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. 

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. 

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. 

Deep Thought 1

This is my first post.  My favorite Superbowl commercial was the Oreo commercial.