tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.comments2022-01-09T05:16:16.434-05:00The Connected ClassroomKristin Hokansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04644948722592900823noreply@blogger.comBlogger334125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-68939001948159331072011-03-02T21:07:28.965-05:002011-03-02T21:07:28.965-05:00As an elementary teacher, I found these figures to...As an elementary teacher, I found these figures to be quite surprising. I know that technology has been growing and expanding, but seeing the numbers made me realize how far behind education is in preparing students for this technological world. Many teachers use minimal technology, or use technology in the same ways. I, myself, am guilty of sticking with PowerPoint and word processing on the computer and not exploring the number of technological tools that exist for the students today. A man by the name of Thornburg (2004) writes in his article Technology and Education: Expectations, not options, that the majority of teachers are stuck 'doing things differently' instead of 'doing different things.' He goes on to argue that word processing programs and PowerPoint do not push the students to create interactive pieces of work, but rather, tools such as podcasting and blogging open up students to a number of opportunities and options. <br />In your post, it seems evident that teachers need to become educated on the tools of technology and how to best utilize them in the classroom to create inventive, motivating work that can apply to real world skills. In doing this, teachers can help students safely interact with some of these impressive programs.<br />How do you feel these figures will affect education in the future?<br />Thornburg, D. (2004). Technology and education: Expectations, not options. (Executive Briefing No. 401). Retrieved from http://www.tcpdpodcast.org/briefings/expectations.pdfAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-83971219794371488592011-02-17T21:35:13.138-05:002011-02-17T21:35:13.138-05:00That woman was on MEGA SUGAR !That woman was on MEGA SUGAR !Durffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05683687754001195123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-69501412361921006052011-02-01T13:14:30.706-05:002011-02-01T13:14:30.706-05:00Do you think everyone is in a position to actually...Do you think everyone is in a position to actually make the changes needed in their schools? Are people in a position (of authority) to create change across the board? I'm not sure everyone is there yet.IMC Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16279699282698965195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-20193630655990807502011-01-09T20:38:23.802-05:002011-01-09T20:38:23.802-05:00I certainly enjoy the prospect of integrating tech...I certainly enjoy the prospect of integrating technology into the classroom and find media resources a great strategy to hook our students to a subject. I also agree that we should help them distinguish from real to fantasy, yet are these all just one form of learning style, mainly visual? In trying to reach those state standards and curriculum, I would hope that more than just visual media is being used, even though technology is so popular to use. <br /><br />John A.Mr. Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08923120513114568317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-41871739212090323102010-12-05T07:57:38.632-05:002010-12-05T07:57:38.632-05:00Hi Kristin
From Google I was looking for the term ...Hi Kristin<br />From Google I was looking for the term 'digital literacy' and I found your post. It is so true that we have to teach our kids about it. I think in future more resources will be available on line than physically, like library. So kids need to know how to find correct source and judge too. So what about we, like who we start late to learn, or came from a developing country where technology was a just a memory when we study in school. How can we learn now. I am really find so heard to find correct resource from online.<br />JulekhaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-81364623394748730472010-09-25T09:21:52.652-04:002010-09-25T09:21:52.652-04:00Kristin, I found your blog while researching ways ...Kristin, I found your blog while researching ways to help my kids weed through the information they collect via online research. It came at a good time as I am also taking an Ed Tech class. I love having information at my (and my kids') fingertips but have also learned there is a lot of bad information out there, too. When I was a kid, "look it up" meant a trip to the library - Encyclopedias, non-fiction books - and now "look it up" could be changed to "google it". But as teachers and parents, we have to teach kids how to weed through the good and the bad information. I have found checking the URL is a good place to start.<br />I had not thought much about reading and comprehension strategies in relation to online info gathering but it certainly makes sense! Kids need strategies as much or more when dealing with online sources as when using a book because the source can be an unknown.<br />I also liked your point about teaching them to read around a page to get to the content. This is not easy, especially for younger students (as evidenced by Saturday morning ads). At least with an Encyclopedia, the info is not "competing" with a flashy ad for the newest toy/gadget. Technology is only going to get more pervasive (is that an oxymoron?) which means we have to be even more diligent in our responsibility to teach kids how to use the technology wisely. I just hope I can keep up!meemkaczhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09336930880975008908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-54818561271041307652010-09-12T20:44:35.807-04:002010-09-12T20:44:35.807-04:00I love that this is about educating children on te...I love that this is about educating children on technology and the way that we get our information. Seeing the resources from Frank helps as well. Very important stuff!Mara Knoepflehttp://educationtechnologyeffectiveinst.blogspot.com/2010/09/blog-post.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-29331339202866699732010-09-01T11:36:43.241-04:002010-09-01T11:36:43.241-04:00Kids are becoming more savvy at using the internet...Kids are becoming more savvy at using the internet to get information from the media and to learn in general. For example, kids are creating their own material on user-generated sites like http://memorize.com rather than consuming what is fed to them by the authority figures.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-81615348763353736572010-07-29T06:52:59.582-04:002010-07-29T06:52:59.582-04:00As a library media specialist for grades 7-12, I a...As a library media specialist for grades 7-12, I am concerned that we as educators are always running to keep up or catch up either with technology and making effective use of it or with the students who have been immersed in it seemingly long before us. I try to provide information literacy to those I serve, but after reading your blog, I can see that I have not focused much on the media literacy component other than "Who created this and what is their agenda?". Thank you for raising this point with us and for bringing to our attention the "5 Media-Savvy Questions That Kids Should Ask" and other great media literacy links available at teacher.scholastic.com that will greatly assist us with this serious concern.<br /><br />Betty FraserBetty Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16258395659708473915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-36556925669291980332010-07-21T05:57:02.358-04:002010-07-21T05:57:02.358-04:00Thanks Frank...I share your resources OFTEN especi...Thanks Frank...I share your <a href="http://www.frankwbaker.com/default1.htm" rel="nofollow">resources</a> OFTEN especially the connection you have made to <a href="http://www.frankwbaker.com/state_lit.htm" rel="nofollow">State Standards which Include Media Literacy</a> All too often teachers use the excuse they "don't have time" or "there is too much curriculum to cover" but when you look at the number of places IN the state mandated curriculum that media literacy lives you will realize that if you are USING MEDIA with your students, you NEED to teach them media literacy strategies...THANKS for sharing!Kristin Hokansonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04644948722592900823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-19191868794737473132010-07-20T23:28:49.009-04:002010-07-20T23:28:49.009-04:00You should also know there are LOTS of other criti...You should also know there are LOTS of other critical thinking/viewing questions out there:<br />http://www.frankwbaker.com/media_messages.htm<br /><br />Frank Baker<br />Media Literacy ClearinghouseFrankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00082944165982779917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-41356419436575949162010-03-23T12:05:24.820-04:002010-03-23T12:05:24.820-04:00Andrew, what an amazing project for your senior ye...Andrew, what an amazing project for your senior year! Our school does not do senior projects, but I am totally in favor of them. I am actually using this page for a blog assignment for my students in a computer concepts 2 class I teach in Ames, Iowa. Best of luck to you in your project!<br /><br />As a teacher, I can give you one piece of information that is working for me. Students today, in my opinion, are "wired" differently than students of the past, and education really needs to get on board with this and present itself in new "out-of-the-box" ways. My classes each have wikipages and blogs that we use. This is just a first step in how our delivery of information to students needs to change.<br /><br />Again, best of luck on your senior project!!Rhonda Schmaltzhttp://ahscc2.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-76513896868304300252010-01-06T21:27:58.254-05:002010-01-06T21:27:58.254-05:00I am actively practicing using technology in my cl...I am actively practicing using technology in my classroom by communicating with parents on a weekly and sometimes daily basis; therefore, I also feel technology is more than a powerful tool. In my Masters class reading assignment, Will Richardson stated "as more people get more access to broadband connections and more powerful computers and even easier tools, this trend shows every sign of continuing to grow." I thought that statement fit into my classroom well because as time progresses, online communication is expanding. For example, I am practicing this approach using a computer program called Edline. It is a county program that most schools are following. I am able to post assignments daily, grades, favorite links/games, and etc. It is a great took to keep parents and students informed. Lastly, I know this technology program eliminates a lot of surprises at the end of the marking period.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-88964601159782736922009-09-08T09:28:30.421-04:002009-09-08T09:28:30.421-04:00I want to suggest you try http://www.showdocument....I want to suggest you try http://www.showdocument.com - its an alternative tool for gomeetnow that allows document sharing and web meeting in real-time. all the participants in the session see each others' drawing, highlights, etc. It is free and requires no installation.<br /><br />JoshMartenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04608424652527189079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-24720962212219806802009-07-30T15:42:35.413-04:002009-07-30T15:42:35.413-04:00"...technology is more than a tool, but a pow..."...technology is more than a tool, but a powerful way to connect them to their students." Wow Kristin! That is the whole enchilada right there!!Durffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05683687754001195123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-1994051226630982042009-07-26T22:57:22.077-04:002009-07-26T22:57:22.077-04:00We need to apply some common sense to getting teac...We need to apply some common sense to getting teachers to use technology. All of what you are saying in your blog and the following comments has been true as long as Technology has been around. Look at your faculty and determine what percentage are using technology effectively as a tool for learning. It doesn't matter whether it is Higher ed, Secondary or elementary. Honest answers should bring in a low estimates in most school districts or institutions. Why? We have had computers for at least 20 years. What's the hold up. <br />We need to convince the convincible. We need to train, support and nurture and almost revere those teachers who show an interest in using technology. The Merit pay that Duncan is trying to jam into the system is all wrong. More money does not make a non-tech-using teachers use technology. Training and attitude changes will promote that. Use merit pay to have effective teachers counsel and train and use technology in best practices for less effective teachers.Use Merit pay for tech-Using teachers to educate parents in the use of educational technology so they have a clue about what their kids have the ability to do in a tech competetive work environment.<br />After 20 years of the same old arguments and excuses not to use tech, I want to see people offer common sense reasons for using it. Business pays a high price for people who effectively use Tech to store, interpret and communicate Data.If we use it to teach more we would have to teach it less.I would say more but it is the same old, same old. <br />I could use educators on my Personal Learning Network on Twitter @tomwhitby.<br />Thanks for the space and the virtual soapbox.Thomas Whitbyhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaswhitbynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-78156711893431649922009-07-26T18:33:03.850-04:002009-07-26T18:33:03.850-04:00The more I think about teachers, schools and techn...The more I think about teachers, schools and technology, the more the importance of a learning COMMUNITY becomes apparent. At different times and in different situations we need different types of learning support. Sometimes we need a coach who can break it down to basics and show us the "how" of some new app or gadget. Sometimes we need a visionary who can give us a glimpse of the possibilities in using something different. Sometimes we just need an encouraging friend to give us a boost. Teachers must be learners, but no one person can be all of these things to everyone they are connected with. That is why we need a community to support us as we teach and learn. Every teacher must seek out and build the support network they need, with encourgemnet from those who are already part of their community.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-6574283543813864172009-07-23T07:24:20.722-04:002009-07-23T07:24:20.722-04:00Kristin, this was very interesting, this has been ...Kristin, this was very interesting, this has been my argument all along. We are issuing laptops to every student this year at my high school and the majority of the teachers have no idea how they will use them. I am presently enrolled in a summer class about integrating technology into the classroom and have learned many things, but I am only one member of the faculty. Technology is a great tool for student learning as well as the teachers which needs to be done first. Hopefully we will use this digital learning by blogging and other means to educate the faculty as well. This responsibility does rest on the principle, he should take the class that I am taking to learn how to implement these teaching stratagies. Hopefully we are not going to have the same old staff development days that I have sat through many times. I will try to get him to read this blog. Thank you!Mark Merrynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-46871455081040248442009-07-13T17:13:18.864-04:002009-07-13T17:13:18.864-04:00Kristin-
Thank you very much. The was inspired, cr...Kristin-<br />Thank you very much. The was inspired, creative strategy!<br />-Skipskip zalneraitishttp://skipz.edublogs.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-47479381944514017882009-07-13T10:23:23.311-04:002009-07-13T10:23:23.311-04:00Hi Kristin,
As an avid swimmer, I have been thinki...Hi Kristin,<br />As an avid swimmer, I have been thinking about your comment about the need to focus on tools at least enough to build skills. Perhaps the subtlety that I did not explain well is that those who are natural swimmers (in water, I mean), have an extraordinary ability to FEEL the water. They have a heightened sense of what water does and how it works with and around their bodies. <br /><br />Perhaps the best analogy for understanding and diving into new ways of <i>learning</i> is to be aware that new "swimmers" need extensive opportunities to develop that "feel" for the water of learning. The feel is not for the tools (strokes and skills like kicking of blowing bubbles). It is the way that learning flows around us as we allow ourselves to work WITH and respect the water instead of fighting it. <br /><br />In other words, we need to give people as many chances as they need to slow down and pay attention to what is actually happening as they kick or move their arms. Some may need a long-term "coach" to occasionally watch their strokes and point out what the water is doing, but eventually, with repetition and deep muscle memory, they CAN use the feel of the water to change their entire interaction with this new world of learning. For some, this happens in a few days. For some, it may take years. I believe in patience for all of them, as long as they can trust enough to keep coming to the pool. Will's suggestion may work for some: make it personal. What works for one swimmer does not work for all. It is worth trying many ways. I have seen a swim coach (the real kind) do everything from play "sharks and minnows" to dipping a kid in by the ankles to having the kid try to lie flat on the bottom, all in the name of "feeling" the water!<br /><br />I learned to "feel" the water (the real kind, not the analogous learning) at an "old" age in my thirties or forties, because I was determined to do so. For my children, the feel came naturally at 3 to 5. I know teachers who had the feel for learning at 20, and some who still mechanically move their arms but do not <i>feel the water </i> in their classrooms. It is our obligation as those who CAN feel it to give them time, opportunity, and assurance that they will not drown. Meanwhile, we owe them patience as we head to the deep end and high dive.Candace Hackett Shivelyhttp://blog.teachersfirst.com/thinkteach/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-58663687185290487952009-07-12T07:56:33.104-04:002009-07-12T07:56:33.104-04:00Will...Although I do tend to teach some tools in t...Will...Although I do tend to teach some tools in terms of personal relevance iphoto being a good example-teachers use it for their own personal photos then see how it would work in their classroom) I don't know that Web2.0 works the same way...<br />David Warlick had a good post back in June about <a href="http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/?p=1771" rel="nofollow">Prerequisites for PLNs</a> in which he shares that one must be...<br /><i>* Computer savvy — practiced mouser; capable at opening, saving, and navigating files; accustomed with working multiple windows; able to connect to WiFi networks; and able to identify and even download and install software appropriate to a variety of file types.<br />* Internet Savvy — Browser literate; experienced Web navigator; able to keep and manage bookmarks; able to capture and save (download) text, images, audio, and video files (under most circumstances); Confident at signing up for online services.<br />* This is the most important — Willing to redefine your job as a teacher. Willing to call yourself a master learner</i><br />I think that most of the teachers I work with fit into the last category, but the first 2 they STILL NEED SUPPORT...That is what I like so much about your <a href="http://plpnetwork.com/" rel="nofollow">PLP model</a> but that still takes leadership and support from within for it to work. I am not doubting that teachers WANT to get in the pool, they just need to feel supported. <br />Colette I wonder the same thing....about killing the atmosphere. I would encourage you to plant the seeds in the fertile soil & let them chip away at the rocks;-) I guess my main source of concern is what happens when you get teachers started, but aren't around to create that f2f environment of support?Kristin Hokansonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04644948722592900823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-35563075882149649952009-07-11T15:22:14.459-04:002009-07-11T15:22:14.459-04:00One of the biggest take aways for me from NECC was...One of the biggest take aways for me from NECC was the importance of community building as the avenue to meaningful professional development. Being introduced to a community that is eager to learn themselves and one that focuses on student learning is infectious and exhilarating. One of the primary goals that I am working on for the coming school year is how to create that type of synergy in my small school setting when there few folks who "get it" and the rest are newbies. Can a few mentors create that atmosphere? Will the reluctance of the newbies kill the atmosphere. It's a fine line of support, learning and hopefully, some fun!Colette Cassinellihttp://www.edtechvision.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-87270266796062505542009-07-11T11:04:09.978-04:002009-07-11T11:04:09.978-04:00I hear you. I think my bigger point, though, is th...I hear you. I think my bigger point, though, is that teaching tools in the context of classrooms isn't the best way to start. Just mho. I think we need to help them find their way in the context of what they love to do for themselves. Might be one in the same, I know, but it gives them license to explore. When I say to teachers "Don't worry about your kids, your classrooms, your schools...worry about yourself" I have a lot of people say "whew...that took the pressure off." Hopefully, we can trust teachers to create good pedagogy around the tools on their own once they've built the connections for themselves.Will Richardsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05971776026580744097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-72828301784472190902009-07-10T17:51:42.563-04:002009-07-10T17:51:42.563-04:00More and more I'm seeing the importance of tec...More and more I'm seeing the importance of technology being an integrated part of professional development... and professional development being community oriented or networked by nature. There needs to be a marriage of the two and then some of these issues will disappear.<br /> <br />When our learning is necessarily shared, and technology is necessarily part of that sharing, then the value will be seen be those involved. <br /><br />I did a video a while back that looked at how my network supported and helped me, and then I asked the question, 'wouldn't our students benefit from this too?'I think that the best way to get teachers to 'swim' is to let them get wet on their own terms and for their own, (hopefully professional but even personal), reasons. Once they see the benefits of using technology for their own learning, almost every teacher would make the connection that this could help their students too!<br /><br />That's my thinking right now, we'll see where I stand a year from now! :-)David Trusshttp://pairadimes.davidtruss.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24316273.post-54523766673959476482009-07-10T14:37:19.791-04:002009-07-10T14:37:19.791-04:00I like your points and I agree with them at the sa...I like your points and I agree with them at the same time I think educators need to take on more personal responsibility. <br />On the very rare occasion that one of my colleagues where I worked showed interest, I was more than willing to go the distance right there beside them. I know you do that too.<br />It's when educators glibly dismiss everything I say and/or do in lieu of industrial age/lecture style teaching that I get very frustrated.<br />When such attitudes emanate from administrators who prefer the status quo, I see little hope. <br />Maybe I just need to look elsewhere.<br />Especially now that I contemplate Nikolai's future education, I naturally want the best for him.Durffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05683687754001195123noreply@blogger.com