Journal #6

Mapping Student Minds

By Ariel Owen

This article introduces a technological application known as Casual Mapping. Although this tool can be used for grades 5-12, this article describes a sixth grade class using this application to investigate a local creek. With the assistance of an online database and casual mapping tool, students were able to collect, record and organize data. Prior to using this application, students turned in all of the data that they collected from the creek to a select student at their school. Other students would then enter the data into an Excel spreadsheet. Thanks to technological advances, they are now able to use a Palm Pilot data form that can be downloaded directly to their database.

The goal for these sixth grade students is to connect information to cause and effect in the annual changes of the creek. They accomplish this through Casual Mapper, a organizational computer application. Casual Mapper is an interactive online tool that has assisted students in focusing their results for cause and effect, as well as allowing them to express their understanding of these interactions. They are able to diagram their thoughts through building a casual map that displays the relationships between measurable factors such as their data from the creek, and the condition of the creek.  Casual mapping begins with a topic, then requires listing factors and eventually showing relationships between the factors through arrows. The students seem to enjoy using this application and it is a wonderful tool for evaluating data and coming up with conclusions.

 

Why would Casual Mapper be beneficial to use in the classroom?

For teachers, Casual Mapper can be used as a support tool for teaching a lesson. Allowing students to view a casual map, while teaching a specific concept or topic, may allow students to follow along easier leading to a better understanding of the material. When students use this application they are able to think critically while organizing their ideas. By discovering relational patters between factors, they are gaining essential knowledge and understanding of their topic. Although they may sometimes become confused or make mistakes, they are usually able to self-correct and problem solve in order to come up with logical answers or conclusions. Additionally, this tool also allows a teacher to evaluate a students understanding of material.

Why would Casual Mapper or Palm Pilot data form be good tools for anyone to use?

Casual Mapper allows an individual to put information and data down on paper. Being able to visually see information and create relationships between this information, opens the door to structure, organization, ultimately leading to a better understanding. Using Palm Pilot data form is a great way for individuals to eliminate the potential for miscalculations or errors that are more likely when writing or keying in data.

 

Journal #5

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

By Sherry Turkle 

This was a very interesting article discussing the many uses of technology and how advances in technology have affected our lives. According to Turkle (2007), what people want from public space is to be alone with their personal networks. The truth is, the influence technology has on people is inevitable. People have become attached to their cell-phones, computers and blackberries. They rarely have a need converse in person when an email is just a click away. Technology has allowed society to become so connected that there is no longer a need to connect in the physical presence.

Turkle mentions five major issues stemming from the fact that technology has, in a sense, taken over our lives. The first problem that she mentions relates to the virtual lives of individuals. This is far from the “real world” where people engage in face-to-face social interaction. People are connected in society through technology, thus their projections of themselves have been distorted. The second problem points to the fact that individuals today are wrapped up into a communication culture that allows them no time to just sit and think uninterrupted. Technology takes the idea of self-monitoring to a new level and children growing up in today’s world do not know any different. Turkle (2007) explains that devices have become an extension of our minds and the only way we can truly have time to ourselves is to turn them off. The third trouble is that children’s communication skills have diminished as a result of instant messaging and texting. They no longer have to engage in meaningful conversations. Additionally, cell phone technology has compromised children’s development of autonomy. They no longer are forced to problem solve, or make decisions on their own, as their parents are just a phone call away. The fourth issue is that technological applications such as Facebook and My Space have required individuals to completely give up their privacy. Turkle (2007) says, that “people have become gratified by public exposure; it is more validation than violation.” Lastly, we are now more than ever resorting to the assistance and utilization of robots. Animals in theme parks are thought to look more realistic when they were robotic as opposed to the real thing! Robots are also being used in some places to take care of the elderly. The main issue at hand is that we must keep an eye on where technology is leading mankind. Although technology has offered society countless benefits, it has also hindered human interaction in many ways.

 

How has technology made the daily life of people easier?

It is true that our lives are fast paced and it often seems like there are too few hours in the day to get things done. Technology has assisted in expediting daily tasks to free up time for overscheduled individuals. It has also made it immensely easier to contact people at any place or time, even when in a hurry.

 

What can we do to restore face-to-face social interaction?

Restoring face-to-face social interaction is entirely up to the individual. People need to recognize the impact that technology has had on their social lives, and attempt to do something about it. Society needs to see the importance in taking time to meet someone for coffee or dinner. Technology has allowed us to become more connected, yet disconnected in a different way. Every person should do their best to restore healthy social interactions by turning their technological devices off and setting aside time to spend with their loved ones. 

Journal # 4

Moderating and Ethics for the Classroom Instructional Blog

By Patricia Deubel, Ph.D

 

In this journal, Patricia Deubel discusses the importance and the uses of blogs. She explains that in education they can be used for student journals and portfolios, communication with parents and community members, faculty coaching classroom management, and other knowledge management tools enhancing classroom discussion. She finds the application of blogging very useful, especially in the classroom. However, she feels that every stage or unit of instruction using a blog should have standards, goals, and essential questions with corresponding understandings, knowledge, and skills that you desire your students to acquire. Her four main guidelines include the following topics: 1) Provide posting guidelines, 2) Provide HTML support if needed, 3) Give priority to student commentary and 4) Involve students in summarizing and moderating discussions. She goes on to say that everyone should be required to participate and respond to others. Sometimes classroom discussions are dominated by a few students, or even by the instructor. Blogging ensures that everyone is heard and a valuable member of the learning community.

 

How would I keep the use of blogging organized and effective for my students?

Because I do not have a classroom blog at this point in time, therefore I do not have specifics, I would ensure that there are clear guidelines on what is required of them when they are using the blog. As an instructor I would be sure to give them constructive criticism/feedback frequently to keep them interested and on task.

 

Are classroom blogs appropriate for all students regardless of their age?

Classroom blogs have proven to be very useful and effective for the college students. However, I believe that only students that are capable of using computers efficiently should use classroom blogs. It should also be left to the teacher’s discretion. Will it be a relevant tool for the student's learning?

Journal #3

Too Cool for School? No Way!


By Punya Mishra and Matthew Koehler

 

This journal starts our by discussing how different generations view technological innovations. There are endless possibilities and applications that technology provides us with today, and if we want to integrate this technology into our classroom we have to demonstrate a certain types of knowledge. The first type knowledge discussed deals with the ideas of content and pedagogy and is referred to as pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). They explain that as educators, our job involves teaching (pedagogy) students specific subject matter (content). PCK is used in ways to make content intellectually accessible and stimulating to students. There was another type of knowledge mentioned when referring to technology, which is termed technological knowledge or TK. This type of knowledge was employed when teachers began using technology in the classroom. Integrating them all together, the authors came up with the term technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK). The journal went even further to explain that as teachers integrate technology into their teaching, they go about finding the approaches to find solutions that effectively combine content, pedagogy, and technology. Teachers should develop a willingness to utilize technologies and openness to building new experiences for students so that fun, cool tools can be educational.

 

Which repurposed use of technology would I find useful to employ in the classroom?

Microblogging within the classroom sounded like a great idea to allow students to interact with one another on a different level. They can use this application to learn more about one another, work together collaboratively on projects and also to share ideas. 

What did I find the most useful about this article?

Before reading this article, I was not aware of the different types of knowledge’s that need to be used in the classroom. Although I am not going to be a teacher, I think that the technological, pedagogical and content knowledge should be something that all teachers keep in mind.  

Journal #2

Social Networking for the K-12 Set 

by Jim Klein 

         This journal discusses new ways to encourage communication with a web application that is geared towards teachers and students. Web technology such as pod casting, online profiles and blogging are sometimes costly and complex to use, therefore they can only be utilized by a select group of people.

         SUSD teacher community sites have doubled learning landscapes and made it easier for all of society to obtain and utilize these sights. The goal is to provide students and educators with resources in order to better communicate, collaborate, learn, and share amongst themselves and with the larger community. They are striving to make this technology more accessible and easy to use by establishing workshops and classes that are available to the entire community. Additionally, SUSD hopes to provide opportunities for individuals to be able to discuss social, legal, and ethical issues, while simultaneously striving to create effective learning environments. Technology today is public oriented, therefore lacking the tools needed by educational professionals and their students. SUSD community sites allow individuals to employ content creation, share content with the general public, small groups, or just themselves. One main benefit of these technological applications is improved communication and an established sense of community.

 

What is an example of this social networking in the realm of education?

Actually, I make use of this type of educational tool everyday at Cal State San Marcos. Web-ct has not only become an essential communication tool between classmates and the instructor, but it is relied on in order to access assignments, web links for specific classes, and grades.  

 

How might I be able to use this in an elementary school classroom?

Although these applications may be a little advanced for the younger ages, towards the end of elementary school students, along with their parents, can begin to use and become familiar with these applications.

Journal #1

“Your Google Guide” by Douglas  Johnson

 

Google is an Internet application that many individuals make use of in this day in age. The journal article titled “Your Google Guide” pointed out that people even use the word Google in the verb form, because it is an action utilized so frequently. This was an interesting article providing specific techniques to improve searching strategies and the results of searches.

The author also highlighted the importance of knowing what you are searching for. When using the Google application, innumerable websites will often pop-up when searching a specific word or phrase.  Therefore, it is important that you are receiving the specific information that you desire. This journal offers insight into different searching strategies such as employing advanced search tools and being able to decipher the differences between sponsored and non-sponsored sites.  Some of these tools include the specific searches of images, scholarly (academic) publications, book searches, and maps. The goal of this journal article was to help foster the search skills of both students and teachers by not only conducting a “simple” Google search.

 

How can I use Google in my classroom?

I can use Google in my classroom to look up information including ideas for lesson plans and activities for the classroom.

 

How would I explain the importance of proper Google search strategies to my students?

I would ensure that my students are aware that vague or simple Google searches will not provide them appropriate information. Additionally, I would tell my students to be certain that they are accessing accurate and credible information from their searches. They need to be specific when it comes to keywords and search strategies, as well as searching through their results in order to avoid both of these issues.

EDU 422 Introduction

My name is Rindy Boyer and I am a nursing student working on my second Bachelors Degree at Cal State University San Marcos. I was recently accepted into the Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing program at CSUSM. I am looking forward to taking this class for my upper-division computer/math requirement; however, my experience using technology has been limited to my cell phone (which is basic) and my computer that I use to word process and surf the web. Throughout high school I was exposed to several computer programs in several of my classes. To meet the Computer Competency Requirement, I was forced to review the study tutorials provided online. The study material provided was very useful and assisted me in being able to pass all four sections. 

I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies in the Spring of 2009 and started the Nursing Program in the Summer of 2009. Although I have always aspired to be a nurse, receiving my first Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies has opened my eyes to the world of teaching. For the past two years I have worked for the after school program in Temecula, CA. This program is for children aged K-5 whose parents work and are not able to pick them up right after school. Working on a daily basis with children has shown me how gratifying it is when you are able to make a difference in a child's life.

By the end of EDU 422 I hope to have a better understanding of computer programs and applications. Additionally, I will strive to better understand the role that technology plays in education daily. Although this is a class for individuals pursuing a career in education, I hope to learn how to use this essential technology in my own professional career.