This discussion on pseudonyms was a very good one with solid points on both sides. Because of this I think that this has to be done on a case to case basis. For kids in elementary and middle school I don't think that students need to be using their full names. Part of the reason is for safety, however, to what extent is that truly effective can be debated. The main reason I think that I would vote this way is that these kids are still developing and they don't need to start something for the world to see that can later be criticized. When they are older and start producing quality work that they can be proud of and can be confidentially shown to a prospective employer, then that is when a real name should be used.
That brings us to these cases, primarily to those in high school. Students in high school can produce very quality piece of work. They should be able to take credit for them. That is why I think in some cases high schoolers should sign with their name. However, some students won't want to use their name throughout all of high school maybe because they are not ready. That is fine. Give them a pseudonym and let them enjoy posting work free of fear and judgement. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Mark Twain, signing off.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
The Creation of Learning
The Department of Education has begun to investigate how advances in computer science might affect education. They have worked thoroughly to improve how information gets passed to the classroom. They want to see innovators of techniques work closely with practitioners to advance a test of a practice. They argued that school don't need thoroughly tested methods with certain techniques. That requires too much time. We can move forward and begin to test these ideas and get them into classrooms faster.
Next they began to talk about cloud technology and how this can quickly improve data collection for researchers. This will greatly quicken the rate that new ideas and practices can be used for technological development in the classroom. The last thing that was discussed in the article was how to use web 2.0 to better analyze data and how to evaluated tools. This will allow thousands of students to access these tools to evaluate their effectiveness.
Strawn, Clare (March 4, 2013) Research Windows: Forward Thinking from Washington, DC. http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-leading/l-l-march-april-2013/research-windows-forward-thinking-from-washington-dc
Next they began to talk about cloud technology and how this can quickly improve data collection for researchers. This will greatly quicken the rate that new ideas and practices can be used for technological development in the classroom. The last thing that was discussed in the article was how to use web 2.0 to better analyze data and how to evaluated tools. This will allow thousands of students to access these tools to evaluate their effectiveness.
Strawn, Clare (March 4, 2013) Research Windows: Forward Thinking from Washington, DC. http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-leading/l-l-march-april-2013/research-windows-forward-thinking-from-washington-dc
Monday, March 11, 2013
Friday, March 1, 2013
Computational Thought for the Whole Family
This article made the claim that computational analysis is not only for the computer science minded. They described computational thinking (CT) as “solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behavior by drawing on the concepts fundamental to computer science.” By using this definition we can use computational thinking in virtually any field.
One of the key aspect of CT is being able to break down problems to be solvable tasks for a computer and using computers to analyze and represent data in a desired fashion. Computers are a great tool and will only continue to encompass our society. Students need to be familiar to using these skills to be able to solve tomorrow's problems when we are all looking for answers. Several case studies in the article show how CT can be used to analyze problems in the classroom. A number of 7th grade students used CT to write an algorithm to show the fastest way out of the school in the event of an emergency. Then a class of 5th grades are working on a project to include a virtual xylophone helping them understand the concept of pitch in a music class. There are a multitude of areas where this is applicable and can be beneficial to the student.
Since the essence of CT is problem solving there are possibilities galore for its application. Whether we are involved in a hard science and we are trying to calculate the speed of an electron through a field or if we are in a US history class and we are trying to track battle movements through the Civil War, there are and will always be problems to solve. This is why computational thinking is here and will continue to be a useful tool for this generation and the next.
One of the key aspect of CT is being able to break down problems to be solvable tasks for a computer and using computers to analyze and represent data in a desired fashion. Computers are a great tool and will only continue to encompass our society. Students need to be familiar to using these skills to be able to solve tomorrow's problems when we are all looking for answers. Several case studies in the article show how CT can be used to analyze problems in the classroom. A number of 7th grade students used CT to write an algorithm to show the fastest way out of the school in the event of an emergency. Then a class of 5th grades are working on a project to include a virtual xylophone helping them understand the concept of pitch in a music class. There are a multitude of areas where this is applicable and can be beneficial to the student.
Since the essence of CT is problem solving there are possibilities galore for its application. Whether we are involved in a hard science and we are trying to calculate the speed of an electron through a field or if we are in a US history class and we are trying to track battle movements through the Civil War, there are and will always be problems to solve. This is why computational thinking is here and will continue to be a useful tool for this generation and the next.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Read Me
This article could prove to be very helpful with students struggling with reading and reading comprehension. It outlined some major technological aids that will assist learners with their reading. These tools are mobile devices that would possibly one day be replacing textbooks. These devices can perform a number of helpful actions to help the child progress and understand their assignments. The reader can ask assistance and have the device say a certain word they cannot read, it can highlight or change the text color for selected passages, or the child can request to be read the entire passage.
The section that struck me the most was the story of Dylan who was in middle school having difficulty reading. Not only did this affect his English classes but it was so difficult for him that it even affected his math class. Reading the directions properly made assignments nearly impossible.
Dylan was then given one of these digital tools and it cut down the time it took to do his math homework to 1/4 of the time. As a prospect physics teacher I do want my students to be able to read but in my class I don't want that to be a barrier from them to be able to do good physics. I would highly endorse this product as I know that many students that need assistance would be able to work on pure physics without the barrier of poor reading skills.
One thing that the article mentions to keep in mind are the dangers of switching over to a digital platform. The article talks about how if there is too fast of a transition manufactures may not create the wide usability that would have to be there for all types of students. If the usability is not comprehensive enough, this would just cause more barriers for students. However, even with this risk, this looks like it will be a very promising turn for students with these troubles.
The section that struck me the most was the story of Dylan who was in middle school having difficulty reading. Not only did this affect his English classes but it was so difficult for him that it even affected his math class. Reading the directions properly made assignments nearly impossible.
Dylan was then given one of these digital tools and it cut down the time it took to do his math homework to 1/4 of the time. As a prospect physics teacher I do want my students to be able to read but in my class I don't want that to be a barrier from them to be able to do good physics. I would highly endorse this product as I know that many students that need assistance would be able to work on pure physics without the barrier of poor reading skills.
One thing that the article mentions to keep in mind are the dangers of switching over to a digital platform. The article talks about how if there is too fast of a transition manufactures may not create the wide usability that would have to be there for all types of students. If the usability is not comprehensive enough, this would just cause more barriers for students. However, even with this risk, this looks like it will be a very promising turn for students with these troubles.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Cyber Trip
The purpose of this article is to inform the reader about possible alternatives to the sometimes costly traditional field trips. This short article offered information about field trips that ranged from baseball museums to NASA facilities. However, these trips do not require you to do more than turn on your projector and draw down your screen. These trips are conferences that are led by a professional guide. These guides will lead you through an interactive display of the information to be presented, but this is not just a video of a guided Smithsonian tour. No, this is, as mentioned before, an interactive tour where students can interact with the guide by commenting and asking questions. This conference call allows both parties to see each other allowing for personal contact and interaction.
I really enjoy the idea of this. As the article mentioned, in today's world of budget cuts the idea of costly field trips are becoming harder and harder to stomach. The idea of a virtual field trip is much more cost effective and efficient. If I were to take my students on a field trip there are waivers to be signed, buses to line up, lunches to purchase, the list goes on. However, if I have a virtual trip I can instantly be in Florida at the NASA facilities and right after the tour I can be back in my classroom doing problems on what was spoken about in the tour. This is an exceptional thought that I hope to use in my own classroom one day.
I really enjoy the idea of this. As the article mentioned, in today's world of budget cuts the idea of costly field trips are becoming harder and harder to stomach. The idea of a virtual field trip is much more cost effective and efficient. If I were to take my students on a field trip there are waivers to be signed, buses to line up, lunches to purchase, the list goes on. However, if I have a virtual trip I can instantly be in Florida at the NASA facilities and right after the tour I can be back in my classroom doing problems on what was spoken about in the tour. This is an exceptional thought that I hope to use in my own classroom one day.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Blogger Beware
While both articles covered possible risks that are inherent with blogging I still would say that blogging is still a valuable tool that can be used in a professional setting. I think that the main thing to concern ourselves here is with content. You know that your work is going to be placed on a platform to been see, discussed, and criticized. So don't find it surprising that if you voice an opinion that some people might not like and respond accordingly. In the case of the article against blogging, the author would have hopefully know that the people that targeted her out on posting her blog site were doing so for a reason. She knew that there was going to be a side not wanting this publicized but she blogged about it anyway. She pushed back and arguably got what she wanted- a high volume response to the issue. However, she did not anticipate the negative repercussions that would follow from this.
Therefore, I would argue if you decide to take a risk and use blogging as a way to connect and share in your classroom and greater world, be cautious. You obviously must assume that everyone is reading it. If someone is mentioned, you must assume that they will be reading it. However, what is more likely is that if you have an expressed opinion on something, you have to be aware of the opposite side is and if their upset feelings will cost you your job.
That being said I think that sharing ideas and opinions is important and blogging is a great way to stir up good dialogues and discussions. I know for me I would use a blog to possibly talk about different labs and theories. If you keep your blogs straightforward and safe in this profession I think it will be very beneficial.
Therefore, I would argue if you decide to take a risk and use blogging as a way to connect and share in your classroom and greater world, be cautious. You obviously must assume that everyone is reading it. If someone is mentioned, you must assume that they will be reading it. However, what is more likely is that if you have an expressed opinion on something, you have to be aware of the opposite side is and if their upset feelings will cost you your job.
That being said I think that sharing ideas and opinions is important and blogging is a great way to stir up good dialogues and discussions. I know for me I would use a blog to possibly talk about different labs and theories. If you keep your blogs straightforward and safe in this profession I think it will be very beneficial.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
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