Sunday, July 28, 2013
Aug. 2 - digital citizenship response
In my opinion, digital citizenship is a topic that needs to come more into focus into the school systems. With the advancements in technology use into the classroom, the rules, laws, expectations, and etiquette is something that is NOT being talked about as much as it should be. When I think about it, it is like playing a new game, and trying to dabble in it, without even knowing the rules of how to play. It just doesn't work and pretty soon, you are going to get thrown out or cut from a game if you don't know exactly how to play. I think the same could be true of not instructing our students on how to be an effective digital citizen.
*Two elements of the discussed nine elements that stood out to me were digital law and digital etiquette.
DIGITAL LAW: Students have entered a school age where they need to know what a good digital citizen is and how to construct safe spaces within the spaces they occupy their time in. Students need to be aware and have a strong foundational understanding on how to successfully keep track of personal information that exists about them, especially when this information is so easily captured by others looking for an easy target. Just like there are rules and laws about how to conduct one's self in public, there are rules and laws that need to be followed in the technology "world" as well. It becomes pertinent for our young children to become very familiar with the laws that exist and how they affect them.
Parents should be one group within a child's life that educates their child/ren on the laws that exist and how to be an effective citizen within this technologically advanced world. Below is a website that talks about how parents can educate their children on this topic.
http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/technology/using-technology/raising-good-digital-citizens
I also feel that a large part of education about digital citizenship needs to come through education that is received at school. Students are spending more time with different types of technology and some of those lessons need to begin with digital law.
www.teachingcopyright.org, http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/lessons/digitaldivide/, http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/lesson/forms-and-norms-6-8 all offer curriculum and lessons to help instruct students on this very subject.
DIGITAL ETIQUETTE: Teaching good manners online and throughout conduct on the world wide web and other forms of technology is also very important. Students need to be taught on how to have good manners with replying to emails, responding to a blogpost, creating blogposts, and even text messages or other forms of communication. Students are beginning to use technology as soon as they can physically hold and operate a mouse or move their finger over the mouse pad on a laptop, so it is so important that they learn the "in and outs" of etiquette when using technology just as much as learning good manners when talking to someone on the phone or face to face. These items to keep in mind may be very easy, but all to important as they communicate with someone. Something as small as remembering to type in lower case letters unless they are intending to "yell" at a person. This is something that needs to be taught and again it falls on the educational staff and parents.
One site that falls into both law and etiquette is: http://www.janinelim.com/bc/4thur/ethics.pdf Parents need to realize that the rules and etiquette needs to start at home as well. Making rules such as not texting during dinner or after a certain time at night are great places to start. Another website to help with lessons to teach children is http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/curriculum/mannersbullyingethics/lessons/2-3/good_manners_everywhere
WHAT DO I THINK NEEDS TO HAPPEN?
I believe that once again, it starts "top down". I know there are administrators that have not been properly taught the digital law and the digital etiquette that exists. Sure, some of them are easier to know and something that could just be "figured out", but some of the laws are more difficult to know. Then, in turn, teachers and staff need to know these very well so that they can, in turn, be taught correctly to the students. I think technology departments from districts need to hold meetings for parents on how they can effectively help their child as they become more technologically advanced. Parents also need to be aware of these rules and they need to become more familiar with these rules as well. I do believe that digital law and digital etiquette lessons need to be part of the curriculum right from the beginning. Starting in Kindergarten, students can learn the simple rules and then it can be built upon in the years that follow. I believe that this would be a start in creating a stronger student that has this knowledge to pull from.
Michigan online learning requirement response
Next, create a blog post describing how your district is addressing the Michigan Online Learning Requirement for K-12 students (PDF) (such as Moodle, BlackBoard, MIVU, GenNet, TWICE fieldtrips, ePals, Read Across the Planet, etc.).
This is also a very difficult post to write/make. Because I teach in the elementary level, my world is completely different than what happens in the middle/high school level. I often say that we need to have opportunities to have teachers rotate between buildings/levels to get a feel of each other are doing. Many high school teachers may think we still spend our time counting blocks and coloring pages. At the elementary level, we get frustrated because we study the comprehension strategies so hard in elementary, but then they go to middle school and just drop them. We do share at least one thing in common, we do realize that education is changing in the area of technology and how our teaching methods need to change because of that.
I know that our school offers online credit to earn towards college credit. I don't know too much more information about that, but it is offered.
When I went through the list, I could not write on what is offered or used at the middle school or high school, and the article on Michigan online learning talks about grades 6-12 for many of the areas, however, some of the areas that were mentioned are being used by the elementary teachers.
I have used webquests with my students to give them an online activity to help them learn a particular topic, such as topics in social studies or science. There are teachers who use educational blogs to communicate with either the parents or students in their class. Virtual fields and other types of simulations are also used to enhance the lessons/topics being taught in the classroom.
There was section mentioned on educational gaming - and at the elementary level, we use some of our ipad time to have them play games that reinforce outcomes that need to be learned.
Teachers also use websites such as unitedstreaming and teachertube that allow them to search for small clips or videos that aide in that day's lesson/s. With the increased focus on standardized testing, at the elementary level, there are tests that are also taken online and students can participate in test prep to allow them to become more familiar with the layout of the online testing before it occurs.
Technology is not going away and as teachers, we need to knit the technology into each day to help our students become prepared for middle and high school, as well as beyond as they will be dependent on technology use in their future.
This is also a very difficult post to write/make. Because I teach in the elementary level, my world is completely different than what happens in the middle/high school level. I often say that we need to have opportunities to have teachers rotate between buildings/levels to get a feel of each other are doing. Many high school teachers may think we still spend our time counting blocks and coloring pages. At the elementary level, we get frustrated because we study the comprehension strategies so hard in elementary, but then they go to middle school and just drop them. We do share at least one thing in common, we do realize that education is changing in the area of technology and how our teaching methods need to change because of that.
I know that our school offers online credit to earn towards college credit. I don't know too much more information about that, but it is offered.
When I went through the list, I could not write on what is offered or used at the middle school or high school, and the article on Michigan online learning talks about grades 6-12 for many of the areas, however, some of the areas that were mentioned are being used by the elementary teachers.
I have used webquests with my students to give them an online activity to help them learn a particular topic, such as topics in social studies or science. There are teachers who use educational blogs to communicate with either the parents or students in their class. Virtual fields and other types of simulations are also used to enhance the lessons/topics being taught in the classroom.
There was section mentioned on educational gaming - and at the elementary level, we use some of our ipad time to have them play games that reinforce outcomes that need to be learned.
Teachers also use websites such as unitedstreaming and teachertube that allow them to search for small clips or videos that aide in that day's lesson/s. With the increased focus on standardized testing, at the elementary level, there are tests that are also taken online and students can participate in test prep to allow them to become more familiar with the layout of the online testing before it occurs.
Technology is not going away and as teachers, we need to knit the technology into each day to help our students become prepared for middle and high school, as well as beyond as they will be dependent on technology use in their future.
July 12 assignment on Technology tools and how they are used
I'm not going to lie on this one - difficult. Many of these abbreviations for the systems that were listed, it sounded like a foreign language. I tried contacting the ISD to find out some more information, but got the "run around" and it is quite difficult to find those education people during the summer months - "this person is on vacation" or "I think you may need to speak with.... and they are out today". So, the only one that at the elementary level that I'm even remotely familiar with, is infinite campus. I learned that it was a SIS, student information system. We use this system K-12 in our district.
I then did an internet search on gathering more information on infinite campus online, however, that became a nightmare as well because many of the webpages were simply school's web login pages. The actual company did have a webpage as well, with listed information about the company, however, it did not mention anything about FERPA on that page. I thought it was funny that it didn't even mention it..
TYPE OF INFORMATION ON INFINITE CAMPUS:
In looking at infinite campus, from what I use of it, there are many valuable and useful tools for teachers on this particular SIS. Student profiles and information are listed: address, a picture of the student, past grades for all previous grades, important allergy information, any interventions that have been done on the student, and common things such as address, siblings, date of birth, parents' names and email, phone number, cell phones, etc.
As for the teacher aspect, there is a 'search' button that a teacher can search out any student in the building. Information is kept for five or six prior years so if anything needs to be searched on a prior student, it is available. Assignments and tests can be recorded in infinite campus. In turn, there is a parent portal that parents are able to login and view and see the grades of their child.
Our attendance in the morning and afternoon are also done on infinite campus.
FERPA COMPLIANCE:
I read on the infinite campus website that it is serviced in 43 states and by hundreds of school districts nation-wide. With it being so widely used and accessed, it is vital that they would adhere to the FERPA guidelines. One of the first things that I notice is that parents need to have a special login in order to gain access into their child's "account information".
HOW TO GAIN A LOGIN: Parents must acquire a form that needs to be filled out from the technology department, this form needs to be filled out and returned to them, the technology department will then email the parents back with password and login information.
HOW IS IT COMMONLY USED: Infinite campus is used much differently than in middle school or high school. In elementary school, we use it to take attendance each day. Some teachers use it to keep track of scores on assignments and tests. We use infinite campus to fill out grades on report cards, and any information that is needed from the student is looked up on infinite campus (ie. needing a student's address, names of parents, etc.)
I would like the assignments section of infinite campus to be more "user friendly" and then I think more teachers would use it at the elementary level.
I then did an internet search on gathering more information on infinite campus online, however, that became a nightmare as well because many of the webpages were simply school's web login pages. The actual company did have a webpage as well, with listed information about the company, however, it did not mention anything about FERPA on that page. I thought it was funny that it didn't even mention it..
TYPE OF INFORMATION ON INFINITE CAMPUS:
In looking at infinite campus, from what I use of it, there are many valuable and useful tools for teachers on this particular SIS. Student profiles and information are listed: address, a picture of the student, past grades for all previous grades, important allergy information, any interventions that have been done on the student, and common things such as address, siblings, date of birth, parents' names and email, phone number, cell phones, etc.
As for the teacher aspect, there is a 'search' button that a teacher can search out any student in the building. Information is kept for five or six prior years so if anything needs to be searched on a prior student, it is available. Assignments and tests can be recorded in infinite campus. In turn, there is a parent portal that parents are able to login and view and see the grades of their child.
Our attendance in the morning and afternoon are also done on infinite campus.
FERPA COMPLIANCE:
I read on the infinite campus website that it is serviced in 43 states and by hundreds of school districts nation-wide. With it being so widely used and accessed, it is vital that they would adhere to the FERPA guidelines. One of the first things that I notice is that parents need to have a special login in order to gain access into their child's "account information".
HOW TO GAIN A LOGIN: Parents must acquire a form that needs to be filled out from the technology department, this form needs to be filled out and returned to them, the technology department will then email the parents back with password and login information.
HOW IS IT COMMONLY USED: Infinite campus is used much differently than in middle school or high school. In elementary school, we use it to take attendance each day. Some teachers use it to keep track of scores on assignments and tests. We use infinite campus to fill out grades on report cards, and any information that is needed from the student is looked up on infinite campus (ie. needing a student's address, names of parents, etc.)
I would like the assignments section of infinite campus to be more "user friendly" and then I think more teachers would use it at the elementary level.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Critical Evaluation process
Interesting.... that is the first word that comes to mind when I did the assignment on the critical evaluation of a web site. A couple of things come to mind.
1. I don't know of too many teachers that have the time to go through the evaluation check-off list with every website that they direct themselves or their students to.
2. However, with that being said, it was interesting to do this activity with the webpages that were given to us. It became apparent that it is very important for students and educators to become more aware of the validity of their webpages.
The first webpage had me going for a little bit. Because Martin Luther was such an important key person in our history, one would imagine that it would be true facts. However, it was hosted by "Stormfront - White Pride" group. The #$ letters in the swear words also gave me a "heads up".
It was interesting that one of the questions on the check-off list for educators was whether or not the address ended in things like, k12, edu, org, gov....and this one did - but it didn't mean that it was a good resource for students to use.
It reminded me that just like youtube, teachers must preview the webpages and maybe "guide" the students through webpages where we would like them to go - especially as beginners at the computer/ipad.
I also feel as though students are not as skilled as what they need to be with internet searches. I think many students feel as though they are webpages that are valid - especially if THEY search and it comes up. Our computer teacher does several lessons on choosing "appropriate and helpful" websites. I think this has to happen a lot more than what is currently happening, but then again, I think teachers/educators also need to be instructed on this more than they currently are.
I think in order to get our students ready in the 21st century - this day and age of technology and all the ways that it is integrated into our lives, it must be shown to them the importance of really looking into a webpage and not just take it as truth because it is on the internet. It is a skill that must be taught, however.
It was an interesting assignment and learned a lot, something that our staff should look into for professional development throughout the school year.
1. I don't know of too many teachers that have the time to go through the evaluation check-off list with every website that they direct themselves or their students to.
2. However, with that being said, it was interesting to do this activity with the webpages that were given to us. It became apparent that it is very important for students and educators to become more aware of the validity of their webpages.
The first webpage had me going for a little bit. Because Martin Luther was such an important key person in our history, one would imagine that it would be true facts. However, it was hosted by "Stormfront - White Pride" group. The #$ letters in the swear words also gave me a "heads up".
It was interesting that one of the questions on the check-off list for educators was whether or not the address ended in things like, k12, edu, org, gov....and this one did - but it didn't mean that it was a good resource for students to use.
It reminded me that just like youtube, teachers must preview the webpages and maybe "guide" the students through webpages where we would like them to go - especially as beginners at the computer/ipad.
I also feel as though students are not as skilled as what they need to be with internet searches. I think many students feel as though they are webpages that are valid - especially if THEY search and it comes up. Our computer teacher does several lessons on choosing "appropriate and helpful" websites. I think this has to happen a lot more than what is currently happening, but then again, I think teachers/educators also need to be instructed on this more than they currently are.
I think in order to get our students ready in the 21st century - this day and age of technology and all the ways that it is integrated into our lives, it must be shown to them the importance of really looking into a webpage and not just take it as truth because it is on the internet. It is a skill that must be taught, however.
It was an interesting assignment and learned a lot, something that our staff should look into for professional development throughout the school year.
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