Bree Colwell
Journal #9
“Technology in Ethiopian Schools” is an article published in the March 2006 issue of ISTE’s magazine “L&L”. I found this article to be profoundly interesting. A U.S. agency developed a program for the students in Ethiopia. The U.S. wanted to integrate technology into their schooling. The students were provided with computers, scanners, cameras, printers, projectors and education on how to use these items. This program was beneficial to the students because this new technological knowledge provides students with an opportunity to be able to keep up with the demands of the world. Over half of their country is below the poverty line and with this knowledge the students can get a better job in order to support their families.
1) As a teacher, how would you convey to your students the benefit of an education in technology?
I would show my students how many jobs use computers every day, from McDonalds to Washington Mutual. I would then assign homework and only half of the class was allowed to use the computer and the other half to use another resource. I expected the same from all students, and they would then say “That’s not fair” we would then have a discussion about how everyone needs to be equal and how technology is important no matter where you go.
2) Are there other topics that could be taught along with the previous lesson?
I feel that teaching compassion and cooperation is a large part of being a teacher. These as well as many other valuable lessons could be incorporated into the previous lesson. Show that the U.S. is helping other countries with their education for students would be my starting point to a larger lesson on how compassion and cooperation never ends.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Journal #8
Bree Colwell
Journal #8
Virtual Schooling is an interesting topic because I myself and down the middle about why or when we should implement VS. The students who have a difficult time getting to school weather it be because of transportation or personal obligations I think VS is a great idea. A great example would be the students who were displaced due to Hurricane Katrina, they are having difficulties with personal obligations and if they had the resources to keep up in their school work, VS would be a great tool for them. On the other hand, those students who just don’t want to go to school are missing out on a social aspect that I feel all students should experience. Making friends at school is a great networking tool for life. I don’t know where I would be with the friends and experiences that I made while in high school.
1) Do you think a virtual teacher can replace the classroom teacher?
Personally I feel that the VS teacher is very important, but the relationship that you build with your teacher on a daily basis is so important. It is the beginnings of learning how to work with peers and superiors that you might not like or agree with. Many times students who live on the computer lack a sense of belonging to an affiliation and going to school provides that.
2) Do you think VS will contribute to the constant growth of childhood obesity?
Walking around campus will burn more calories that sitting at a computer. When enrolled in a school, there is PE and or recess where students run around and get their heart pumping. When they eat lunch in the cafeteria, the lunches are healthier because of district standard but if the student were at home, they would eat what ever was faster to make.
Journal #8
Virtual Schooling is an interesting topic because I myself and down the middle about why or when we should implement VS. The students who have a difficult time getting to school weather it be because of transportation or personal obligations I think VS is a great idea. A great example would be the students who were displaced due to Hurricane Katrina, they are having difficulties with personal obligations and if they had the resources to keep up in their school work, VS would be a great tool for them. On the other hand, those students who just don’t want to go to school are missing out on a social aspect that I feel all students should experience. Making friends at school is a great networking tool for life. I don’t know where I would be with the friends and experiences that I made while in high school.
1) Do you think a virtual teacher can replace the classroom teacher?
Personally I feel that the VS teacher is very important, but the relationship that you build with your teacher on a daily basis is so important. It is the beginnings of learning how to work with peers and superiors that you might not like or agree with. Many times students who live on the computer lack a sense of belonging to an affiliation and going to school provides that.
2) Do you think VS will contribute to the constant growth of childhood obesity?
Walking around campus will burn more calories that sitting at a computer. When enrolled in a school, there is PE and or recess where students run around and get their heart pumping. When they eat lunch in the cafeteria, the lunches are healthier because of district standard but if the student were at home, they would eat what ever was faster to make.
Journal #7
Bree Colwell
Journal #7
“Should schools regulate offsite online behavior?” was published in the March 2007 “L&L” by ISTE and it was amazing. There are two sides to every story and this is no different. Nancy Willlard spoke on the yes side stating that cyberbullying over flows into the classroom and makes the learning environment hostile and the students feel unsafe. Lynn Wiettecha spoke on the no side stating that teachers already have a long list of responsibilities with the state standards and is it realistic to ask teachers to take on another responsibility. Lynn made a very good point about teaching children to look both ways before crossing the street, it is not reasonable to expect the teacher to walk everywhere with the students and assist at all street crossings. I personal feel that offsite online activities should fall on the parent’s shoulders.
1) How would teachers monitor offsite online postings?
If the school district is having difficulties with cyberbullying, then the school should hire a professional computer person to constantly monitor the websites. It is amazing how knowledgeable the students are with computers.
2) Should students be responsible for solving situations that happen online?
I feel that students learn how to handle situations that occur outside of school. Parents should be involved with their children so they know if there is a problem with classmates. Learning how to handle yourself is a part of growing up.
Journal #7
“Should schools regulate offsite online behavior?” was published in the March 2007 “L&L” by ISTE and it was amazing. There are two sides to every story and this is no different. Nancy Willlard spoke on the yes side stating that cyberbullying over flows into the classroom and makes the learning environment hostile and the students feel unsafe. Lynn Wiettecha spoke on the no side stating that teachers already have a long list of responsibilities with the state standards and is it realistic to ask teachers to take on another responsibility. Lynn made a very good point about teaching children to look both ways before crossing the street, it is not reasonable to expect the teacher to walk everywhere with the students and assist at all street crossings. I personal feel that offsite online activities should fall on the parent’s shoulders.
1) How would teachers monitor offsite online postings?
If the school district is having difficulties with cyberbullying, then the school should hire a professional computer person to constantly monitor the websites. It is amazing how knowledgeable the students are with computers.
2) Should students be responsible for solving situations that happen online?
I feel that students learn how to handle situations that occur outside of school. Parents should be involved with their children so they know if there is a problem with classmates. Learning how to handle yourself is a part of growing up.
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