Plants/Environment Lesson - Mr. McCloe

Technology in Education

Internet Change

"Signs of the digital shift are everywhere" (Howard, 2009). Just in my own lifetime the internet has changed quite a bit about how we as individuals view and access information. When I was young encyclopedias were the go to for any needed knowledge. The internet wasn't available yet, so I learned from my parents, teachers, and peers. In our digital day in age, students have no need for a dated encyclopedia as they have at the tip of their fingers immediate access to images, videos, and information relating to any topic they desire to learn about. I can be anywhere even out to dinner and use my smart phone to pull up facts to support an argument or conversation. With California law moving towards digital textbooks by 2020, it makes me evaluate my childhood and wonder what media will enhance the learning of my babies. In the article we read this week regarding new E-textbooks, "Jay Chakrapani, vice president for product development for McGraw-Hill Higher Education's digital group, said the system is designed to adapt to each student's progress, skipping to harder questions if the student aces the easy ones. "It's almost like a personal trainer or personal coach, constantly steering you to assessment items that probe you on the areas you're weak" (Young, 2009).

I chose these two The Point videos to post on my blog this week because I feel they address very closely the topics of discussion this week. I agree that they are opinion based in most aspects but there is a large bit of truth that shines through these statements in the conversations.The second video shows the importance of taking online reviews, and information with a grain of salt. The panel clearly describes how they personally have been paid to write reviews for compaies. It is imporant to understand that reviews can be used as marketing materials and really think carefuly about decisions made based on reviews.

 

 

http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/the-all-digital-library-not-quite-yet/9215

http://chronicle.com/blogPost/California-Law-Requires/20526/?sid=wc&utm_source=wc&utm_medium=en

http://chronicle.com/article/New-E-Textbooks-Do-More-Than/48324/?sid=wc&utm_source=wc&utm_medium=en

iPad as the Teacher's Pet

iPad as the Teacher's Pet Infographic

Mobile Computing

I believe it's safe to say that I spend more time with my smart phone than I do my husband. As I type this sentence the reality of how absurd it sounds is sinking in, but none the less, it's still true. My phone not only connects me to loved ones near and far, but also allows me to check weather, keep current with news, e-mails, help my kids with homework, and much, much more!
 

A year ago, I would have laughed at anyone who told me I spend too much time on my phone. Over the last few weeks however, (and the more research I do) every time I reach for my phone in the presence of my husband or children I pause and worry that I should let it wait. It is easy to get sucked into the digital world and forget "the small stuff;" what really matters in life like precious moments with my husband and babies. I think there is still great value to having dinner table discussion and device free zones in the house. Even in a digital world, family values are important and I believe in raising my children with the ability to converse without mobile devices and by actually looking at the person whom you are speaking to. Never before did I think this would be such an important task to teach.

 

 

Even as I type this post I am watching Fashion Police and texting a dear friend about the latest episode of Scandal. Multitasking is the story of my life as a working mom in grad school, but with multitasking how successful are we really?? Last semester I completed Instructional Computing 1 where we watched a video from Frontline discussing a study of MIT students and their success, or failure with multitasking. The study showed that through multitasking we are actually less successful in all areas we are working in than if we were to just focus on one topic at a time.

 

 

Although I may take my mobile device for granted at times, this video provides an insight to just how wonderful mobile devices are in disadvantaged countries such as Africa. Have you ever considered how your cell phone could save your life? In Africa they are not only saving lives, but creating job opportunities! The smart charger they have created out of a bicycle to charge a phone is simply amazing. Doctors in Rwanda are able to tend to patients and still order neccesary medicines without having to travel hundreds of miles away through the use of their cell phones. The impact this has had on thier ability to care for patients is overwhelming and heart warming.


Technology is amazing in many ways, but like anything else the saying stands:
"Everything in moderation."

Virtual Worlds

These two videos provide an insight to MUVEs
This video was apparently created for another course, but the context still fits.

Although I enjoyed learning about MUVEs this week, I'm having a difficult time determining how I could utilize this media in a 3rd Grade context. First, I am not sure this type of media would be permitted. I believe MUVEs provide an opportunity for certain groups of students to practice skills in a context that is engaging and innovative, however I do not feel it would be benefical for all learners. As a teacher, I appreciate the level of communication needed from users to navigate through the media while practicing and developing a mastery of the skills included. Developing social communication is an important skill for young learners.

Relating this weeks readings to previous readings, MUVEs do allow students to create an online identity through the creation and use of Avatars. This component is helpful for the development of an online identity, but could also contribute to the idea of creating a virtual identity which does not compare to the "real" you.
 

Two MUVEs I found that might work in my context are:

http://educationarcade.org/labyrinth On-line puzzle adventure game, designed to promote math and literacy learning for Middle School Age Students. This one is a little high for my 3rd graders, but it might be a great way to challenge my high learners while helping to keep them actively engaged in learning.

http://www.mendeley.com/catalog/gaming-3d-multiuser-virtual-environment-engaging-students-science-lessons/ For students ages 10-11 3D Science MUVE Lessons. This site is a little more on my level, but still a little high for my learners.

NY Times Article on Online Identity

 

There is a great post in the New York Times regarding who we are online; our online identity! The article can be found by clicking here.