Richardson Vids - Why Weblogs - Pew American - And More

As I watched the videos I began to find myself getting excited over the possibilities of using technology in the classroom. I've always stated that learning should be fun and this, essentially makes the use of technology a "no brainer" in my book! Not only does it bring the real world into the classroom, but it makes reading, writing, and learning relevant to the real world. There is pride in ownership and a chance for students to share what they have accomplished. By creating their "own space" on the web, students are actually committing themselves to excellence and higher levels of thinking or, as Dr. Sarver would say, "metacognition, thinking about thinking." In my mind that is a wonderful place for students to be.

I love the point that this medium can be used by teachers and students to promote thinking, discussion, and then more thinking. It's a great way to learn and it also, seems to support all learning levels, while exposing students to different thoughts and ideals as generated by their classmates.

I also like the ideal that parents can share in the process and become more involved with their child's education. For busy parents, and those who can't always attend school functions, it gives them a voice and a chance to see what their child/teen is doing in the classroom and it is a great vehicle for staying in touch with the teacher as well.

In the third video, I really found myself agreeing with Richardson's comment that "it's not about us (the teachers), but it's about what we can bring to our students." What a great quote. It really fits in well with the whole concept of creating a classroom environment for students rather than for the teacher. Meeting all students skill levels and learning styles can be a tough proposition in the old chalk board and pencils classroom, but with the use of technology in the classroom the possibilities are stunning!

Allowing the user to be in control of what they create is something I think is crucial for students, especially after looking at some of the Pew Reports. I found it interesting to see that many students prefered to have their web creations private and not open to the entire web. Still, the ideal that it could be open is intriguing, in that students in one classroom could share ideals, and thoughts with others in a classroom clear across the world in say Australia or even Ireland. What a great way to bring everyone together on a global basis. The world may be round in shape, but internet wise it is flat and we are very much intertwined with each other.

I love the fact that technology has the potential to increase reading, writing, and learning skills while at the same time gives students more responsibility in the learning process. I believe an adolescent likes to feel appreciated and somewhat in control. A structured environment where they are free to chose what they read, write, and talk about is a great way to provide this appreciation and support, and in the long run if we can get our students to do more reading, writing, thinking, and learning, then we will have accomplished much. If this means that we must learn how to incorporate technology into our curriculum then learn we must. Change is a constant and we can be sure it is always going to occur, why not embrace it with a postive outlook rather than fighting it all the way.

Yes, my concerns for internet safety will always make me a bit cautious in the area of technology, but it won't blind me to the postive aspects that can be gained from using it in the classroom.

MoSoSo-the next wave of virtual community

While I found the Christian Science Monitor article "Students' new best friend: 'MoSoSo' by Gloria Goodale interesting, I also found it disturbing.

It is very true that when one walks onto a college campus they are instantly bombarded with cell phone activity everywhere. Everytime I'm on campus and inbetween my short walks between each class I always receive a glimpse (or is that a shot) into several students private lives. Many of these students I don't know, but some I do.

My main question that I have to ask is:
Do you really want me to know your bank account number, who your dating, who your not dating, where your living, where your going after class? Granted, I'm not likely to be a threat, but someone else overhearing those same comments could be.

Yes, you could call me a naysayer and a technophobic, but to me some of these negatives are a good reason for being cautious of new technologies. From reading the article it is clear that companies are trying to address some of these concerns, yet I still find myself wondering if the age of "Big Brother" is finally here for good.

I'm also concerned that students spending all there time on their cell phones are missing out on face-to-face interactions. Near the end of the article a college student, Carlos Rodriguez, is quoted as prefering talking to someone face to face rather than on a cell phone. To him it is a richer experience. I agree. When your speaking with someone face to face your better able to see their reactions. In a text message environment you have to guess the reaction. I realize that a photo can be taken and then sent from your cell phone to someone else's, but that still doesn't give the same type of personal interaction.

I also believe there is a danger of becoming too self-absorbed in technology resulting in a loss of personal interaction. Technology is a wonderful tool, but I believe that we need to remember that that is just what it is, a tool, rather than a replacement for personal interaction between two people. I've noticed that some students, when they have no cell phone messages or calls to keep them occuppied, tend to look at their phone anyway. Its almost as though they are hoping it will save them from having to interact with someone in the real world. To me that's sad that someone would want to talk into a cell phone rather than say "hello" to someone they are passing in the hallway. This, speakes volumes about what is lost when we allow technology to rule us rather than to rule it.

Don't get me wrong here, I also believe that there are many positives to cell phones and I admit to owning one myself for emergencies, a small amount of text messaging, and the occasional long distance telephone call. Yet, I find it hard to buy into using it for everything.

Learning To Blog

This learning to blog has been interesting so far. In some respects it is similar to facebook, but in other respects it is quite different. Currently, I'm trying to figure out if there is any way of making my Ireland picture stay within the edges of template instead of extending on the right hand side into the green portion of my blog. When I look in the add a page element section it appears that everything is all right, yet it still extends past the boundaries. Any suggestions out there?

Technology and NCATE/NCTE Standards

From what I can see listed in the standards I will have my work cut out for me. Learning about technology and then teaching what I have learned, frankly, it scares the daylights out of me. In today's world, the students seem to be way ahead of us and we seem to be way behind.

WELCOME!

Hi, my name is Barb and this is my first "real" blog. This blog will explore the trials and tribulations I encounter as I tread the waters of English 307 during my spring semester here in Cortland, and eventually beyond to the classroom.

All are welcome to check out my blog and make comments - enjoy!