Journal 9
Are Schools Inhibiting 21st Century Learning
By Dave Nagel
Project Tomorrow conducted a 2007 “Speak-Up Survey” that polled more than 367,000 education “stakeholders”. The participants varied from 320,000 students, 25,500 teachers, 20,000 parents, and 3,200 administrators. The survey asked various questions on technology in the classroom. Overall, the statistics suggested that individuals are for technology in the classroom as an aid for learning. For example, teachers and students expressed interest in educational gaming, online learning, and online classes. They also showed support for online research databases, 1:1 labtop programs, and technology in the classroom. The article even suggested that students may be even more technology adept than their teachers.
I believe the article brought up a good point in that many businesses and higher educations are using social networking as a communications and collaborative tool. As teachers, I believe one of our big responsibilities is to prepare students for adult life. As a result, we must envision what the world will be like in this century. Thus, technology must be incorporated into classroom because it is so widely used in the work world.
Questions:
1. What are the pitfalls of student internet use?
There are many educational resources on the internet. It serves as a great tool and quickly find a vast array of information. However, there are many sites that are not educational. The internet is so large and almost anything can be looked up. Often times, students do not use the internet as an educational resource.
2. What are the most widely used computer programs in today's job world?
I believe that Microsoft word, excel, and powerpoint are the most widely used tools in today's job world. Furthermore, email and adding attachments are such a big way for communicating in today's world. Many jobs today use some form of technology.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Journal 8
Journal #8
The Future of Education-Learning while Mobile
By Mark Vant Hooft
Technology is so commonly used today in a rapidly changing world. Learning is becoming just as unpredictable as the world is. In the classrooms, it is apparent that formal education and technology are butting heads. But, technology is bringing changes into learning and the classroom. The article discusses how technology will affect the future of education. It talks about learning while mobile. This involves students today using handheld computers and mobile phones to access information. Mobile learning is social, collaborative, and can be done at any place or time. Learning is not just limited to inside the classroom. On the internet, learners talk about what they know and share it with their peers or teachers. The context of learning is always changing from the classroom to just about anywhere. As a result, the author states that mobile learning can serve as a bridge between schools and society. The author then goes on to discuss what learning will look like while being mobile. MyArtSpace is a service that helps students spread their learning between schools and museums. In the Frequency 1550 project, students become pilgrims for a day and use mobile phones and pictures to learn what life was like in 1550. In the National Museum of Natural Science, students take a tour with an audio voice that discusses artifacts in the museum. By using a GPS system, the computer can tell where the student is located in the museum and talk about the exhibits in that area. The author then goes on to discuss some of the challenges that are there from mobile learning. He talks about a “participation gap” in which the demands for literacy are different than just giving presentations to students for pure entertainment. Also, the opportunities, skills, and experiences of each students are broad. He also worries about a “transparency problem”. In this section, he discusses how advertising, news, and media can give students biased information. There are also ethical concerns that could be present in what the child can view. The internet is so vast and many types of information can be found. Despite the pitfalls, he believes that mobile learning will become more popular and is the wave of the future. It allows for students to gain skills in creative thinking, problem solving, interacting with technologies, and expanding one's mental capacity.
Questions:
Why is learning while mobile such an important issue?
The world is becoming more and more technology based. With this trend, we cannot expect it to stop. The future will rely even more heavily on technology. Our goal is to prepare students for their future. As a result, we must get them to become technology efficient and aware. Furthermore, we do not want to limit students to learning just inside the classroom. There is so much to the world and reading is not the only way to learn. Students are able to retain information better if they can see and hear it as well.
What about the pitfalls?
I believe that students can abuse the internet for their own personal interests. I believe more in online research databases at school. An important concept is to get students to critically think and not be swayed by the propaganda and biased opinions that can exist on the internet. It is important for students to check their sources.
The Future of Education-Learning while Mobile
By Mark Vant Hooft
Technology is so commonly used today in a rapidly changing world. Learning is becoming just as unpredictable as the world is. In the classrooms, it is apparent that formal education and technology are butting heads. But, technology is bringing changes into learning and the classroom. The article discusses how technology will affect the future of education. It talks about learning while mobile. This involves students today using handheld computers and mobile phones to access information. Mobile learning is social, collaborative, and can be done at any place or time. Learning is not just limited to inside the classroom. On the internet, learners talk about what they know and share it with their peers or teachers. The context of learning is always changing from the classroom to just about anywhere. As a result, the author states that mobile learning can serve as a bridge between schools and society. The author then goes on to discuss what learning will look like while being mobile. MyArtSpace is a service that helps students spread their learning between schools and museums. In the Frequency 1550 project, students become pilgrims for a day and use mobile phones and pictures to learn what life was like in 1550. In the National Museum of Natural Science, students take a tour with an audio voice that discusses artifacts in the museum. By using a GPS system, the computer can tell where the student is located in the museum and talk about the exhibits in that area. The author then goes on to discuss some of the challenges that are there from mobile learning. He talks about a “participation gap” in which the demands for literacy are different than just giving presentations to students for pure entertainment. Also, the opportunities, skills, and experiences of each students are broad. He also worries about a “transparency problem”. In this section, he discusses how advertising, news, and media can give students biased information. There are also ethical concerns that could be present in what the child can view. The internet is so vast and many types of information can be found. Despite the pitfalls, he believes that mobile learning will become more popular and is the wave of the future. It allows for students to gain skills in creative thinking, problem solving, interacting with technologies, and expanding one's mental capacity.
Questions:
Why is learning while mobile such an important issue?
The world is becoming more and more technology based. With this trend, we cannot expect it to stop. The future will rely even more heavily on technology. Our goal is to prepare students for their future. As a result, we must get them to become technology efficient and aware. Furthermore, we do not want to limit students to learning just inside the classroom. There is so much to the world and reading is not the only way to learn. Students are able to retain information better if they can see and hear it as well.
What about the pitfalls?
I believe that students can abuse the internet for their own personal interests. I believe more in online research databases at school. An important concept is to get students to critically think and not be swayed by the propaganda and biased opinions that can exist on the internet. It is important for students to check their sources.
Journal 7
Journal #7
Making Field Trips Podtastic
By Aliece M. Weller
This article enlightened readers with the interactive technology that is going on at the Boston Museum of Science. The museum gives a guided toward by using wireless and handheld devices for students on a field trip. The museum combines a mix of technology with podcasts, multimedia creation, web research, and interviewing. The whole museum is connected to the internet through a Wi-fi connection. The podcasts are very interactive and are more than just watching television. Students answer questions, play games, read, and are guided along by an animated monkey. The podcasts are on handheld computers and an mp3 player is not needed Students are allowed to take pictures, record audio, and record notes on their computer. They can also access additional information through the internet. The learning module at the museum can also be customized by the teacher. The educator can ask quiz questions, assignments, or readings to their production. It allows students to explore the museum visually, auditory, and physically. Thus, it taps into all the learning senses which allows all types of kids with different learning styles to be successful. Students learn and are also having fun. The museum also passes the NETS (technology requirements) for students. The set up at the museum did not use fancy or expensive equipment. Only headphones, microphones, digital video cameras, iTunes, Garage Band, and HTML internet were used. The quizzes were written on Java Script. All of these are basic technology programs that any individual can use. Today, and in the future, learning is becoming more technology and interactive oriented. The museum does a great job in adjusting to the new generation.
Questions:
1. Is the museum a fun learning environment for kids of all ages?
Yes. The article showed pictures of elementary school children really enjoying the museum. But, the podcasts are a fun way to learn for somebody at any age. Furthermore, teachers can customize the questions they want to ask their students.
2. Is the museum and equipment expensive?
First of all, it is apparent that not all schools will have the resources to be able to fund a trip like this. I believe the the handheld computers and equipment is expensive. It is unfortunate that there are probably going to be some schools that cannot afford the trip. Also, not every school has access to computers and so much equipment.
Making Field Trips Podtastic
By Aliece M. Weller
This article enlightened readers with the interactive technology that is going on at the Boston Museum of Science. The museum gives a guided toward by using wireless and handheld devices for students on a field trip. The museum combines a mix of technology with podcasts, multimedia creation, web research, and interviewing. The whole museum is connected to the internet through a Wi-fi connection. The podcasts are very interactive and are more than just watching television. Students answer questions, play games, read, and are guided along by an animated monkey. The podcasts are on handheld computers and an mp3 player is not needed Students are allowed to take pictures, record audio, and record notes on their computer. They can also access additional information through the internet. The learning module at the museum can also be customized by the teacher. The educator can ask quiz questions, assignments, or readings to their production. It allows students to explore the museum visually, auditory, and physically. Thus, it taps into all the learning senses which allows all types of kids with different learning styles to be successful. Students learn and are also having fun. The museum also passes the NETS (technology requirements) for students. The set up at the museum did not use fancy or expensive equipment. Only headphones, microphones, digital video cameras, iTunes, Garage Band, and HTML internet were used. The quizzes were written on Java Script. All of these are basic technology programs that any individual can use. Today, and in the future, learning is becoming more technology and interactive oriented. The museum does a great job in adjusting to the new generation.
Questions:
1. Is the museum a fun learning environment for kids of all ages?
Yes. The article showed pictures of elementary school children really enjoying the museum. But, the podcasts are a fun way to learn for somebody at any age. Furthermore, teachers can customize the questions they want to ask their students.
2. Is the museum and equipment expensive?
First of all, it is apparent that not all schools will have the resources to be able to fund a trip like this. I believe the the handheld computers and equipment is expensive. It is unfortunate that there are probably going to be some schools that cannot afford the trip. Also, not every school has access to computers and so much equipment.
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