence of how ban sites will be use to integrate technology. If I still could not get through to them I would use a proxy. There will be constant monitoring, as well as some form of synchronized program where i can see what my students are doing. Us as future educators can not let fear keep us from pushing innovation within the classroom. Blocking adult sites is a must, but any other sites should be open to the discretion of the teacher. 

Take a look at this blog about that talks about what Banned Awareness Day is:
http://www.aasl.ala.org/aaslblog/?p=3076     

Gaming in Education

(Credit: http://myengaming.com/2012/05/13/need-to-read-3-levels-of-gaming-in-education/)

Gaming in general has been something that teacher have often done throughout the years in order to give a different dimension to teaching students. Many students enjoy the aspect of playing a game to learn taught materials, as oppose to standard verbal lectures. Examples of this is monopoly, jeopardy, or any other gaming in which subject matter can be incorporated within a game. As far as this type of gaming is concern, I feel like it should continue and develop as new forms of tangible games come out. 

The form of gaming that I am more cautious of is video games. I feel like educational games for youth are more popular with elementary age students compared to high school students. As a future high school teacher  this may limit the amount of games that high I could choose from. Having a limited amount of selection could potentially bore students who no longer want to play the same game. 

Despite these cons, we still do live in an generation where video games have continued to become popular. I believe that due to this, more students would be open to playing games in order to learn. If teachers bring video games within the classroom they are showing their commitment to bringing technology and innovation within the classroom. 

In my classroom I would definitely use general board games like the ones I've already mentioned. As far as video games goes I will use them, but I will be very selective when choosing games. All of the games that I choose will have some educational benefit and if possible be age appropriate. An example of a games I would use would be Sims Business. In this game students can take the place of a entrepreneur and be able to build that business. All game selections and there connected activities will be highly monitored and approved by administrators. 

Here's a story of successful integration of video games within the classroom:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6KCgZY-7HU)

Related blogs and websites:

http://gamification.org

http://blog-ulous.blogspot.com

http://catdaleynews.blogspot.com/2012/11/gaming-in-education.html

Technology For My Future Classroom

There was a lot of tools we went over throughout this semester. Most of which I had no clue existed; not to mention I did not know they could be used in a classroom setting. I am big on open discussion and collaborative work within the classroom. So I particularly like all the tools where my students could utilize them for open discussion, to express a certain idea they have. 

One tool that I could utilize for this is wallwisher. I feel like wallwisher is easy to navigate, which would mean not a lot of time has to be spent in the classroom explaining how to work it. Some of the tools we used this semester were complicated, and realistically I would find it very difficult to introduce them to my class. Wallwisher for me was different, I understood how to work the site within minutes of being introduced to it. 

Wallwisher can also be utilize in many different ways. I would use it to gauge students understanding of the information I am teaching. I would ask questions and have my students answer them by posting notes on the wall. By doing this I could assess if their answers or explanations connect with what I am trying to teach them. If I see my students do not understand I could have them to ask questions using the site to gain clarity. I believe that this fits within the 21st Century classroom because I feel like this technology is enhancing the students learning. As we know, many students are afraid to ask question and to participate. I feel like Wallwisher (depending on how you use it) narrows the playing feel and gives students an opportunity to communicate their ideas in another form. 

Other Blogs about Technology in the Classroom: 
http://rebekah12.edublogs.org
http://cmwill12.edublogs.org

Here's a video about how teacher can use Wall wisher within the classroom:

(Credit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG26gpg7-IM)

Credit:
http://wallwisher.com

Twitter Chat

(Credit: http://swanthinks.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/the-twitter-chat-schedule/)

This week I participated in the #ntchat. When I first started off I had no clue what I was in for. Trying to actually get into the chat was real difficult for me because I had no clue how to start. I am not a twitter user at all, so trying to utilize some of the tools that twitter has can be very difficult to manage. But, after seeking guidance from some of my fellow classmates who were more experience at twitter, it eventually became easier.

The topic that we started on was about how new teacher can be organized. There were about 20 people within the chat itself, so at times it was very difficult having to read and then answer some of the questions that were asked of us. Some people replied to me, but I did not get an chance to see it immediately because so many people were talking. I would say that it is best to utilize the tweetdeck because it really filters tweets that are directed at you. 

Many of the questions that were asked to us were pretty obvious, and it seemed that a lot of people had great ideas on how to organize better as teachers. Although I am still studying to become a teacher I found that many of the ideas shared by the more experienced teachers were things that I already knew about, because of this class. Though this is the case, I found the chat to be a great resource for new teachers. There seemed to be a lot of support within the chat, some of the participants even going so far as telling us that we could email them if we had any questions after the chat. 

Going forward as a teacher I would use the chat again to seek out support for any concerns or questions I have. I believe it is important to have twitter and other platforms within a PLN to network and build relationships. I think twitter specifically helps with this because it helps close the distance between normal people and experts. If I have a question about a certain form of technology I may not have a support system locally that can answer the question, so I can turn to twitter where the possibilities are endless in seeking out advice from my peers and experts.

Here is a video that talk about why it is important to have a PLN:

(Credit:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6WVEFE-oZA) 

http://swanthinks.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/the-twitter-chat-schedule/

(Credit: Benchmark Review)

I first touched a computer when I was six or seven years old. It was a basic computer, it didn't have internet. I do not remember vividly how my initial experience with that computer went. I just know I probably was not using it for its intended purpose. I do however remember me being so mesmerize by it's functions. I had no clue how to work it and spent the majority of the time on it, typing really fast as I imagined I was a lawyer or banker.  

The computer came with an Encyclopedia set my mother bought for my family. Its so ironic how much money she spent on a set of Encyclopedias that in 5 to 10 more years would have been free on the internet. She was the only one that actually used it. She was going to college at the time, so all I remember was her typing tons of papers on it and saving her info on floppy disks. It was not until 1998 that I remember getting a Desktop Computer with internet. We used Dial-Up, and always had to wait to use the phone if someone needed to use the computer. I used it to serf the web and to play computer games. There was only one computer in the whole house, so we each had a set time when we could use it. This computer came in handy during that time because I had just started one of my first keyboarding classes and needed it to do homework on.

(credit: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com)

As I started moving up through school, it seemed that computer skills were more needed. I was introduced to different software like Microsoft Office. I remember the first time I did a Powerpoint I thought it was the coolest thing and I could not wait to show my parents. During this time, I had to take a State Computer Efficiency Test.
As I moved up into High School, knowing how to work a computer was just a normal part of the schooling experience. The Technology and Business Courses I took taught me how to make websites, power points, emails, etc. Even though I felt like I gained a lot of experience from my schooling, it was nothing compared to what students have today.

Digital Natives or Not?

Credit: [The Myth of Digital Native]

The term Digital Natives is one that was new to me, even after reading the articles on it. Honestly, I did not grasp hold of what exactly it was until I saw people debating it. From there I was able to get a better understanding of what the term entails.

Before I start discussing what my opinion is on the matter, I'll discuss what a Digital Native is, for all of you Digital Immigrants. A Digital Native is anyone who was born during or before the Digital Age. Although this time period arguably started in the late 20th century, the technology boom in the 90's through the new millennium brought fourth a generation who's day to day lives were immersed in technology. Now, these Digital Native have grown up to know more about computers then there former generational peers. 

Anyone who doesn't fall into this generation, or who is technologically illiterate, is considered to be a Digital Immigrant. The following video gives a better look into Digital Natives and Digital Immigrant: 

Credit: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hXZ4wlekRg]

I do not have a concrete answer on rather or not Digital Native exist. I choose to take a moderate role in this decision. If I was to compare the technological savviness of myself in comparison to my parents, of course I would win. But at the same time I cannot assume that just because I grew up with technology, that a person who did not would be less able to operate a computer on my level or efficiency. 

I think as it relates to the classroom, it is imperative that the teacher recognizes and agrees with both sides. Even though all children within a class are from the same Digital Generation, you cannot assume that all of the students have the capabilities or the means to do technological directed assignments. The only reason why I was successful using technology in school, was because I had the means, which afforded me the capabilities of learning about computers from home. 

So, in this instance I can say that I partially took the side that I believe in, because I also believed in the opposing side. I saw the benefits of both sides, as well as the negatives of both. As future teachers I believe we have to see both sides, because we won't have one type of student. Believing in both sides means that we will make the proper steps in making sure that all students can learn on the same level, without any disparities. 

References:

"Blog for a Furture Teacher." Digital Native: I'm Not All For it,  September 2011. Web. 7 Sep 2012.

[http://futurebusinessteacher.edublogs.org/2012/09/07/digital-natives-im-not-really-all-for-it/#more-22]

Prensky, Marc. "Digital Native, Digital Immigrants." October 2001. Web. 7 Sep 2012.

[http://moodle.wolfware.ncsu.edu/file.php/29996/Readings/Prensky_-_Digital_Natives_Digital_Immigrants_-_Part1.pdf]

Students+Technology=Competitive Students

Photo Credit: [http://quantumlearningblog.wordpress.com]

How many times have you heard it, rather it be in the news, school, or in one of the Presidential speeches. Americas education is failing and countries like China, are far exceeding American students in every area; besides confidence. We have all heard it before, and may or may not have an understanding of why there is such a huge educational gap between us and other countries. Most of the solutions to fixing this problem could take years of developing new curriculums and programs, which then will take more time to be tested and changed. So what can we do that is less time consuming, and that can enhance the educational system we have now? The answer is we should build upon one of the only strengths we have now, technology!

Look at America, we've invented Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Apple; some of the most powerful technological savvy companies in the world. Now look at Americas educational system in relation to technology, it is failing. My technology experience as a grade student range from using every Microsoft program, to creating a website using templates. As a student I was bored, not challenged, and wanted more from my educational experience. Teachers should understand that technology goes beyond basic programs. Technology should enhance, bring clarity, and prepare students for what they would face in this competitive world. By focusing on teaching basic programs like Powerpoint or Microsoft Word, educators stunt the technological growth of its students; this in turn does a disservice for students in the long run.

Technology within the classroom should take up many forms in order to enhance students learning. Students in general have a wide range of technological knowledge before entering the classroom. Rather its tweeting there friends on their iPads, or rather its video chatting a friend a 100 miles away using Skype, students use technology way more today then ever before. Do to this, we have to make sure that we are meeting them where they are at, and then giving them more applicable skills so they can continue to grow. By doing this we can make sure our students are constantly being challenge with hands on learning and new technologies.

The following video goes over how some students are using blogging to enhance there educational experience.

Source Credit: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTToERnTKB4]

Sources:

Feinberg, Cara “Rethinking Education in the Information Age: The Research of Thompson Professor Richard Murnane,” Harvard Graduate School of Education, October 1, 2004. [Accessed at http://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/features/murnane10012004.html, March 2011] 

Crew, Rudy "Keeping Students Competitive: Using Targeted Communication to Drive Student Success in A Global Economy," Blackboard Connect, 2011. [Accessed at http://www.blackboard.com/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=37d97d28-5320-4a82-a79e-9a9854bc847f, Sept 2012]

Klopfer, Eric, Scot Osterweil, Jennifer Groff, Jason Haas " The Instructional Power of Digital Games, Social Networking, Simulations and How Teacher Can Leverage Them.