Video Lesson Blog

I went on the site WatchKnowLearn and chose the “Magic Math for 7's Multiplication,Learning the Times Table” video. What I really liked about this video was how visually engaging it was. The table they formed on the video would be something I could easily create as a worksheet and have the students fill out with the video as they are following along. This would provide hands-on learning, which may help them learn the concept faster and more proficiently.

In addition, he used a tic-tac-toe board to help them with multiplication, which is a great way of using something the students are familiar with to make them more comfortable with learning a concept they may be hesitant about. I also learned that the pace at which the presentation is being carried out in is very important. It was not too fast but at the same time it wasn’t slow to the point where students would get bored. I think it was an excellent pace and made me conscious about the pace I would use when presenting information to my students.

This is a video I would like to use and bookmark for future use. The only thing I may be a bit skeptical of is the tone of voice the presenter used. It was monotone, which may not motivate the students as much as I would like it to or keep them interested and engaged long enough.

Social Media Blog

I chose this article because it was complicated in its irony. Students at North Penn High School organized a walkout during school hours to protest the inappropriate content other students were posting on social media cites. Several students were the victims of harassment sparked by the inappropriate images being plastered all over social media. Students used social media to organize their walkout, which was supposed to be a silent protest to stand in solidarity with those who have been harassed. The students were not doing it as retaliation against the school but instead were doing it for the victims who were afraid to come to school. In addition, the students wanted to protest their dissatisfaction with how the district was handling the situation. It was made clear that leaving school during hours was against school rules and consequences would be enforced.

Throughout this article I was exposed to how social media can be used as a means to bully, taunt and tease others. With the endless possibilities of Photoshop and the Internet, bullying has been taken to whole other level. In addition, once something goes online it’s there permanently.  It isn’t like traditional bullying that would happen on the playground anymore; social media has mobilized and expanded the range of bullying. Social media is a very dangerous weapon in this day and age. It is easily accessible, easily spread and immensely popular. Once something goes viral it’s done.

However, I did also find an interesting spin when the students decided they were going to use social media as a means to organize a protest against the inappropriate use of social media. They took the same weapon that was causing the problems and turned it into a tool. Yes leaving school is against the rules, but for these students this is more than simply a matter of detention or suspension; it is standing up for those who weren’t able to stand up for themselves. It is telling the district they need to take action because they won’t stand for this any longer, they are cleaning up their social media.

Educational Blog

The blog I chose was “FreeTechnology for Educators.” The reason I chose this blog was because I felt it was immensely applicable in this day and age no matter what grade range I choose to teach. There were several aspects of this blog that I really liked. For example, there is a whole section on iPad apps for educators. This was interesting to me because iPads are a very convenient form of technology that can be used in the classroom. They are mobile and not as costly as an entire laptop. This specific section of this blog would help me customize the iPads to fit the needs of my students.

In addition there were several resources for Google and Android users, which would be helpful no matter which platform I decided to go with. Moreover, there are specific blog posts for prominent events such as “Top 5 Resources for Poetry Month” and so forth. This would provide me with ample ideas for a vast range of different educational events. The other option I liked in this blog was that it provided alternatives. For example, one of the tabs includes alternatives to YouTube. I believe this is important because it is necessary to have a set of options to be able to pick and choose from. In addition, it may not always be a possibility to use YouTube and therefore have alternatives would be essential.

Overall this site provided great resources for educators no matter what grade levels they plan on teaching. I believe this will definitely be one I bookmark to use for future purposes.

Pros and Cons of Technology Use in the Classroom

In the article, "Should Tablets Replace Textbooks in K-12 Schools?", there is a clear and reasonable argument for both sides of this topic. The pros for utilization of tablets in the classroom include, but are not limited to: 

• They weigh less than textbooks and would therefore be easier to carry around. 
• In addition, this would reduce the need for carrying backpacks which may increase security and daily efficiency.
• Improve standardized test scores. 
• They hold hundreds of textbooks therefore can save the environment by lowering the amount of printing
• They increase student interactivity and creativity thus making the educational environment more hands-on and well-rounded.
• Digital textbooks are cheaper than print textbooks and therefore can save the school money which they can use on other areas to improve the overall educational value and experience for the students.

The cons for using tablets in the classrooms include, but are not limited to:

• ·       Opponents of tablets say that they are expensive
• ·       Too distracting for students
• ·       Easy to break
• ·       Costly/time-consuming to fix which may put a dent in the school's budget.
• ·       Tablets contribute to eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision which are potential health risks that could have lasting effects
• ·       Increase the excuses available for students not doing their homework which may lead to poor academic performance
• ·       Require costly Wi-Fi networks
• ·       Become quickly outdated as new technologies are released and create an infinite loop of constant upgrades.

Experts have varied opinions on whether or not utilizing tablets in classrooms is a good choice or not. However, both sides have their reasons and I believe before any decision is made about bringing tablets into the classroom there should be extensive research done to determine if it is a wise decision for each individual situation. 

The Technology Skeptic's Argument, Chapter 3.

In the chapter, Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology, there are several points that are brought up as to why our educational system is inclined to reject institutional changes. These changes are often met with a great deal of resistance even if they offer ways in which advancements can be made. This progression is halted because as stated in the chapter, education is a field in which you are dealing with human improvement. You are given students which you must guide to fulfill certain standards to get them to a level in which they can progress to the next level and so forth. It is a fragile matter and one that is not easily changed. Once certain systems have been set in place, they are learned and practiced and instilled. They are thought to be what will withstand the test of time. However, when new advances come along, technological or not, they threaten the consistency of that system. New advancements create uncertainty and the prospect of change is always unsettling, be it good or bad. Reading the article it was interesting to see the resistance created against ballpoint pens, something we use daily with no thought whatsoever. It makes me wonder what the future holds in store for generations to come. What will they use with no thought whatsoever that we will meet with great resistance? 

The Technology Enthusiasts' Argument

I found this chapter to be very insightful. I would have to agree with the two arguments proposed in regards to using technology in education.

We must be proactive in our approach to teaching our students about the progressive technology that is being implemented into almost every aspect of society today. They must be prepared so they can be successful when they leave the schooling environment and enter into the real, working world. I agree with Brown when he states that adults must master their computer skills in order to accomplish their future tasks. At this point, we are training adults but it is time to start the process early and begin integrating it into early education and building upon throughout their entire educational careers. There is a large gap in the innovative technology that is being introduced into society everyday and what we are teaching students. The technologies that schools have is outdated. It is like in the article when it states, "It is like teaching someone to fly a rocket ship by teaching them how to ride a bike." Our educational institutes must be better equipped to meet the demands of every changing technologies. For example in my brother-in-law's high school they have 3-D printers. This is what needs to be in place at every school so they can be trained and prepared for the technologies they will be encountering when they are out of school. The way we are thinking and communicating is constantly changing and we have to keep up. We have to teach our students the ins and outs of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and many more websites they will need to be able to navigate.

The second arguments, that there is a need for enhanced capabilities for educating learners is also essential in today's society. The "Just in time learning" model is very prominent in today's technological world. With a click of a button you can get the help you need. Whether it is a video off of YouTube or a help button on a program, it will get you the answers you need to troubleshoot your situation. You become your own tech support and by doing so, establish enhanced capabilities. Moreover there is the customization aspect in which the internet and technology become to your liking. Your preferences determine what you would like your technology to be. This is important for instilling enhanced capabilities for educating learners because it allows them to customize technology to the best uses for themselves and allows them to utilize their skills with the best customization.  There are many other aspects of this arguments such as games and stimulation, scaffolding and more.

I agree with the technology enthusiasts' arguments and that computer-based environments promise a revolution in schooling. In order to help our students succeed in this revolution we must prepare them with the best resources possible. We must help them be adequately prepared to take on the new technologies they will face and give them an edge to work with.

Reflection on an Integration to Technology Video

This video, An Introduction to Technology Integration, was very insightful. I agreed with the notion that technology is an educational tool that should be utilized. It should be used to enhance activities and to make them more efficient. I agree that if an activity can be done without technology it should be done so, however if technology can be used to better it, then it should be used in that manner. With technology becoming so prominent in today's society, it is important to keep our students up to date and relevant so they are not lagging in the world.
The video also showed footage of students working on various projects and creating different pieces. Through this they were able to express their ideas, thoughts and even learning as the speaker said. They also went on to say how when you create you are taking ownership of your learning and by doing so you are better reaffirming that information and translating into your own processing and understanding. This helps with the learning process because you are interpreting it through your own learning lens.
Lastly, I felt the part of being globally connected was very important in today's world. With so many things taking place all over the world, it is important for students to be able to be connected to it and gain a well rounded perspective. I am planning on strongly utilizing technology in my classroom and finding ways to incorporate it in an effective way.