Journal #9: Science + Technology = Creativity (and Fun)

Mader, Jared (2009). Science + Technology = Creativity (and Fun!). Learning and Leading with Technology, 1, Retrieved 08/07/2009, from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=August_No_1_2


This article offers suggestions on how seemingly "boring" subjects like science can use technology to make things more creative and, consequently, more fun. The article suggests that the most effective way of incorporating technology is by making it supportive to the project itself rather than separate. In this approach, students use the technology skills they have acquired as a way to carry out and facilitate the project at hand. The tech skills are seamlessly woven into the learning outcomes of the assignment. Another great suggestion by the author is to offer the students more time and an open-ended approach to projects and problem solving. Give them an assignment, but allow them to make the decision as to which tools and methods would be most useful in carrying out the assignment and relaying the findings. This method forces students to think at much higher cognitive levels than having them simply carry out a list of detailed instructions. This was a great article and one that I particularly related to because of my interest in the math and science fields.

What are some of the dangers with the open ended approach to project assignment?
Students with poor time management skills may leave assignments until the last minute, forcing them to throw a project together at the last minute. This could actually produce worse results than if they had been asked to follow a more strict assignment.

How can an instructor safeguard against such pitfalls?
A great way to prevent this from happening is to, as a class, put together a time line for the project and select dates on which the instructor will check in on the progress that has been made.

Journal #8: Choosing the Perfect Tools for One-to-One

Bouterse, Brian (2009/08). Choosing the Perfect Tools for One-to-One. Learning and Leading with Technology, 1, Retrieved 08/07/2009, from
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL

Wow, I must be really behind the times (and I'm only 26)! After reading this article I took a minute to think back on my years in junior high and high school. I don't even recall my school offering a computer lab or assigning projects that required us to do more than some simple internet research or word processing. Now schools are considering offering a laptop to every student! Don't get me wrong, this is an incredible opportunity for the students and one that will absolutely increase their technological proficiency. However, it seems like the only information we ever receive about schools through the media is how there is a lack of funding. My question, then, is how are schools affording to accomplish this and are the results really worth the expenditure (which I imagine is quite large)? I am in no way resistant to new technology and can definitely see the necessity of being proficient with it if one is to be successful in modern society. I am just not convinced that it is vital for every student to have their own laptop in order to accomplish these goals. I may be a little misguided by all the tech-related articles that we have been reading, but it seems that the focus of schooling is beginning to shift away from subject competency and personal development and more towards developing a technologically literate society.

How much did your junior high and high school offer access to technology?
This is a question for the rest of the class. I am just wondering if the school district that I went through was much different than everyone else's.

Are one-to-one programs necessary to further the education of our youth?
At this point I would say no. I still feel that the primary goal of education is to develop subject matter competency in our students and to aid them in their personal development. Both of these goals can be accomplished with limited exposure to technology. However, with the way society is advancing, these goals may have to be modified.

Journal #7: Beyond Social Networking

Reynard, Ruth (2009/07/15). Beyond social networking: Building toward learning communities. The Journal, Retrieved 08/01/2009, from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2009/07/15/Beyond-Social-Networking-Building-Toward-Learning-Communities.aspx?Page=1



This article provides a variety of statistics surrounding social networking sites and their usage and offers insight as to how these sites can be effectively utilized by instructors to enhance student learning. The statistics show that 75% of people aged 18-24 are members of at least one social networking site. Because of the high rates in usage, the article suggests that teachers can use the technological skills already possessed by their students to integrate this emerging technology into the classroom. By doing so, teachers are, in theory, making the classroom more appealing to their students, empowering them by giving them an active role in the classroom, and helping to further their social development. I agreed with much of what this article was suggesting. Using technology that the students are familiar with and excited about will undoubtedly increase their participation in the class. It is also a great way to communicate information instantaneously, provide assistance outside of classroom hours, and offer the opportunity for collaborative learning. However, I hate to see the connection made between social networking sites and development of "social skills." There is a distinction that needs to be made between social proficiency via technology and more traditional interpersonal skills. This line is becoming more and more indistinguishable and I think it is important that we teach tomorrow's adults how to utilize technology to their benefit while still maintaining the importance of face-to-face social interaction and comfort.

Does this technology apply to all styles of teaching?
The author clearly displayed her facts and opinions through the lens of a social reconstructionist view of education. With the importance of technology in modern society, I think it is important for all teaching philosophies to incorporate technology in one form or another. However, I feel certain that some would be quicker to adopt this view than others.

What is going to happen to the social skills of people as social networking sites and emerging technology continue to replace traditional forms of social interaction?
This is a question I have been thinking about for a while and that this article helped resurface for me. I have no answer to the question but it is something that I think will be interesting to observe over the next couple decades.

Wiki Wiki... (NETS 1 & 5)

My Wiki page about the sweet (and free) tool called "Create A Graph"
http://www.embedit.in/MiAJQu9AxI

Inspiration... (NETS 3)

My Crossword (NETS 3)

Here is a crossword puzzle I created using Excel. All of the clues hint at info about....yours truly!
MyCrossword Sheet1

My iMovie (NETS 1 & 3)