Zeinab’s Blog

The Federal Government has finally come to understand the importance of computers in the classroom as the article states almost 900 secondary schools will get one computer for every two students. I believe this is a great step towards improving and enriching student’s across Australia’s educational experience. These schools were chosen because they had a very poor ratio of computer to student which clearly underpins funding issues. Perhaps now it is time for the government to also see the need for more computers in primary schools but I guess this is a good start. It is something that should have happened a long time ago.

Click here to learn more about the governments digital education revolution.

Even though it is seen as a tool, I find that social networking sites are a major issue especially for younger students. I agree with this article where it states that social networking sites should be filtered by the parents. The number of predators have increased in recent times and it is essential for all parents to be aware of who their children are talking to online. The article brings out a positive in social networking in the means of connecting with communities people may share similar experiences with. For example, a social network site for the American Cancer Society. I can see how the article would consider this a positive benefit but I would still be very cautious.

There are many social networking sites out there such as Myspace, facebook, bebo etc although these do not seem to be designed for younger students. As the article states sites like these cannot be ignored by educator as they have become the culture of young people.

I wouldn’t recommended my students to join any social networking sites for any activity as I don’t feel comfortable not knowing for sure who is on the other side. I don’t believe it is worth the risk.

Image Source:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/befitt/766259644/

This article depicts the amazing ability of technology when incorporated correctly. The idea of creating a digital video is not only an activity in itself but also a personal and educational learning experience as holocaust survivors were interviewed for this particular activity.

This just shows one of many ways that technologies can be used. This video creation can be used to reach the wider communicate to help educate them about an event in history they knew nothing about.

Even though the topic doesn’t relate to primary education it can easily be adapted to link with relevant syllabus outcomes. After reading this article and recently creating a digital video story myself I know that it’ll be an activity I definitely want my students to experience.

A digital video story truly does make history come alive- a great metaphor!!

I stumbled across a very interesting article in what seems to be a intriguing prospect in regards to the building of a new school in Stanhope Gardens. Costing more than $40 million dollars, the school will be referred to as a “learning community” and teachers will be known as “learning advisers”. Online tutorials will be provided for students where students can go online and enter dialogue with their teachers … sorry learning advisers. This schools aim to use technology as the major focus. As stated in the article “it will be an e-learning environment with m-learning (mobile technology) tools”. I’m not sure that I totally agree with placing major focus on technology. I believe that it should be incorporated wherever possible but I think this school is going overboard. The article talks about students being in the playground and doing their work via mobile phone.. how would it be possible for the teacher to monitor the student mobile phone content? Will the teacher have to disregard other students in the playground and focus on this one student just because their might be some inappropriate content on this students phone ? It might seem ideal to have such a “technological” school but is it realistic?

Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/spitzgogo/286917522/

This youtube video explores why people chose to play games and what benefits arise from them. I agree with both Tanya’s and Emily’s point where they claim that although games encourage communication, collaboration and analytical thinking, the majority of the games shown portrayed violent situations which make them unsuitable in a primary school setting. Although there was one particular game player who’s comment stuck in my head as he claimed that he enjoyed games because it allowed him to “learn through experience”. He claimed that even though their were difficult buttons you would start off with the basics and the more you play the more you begin to know how to use other features of the game. This coincides with constructionist learning theories as children create, develop and take charge of their own learning.

Therefore I have come to realize that computer, internet and video games assume an important place in children’s and adults lives.

I was lucky enough to come across another great article which can help every teacher who aims to use technology in the classroom. The article acknowledges that even though technology can be a solution in the classroom in contrast it can also be a problem. As time has progressed the learning environment has changed.

The article talks about management strategies when integrating technology into the classroom. As with all lessons it is just as important for teacher to plan ahead in educational technology. Similar things need to be considered for example the different pace students work at and their level of ability, just as the article addresses. A point I definitely concur with and am sure that all teachers would also agree with.

One of the most important management strategies I got out of this article was the need for the “teacher to provide students with clear guidelines on the schools policies and procedures when working with technology” ESPECIALLY the internet.

I have read many articles on the benefits of technology although I don’t recall reading much on how to integrated technology in the class. This article suggests ways on how to use technology mainly the internet. I found this to be a very useful tool especially for future reference when I do have my own class. I thought that it was important that they showed how to use the internet in class because this can be a “scary” thought for many teachers due to the concerns surrounding it. The article helps in addressing these concerns but what I liked best was that if offered possible solutions to these concerns which can help alleviate the fears teachers my have when incorporating the use of the internet in the classroom.

Image Source:

http://712educators.about.com/cs/technology/a/integratetech_2.htm

It was realized well over 86 years ago by Thomas Edison that technology will revolutionize our education system…and he was right. No one may have believed him at the time but the people of today can surely agree with it.

The need for computers in the classroom was even recognised by former US President Bill Clinton as he states ”computers are as much part of the classroom as blackboards”. With time new ways of learning are being discovered and introduced through the use of technology and it is essential that as keep up with these changes.

The article argues five main reasons for computerizing schools. Although I agree with all, one argument stands out:

Working with computers — particularly using the Internet — brings students valuable connections with teachers, other schools and students, and a wide network of professionals around the globe. These connections spice the school day with a sense of real-world relevance, and broaden the educational community.

I often underestimated the power of computers and the internet until I started to use them. Not only did I benefit from using them academically but my knowledge and skills (even though they were limited) about computers were a major advantage in the workfoce. This is why I believe as a teacher I will attempt to do my best in incorporating the use of technology as much as possible hoping that it will benefit my students as much as it benefited me.

When it comes to technology we usually only hear about the need for new technology but in fact we have got perfectly good technology but no idea of what to do with it. This article by Shorr (2005) emphasizes this. I must admit that I was one of those people who continuously expressed the need for new technologies but just by simply reading this statement I knew that it was correct. We’ve got the technology, we just don’t know what to do with it.. and the main thing should be to educate ourselves on how to use them in order to help our students.

The article tells an inspiring story about an autistic boy named Jeremy. It talks of how the integration and use of an assistive technology helped him in communication with others when before he was unable to do so. This story gives a clear indication of the wonderful benefits technology can also have on special needs students.

Assistive technologies- their potential is LIMITLESS!!

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/muyongga03/843569305/

This article tells us what we subconsciously know… that learning stems from play even though at the time were playing we might not think “wait a minute I’m learning something”. The whole idea of kids learning and constructing their own learning (as they construct sandcastles) is formed around the theory of constructionism.

It was also found that people used this “sandcastle time” as an opportunity to teach their kids about the sea, ocean etc.

As teachers it is our challenge to continually come up with ideas to keep our students motivated and engaged. it expresses the limitation of a sandcastle as not having the ability to come back the next day and build on top of it but with the computer, internet AND the teacher the accumulation of knowledge can be achieved.

This article also provides links to websites that display digital, interactive and educational games that can be explored by the child.