What strategies do you use when you research?
Most of my current research involves questions from my clients, at LabCorp. So, I will usually contact the head of the department to which they have the question. These discussions take place in person, on the phone, or via email.
When I do research for school or personal issues, I mostly use the internet. I grew up going to the library and looking up information there. I even know how to use a card catalog! Which, may show my age in this class, but I am willing to take the risk and share. But, now that the internet makes so much info accessible to me at home on my couch, I depend on it.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Chapter 2
The second chapter in our textbook is all about Weblogs. I was introduced to blogging last semester. I knew it was out there, but not much about it. And to be perfectly honest, I am not a big fan. So, I was hoping that this chapter would convert me.
There is a statement on the third page, which does not help in this effort. "Just about every post in his blog has a link in it which is just a part of good blog practice. (Being able to connect ideas and resources via linking is one of Weblogging's most important strengths)." Why does blogging have to have rules? Can't we just use the space as we want? I certainly have not linked my previous entries to anywhere else. Does that not make them valid? And, if I choose to use blogs in my classroom, I am certainly not going to ask my students to link if they do not want to. And there are more rules on page thirty-two.
I can see the validity of using blogs to have a collaborative space. It would be great to assign my students a response for them to put in their blogs and have students comment on their classmates' answers as well. It would provide a more efficient method of peer grading. I also like the idea of a space where students and parents can go to access information for my class. Posting assignments for those that are absent will be as helpful to my students as it will be to me. It puts the responsibility for the make-up work in their hands. It would also allow them to work on some of it while they are out, if they are able.
I am still on the fence about requiring that my students have their own blog, but I am willing to try it out and see how it goes.
There is a statement on the third page, which does not help in this effort. "Just about every post in his blog has a link in it which is just a part of good blog practice. (Being able to connect ideas and resources via linking is one of Weblogging's most important strengths)." Why does blogging have to have rules? Can't we just use the space as we want? I certainly have not linked my previous entries to anywhere else. Does that not make them valid? And, if I choose to use blogs in my classroom, I am certainly not going to ask my students to link if they do not want to. And there are more rules on page thirty-two.
I can see the validity of using blogs to have a collaborative space. It would be great to assign my students a response for them to put in their blogs and have students comment on their classmates' answers as well. It would provide a more efficient method of peer grading. I also like the idea of a space where students and parents can go to access information for my class. Posting assignments for those that are absent will be as helpful to my students as it will be to me. It puts the responsibility for the make-up work in their hands. It would also allow them to work on some of it while they are out, if they are able.
I am still on the fence about requiring that my students have their own blog, but I am willing to try it out and see how it goes.
Chapter 1
The chapter starts with a discussion on when the internet was created. And though I can remember life without the internet, I now do not know what I would do without it. I cannot tell you the last time a day went by when I did not sign on at least once. My husband and I pay an insane amount for cable internet and have purchased a wireless system so that our laptop is connected.
The chapter goes on to say, "The online life has become an entire strategy for how to live, survive, and thrive in the twenty-first century where cyberspace is a part of everyday life." At first glance, I thought this statement a bit extreme. My parents rarely use the internet, yet they survive. But as I gave it more thought, they do have trouble accessing information, or contacting companies without the use of the internet. I know that I would feel at a loss of where to go to get some of the information I look to cyberspace to provide.
The last part of the chapter talks about how to keep kids safe on the internet. This is a subject that I am very passionate about. If you read my Technology Autobiography, I talked about how nice it would be if every student could have a laptop to take home. But, I do worry about the unsupervised use at home. I am sure that some parents would monitor, but I am equally as sure that some would not. And even the best of filters cannot catch everything. The book's solution is to discuss appropriate use of the internet with your students. And some kids may listen. However, kids are curious by nature and most will take a peek.
Just as a side note, has anyone else noted that spellcheck does not recognize the word "internet?" Somewhat ironic, eh?
The chapter goes on to say, "The online life has become an entire strategy for how to live, survive, and thrive in the twenty-first century where cyberspace is a part of everyday life." At first glance, I thought this statement a bit extreme. My parents rarely use the internet, yet they survive. But as I gave it more thought, they do have trouble accessing information, or contacting companies without the use of the internet. I know that I would feel at a loss of where to go to get some of the information I look to cyberspace to provide.
The last part of the chapter talks about how to keep kids safe on the internet. This is a subject that I am very passionate about. If you read my Technology Autobiography, I talked about how nice it would be if every student could have a laptop to take home. But, I do worry about the unsupervised use at home. I am sure that some parents would monitor, but I am equally as sure that some would not. And even the best of filters cannot catch everything. The book's solution is to discuss appropriate use of the internet with your students. And some kids may listen. However, kids are curious by nature and most will take a peek.
Just as a side note, has anyone else noted that spellcheck does not recognize the word "internet?" Somewhat ironic, eh?
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Technology Autobiography
Ah, playing Oregon Trail and Number Munchers...my first memory of computers in the lab at Greathouse Elementary. As I progressed through the grades, I used computers more and more. I mostly used them for word-processing, but by high school I was using CD-Roms and the internet to do research. In college, I learned to use Power Point, Excel, and delved more deeply into what was available on the internet. Now, working in a corporate environment, I use computers everyday which has made me comfortable with them and their programs. I know quite a bit about the internet, but not enough about social websites. I realize that a lot of my students will be using them, and I need to be more familiar with those applications.
Computers are a valuable resource in the classroom. In my ideal world, each child would be provided a laptop for the school year. This would allow each student to have computer access at home, as well as during the school day. I plan to use computers as often as is appropriate. I would like to be able to assign projects that require the use of a computer. Technology enhances the learning experience. Kids live to use the latest technologies and when a teacher lets them use computers in class, they are all for it.
Teacher's should also use technology to enhance their instruction. I am a firm believer that kids do not learn well by reading the chapter and answering the questions at the end. Lessons need to be fresh and interesting to catch the attention of kids in this fast-paced, constant stimulation world. If you can give them something to look at, listen to, and do with their hands--they are totally engaged and paying attention to the lesson. Adding pictures or a movie clip to a lecture, can help grab students' attentions and help with retention. This will also incorporates visual and auditory learning styles into the same lesson, reaching more students.
Computers are a valuable resource in the classroom. In my ideal world, each child would be provided a laptop for the school year. This would allow each student to have computer access at home, as well as during the school day. I plan to use computers as often as is appropriate. I would like to be able to assign projects that require the use of a computer. Technology enhances the learning experience. Kids live to use the latest technologies and when a teacher lets them use computers in class, they are all for it.
Teacher's should also use technology to enhance their instruction. I am a firm believer that kids do not learn well by reading the chapter and answering the questions at the end. Lessons need to be fresh and interesting to catch the attention of kids in this fast-paced, constant stimulation world. If you can give them something to look at, listen to, and do with their hands--they are totally engaged and paying attention to the lesson. Adding pictures or a movie clip to a lecture, can help grab students' attentions and help with retention. This will also incorporates visual and auditory learning styles into the same lesson, reaching more students.
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