While our members come from many different areas of the educational spectrum, they share a belief that technology has the power to transform teaching and learning.
How can one say that a standard body of knowledge may no longer be relevant? This sounds like an excuse to stop paying for public education and simply making technology the end all, be all of existence. Can you imagine a world where the average citizen doesn't understand the origin of the Star Spangled Banner or the Emancipation Proclamation?
I really like this comment. Technology use should be routine and not just a supplement to the lesson. Curricular goals are essential - how does it further the content?
I know there are school divisions in Charlottesville/Albermarle County using ipods in the classroom. There are many apps that can be appropriate for classroom use.
This was a very interesting article on using technology with young students. I have never taught kids that young so it was very eye opening. Also, I liked the points Dr. Perry made about making sure to use active technolgies rather than passive ones like TV.
Here is an interesting article on cell phone use in the classroom. Is it really realistic to ban them at the door? This article gives ideas on how they can be used in instruction.
One of the reasons for banning cell phones is the cheating that occurs with texting. This year we were required (by the state) to take up cell phones for the End Of Course tests for our SOLs. Now about the article... I liked some of the suggestions on the use of cellphones but you would need a classroom set like the class in this article to be successful. I know that teachers have always worked beyond contract time with planning and grading but with this technology comes the expection of even more from us because now we would have to monitor acceptable use 24/7.
Did you know that Virginia was the first state to require Internet Safety training in schools? With the rise of social networking and cyberbullying Bob McDonnell (Attorney General at the time) got the law passed to require this in schools. I think it requires at least a one hour lesson each year for every student.
I never dreamed in a MILLION years that I would ever agree with anything that came out of McDonnell's mouth (Because as of recent his support of people like Cuccinnelli has put me over the edge!), but I do agree with what he said about students thinking that they are bulletproof and doing potentially harmful things online.
I did not know that we had laws that stated that internet safety training be done. I can't think of anything official that we do with the students, but the parents must go through ibook training. I guess they go over it then. At TMS we do cyberbullying lessons, but they don't at all schools, so I am wondering where and when this state law/mandate is being taught?
I did not know this either, but I think it is great! Are all schools required to do this training because I don't think that we have anything mandatory at my school. I wish we did; for the staff, students and parents!
I have actually enjoyed teaching the internet safety lessons to my students the past 2 years. I wonder if there is a possibility of some legislature requiring internet safety lessons for parents.... Just a thought.
Even though the author feels that educators should use the same tools the kids are using, he suggests that schools come up with their own social network. There are links here that are interesting.
This article talks about the importance of getting the parents involved and educated about what their children are doing on the computer. It ultimately starts at home and parents need to check the internet and constantly monitor what their kids are doing and who they are communicating with.
We all need to remain critical of whether or not our lessons are truly engaging. Adding technology doesn't make it enriching and engaging automatically.
"Effective" is the word that caught my attention is this article. For us to use technology effectively in an enriching and engaging manner, we need effective staff development. Most of these articles assume that the motivated teacher is going to find the time to learn this on his/her own. Not everyone is like that. I'd like to start concentrating on finding articles on effective staff development.
The verdict is out; the Promethean Board is the future of education. As adaptable and upgradeable as the computer it is linked to, expect the Promethean board to change the face of education in classrooms across the world for the next years to come.
This article talks about technology integration taking a backseat since Obama has been in office. This person is definitely in favor of getting technology integration as a priority. They even gave ways that people can speak out in favor of it!
Why you’d bother: LinkedIn is especially useful when you’re looking for a new job — or a new employee, which helps explain its 70-million-strong global membership — because you’re no longer limited to asking your immediate colleagues for referrals. Now you can ask colleagues of colleagues, which greatly expands your reach. LinkedIners can also vouch for one another as references.
Am I the only one getting tons of invites for LinkedIn? I wondered what it was!
There’s a game element, too: you earn points whenever you check in. In fact, whoever visits a certain place the most becomes its “mayor,” and may be rewarded by a giveaway from that business.