Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Laptops Change Curriclum--and Students

By:Sharon Cormwell 1999 (Education World)

This article discussed providing laptops for all students. The students would have to pay an insurance fee of $60. The school believed this would make the students more excited about learning which means a decline in discipline issues.

Opinion: Students also need other materials that will probably be cut because of the laptop purchases. A classroom set of laptops make more sense to me. Most students have access to a computer at home or at a public library.

Author Says Technology Brings False Promise to Schools

By: Todd Oppenheimer 2004 (Education World)
T. Oppenheimer thinks schools need to de-emphasize computers. Some of his reasons why are: teachers are not being cautious with the Internet, computers cost so much resulting in lack of funding for other programs/needs, computers are taking away from layered lessons, and students my become victims of commerical novelties.

Opinion:I agree that SOME teachers are not as cautious as they should be about computers and the Internet. I think it is necessary for teachers to teach computer ethics and dangers before letting students on the computer. I also agree that teachers should use computers as a supplement to their lessons. T. Oppenheimer went a little too far on technology de-emphasization, students live an a technology driven world and are interested in learning with a computer. I don't believe in using a computer for every lesson, but once every 2-4weeks to be sufficient.

How Teachers View Technology

By: Linda Star @2003 (Education World)

This article talks about a study correlating teacher training, years of service, and technology use. I reviewed the numbers and data given. Here are a few items I felt were interesting and my opinion:
1. Most teachers believe computer technology translates into higher achievement and improved parent/teacher communication.
*opinion: We are in a technology driven society and our students are excited to get on the Internet. I believe this is why student may be achieving higher. The Internet is a great tool for parent communication. Sometimes it is hard to reach a parent by phone. By emailing, the teacher can send a message at his/her own convince and the parent can respond when he/she gets a chance.

2. The article mentioned training being the key to increased technological use.
*opinion: I agree. Learning needs to be meaningful no matter now the material is presented. Teachers need to integrate appropriate technology lessons for student learning to take place. To create technology lessons, training needs to be involved.

3. I love the last comment in the article: Teachers would love software to be adaptable to individual student needs. I hope the future brings adaptable software.

Monday, June 18, 2007

The Blue Nowhere by Jeffery Deaver-2

Phate-
He can not decide what is reality and a game. He has figured out Gillette is on the case and may be changing his game plan.

Jon Holloway made the cops think he was somewhere else to he could crack into the CCU. Smart guy, but very evil.

I am anxious to see what happens to Jon and Gillette. I think Jon may go after Gillette.

The Blue Nowhere by Jeffrey Deaver1

The Blue Nowhere has been a definite page turner. I have read the first half of the book and I can't believe some of the things "crackers" can really do. At first I really enjoyed Gillette's character, he was trying to do something for the police department that hasn't really done he any favors. I changed my mind about his character when he escaped from the police department. I just finished the chapter where Gillette's reason for escaping was to make things right with his wife (ex-wife). I guess he isn't such a bad guy after all.

I need to realize when I am teaching my 7th and 8th grade student, they can be hackers. I can learn some of their computer skills in hopes to understand technology a little better.

I need to educate my students on hackers and how dangerous they can be.

ISTE Rules

I feel comfortable with technology and am always eager to use new technology tools. Blogging is brand new to me (I hope I am doing it correctly).After reading the student and teacher rules/standards on technology, I feel I can fulfill most of the standards. I understand technology resources, creative projects, computer tools, bias of electronic information, how to develop peer situation, and etc.I looked specifically at the 6-8 standards, and I am not sure how to create a webpage. I know what a webpage is, and I have heard of people creating their own webpage.