Thursday, November 13, 2014

Post 14, Articles


Article Discussions
Article 1:
1.     Strategy 1: Do Your Homework
I definitely agree with being prepared for the class technology lessons, including making sure the mouse is correct for either the right or left hand and having the appropriate programs downloaded.  I definitely believe that us teachers have just as much homework as a student does!
2.     Strategy 2: Identify Learning Goals
I agree that learning goals are definitely important for a teacher to establish at the beginning of class.   I believe that by telling students goals and encouraging them to act on them will heighten their focus on the assignment.
3.     Strategy 3: Step Away from the Computer
I have definitely learned that sitting in front of a computer for hours at a time can give you a major headache!  I know that technology is expanding and can greatly enhance the learning environment, but there is a time to step away from the computer.
4.     Strategy 4: Capitalize on Their Desire to Explore
Although technology provides much more options in teaching, teachers are still not perfect and neither is technology.  I agree that teachers must learn to be ok with making mistakes and letting human nature show.

Article 2:
I know my problem with the inability to sit still in school was one of two things: either boredom or socializing.  I know that there is a rise in the diagnosis of ADHD; however, I honestly do not know if I believe every case is appropriately diagnosed.  I understand that as in the article reads, children are developing low self-esteem because they do not understand why they cannot sit still, but I simply do not believe that every energetic child truly had ADHD.  However, some of the problem is how much sitting and not moving time students must endure, and the amount of time is still increasing!  Children should be provided the opportunity to get up and move around. Testing of some students and their inability to pay attention and increase of fidgeting proves that maybe they do not have ADHD, but maybe they simple need to get rid of some energy and burn off some steam!  Children should be allowed hours of outside stimulus a day.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Kathleen Saunders
IT 365
Jon Beedle
6 November 2014

Video Reflections

Video #1: Classroom of Tomorrow
This video seemed to simply portray the many ways technology is integrating classrooms.  iPads, smart boards, resources, and other advancements are becoming more prevalent in schools.  Although this video had no narration it was inspirational.

Video #2: The Voice of the Active Learner
By 2019, half of all high school courses will be online.  This video talks about the pressures and struggles of some schools and the lack of technology.  She also encourages other students and teachers to band together and make sure schools get the most resources available to them as well as the highest technology.  She talks about study abroad and hybrid classes, and how all classes are converting to new technology.

Video #3: The Future Starts Now
The girl narrating discusses how with the world’s such advanced technology, while schools are not using these resources.  Why schools and cities have the hardware, but do not know how to use or integrate it?  When oil and other industries are gone, we will all be dependent on knowledge, and students and educators should become motivated to be our future (knowledge-based society).

Video #4: Designing Schools for 21st Century Learning
The man in the video videos his narration describing a how innovation and creativity are our future keys to success, and security is also very important.  Stimulus rich environments prevent failure to thrive situations.  Some of his topics included windows for solar energy, sunlight to the brain, and stimulation of students.  He discusses many schools in at risk neighborhoods with graduation rates of 25%, and shows the viewer the new school site designed for the most technological utilization.

Video #5: Tools and Resources for 21st Century Education
This video is all about tools, resources, and brands important in schools and education.  Although none of them again have verbal narration, it is still a creative way to get the point across.

Video #6: A Vision of 21st Century Teaching

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Tuesday, November 4, 2014