This is a test to determine if I am as dumb with technology as I appear. I hope this will post correctly and I can be able to be productive in this class. Sorry I missed last week guys as I wrote the date down incorrectly in my calender.
I realize we do have Digital Natives throughout our schools today. We have computers in every room, even if its a single one, and many classes are offered to teach these natives more. As an educational leader I will rely on my IT people to provide updates at all staff meetings on products which can facilitate learning via the net for our tech savy students. I would utilize the internet to reach parents as my childs teacher has a website on which I can check for notes and homework assignments. I know everythnig that will occur on any day from lunch to special events, and this could not be done with traditional methods. For teachers, their utilization of the internet will make teaching easier as one can find all the information they seek on the world wide web. I would ensure they were aware of excellent websites which can relate to either classroom management or specific information on an area they are currently involved with. I know these students are in our classrooms, although I feel my school only has about 40-50 percent of students with web access at home. This can limit communication and place them at a severe disadvantage as I feel the web is an library inside your home. My third grader has an excellent understanding of the computer and knows how to search for something he may desire at the time. I feel we do need to change to better incorporate this excellent teaching tool. Test which can be taken on the internet are automatically graded which provide the teacher with more instructional or prep time. Utilizing the internet to answer questions which arise and ensuring the students know of the wonders of this virtually untapped tool for learning are vital in the success of today's student. I worry about the spelling of our children and the "new" language they have learned via texting. I do like the point made by Pensky regarding the only "rule being is to make yourself understood". I feel we will continue to desire proper communication, English, be used but it is wise for todays teacher to learn the many new acronyms used by our students today. Shy students, as Prensky points out, come out of their shell more readily when they have the protection of not "facing" their peers. While this new technology has many benefits for our students, it also helps for us to maintain some control. Posting which never vanish, GPS locators, ability to store harassing calls or emails, and the ability to prove bullying are all elements which can make it easier for teachers and parents to monitor their students. Facebook postings demonstrating bad behavior are out there for everyone to see and has been used to punish students whom cannot deny what is shown. The web is also an excellent place to confirm information as fiction or non-fiction. Our students and even we adults beleive a lot of information we read on the web without checking the facts. Do not believe all the emails you receive until testing them at sites such as Factcheck.com. Every subject, both good and bad, has a place for information at our fingertips. As educators we must understand and utilize this powerful tool, and as administrators we must ensure our teachers have the knowledge to use this 21st tool to educate our students. It can make our job easier, and it is still expanding rapidly. We must grow with these digital natives and keep pace with their growing understanding of the benefits of today's digital world. It has become a new world since I was a child, but one I like because of the internet. I will ensure proper training of my staff whenever I become principal so we do not under utilize this great tool.
Your comments are right on target. I share your concerns about the short-hand spelling that natives are using: OMG, BTW, R U OK?, etc. How would you overcome these concerns as an administrator? What would you do to assist your teachers in overcoming these concerns?
I would utilize my students whom are tech savvy in teaching us some of the common acronyms used by their peers. Most of these terms can be found on the internet and I would use my IT department to educate their peers by ensuring they had time at each monthly staff meeting to address the latest in technological advances. The major problem I feel I will face is that technology is evolving at such a pace it is hard to be aware of all thats out there. My IT department at home, my wife and son, really keep me up to date and I love to research most anything. I will research technology a lot closer because of the brief time I have spent in this class, and the posts of my colleagues, which I've read.
Ted, I'm guessing this is your blog? lol
ReplyDeleteI realize we do have Digital Natives throughout our schools today. We have computers in every room, even if its a single one, and many classes are offered to teach these natives more. As an educational leader I will rely on my IT people to provide updates at all staff meetings on products which can facilitate learning via the net for our tech savy students. I would utilize the internet to reach parents as my childs teacher has a website on which I can check for notes and homework assignments. I know everythnig that will occur on any day from lunch to special events, and this could not be done with traditional methods. For teachers, their utilization of the internet will make teaching easier as one can find all the information they seek on the world wide web. I would ensure they were aware of excellent websites which can relate to either classroom management or specific information on an area they are currently involved with. I know these students are in our classrooms, although I feel my school only has about 40-50 percent of students with web access at home. This can limit communication and place them at a severe disadvantage as I feel the web is an library inside your home. My third grader has an excellent understanding of the computer and knows how to search for something he may desire at the time. I feel we do need to change to better incorporate this excellent teaching tool. Test which can be taken on the internet are automatically graded which provide the teacher with more instructional or prep time. Utilizing the internet to answer questions which arise and ensuring the students know of the wonders of this virtually untapped tool for learning are vital in the success of today's student. I worry about the spelling of our children and the "new" language they have learned via texting. I do like the point made by Pensky regarding the only "rule being is to make yourself understood". I feel we will continue to desire proper communication, English, be used but it is wise for todays teacher to learn the many new acronyms used by our students today. Shy students, as Prensky points out, come out of their shell more readily when they have the protection of not "facing" their peers. While this new technology has many benefits for our students, it also helps for us to maintain some control. Posting which never vanish, GPS locators, ability to store harassing calls or emails, and the ability to prove bullying are all elements which can make it easier for teachers and parents to monitor their students. Facebook postings demonstrating bad behavior are out there for everyone to see and has been used to punish students whom cannot deny what is shown. The web is also an excellent place to confirm information as fiction or non-fiction. Our students and even we adults beleive a lot of information we read on the web without checking the facts. Do not believe all the emails you receive until testing them at sites such as Factcheck.com. Every subject, both good and bad, has a place for information at our fingertips. As educators we must understand and utilize this powerful tool, and as administrators we must ensure our teachers have the knowledge to use this 21st tool to educate our students. It can make our job easier, and it is still expanding rapidly. We must grow with these digital natives and keep pace with their growing understanding of the benefits of today's digital world. It has become a new world since I was a child, but one I like because of the internet. I will ensure proper training of my staff whenever I become principal so we do not under utilize this great tool.
ReplyDeleteTed,
ReplyDeleteYour comments are right on target. I share your concerns about the short-hand spelling that natives are using: OMG, BTW, R U OK?, etc. How would you overcome these concerns as an administrator? What would you do to assist your teachers in overcoming these concerns?
I would utilize my students whom are tech savvy in teaching us some of the common acronyms used by their peers. Most of these terms can be found on the internet and I would use my IT department to educate their peers by ensuring they had time at each monthly staff meeting to address the latest in technological advances. The major problem I feel I will face is that technology is evolving at such a pace it is hard to be aware of all thats out there. My IT department at home, my wife and son, really keep me up to date and I love to research most anything. I will research technology a lot closer because of the brief time I have spent in this class, and the posts of my colleagues, which I've read.
ReplyDeleteHey Guys,
ReplyDeleteI posted when my wife was logged in, so Shelley is actually Scout27817. Take your jabs now!!!