iMovie PSA

Using NETS-T I,II

This movie was edited to create a PSA for  CSUSM.

~Journal # 9 (NETS-T I,II,V): Point/Counterpoint: Should Schools Go Paperless?~

Smith, V, & Evans, E. (2011). Learning and Leading with Technology. Point/Counterpoint: Should Schools Go Paperless?, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Should_Schools_Go_Paperless.aspx

Going paperless can prove to be helpful as well as destructive. There are 2 ways to manage the world and even though we live in a world full of technology; we still manage to produce more paper then when computers hadn't existed. It's funny to think that we have created more of a nuisance with printing and money wasting then we have before with just handwriting. Computers can become important because we have a source of digitally transferring knowledge and saving on natural resources in our environment. On the other hand, how does it affect students,teachers and others if we allow the computer to do all our work and we lose our natural ability to write free-hand? There are benefits and losses to choosing either style of preservation. We are evolving at such a fast pace we forget that we may lose some abilities along the way while gaining other abilities. Maybe we will all become computer savvy but lack in writing letters and spelling because of the integration of computers in managing our information. If we think deeper in to the matter, paper can always be recycled and no matter what method we choose; we ultimately, will be paying money on one end or the other. There will always be that fear of "if technology fails us and crashes; what else can we depend on?" Our writing is important to keep documents and information that we feel safe with that we can take care of and can predict, but what if a fire hits and destroys all documents? What do we do then? Ultimately, our personal fears of technology should be just as prominent as a fire hitting our house which chances can be slimmer or greater depending on how we take care of our resource tools.

Q1: Do we produce more paper now then we did before when computers did not exist?

A1: Unfortunately, we do produce and waste more paper now then we used to when computers did not exist. With printing in circulation and etc. we are more inclined to waste paper. It is getting easier over time as things become digitally accepted or passed around but it does not stop our need to have something physical within our hands.

Q2: What is the greatest fear most people have about technology replacing paper copies?

A2: The fear of having nothing to look at or keep safe can be daunting for most people. If there isn't a copy we have to depend on technology which is likely to crash, get viruses or alter our data/information. People are more inclined to trust their own written work they can physically hold then to look at a screen at watch it possibley disappear.

~Journal # 8 (NETS-S III,V) Learning Connections: Get outside with GPS!~

Diehl, C. (2011). Learning connections: get outside with gps!. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Learning_Connections_Get_outside_with_GPS.aspx 

Geocaching is a unique way to go about treasure hunting while using the essential devices; such as, a GPS and computer. This happens to be a new age activity that many people have taken up to get out in the world while challenging their minds to a hunting game. A Geocache is stashed somewhere around the world with the exact coordinates. Once the coordinates are obtained using a computer helps to find the general location of the item: whereas, the GPS finds the exact location while you're out in nature searching for it. At times the Geocaches are small enough to write down the date and who found it; while other times there are little trinkets left behind for you to take as long as you put a trinket in the Geocache in return. Geocaches can offer a lot to classrooms if set up as a lesson plan for the day. It gets the students out and exploring the world around them instead of being so confined to their seats. It can also expand other areas of knowledge by allowing the students time to learn about geography,numbers and science within nature. It's an adventure for students to enjoy and something new that can be brought into the education system that activates technological knowledge and use; as well as, physical activity time. I remember being in a 7th grade science class that set up a Geocache assignment for the day and was overall successful and fun for the students.

Q1: What is Geocaching?

A1: Geocaching is an activity which involves a GPS to find items hidden by other people from around the world. Geocaching can be a hobby or a school activity. 

Q2: What else can Geocaching contribute to a person's knowledge?

A2: Geocaching can teach a person about geography, numbers, nature and etc. Different classrooms can set up lesson plans that activate other knowledge that can be used in Geocaching. By using questions and answers as coordinate numbers then it becomes a completely different learning experience.

~Journal 7: NETS (III, V) Creating My PLN~

A PLN is a Personal Learning Network to assist us in the way we think,teach and use our resources. It is a great way to gather outside information and pull it together in one location that is useful to you. I plan on accessing my PLN to help me teach and gather more information to use within the classroom environment. We all know there may not be enough time and money to grab all the information in one location; well PLN's assist us in these times of economic crisis. For example, some social media tools to create PLN's are Twitter, Facebook, Diigo and other networking tools. These resources are useful because it comes from different perspectives and is a collective place for information to flow into which helps give us seek out valid sources for our database.

1. Twitter

One particularly useful PLN is Twitter. A pool of information that many can add more information too. I specifically chose 5 student peers to follow within my Twitter to give me a better sense of direction. Being at the same stage of life, the student peers are eager to gather information much like I am. This will help me obtain a wealth of information that I may not of looked into before. It gives different perspectives, ideas and links of informational resources that may not just be art or history which I enjoy. I had also followed some educators who specialize in Elementary technology as well as history since they are some of the various things I follow. It helps to gain assistance throughout the professional world and keep connections going to obtain the information that's out in the world.

I had followed one particular Twitter chat by the #artsed group. This was based upon the education of art and its importance within the school system. They hold their sessions on Thursdays at 7:30pm EST. I found it intriguing the various questions they brought to the table questioning the system and its lack of role in supporting art educators. I, myself, find art essential to our imaginative minds. It broadens our perspectives and helps us to think abstractly. What was an important topic was the question of what kind of ideas we can incorporate to art to make it essential to the school system because we all know the arts are the first to be cut when their is an economic crisis.

2. Diigo

Diigo is another resourceful tool to gather information and resources. Much of what I was searching for was based around history. I tagged 3 different history related sites such as Art History Resources on the Web, History is Elementary and Teaching History. I tagged these sites due to my teaching profession in the teaching field. Having these sites at my fingertips helps me to surf for information. I followed 5 history buffs that enjoyed the ongoing teachings of history. I managed to follow 2 teachers and 1 coordinator of History and Sciences within Massachusetts. I feel it will help me excel in gathering appropriate information as well as lesson plans to set up for a middle school classroom. I feel Diigo is a fun and easy way to grab information compared to Twitter. Its like a search engine that reaches out to follow relevant information and resources without dealing with the annoyances of advertisements and random information.

3.Digital Discussion Forums

On the website, Classroom 2.0 I found a very informational forum which dealt with technology or gaming within a classroom environment to forward education. It was intriguing how technology was used to create games which involves art, mathematics and imagination to construct a world which can be economically beneficial if that is the profession someone chooses. It assists in not only learning but also a career path that can be taken which is increasing as technology becomes more integrated into society. It was exciting to read into and with the links,information and differing opinions; I was able to get some valid incite on how gaming can work in a classroom.

All About Me Survey

~Journal 6: (NETS-T III,V) PLN's~

Warlick, David. (2009). Grow your personal learning network. Learning and Leading with Technology, 36(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-march-april-2009.aspx 

It's fascinating how not to long ago; we, as a community, used each other as sources for information and transferring information around the globe whether it be by telephone, television or face-to-face. Today, internet is our key source to distributing information and setting up a basis  of information about ourselves. We do this to either get jobs, reach out to friends, share information or so much more. There are just so many possibilities; it is difficult not to access all kinds of information which is accessible to the technological world. Facebook is a huge tool which is accessible to friends and family-alike. It is more limited then Twitter but sometimes we need that sense of safety to protect our identity from other unwanted people. Sometimes, these tools can be useful to get ideas from outside sources of lesson plans or get advice from people of all different styles of any particular field of work. A perfect quote from David Warlick's article is, "Technology has inspired a shift from hunting-and-gathering information economy to the domestication of the information landscape".

Q1:What was our first source that helped us to reach out and share information with others?

A1: Our first source of spreading information was communication from person to person. As time went on it shifted to mail then to telephone and then television. Finally, the computer and other similar technologies have helped us to spread information.

Q2: What’s a great way to share information and how may sharing this information help us?

A2: We can share information through Twitter, Facebook, Blogs and etc. This helps us to establish information to obtain jobs or information needed to help us progress.

~Journal 5 (NETS-T I, IV, V): Cyberbullying~

Bogacz, R, & Gordillo, M. (2011). Iste: learning and leading in technology. Point/Counterpoint: Should Schools Be Held Responsible for Cyberbullying?, 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Should_Schools_Be_Held_Responsible_for_Cyberbullying.aspx 

 

Bullying is prominent in all forms and internet is slowly becoming a key source and easily accessible to continue bullying. It is important that we acknowledge this source of bullying as educators.  We can either acknowledge that bullying is going to happen and that we must take responsibility for it or take the greater of two evils and just simply ignore it. We have to educate ourselves in how to protect our students and build an outlet for them to express themselves and freely talk about any issues or concerns. We can either be the mediator or the cause of low self-esteem in our students. We are their supports, their guides, their protectors and as such, we need to build up the defenses to make a safe environment for our students. We have to lend our helping hands to the students that need it. The ones that don’t seek help but need it. Just like regular bullying; cyber-bullying is no different and we must treat them the same and deal with them in the same way.

Q1: Who all can help stop cyber bullying and in what ways?

A1: Cyber-bullying can be stopped by teachers, parents, students and administrators. We can stop this by educating ourselves about it and seeking help if we are victims of it. There should be no reason we cannot stop cyber bullying if we learn how dangerous it can be to lives and our self-esteem.

Q2: Why may a school not be responsible for protecting from cyber-bullying?

A2: Educators and administrators cannot always be responsible for what happens out of school. Much of the cyber bullying remains outside of the school grounds. Much of what causes cyber bullying is an inadequate feeling of love or self-esteem that stems from home and the social life outside of the school. If there are plenty of preventatives at school then it stems from outside of just school and needs to be taken care of by peers at home.

~Journal 4 (NETS-T IV,V) Teachers with the Internet~

LastSchaffhauser, D. (2010, December 01). It's time to trust teachers with the internet: a conversation with Meg Ormiston. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/12/01/its-time-to-trust-teachers-with-the-internet-a-conversation-with-meg-ormiston.aspx?sc_lang=en

It’s not just the teachers afraid of using technology but the entire school uncertain about giving teachers the power to use technology. More and more teachers are becoming limited with their use of technology. It seems there is some kind of fear that the administration can’t trust what might happen if teachers were given the opportunity to use technology effectively, within a classroom. Teachers need the access of the internet to pull together resources needed for the classroom to run smoothly with all the information right there to access.  There’s also a limited amount of space on computers so that the information will be limited most of the time. One thing that is always a fear for all parents, administrators and other teachers alike is the use of blocking. Is everything going to be appropriately blocked or will there be accidents that prove to be inappropriate use of the internet. There are so many fears that we as a faculty need to get passed or else we set up for failure of progression with technology.

Q1: What is a challenge most teacher’s face when limiting access in technology?

A1: Teacher’s will become frustrated with all the restrictions upon their information because with too many restrictions there won’t be a way to access the proper direction to grab information.

Q2: Why is it important to speak with the administrators about internet access and what is available to access?

A2: Administrators control a lot of the make-up of the classrooms and how they will run. It helps to explain the benefits of having available access to the internet because we as teachers should be responsible and trusted within our classroom or else we shouldn’t even teach in the first place. It is up to us to convince administrators the power of technology and its resources.

~Journal 3 (NETS-T II,IV) 100 Things That Make Me Happy~

1. My family

2. Love

3. Books

4. Romance

5. Friends

6. Dancing

7. Ballet

8. Moulin Rouge

9. Techno

10. Trance

11. Deadmau5

12. Muse

13. Singing

14. Music

15. Computers

16. Video Games

17. Left 4 Dead

18. Zombieland

19. Blue

20. Facebook

21. Azure

22. Mom

23. Dad

24. Boys

25. Sports

26. Doughnuts

27. French Fries

28. Coco

29. My House

30. School

31. College

32. Art

33. Drawing

34. Anime

35. French

36. Japanese

37. History

38. Renaissance

39. Malts

40. Teachers

41. Babies

42. Dante's Inferno

43. Philosophy

44. Spirits

45. A's

46. Roleplaying

47. Horses

48. Dogs

49. Cats

50. Tigers

51. Wolves

52. Fantasy

53. Cascada

54. Benny Benassi

55. Madonna

56. Science

57. Peace

58. Silence

59. Tattoos

60. Sentras

61. Sun

62. Moon

63. Chicken

64. Poetry

65. Rings

66. Sapphire

67. Topaz

68. Red Riding Hood

69. Big Bad Wolf

70. Clouds

71. Rainbows

72. Cousins

73. Jazz

74. Hip Hop

75. Rock

76. Customization

77. Dragons

78. Enya

79. Within Temptation

80. Evanescence

81. Halo

82. Rockband

83. Loyalty

84. Trust

85. Organization

86. Cleanliness

87. Iron Chef

88. Judge Pierro

89. Justice

90. Hello Kitty

91. Gerard Butler

92. Jennifer Aniston

93. Fridays

94. Internet

95. Jackets

96. Birthdays

97. Amusement Parks

98. Dinosaurs

99. Museums

100. Heros

~ Journal 2 (NETS-T III,IV,V): Twitter~

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock!. Learning and Leading, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-february-march-2011.aspx

McClintock Miller, S. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning and Leading, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-february-march-2011.aspx

 

Twitter is a tool used by the worldwide community to get brief information out and collecting information from other sources through a social network. It’s a process of following other people with the same interests and knowledge that helps a person expand their mental database. When accessing Twitter, you’re accessing a community willing to learn and share information to help one another out effectively. Hadley Ferguson introduces to the community how to set up Twitter and surf through it with ease. This is helpful to educators to learn a method; which helps to access Twitter in a manner that relates to education. A lot of it can be filtered out to make it a place of creative access to knowledge that is constantly updated and shared with your peers. Getting outside resources from all over the globe from interactive real people helps to gather a type of information that can only be shared amongst educators one on one. This will help people to understand and ask questions as if taking a live online class.

Q1: What does PLN stand for?

A1: PLN stands for Professional Learning Network. This name is connected to Twitter to identify it as a tool of helpful use.

Q2: How is Twitter a source to generously give to the worldwide community?

A2: Twitter is a way for you as the user to give feedback and information to the community that is seeking help. It’s not just a place to grab information from out of the sky. It’s also a way to donate your information; which may enlighten others that seek help. If everyone is taking and no one is giving; then there will be no information to receive. We all need feedback and resources from others to receive valuable knowledge on hand.

~Journal 1 (NETS-T I, II, III) : Do Web 2.0 ~

Light, Daniel. (2011). Do web 2.0 right. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Feature_Article_Do_Web_2_0_Right.aspx

 

 Web 2.0 is a great learning feature that features ideas of bringing a system of blogs to the classroom environment. These blogs give access to students, teachers and parents to what is being learned, information shared and any emergency contacts necessary with just the click of the mouse. Blogs are an outlet that are protected and saved for just the classroom setting; while also, giving access to students a new innovative tool of the technological age. It’s a great way to get feedback from the class and improve knowledge and writing for those who use blogs. Blogs also help start conversations of various topics. More then one topic can be running to keep students interactive and working diligently.  Blogs work at all various grade levels. Education is expanding and needs the resources that technology has to offer. All teachers should at least have some access to a blog so that parents and students feel a sense of safety and can reach their teachers in an effective and timely manner.

Q1: What is the main concern for parents and teachers with the blogging community?

A1: Most parents and teacher’s are afraid of outside sources getting access to personal information surrounding a teacher’s lesson plan and various information and comments formed by the students. There is also the fear of commenting of outsiders that may be inappropriate to the blog. A lot of parents and teachers need to put aside these worries because there are ways to make blogs accessible to the classroom only. The protection will maintain a level of professionalism and security.

Q2: How effective can blogging be for students and how does it help them?

A2: Students learn to behave in a collaborative and respectable manner when connecting their blog life to the classroom. They learn to become technologically savvy and receive feedback from their peers.

Technology Self-Assessment: School 2.0

Nets-T Standard: # 3 Model Digital Age Work and Learning

Using the resource, “5 Steps to Using a Teacher’s Blog,” I have learned that technology is a tool we, as teachers, can use in the work field collaboratively to form differing ideas and curriculums for our students. It’s important that we share information and come together as a district because technology can be useful but if we don’t all use it in the same way; we each will learn at a different level and pace.

Teachers fear using technology because in this day and age; students and children were born in the era where they must learn quickly and at a younger age then most of the present teachers. As time goes on, it will be integrated for all teachers to effectively use but for those out there who are unsure of how to use it; blogging helps bring the community of teachers together to interact while also using technology effectively.  We need to come together as a whole and understand the various techniques and learning styles that computers as well as all other forms of technology offers us.

The more we are able to share information; the less afraid we become. This will help teachers smoothly transition into the technologic era and be able to properly educate students of what is necessary in their lives.

Week 1 Introduction Letter

Well, "to start the ball rolling," as they say; my name's Ashley Dillard. I just recently turned 22 on our first day of class, Jan. 27th. I am a Liberal Studies major with a history depth of study and a French minor. I seek to teach elementary to middle school students because they are an effective group of students to train, mold and to build into respectable and knowledgeable adults. I have been here in Cal State San Marcos since the moment I left high school in 07'. I started off my school year at Conway Elementary in Escondido, California. I started off as a cougar; that was our mascot. Next, I went to Rincon Middle School which was the bulldog. From there, I went to Escondido High School which was once again the cougar. Finally, I end up here in CSUSM as a cougar once again. Big surprise, right? Haha.
Technology, hmmm. Well, I love technology. I use it on a daily basis; yet, for some reason I am really bad at understanding the terms and workings of a computer. I can get by without really understanding. I just do it. I think technology is necessary and helpful in our world for us to evolve as a society. It helps us to understand the world around us as well as better our lives which begin to become extremely more difficult. My experiences have revolved around computers since I was 14. It really shapes our world and how we function; especially in education. Technology is something refreshingly new and it's really funny how the generation before me; my parents, really do not understand the need for such technology.
The College of Education Mission Statement seems effective and creative in its creation. I really appreciate the statement inferring to 'educational equity'. Everyone should have the equal opportunity at receiving knowledge on technology and using it within the classroom environment. It is necessary to have thoughtful educators seeking to further our knowledge as students in a world that's ever evolving.  Though some of the words seem a bit outdated in use (haha); I still think it fits the description of what a mission's statement should be built upon. I really didn't put thought into thinking that the Mission Statement was my purpose for choosing this class. Overall, technology is necessary in our daily lives and we as educators-to-be need to learn how to use it instead of being afraid of it.