Monday, December 15, 2008

Sunday, December 14, 2008

VoiceThread--Week 6




I didn't like that it really didn't allow for me to make changes. Also, I don't have a microphone so I could not record my voice. This was my least favorite of the three programs.

Animoto--Week 6

Friday, December 12, 2008

Scrapblog--week 6




I really liked this software. It was relatively easy to you and make it simple to organize my pictures. I wish I could have uploaded my own music though.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Frontline: Growing Up Online

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/


How do you view the Internet's impact on kids? Do you worry about it - or not? Do you have a story to share?

I thought this was an interesting video. I believe that the internet has a large impact on kids lives. Students have become more dependent on the computer do do things in their everyday lives. The video mentioned how students now need to be constantly in touch with the outside world and that they need everything to be at their fingertips. As a future teacher this is something that makes me a bit worried. I feel like there is more pressure as teachers to keep your students engaged in what we are teaching. Also, there is the risk that they will just use the technology they know to not really do the work they should. I know that as a student I have allowed the different things on the internet like Facebook, or AOL Instant Messenger to distract me from doing the work I should be doing.

One thing I believe teachers should be aware of with technology is that the use of technology in the classroom cannot completely replace an effective teacher. A teacher must learn to utilize the technology but not let it become so complicated or overwhelming that it distracts from what is actually being taught.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Money for Grades

I read Patrick's blog this week. http://phogan.wordpress.com/

I agree with him on most of what he said. I believe that this could be an effect means for some students but not all. Also, I think he made a valid point about thinking about the money as an just any other reward. But the whole idea of what is school is for is presented. Is school just to prepare students for the real world? Or are schools meant to do something else for students? I personally think a truely effective teacher has to be able to do something more for a student than giving them rewards for good grades. I think that simply introduces the idea of students just "getting by" the school day instead of learning strengths and weaknesses of themselfs, how to be citizens, and how to interact with others.

I believe that the teachers that are already effective with students are the only ones who could achieve something good by using money for grades. Therefore I do not think it is a necessary thing to do.