Cyber Humanities: Rigor and Relevance Through Video Conferencing
by Lynn Sueoka
As Virtual School systems grow throughout our nation, the more diverse our nation becomes. This article discusses how video conferencing makes learning much more interesting and meaningful, especially when it is incorporated in the subject of humanities. According to this article, "Cyber Humanities is an ongoing series of video conferencing projects involving Moanalua High School (Hawaii) and Osaka Gakuin University (Japan)". The cyber humanities includes project in which students collaborate studies of similar topics, such as the effects of war through different types of art or media. Through video conferences, websites, online discussion forums, the students were able to understand the effects of war through examples of protest music and other artistic propaganda. As Sueoka studied this type of distance learning, she came to the conclusion that "these studies provide a strong theoretical framework in which to pursue further investigation into videoconferencing...[it] will provide student engagement and academic rigor within the high school academic curriculum".
How effective is cyber humanities compared to a regular classroom?
Rather than through lectures/discussions and textbook work in the classroom, students will use a variety of resources to learn the subject at hand. Because many people have different learning styles, cyber humanities enhances those learning styles through effective communication through internet; and gives students the opportunity to explore their abilities and learning styles.
Would you use cyber humanities in your future classroom?
Most definitely! This is another great learning tool for high school students or any student now a days. This type of learning tool is a great motivation for students to finish school and stay in school.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Journal #9
Coach, Nurture, or Nudge: How do you learn technology best?
by Kimberley Ketterer
This article discusses three different learning styles to learn how to incorporate technology in the classroom: the coaching style, the nurturing style, and the nudging style.
The coaching style of learning are learners who have confidence in incorporating technology in the classroom. They are willing to take risks as long as they have a "coach" or a colleague who supports them along the way.
The nurturing style of learning includes learners who want technology in the classroom, but lack confidence to even begin to incorporate lessons. These learners are afraid to take risks and need "nurturing" or encouragement from a teacher partner to initiate lesson incorporating technology and to build confidence.
The last learning style and most opposite of the coaching style is the Nudging style. These learners are very skeptical about the effectiveness of technology in the classroom. They will only incorporate and take technology courses when necessary. Basically, these learners practically do the bare minimum of what is required in education.
Which learning style is best for you?
I can definitely relate the coaching style. I was born in the age of computers and so learning more about newly updated technology is fun and interesting. I believe incorporating technology on a daily basis in the classroom is a very effective learning tool for students today.
What is the real digital divide in our education al system?
According to Ketterer, "...it is the digital difference between teachers who embrace the integration of technology into their classroom versus those who choose not to welcome all that technology has to offer today's classroom environment".
by Kimberley Ketterer
This article discusses three different learning styles to learn how to incorporate technology in the classroom: the coaching style, the nurturing style, and the nudging style.
The coaching style of learning are learners who have confidence in incorporating technology in the classroom. They are willing to take risks as long as they have a "coach" or a colleague who supports them along the way.
The nurturing style of learning includes learners who want technology in the classroom, but lack confidence to even begin to incorporate lessons. These learners are afraid to take risks and need "nurturing" or encouragement from a teacher partner to initiate lesson incorporating technology and to build confidence.
The last learning style and most opposite of the coaching style is the Nudging style. These learners are very skeptical about the effectiveness of technology in the classroom. They will only incorporate and take technology courses when necessary. Basically, these learners practically do the bare minimum of what is required in education.
Which learning style is best for you?
I can definitely relate the coaching style. I was born in the age of computers and so learning more about newly updated technology is fun and interesting. I believe incorporating technology on a daily basis in the classroom is a very effective learning tool for students today.
What is the real digital divide in our education al system?
According to Ketterer, "...it is the digital difference between teachers who embrace the integration of technology into their classroom versus those who choose not to welcome all that technology has to offer today's classroom environment".
Journal #8
Virtual Schooling by Niki Davis and Dale S. Niederhauser
Virtual Schooling is growing in the K-12 throughout the nation. There are two types of VS(Virtual Schooling): Distance learning(video courses, email, tv/radio broadcast courses, & internet based courses), and Online learning (using internet to deliver instruction and online interaction with other participants). Among the Virtual Schooling system, there are other types of ways to enhance learning the classroom with WebCT(providing syllabus, class assignments, and discussion boards online)and Video Conferencing (communicating with other classrooms through live video). For those who are not familiar with VS, the virtual classroom includes a teacher and groups of students who use digital technologies (e-mail, video conferencing, and an online learning management system) to communicate and share resources.
How is virtual schooling an effective education?
Though students of virtual schooling/distance learning do not typically meet during the course period, the digital technologies allow them to be in touch with modern day society as well as allowing convenient education for those who cannot meet at a regular classroom. At the same time, it is another diverse way of learning. It adds more "oomph" or interest in the subject the students are learning.
Is the workload less for an online instructor versus a regular classroom instructor?
It all depends on the course, but usually "a VS instructor needs to be highly organized and include comprehensive informational materials if they are to provide appropriate levels of structure in the course and individual activities to meet their VS students' needs" (Davis & Niederhauser).
Virtual Schooling is growing in the K-12 throughout the nation. There are two types of VS(Virtual Schooling): Distance learning(video courses, email, tv/radio broadcast courses, & internet based courses), and Online learning (using internet to deliver instruction and online interaction with other participants). Among the Virtual Schooling system, there are other types of ways to enhance learning the classroom with WebCT(providing syllabus, class assignments, and discussion boards online)and Video Conferencing (communicating with other classrooms through live video). For those who are not familiar with VS, the virtual classroom includes a teacher and groups of students who use digital technologies (e-mail, video conferencing, and an online learning management system) to communicate and share resources.
How is virtual schooling an effective education?
Though students of virtual schooling/distance learning do not typically meet during the course period, the digital technologies allow them to be in touch with modern day society as well as allowing convenient education for those who cannot meet at a regular classroom. At the same time, it is another diverse way of learning. It adds more "oomph" or interest in the subject the students are learning.
Is the workload less for an online instructor versus a regular classroom instructor?
It all depends on the course, but usually "a VS instructor needs to be highly organized and include comprehensive informational materials if they are to provide appropriate levels of structure in the course and individual activities to meet their VS students' needs" (Davis & Niederhauser).
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Journal #7
Should Schools Regulate Offsite Online Behavior?
by Nancey E. Willard and Lynn Wietecha
This question imposed in this articles offers two different perspectives. Nancy E. Willard says that school officials "can respond to harmful student off-campus internet postings. She says, "...students most frequently are posting the harmful material online from home. [Though] in some cases, these incidents are minor,...many times the effect of the harmful online postings is felt very significantly at school (students attempting or committing suicide)". She believes the most important step a school official can take is to be proactive in prevention activities, such as simple guidelines to provide students prevention and responses to cyberbullying. On the other hand, Lynn Wietecha,Ph.D says, "No" to the question. She believes in taking a reasonable approach to cyberbullying or any offsite online behavior. She say, "It is reasonable to expect schools to address safety issues... it is not reasonable for officials to monitor and manage the use of a student's home computer." Wietecha believes "it is reasonable to hold schools accountable for the outcomes of student learning".
Who do you agree with the most?
I believe both views on this question impose great argument for their side. I agree with Willard's idea on the most important step an official can take (being proactive in prevention). On the other hand, I also agree with Wietecha's idea of taking reasonable approaches and that school officials should not be held accountable or monitor a student's use of their home computer.
How would you react as a school official?
I would definitely take their advice in preventing students from cyberbullying and show them proper etiquette when communicating with others online. I believe it is all in the matter of educating these students to be aware of issues like cyberbullying and learning how to prevent them.
by Nancey E. Willard and Lynn Wietecha
This question imposed in this articles offers two different perspectives. Nancy E. Willard says that school officials "can respond to harmful student off-campus internet postings. She says, "...students most frequently are posting the harmful material online from home. [Though] in some cases, these incidents are minor,...many times the effect of the harmful online postings is felt very significantly at school (students attempting or committing suicide)". She believes the most important step a school official can take is to be proactive in prevention activities, such as simple guidelines to provide students prevention and responses to cyberbullying. On the other hand, Lynn Wietecha,Ph.D says, "No" to the question. She believes in taking a reasonable approach to cyberbullying or any offsite online behavior. She say, "It is reasonable to expect schools to address safety issues... it is not reasonable for officials to monitor and manage the use of a student's home computer." Wietecha believes "it is reasonable to hold schools accountable for the outcomes of student learning".
Who do you agree with the most?
I believe both views on this question impose great argument for their side. I agree with Willard's idea on the most important step an official can take (being proactive in prevention). On the other hand, I also agree with Wietecha's idea of taking reasonable approaches and that school officials should not be held accountable or monitor a student's use of their home computer.
How would you react as a school official?
I would definitely take their advice in preventing students from cyberbullying and show them proper etiquette when communicating with others online. I believe it is all in the matter of educating these students to be aware of issues like cyberbullying and learning how to prevent them.
Journal #6
Social Justice: Choice of Necessity?
by Colleen Swain and David Edyburn
This article discusses how important it is to use technology in our modern day of society. According to Swain and Edyburn, "...little attention has focused on critical issues associated with the use of instructional technology as a social justice tool." Though there is a growing access to technology in schools, it is not enough to just have access. "Students must be technologically fluent and able to use technology to solve problems with various sources of information... and enhance their learning through the diverse strategies afforded by technology"(Edyburn and Swain). Now-a-days, students will most likely obtain jobs we cannot even imagine; such as jobs that require workers to be technologically savvy or proficient.
How do we, as teachers/educators, enhance a student's technological fluency if they do not have acess at home?
As a teacher, it is best to direct those students to places in the community such as public libraries, and a boys & girls club, etc.
What are some ways to incorporate technology everyday in the classroom?
Assigning students to type up particular homework, build a website for them to look up online games, homework help, and other resources; show videos or video clips relating to the lesson,etc.
by Colleen Swain and David Edyburn
This article discusses how important it is to use technology in our modern day of society. According to Swain and Edyburn, "...little attention has focused on critical issues associated with the use of instructional technology as a social justice tool." Though there is a growing access to technology in schools, it is not enough to just have access. "Students must be technologically fluent and able to use technology to solve problems with various sources of information... and enhance their learning through the diverse strategies afforded by technology"(Edyburn and Swain). Now-a-days, students will most likely obtain jobs we cannot even imagine; such as jobs that require workers to be technologically savvy or proficient.
How do we, as teachers/educators, enhance a student's technological fluency if they do not have acess at home?
As a teacher, it is best to direct those students to places in the community such as public libraries, and a boys & girls club, etc.
What are some ways to incorporate technology everyday in the classroom?
Assigning students to type up particular homework, build a website for them to look up online games, homework help, and other resources; show videos or video clips relating to the lesson,etc.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Journal #4
From Toy to Tool by Liz Kolb
This article is proposing a new and technological way of learning in the classroom; that is using the most used everyday tool: the cell phone. Though most schools are banning cell phone use during school hours, this proposal as using this "toy as a tool" could possibly be effective in the classroom. Students will be using cell phones in place of tape recorders or digital recorders for interviews for school projects (they call this Audio blogging). Or if a student finds something while being out shopping or out hanging out with friends, they can use their cell phones conveniently to take a picture for their class project and send it straight to their website for future reference. It is a really interesting device to use since it is a common technology tool in this modern day.
How is "audioblogging" effective to the classroom?
I think audioblogging provides a more convenient way of using an everday tool to help children connect to the world and other places they have never been. By using the cell phone as a tape recorder, digital recorder, or camera, children will be able to have fun learning about different things outside of the classroom and learn how to communicate with each other. Once they are able to use this tool in the classroom (for project purposes, etc..), they are able to use it effectively in any part of their lives. It integrates technology as part of the classroom lesson.
What are some ways of implementing this tool in the classroom?
Well I think doing small interviews around the classroom would be fun; for example, students will do an icebreaker project on the first day of school by pairing up with at least 3 different peers and using their cell phone as a tape recorder. They will then interview them- asking them what their culture is, favorite sport, etc.
I would also have them use their camera in their cell phone to take pictures for a scavenger hunt assignment. I believe there will be infinite amount of activities to do with their cell phone!
This article is proposing a new and technological way of learning in the classroom; that is using the most used everyday tool: the cell phone. Though most schools are banning cell phone use during school hours, this proposal as using this "toy as a tool" could possibly be effective in the classroom. Students will be using cell phones in place of tape recorders or digital recorders for interviews for school projects (they call this Audio blogging). Or if a student finds something while being out shopping or out hanging out with friends, they can use their cell phones conveniently to take a picture for their class project and send it straight to their website for future reference. It is a really interesting device to use since it is a common technology tool in this modern day.
How is "audioblogging" effective to the classroom?
I think audioblogging provides a more convenient way of using an everday tool to help children connect to the world and other places they have never been. By using the cell phone as a tape recorder, digital recorder, or camera, children will be able to have fun learning about different things outside of the classroom and learn how to communicate with each other. Once they are able to use this tool in the classroom (for project purposes, etc..), they are able to use it effectively in any part of their lives. It integrates technology as part of the classroom lesson.
What are some ways of implementing this tool in the classroom?
Well I think doing small interviews around the classroom would be fun; for example, students will do an icebreaker project on the first day of school by pairing up with at least 3 different peers and using their cell phone as a tape recorder. They will then interview them- asking them what their culture is, favorite sport, etc.
I would also have them use their camera in their cell phone to take pictures for a scavenger hunt assignment. I believe there will be infinite amount of activities to do with their cell phone!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Journal #3
Video In The Age of Participation by Glen Bull
This article, written by a co-director of the Center for Technology, focuses on digital videos from the internet growing as a useful resource for educators. Though most of the digital videos today can be made by anybody, there are now specific program sites online that are geared mainly for educators. Such program sites are PBS NOVA, The Discovery Education unitedstreaming website, and National Geographic Society. These sites provide particular videos in relation to teachers' curricular objectives. The sites also make it convenient for teachers to access when it comes to availability and editing for their lessons (where most educators can participate in creating their own videos).
How effective are digital videos compared to the traditional DVD/VHS?
Because digital videos are clearly up to date with this new generation of students, students can definitely relate to the material and most likely be more interested in the video. Plus digital videos are much more convenient for teachers because of easy access and availability. It also can help the teacher be more creative in editing their videos to incorporate with their lesson plans.
What could be some of the problems with having digital videos shown in the classroom?
Like most new methods of teaching, there will always be some kind of problem or criticism. The problems that may arise among digital videos are whether or not the content may be appropriate for the age group/classroom and they are accurate.
This article, written by a co-director of the Center for Technology, focuses on digital videos from the internet growing as a useful resource for educators. Though most of the digital videos today can be made by anybody, there are now specific program sites online that are geared mainly for educators. Such program sites are PBS NOVA, The Discovery Education unitedstreaming website, and National Geographic Society. These sites provide particular videos in relation to teachers' curricular objectives. The sites also make it convenient for teachers to access when it comes to availability and editing for their lessons (where most educators can participate in creating their own videos).
How effective are digital videos compared to the traditional DVD/VHS?
Because digital videos are clearly up to date with this new generation of students, students can definitely relate to the material and most likely be more interested in the video. Plus digital videos are much more convenient for teachers because of easy access and availability. It also can help the teacher be more creative in editing their videos to incorporate with their lesson plans.
What could be some of the problems with having digital videos shown in the classroom?
Like most new methods of teaching, there will always be some kind of problem or criticism. The problems that may arise among digital videos are whether or not the content may be appropriate for the age group/classroom and they are accurate.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Journal #2
Breathing Fire into Web 2.0 by David Carpenter and Justin Hardman
This article discusses a new innovation of online communication amongst teachers, students, parents, and faculty members. This innovation is callled the Web 2.0 and the first of its kind was a Web-based system made in the Hong Kong International School called myDragonNet (http://dragonet.hkis.edu.hk). This Web-based system began as a file and storage system for this school, and grew into a virtual community such as websites like MySpace,Xanga,and Friendster. However, this system is used mainly for educational purposes; especially for teachers to put up assignments,grades, deadlines, blogs/forums, bulletins, and to communicate to students, parents, and faculty. The site could also be a great source for students to do research with or to help them with their assignments. I have actually experienced a professor during my undergaduate studies that used TikiWiki as his web-base communication system for questions, assignment instructions, and submitting assignments online.
Questions:
How can this system be effective in elementary schools?
Now that internet is constantly used by students for research, e-mail,etc., the Web 2.0 system can definitely help young children understand the concept of internet usage. I would think learning the new technology at an early age will make it easier for them along their educational careers.
Will this system be protected from outside intruders (i.e. advertisements not suitable for children)?
Most definitely. I do not think the educational system would allow any kind of system if it were unprotected.
This article discusses a new innovation of online communication amongst teachers, students, parents, and faculty members. This innovation is callled the Web 2.0 and the first of its kind was a Web-based system made in the Hong Kong International School called myDragonNet (http://dragonet.hkis.edu.hk). This Web-based system began as a file and storage system for this school, and grew into a virtual community such as websites like MySpace,Xanga,and Friendster. However, this system is used mainly for educational purposes; especially for teachers to put up assignments,grades, deadlines, blogs/forums, bulletins, and to communicate to students, parents, and faculty. The site could also be a great source for students to do research with or to help them with their assignments. I have actually experienced a professor during my undergaduate studies that used TikiWiki as his web-base communication system for questions, assignment instructions, and submitting assignments online.
Questions:
How can this system be effective in elementary schools?
Now that internet is constantly used by students for research, e-mail,etc., the Web 2.0 system can definitely help young children understand the concept of internet usage. I would think learning the new technology at an early age will make it easier for them along their educational careers.
Will this system be protected from outside intruders (i.e. advertisements not suitable for children)?
Most definitely. I do not think the educational system would allow any kind of system if it were unprotected.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Journal #1
"Professors adjust their methods to reach technology-savvy generation"
By Eleanor Yang Su
This article mainly discusses how this new generation or what they call now "generation y" of college students uses new technology everyday and in every part of their lives. It also discusses how teachers are adjusting their teaching methods to this new generation by using online conference rooms for questions and class discussions, "clickers" which students use in a 500 student lecture class to answer the professors' questions, and other savvy technology.
I definitely can relate to this article when the author brought up the fact that students are now becoming more 'multitaskers'; such as talking on the cell phone while logging into his/her computer or doing a homework assignment, etc. I can see all the benefits that new technology has brought to our generation and society. We can definitely communicate to others in a more convenient and faster way. However, with more innovations of technology, the more multi-tasking we will become, and less focused we become.
Upon reading this, I ask myself:
How will schools and universities adjust to new technology being used daily in their classes/classrooms?
Although students and people in general can easily become distracted with their computers (straying away from the lecture by going online, playing games, etc.), teachers and professors will obviously be aware of the distractions that may occur. With that in mind, teachers/professors will definitely have to modify their teaching methods for lectures to gain their students' attention/focus.
How is learning/understanding a course effective when students are using computers or other type of technology during lectures?
I believe new technology will help engage students during the lecture. As stated in the previous question, students will become distracted with the new devices rather than focused on the lecture. However, I see technology as a new method of teaching. It's an additional resource that students can use to help give them a better understanding of their class (i.e. e-mailing teachers/professors when questions about the course arise, using interent for research, devices used in the classroom to make the class/lecture more interesting).
By Eleanor Yang Su
This article mainly discusses how this new generation or what they call now "generation y" of college students uses new technology everyday and in every part of their lives. It also discusses how teachers are adjusting their teaching methods to this new generation by using online conference rooms for questions and class discussions, "clickers" which students use in a 500 student lecture class to answer the professors' questions, and other savvy technology.
I definitely can relate to this article when the author brought up the fact that students are now becoming more 'multitaskers'; such as talking on the cell phone while logging into his/her computer or doing a homework assignment, etc. I can see all the benefits that new technology has brought to our generation and society. We can definitely communicate to others in a more convenient and faster way. However, with more innovations of technology, the more multi-tasking we will become, and less focused we become.
Upon reading this, I ask myself:
How will schools and universities adjust to new technology being used daily in their classes/classrooms?
Although students and people in general can easily become distracted with their computers (straying away from the lecture by going online, playing games, etc.), teachers and professors will obviously be aware of the distractions that may occur. With that in mind, teachers/professors will definitely have to modify their teaching methods for lectures to gain their students' attention/focus.
How is learning/understanding a course effective when students are using computers or other type of technology during lectures?
I believe new technology will help engage students during the lecture. As stated in the previous question, students will become distracted with the new devices rather than focused on the lecture. However, I see technology as a new method of teaching. It's an additional resource that students can use to help give them a better understanding of their class (i.e. e-mailing teachers/professors when questions about the course arise, using interent for research, devices used in the classroom to make the class/lecture more interesting).
Monday, January 29, 2007
Here is my intro letter
Hello Everyone! My name is Melissa Balanza. I grew up in San Diego throughout most of my childhood and moved to Temecula during my teenage years. From Kindergarten until half-way through fourth grade I attended Rio Seco School in Santee, California (which is in east county San Diego) and finished fourth grade at Garden Road Elementary in Poway, Ca. At the beginning of fifth grade, my parents decided for my family and I to move to Temecula since there was a huge growth of newly developed homes and communities. I attended the rest of my fifth grade year at Vail Elementary School in Temecula, attended Temecula Middle School and graduated from Temecula Valley High School in 2001.
My experience with technology varies from television to vhs/dvd players, to nintendo, to playstation, to digital cameras, to computers, to internet, to cd burners, and to cell phones. I depend so much on my cell phone to communicate with others and I go on the internet everyday checking my e-mail, bank accounts, and of course the ever so popular site, MySpace! I would say I am more familiar using a PC over a Mac.
The College of Education Mission Statement was not a factor in my decision to apply to CSUSM, however, I definitely agree that the COE “demonstrates a commitment to student-centered education, diversity, collaboration, professionalism, and shared governance.” I highly believe that student-centered education is a very important aspect of teaching because in order to teach effectively, a teacher would need to know how to fulfill his/her students’ needs in education.
My experience with technology varies from television to vhs/dvd players, to nintendo, to playstation, to digital cameras, to computers, to internet, to cd burners, and to cell phones. I depend so much on my cell phone to communicate with others and I go on the internet everyday checking my e-mail, bank accounts, and of course the ever so popular site, MySpace! I would say I am more familiar using a PC over a Mac.
The College of Education Mission Statement was not a factor in my decision to apply to CSUSM, however, I definitely agree that the COE “demonstrates a commitment to student-centered education, diversity, collaboration, professionalism, and shared governance.” I highly believe that student-centered education is a very important aspect of teaching because in order to teach effectively, a teacher would need to know how to fulfill his/her students’ needs in education.
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