Digital post #D

In our fast pace society, if one ever has a question, we look to find the answer quickly. Our cell phones are powerful computers, so no matter where we are we can receive information. If I ever have a question, I most likely use Google to help answer my question.  The book states that 90% of adults use online search engines to retrieve information(Maloy,).  They way  they work, is by typing in Keywords, searching engines comb through the internet to locate websites to accommodate ones request. Accessing information is so easy and quick. The problem is, anyone can create a website an publish online. This helps me segue into my next topic, Evaluating online information.

There are so much valuable information online, but there is also plenty of incorrect information. I would agree that the best way to check if the information you have received is valid, is to check a different site to compare information. The book up Wikipedia, a site that lost a lot of credibility but is slowly turning in to a respectable site. The book mentions that elementary, middle, and high school students fact check Wikipedia's information by comparing its information with other non-wiki sources (Maloy,).

The portion on Responsibilities of digital citizens focused on plagiarism and copyright information. This information has been drilled into our brains since we were young. It almost seems common sense, but it is crucial to know. One can get into serious trouble if we are misinformed on any of the standards of laws. We have to be will informed how to cite information that is not our own. Giving credit to the original author. The book also gives sources to find more information on strategies for preventing plagiarism and cheating.

I though this video paired nicely with our project. 

Maloy, R. (2014). Teaching Information Literacy and Digital Citizenship. In Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.). Upper saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson.

Evaluating Sources [youtube broadcast]. (2012, January 13). In Youtube. Heglandgm

Digital Blog Post #C

This has been the most interesting chapter thus far; of course, one mans opinion. On page 47 the book brings up constructivism, suggesting people construct new knowledge and understandings based on what they already know and believe..." This is fundamental in understanding how kids learn and how to alter misunderstandings. Without the proper foundation the whole building will collapse, this being a metaphor to the child's academic success. This almost seems like common sense; a child can't take a test, without first learning how to read the questions. I feel like school are really missing the ball in actively trying to strengthening these kids foundation. I work at LaBelle Elementary, there are 5th graders that can't read the questions on the test they take. Giving them minimal help. We are setting these kids up for failure.

My second point is going to be on Teacher-Centered learning and Student-Centered learning. I have discovered the most interesting way of teaching, Whole brain teaching. This is moving way from the traditional Teacher-Centered learning, where a teacher stands in front of a class and just gives out information; that they later expect for the students to regurgitate.Whole brain teaching is as Student-Centered as you can get. Understanding that students learn the most when they are having fun; also challenging them with a fast pace environment. I have tried this with 1st, 2nd, and 4th graders, and the results are amazing! I'm in love with this method, and its extremely fun!

 

My final point will be on developing digital citizens. The chapter suggests like United States citizens, we as digital citizens have rights and responsibilities to used technologies effectively and appropriately. We live in a time that with a simple google search, we can find information on almost any topic, videos, images, we have to learn to be responsible, and not allow ourselves to be fold by incorrect information.. The functions of technology are now being taught in school, we have computers, smart boards, clickers; these new gadgets to enhance learning. We just have to remember to use technology productively, honestly, and safely.

 

 

Maloy, R. (n.d.). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.).

Digital Blog Post #B

The second chapter begins by introducing 21st century computer technologies, such as Web 2.0 tools. It quickly segued into what I conceder an interesting topic of discussion; Roger innovation curve. The Roger innovation curve was an illustration of how individuals adapt to change. There are the 3% that are innovators, 13% early adopters, 68% considered majority of the following, and a 16% who avoid or resist change. The experiment was done to individuals with a background in business and management, but if these numbers draw a parallel or reflect the rate of evolution in the schools technological acceptance, we need to try to get that majority over the hump! My mentality is different that most, but I would love to be ahead of the curve. Discovering new ways of teaching until you find a method that seems to be extremely effective. Always modifying, always evolving. The section ends with "...every teacher makes a decision to lead, follow, or stay behind the technological innovation curve," All I know is, I want to be leading some troops.



on Flickr by Philip Bjerknes

The chapter continues with technology used by teachers. The book suggest that many schools use technology as an aid (which is not bad), but fail to make an essential component of teaching. Imagine a world where kids knew how to pull apart a computer and assemble it back together, or kids that knew how to program. I'm sure this sounds a little ambitious, but we will never know what kids are capable of until we challenge them and push them to their limits. Education is said to be one of the few sectors that has not technology has not transformed. Instead of embracing technology, we limit it to e-mail, word processing, record keeping and data management functions.

The last point I will be reflecting on is going to be the lack of access. The book focuses on the lack of access to these technologies in the class room. Pointing out that the need to expand these technologies is being suffocated by educational budget cuts. This is separating the affluent kids and the disadvantaged further apart. If every school had the same access to the same technologies, we would be discussing a different topic, but we would see impoverished children have access to a better education, more kids graduating, test scores rise. This would impact society as a whole. I truly think this is a crucial point in which to think and discuss.


Maloy, R. (n.d.). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.).

Digital Badge #A - Chapter 1

It's incredible how reliant we have become on technology. The term iGeneration truly expresses this sentiment. This term represents the children that were born in the late "90's," who do not know a world or time without interactive technologies. Education has also become dependent on these technologies, with programs such as Mindplay, and I-Ready. Cell phones too, are incredible tools. They can be use for communication, but also a great source of information (with the proper internet connectivity). Being born in the early 90's, I had the opportunity to see how quickly technology advanced and became part of everyday life. Children, and even adults, going to school, have to not only learn the core curriculum, but how to manipulate technologies to make ones life easier.

Next we are going to Segue in 21st century skills. These skills are need for students to adapt to our ever changing high technology, and information based society. This is extremely important in today's society. Some are concerned, such as Kid's can't use computers... and this this is why it should concern you, that even though our kids spend an incredible amount of time on computers they still don't know how to properly use a computer. So now its up to teachers to really introduce kids to not only websites, but how to properly operate computers, so kids can truly take advantage of these 21st century skills.

Third is building a digital identity. If building a digital identity was not important we would not be taking this class. It's imperative that every teacher, and every professional, make a personal commitment to innovation and change; which is what building a digital identity is all about. Moving at the pace of the world, so one doesn't get left behind. Here is a short video that really emphasizes how important it is to have a good digital presents. Really embeds how important it is to be careful about what it is we publish about ourselves on social media or online.

 

Teaching methods have really changed since I was in school. There is a lot more technological involvement. Which is why it is imperative that we better understand our students, understand 21st century skills, and build a digital identity that truly represents who we are. I am making that personal commitment to innovation and change, so I can adapt to my students, and have my students adapt to the real world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maloy, R. (n.d.). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.).

 

Scott, M. (2013, June 29). Coding 2 Learn. Retrieved September 6, 2015.