I came a crossed this site, SafeKids.com, a technology safety advice site. I think its great because it talks about pre-teen to teen internet safety subjects that maybe difficult to talk about. This site is written for adults mostly, but teens can also read the articles for useful information.
This site is also linked to many other sites of the same genra and link many interesting articles.
Some articles and topics that popped out at me where:
When Schools can Discipline Off-Campus Behavior (cyber bullying)
Sexting Tips
Young kids better with technology than "life skills"
This site should be kept in mind for reference and also updates on current news concerning technology and young children.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Put a Firm Foot Down
Today I was in a classroom with students that ranged in ages from 1st to 3rd graders. Many of the student where done most of their work and continued to "Work of Choice", which meant for many students "play computer games".
The games where mildly educational, but absorbed the student that was playing it, as well as any passing student. To me, it looked like an unhealthy obsession, the students where totally tuning everything else around them. While they where practicing division facts, I was not sure it was a good practice of the skill considering many of the problems where too difficult for them.
Therefore, I believe that a firm foot should be put down in classrooms that gives the strict rules and guidelines. This would be like what games are appropriate to play and when. Also how to identify if the game is too hard and a new one should be chosen. Also a list of appropriate websites should be listed that students can go to during their free time.
Also, I hope that in my classroom alternate games are available to students. In the classrooms, at least in this school, there is not enough computers for each student to use. So boardgames that can be played between multiple students is a must. There are many math board games that students find fun are available and would be useful to play in times where "Work of Choice" time is available.
The games where mildly educational, but absorbed the student that was playing it, as well as any passing student. To me, it looked like an unhealthy obsession, the students where totally tuning everything else around them. While they where practicing division facts, I was not sure it was a good practice of the skill considering many of the problems where too difficult for them.
Therefore, I believe that a firm foot should be put down in classrooms that gives the strict rules and guidelines. This would be like what games are appropriate to play and when. Also how to identify if the game is too hard and a new one should be chosen. Also a list of appropriate websites should be listed that students can go to during their free time.
Also, I hope that in my classroom alternate games are available to students. In the classrooms, at least in this school, there is not enough computers for each student to use. So boardgames that can be played between multiple students is a must. There are many math board games that students find fun are available and would be useful to play in times where "Work of Choice" time is available.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Further Reading...
I mostly read about teaching philosophies and strategies online, but this blog has inspired me to pick up some books to gain a deeper insight.
I defiantly am intrigued by the books:
I defiantly am intrigued by the books:
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Technology+Handicapness=Perfect Match!
After reading the Horizon Report-2011, I couldn't help bot to be impressed by the Gesture-Based Computing section. When I think about gesture-based computing, I cannot help my mind wandering to the Iron Man movies with Tony Stark's awe inspiring computers. With the flick of the wrist or a touch of a finger, he completely controls his interface.
In my mind, this seems so far off, it's is silly to even envy the character's super computing, but Horizon Report reminded me that we do have gestured computing now and use it every day. Muli-touch screens and other devices that respond to your touch or movement have been in our lives for some time now. Wii Sports that blew up the gaming world in 2006 was definitely a time to remember as families and friends gathered in the living room for hours to play this innovative game (at least mine did).
I think what I think is most exciting about this push for gesture- based computing is what doors it will open up for people with some sort of handicap. Recently, I stumbled upon a video that was very uplifting thanks this technology.
A man devoted to his art was almost fully paralyzed with Lou Gehrig's disease. He thought he could never draw again until the technology EyeWriter was presented to him. With this device, Tony is able to draw with his eyes and have it projected onto buildings and surfaces using a PS3 camera connected to glasses with free software. See the amazing video here.
I think what people sometimes forget is that innovative technology doesn't have to be expensive. Technology should be something everyone has access to and it is my hope as we move toward new technologies that schools will be open to new ways to accessing the newest products for the students.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
No Money
After some chats over lunch, I have found out that my school is just about broke.
The school I'm subbing in is a public charter school BUT receives much less money than other public schools. See, in North Carolina, they use Lottery money for public education. All public schools receive funding from the state lottery, BUT charter school.
My school have so little funds that they don't even have on staff janitors, nurses, or "specials" teachers such as gym or art.
The students are wonderfully behaved and over all happy. Which makes me sad that they don't receive as many "extras" as other public schools.
I guess we have to work with what we got.
The school I'm subbing in is a public charter school BUT receives much less money than other public schools. See, in North Carolina, they use Lottery money for public education. All public schools receive funding from the state lottery, BUT charter school.
My school have so little funds that they don't even have on staff janitors, nurses, or "specials" teachers such as gym or art.
The students are wonderfully behaved and over all happy. Which makes me sad that they don't receive as many "extras" as other public schools.
I guess we have to work with what we got.
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