Journal # 6
The Threat of Security
Hindering Technology Integration in the Classroom, by LeAnne K. Robinson, Abbie Brown, and Tim Green
Learning & Leading with Technology, September/October 2007
Fears over breaches in security could hinder the progress and integration of technology in the classroom. Educators are faced with the challenge of increased security demands when using technology to enhance the learning experience of their students. Teachers are informed that inappropriate use of e-mail will be seen as a violation of school policy and noted in their personnel file. Acceptable Use Policies have been developed by schools to protect and inform students of internet guidelines. Antivirus software is used in schools as a firewall and information is backed up regularly. Some schools discourage teachers from establishing class Web pages as they see this as a threat to the school.
How could students benefit from internet security?
Internet security is there to benefit and protect all users and ensure the proper use of technology without encountering viruses, predators or inappropriate sites. Students sometimes think that they know everything and need to be protected from their vulnerability.
How could students be educated on copyright laws?
Students could be given a group assignment to research copyright laws and present their findings via multimedia to their peers. The more students understand copyright law, the less likely they are to break it.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Journal # 5
Technology Incentives
Motivating Teachers to attend professional development training, by Virginia Richard
Learning & Leading with Technology, September/October 2007
In an effort to motivate professional development training, teachers in Polk County, Florida, attend technology coaching programs and receive incentives for passing proficiency tests. On completion of the program, the technology is immediately placed in the classroom. Some students attend the training and aid teachers and other students with the new technology. Peer mentors are used to promote the use of new technological tools to more reluctant teachers. It is the responsibility of the administrators to ensure that teachers receive an adequate professional development plan.
What are the benefits of including students and teachers in new technology programs?
Students and teachers who attend new technology programs are able to assist each another and other students in the implementation and use of new programs/technology. The new technology is likely to be more successful and receive approval from the students if they are involved from an early stage. Students are more eager to use new technology and can encourage and coach the teacher through the transition. Some students will automatically take the lead when new technology is introduced in the classroom.
How do the incentives offered to teachers benefit the students?
The teachers are offered incentives for completing proficiency tests with an 80% or higher pass rate. The teacher is awarded a selection of inventory, i.e. 1 GB flash drive, digital video editing software, LCD projectors. Students may use the software and technology when presenting projects. The new technology will encourage familiarization and students can advance and display their expertise when presenting projects to their peers.
Technology Incentives
Motivating Teachers to attend professional development training, by Virginia Richard
Learning & Leading with Technology, September/October 2007
In an effort to motivate professional development training, teachers in Polk County, Florida, attend technology coaching programs and receive incentives for passing proficiency tests. On completion of the program, the technology is immediately placed in the classroom. Some students attend the training and aid teachers and other students with the new technology. Peer mentors are used to promote the use of new technological tools to more reluctant teachers. It is the responsibility of the administrators to ensure that teachers receive an adequate professional development plan.
What are the benefits of including students and teachers in new technology programs?
Students and teachers who attend new technology programs are able to assist each another and other students in the implementation and use of new programs/technology. The new technology is likely to be more successful and receive approval from the students if they are involved from an early stage. Students are more eager to use new technology and can encourage and coach the teacher through the transition. Some students will automatically take the lead when new technology is introduced in the classroom.
How do the incentives offered to teachers benefit the students?
The teachers are offered incentives for completing proficiency tests with an 80% or higher pass rate. The teacher is awarded a selection of inventory, i.e. 1 GB flash drive, digital video editing software, LCD projectors. Students may use the software and technology when presenting projects. The new technology will encourage familiarization and students can advance and display their expertise when presenting projects to their peers.
Journal # 4
Building Technology Facilitators and Leaders by Jo Williamson and Traci Redish
Learning & Leading with Technology, August 2007
Instructional technologists are very familiar with the technology standards for students (NETS.S), teachers (NETS.T), and administrators (NETS.A). Instructional technologists are however unaware of their own standards to structure their professional learning. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards for Technology Facilitation (TF) and Technology Leadership (TL) offers technologists the standards to measure and improve their performance and professional status. The role of the facilitator is to perform at the school level, while leaders perform in districts, state or regional levels. The facilitators operate with in-depth knowledge, while the leaders need advanced knowledge in their field.
Why is it important to highlight the ISTE TF and TL standards to technologists?
The ISTE TF and TL standards highlight and validate the role of the technology professional. Some states offer technologists certification programs. The standards enable technologists to inform others of their role and develop a professional identity. Technologists should use the ISTE standards to inform new candidates and develop mentoring programs. Teachers should take full advantage of the expertise offered by the technologist and encourage students to become more involved in multimedia to process information.
Why is the role of Technology Facilitation (TF) and Technology Leadership (TL) important?
The role of TF and TL is important to schools as it enables the schools to meet the learning goals of the students. The leadership and facilitator goals should be well defined and standards should be implemented and addressed. Schools should ensure that they have enough personnel to fully implement the standards. Technologists should be encouraged to explain their role to students and encourage students to consider the role that technology has on their learning and career planning and development.
Building Technology Facilitators and Leaders by Jo Williamson and Traci Redish
Learning & Leading with Technology, August 2007
Instructional technologists are very familiar with the technology standards for students (NETS.S), teachers (NETS.T), and administrators (NETS.A). Instructional technologists are however unaware of their own standards to structure their professional learning. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards for Technology Facilitation (TF) and Technology Leadership (TL) offers technologists the standards to measure and improve their performance and professional status. The role of the facilitator is to perform at the school level, while leaders perform in districts, state or regional levels. The facilitators operate with in-depth knowledge, while the leaders need advanced knowledge in their field.
Why is it important to highlight the ISTE TF and TL standards to technologists?
The ISTE TF and TL standards highlight and validate the role of the technology professional. Some states offer technologists certification programs. The standards enable technologists to inform others of their role and develop a professional identity. Technologists should use the ISTE standards to inform new candidates and develop mentoring programs. Teachers should take full advantage of the expertise offered by the technologist and encourage students to become more involved in multimedia to process information.
Why is the role of Technology Facilitation (TF) and Technology Leadership (TL) important?
The role of TF and TL is important to schools as it enables the schools to meet the learning goals of the students. The leadership and facilitator goals should be well defined and standards should be implemented and addressed. Schools should ensure that they have enough personnel to fully implement the standards. Technologists should be encouraged to explain their role to students and encourage students to consider the role that technology has on their learning and career planning and development.
Journal # 3
Virtual Schools as Hotbeds of Reform by Anita McAnear
Learning & Leading with Technology, September/October 2007
The Education Sector has published a new report, entitled, ‘Laboratories of Reform: Virtual High Schools and Innovation in Public Education’. The report claims that online learning is the new model for school reform. The schools researched provided students with additional programs, college prep or credit recovery, rather than all on-line classes. Syllabuses and all other information are posted on-line. Students are required to go on-line once a day to meet all requirements. Teachers are required to provide feedback within 24 hours. Students have the option of having a highly interactive program or one that is self-paced. The report offers educators many ideas to enhance their program and policy ideas. The survey concluded that 75% of teachers considered on-line teaching improved student participation and independent learning.
What are the benefits of virtual schools?
There are many benefits to virtual schools, for example, students in rural areas are given the advantage of accessing a wider range of courses, which are provided to wealthier communities. Students could apply to take AP courses not offered by their district. Disabled or sick children are given the benefit of studying while receiving hospital treatment. Home schooled children are able to take additional courses that their parents feel unqualified to teach. School drop outs and migrant workers are also targeted by virtual schools.
What are the disadvantages of virtual schools?
Virtual schools do not enable students to benefit from socialization skills and students only realize this after completing their course work. Virtual school students are encouraged to participate in other social activities, such as social clubs and the church. Virtual schools do not always guarantee that their teachers are licensed and therefore the standard of education might be inferior.
Virtual Schools as Hotbeds of Reform by Anita McAnear
Learning & Leading with Technology, September/October 2007
The Education Sector has published a new report, entitled, ‘Laboratories of Reform: Virtual High Schools and Innovation in Public Education’. The report claims that online learning is the new model for school reform. The schools researched provided students with additional programs, college prep or credit recovery, rather than all on-line classes. Syllabuses and all other information are posted on-line. Students are required to go on-line once a day to meet all requirements. Teachers are required to provide feedback within 24 hours. Students have the option of having a highly interactive program or one that is self-paced. The report offers educators many ideas to enhance their program and policy ideas. The survey concluded that 75% of teachers considered on-line teaching improved student participation and independent learning.
What are the benefits of virtual schools?
There are many benefits to virtual schools, for example, students in rural areas are given the advantage of accessing a wider range of courses, which are provided to wealthier communities. Students could apply to take AP courses not offered by their district. Disabled or sick children are given the benefit of studying while receiving hospital treatment. Home schooled children are able to take additional courses that their parents feel unqualified to teach. School drop outs and migrant workers are also targeted by virtual schools.
What are the disadvantages of virtual schools?
Virtual schools do not enable students to benefit from socialization skills and students only realize this after completing their course work. Virtual school students are encouraged to participate in other social activities, such as social clubs and the church. Virtual schools do not always guarantee that their teachers are licensed and therefore the standard of education might be inferior.
Journal # 2
Creating and Sharing Interactive Maps by Glen Bull
Learning & Leading with Technology, Aug 2007
Google Maps has a new tab that enables the creation of an annotated map, which can be saved and shared. Details can be viewed at http://maps.google.com/help/maps/mymaps/create.html. The Web site enables users to print or share their map via a link to the Web page containing the map. Visitors to the site have the option of viewing the map with text, images, and video clips. The map can be made public or private.
The US Literary Map Project, http://www.ncteamericancollection.org/litmap/amcollectlitmap.htm is under construction by students in schools who research a local author and submit the report for inclusion in the project.
Road Sign Math, http://www.roadsignmath.com/, offers visitors to the site the opportunity to contribute to a mapping project. Students are encouraged to identify road signs with numbers that can be used to develop a mathematical equation.
How could Google Maps be used in the classroom?
Students could be given a project to share with their peers. The subject could be ‘My summer vacation’. Students could mark their favorite road trip on the map, with places, photos, video clips, and then share the project with the class. Lines can be drawn along routes. The shape tool can be used to highlight an area. Students can make the map accessible by e-mailing the URL to the class and access the map to present in front of their peers. Interactive maps can be used in almost any class. Students can work in groups or as individuals. This will enhance the students multimedia experience and encourage independent study.
How can U.S. Literary Map Project assist students in developing their knowledge?
Students could be given a project to research a local author and submit their report for inclusion in the Project. Students could also use the historical guided tours to research people or places as part of a history project. The site offers illustrations and detailed notes on cultural and historical data.
Creating and Sharing Interactive Maps by Glen Bull
Learning & Leading with Technology, Aug 2007
Google Maps has a new tab that enables the creation of an annotated map, which can be saved and shared. Details can be viewed at http://maps.google.com/help/maps/mymaps/create.html. The Web site enables users to print or share their map via a link to the Web page containing the map. Visitors to the site have the option of viewing the map with text, images, and video clips. The map can be made public or private.
The US Literary Map Project, http://www.ncteamericancollection.org/litmap/amcollectlitmap.htm is under construction by students in schools who research a local author and submit the report for inclusion in the project.
Road Sign Math, http://www.roadsignmath.com/, offers visitors to the site the opportunity to contribute to a mapping project. Students are encouraged to identify road signs with numbers that can be used to develop a mathematical equation.
How could Google Maps be used in the classroom?
Students could be given a project to share with their peers. The subject could be ‘My summer vacation’. Students could mark their favorite road trip on the map, with places, photos, video clips, and then share the project with the class. Lines can be drawn along routes. The shape tool can be used to highlight an area. Students can make the map accessible by e-mailing the URL to the class and access the map to present in front of their peers. Interactive maps can be used in almost any class. Students can work in groups or as individuals. This will enhance the students multimedia experience and encourage independent study.
How can U.S. Literary Map Project assist students in developing their knowledge?
Students could be given a project to research a local author and submit their report for inclusion in the Project. Students could also use the historical guided tours to research people or places as part of a history project. The site offers illustrations and detailed notes on cultural and historical data.
Journal # 1
Power of the Mashup
Combining Essential Learning with New Technology Tools by Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss
Learning & Leading with Technology, August 2007
Jerome Burg was a teacher for 34 years and left the classroom last year to helps other teachers integrate technology in the curriculum at Granada High School in Livermore, California. Burg created and designed Google Lit Traps to increase global interest in literary road trips. The interactive web based application allows users to search the internet using satellite imagery, maps, and other three dimensional images. Burg has created custom files for students to virtually travel with a literary character using Google Earth to explore the story in more detail. A Mashup is a web application combining data from more than one source into a single integrated tool. Teachers can use Mashups to perform eight essential learning functions. Burg plotted the travels of Candide and discovered numerous possibilities for adding information that students would discover while plotting out a story on a Google Earth file.
David Fagg, an Australian History Teacher, at Eaglehawk Secondary College created a mashup of technology with the MP3. He created the iHistory Podcast Project to describe the work and reveal the students feelings about their learning experience.
How will Google Lit Trips enhance the students experience of literary masterpieces?
Google Lit Trips enables students to research locations or events and helps their perception of a piece of literature. Place marks enable students to access information embedded in the file. Students are able to view video clips, links to online references, music recordings, photographs and other media and receive a more multidimensional learning experience. Google Earth enables students to learn how to use the tools and create their own KMZ file (which is a zipped KML file), using the place mark features of Google Earth to enhance their learning experience. They can number or color code place marks to a map, creating more questions about why those locations were important to them and their interpretation of the story.
How can students use the iHistory Podcast in the classroom?
Students could be given a project to investigate. Students could combine their fieldwork with podcasting. Students would have the opportunity to use their multimedia knowledge to create podcasts and would be very motivated about using their MP3 players with their peers.
Power of the Mashup
Combining Essential Learning with New Technology Tools by Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss
Learning & Leading with Technology, August 2007
Jerome Burg was a teacher for 34 years and left the classroom last year to helps other teachers integrate technology in the curriculum at Granada High School in Livermore, California. Burg created and designed Google Lit Traps to increase global interest in literary road trips. The interactive web based application allows users to search the internet using satellite imagery, maps, and other three dimensional images. Burg has created custom files for students to virtually travel with a literary character using Google Earth to explore the story in more detail. A Mashup is a web application combining data from more than one source into a single integrated tool. Teachers can use Mashups to perform eight essential learning functions. Burg plotted the travels of Candide and discovered numerous possibilities for adding information that students would discover while plotting out a story on a Google Earth file.
David Fagg, an Australian History Teacher, at Eaglehawk Secondary College created a mashup of technology with the MP3. He created the iHistory Podcast Project to describe the work and reveal the students feelings about their learning experience.
How will Google Lit Trips enhance the students experience of literary masterpieces?
Google Lit Trips enables students to research locations or events and helps their perception of a piece of literature. Place marks enable students to access information embedded in the file. Students are able to view video clips, links to online references, music recordings, photographs and other media and receive a more multidimensional learning experience. Google Earth enables students to learn how to use the tools and create their own KMZ file (which is a zipped KML file), using the place mark features of Google Earth to enhance their learning experience. They can number or color code place marks to a map, creating more questions about why those locations were important to them and their interpretation of the story.
How can students use the iHistory Podcast in the classroom?
Students could be given a project to investigate. Students could combine their fieldwork with podcasting. Students would have the opportunity to use their multimedia knowledge to create podcasts and would be very motivated about using their MP3 players with their peers.
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