The Computer Delusion

This article by Ted Oppenheimer brought up a lot of interesting points about the purpose and presence of technology in our schools. I was surprised to see that his findings showed that several teachers thought that students' understanding of technology was more important than their knowledge of more traditional subjects, ie: history, sciences, etc. Oppenheimer also stated that school districts are putting so much money towards new technology programs, that other things are being dropped such as music and art programs. Shop and home economic classes are practically extinct due to the rise in offered technology courses.
Now don't get me wrong; I am a huge advocate in providing students with the most up to date technology available. I also believe that educators using technology to support lessons is essential in today's visual world. However, I think there still needs to be a balance between the use of technology and the teaching of practical life skills and the arts. The two creative outlets need to work hand-in-hand and students need to be given the opportunity to choose which they prefer.

We're halfway there!

My favorite "technological" things learned so far:

1. FotoFlexer
2. Digital Stories (IMovie)
3. Wordle
4. Setting up this blog!

I can't believe we're already at the halfway point of the semester. In September, I started class with a pretty good handle on technology and my way around a computer. But I have to say, I have really enjoyed learning about several new programs, skills, etc. It's always hard during the school year to actually sit back, relax, and enjoy what's being taught in a graduate class, but I have found myself looking forward to working on my projects, and then carrying over my knowledge to work on projects in my classroom. For example, we just finished our digital story and I knew that it was something I definitely wanted to use in my classroom. Right now, I am working on a movie of "Our First Grade Community" and allowing the students to do the voiceovers to accompanying pictures. I have also been asked to do a tech session at an upcoming TA meeting because my peers are also interested in learning how to create IMovies.

I've also learned a lot about myself in the last few weeks.
1. I try to perfect every project I work on.
2. It's even better when it's perfect on the first try.
I'm trying to not be so OCD about my projects, for example: my website. But let's face it, I think every educator has some sort of struggle with perfection and I need to learn how to work on something, but then take a rest if it isn't coming out the way I'd like it to.

With this blog, I have been inspired to start a personal one and have found myself spending sometime on blogspot reading others. I really enjoy this one: The Preppy Pink Whale.
I was never familiar with the "blog world" but now that I've entered I can see how beneficial it could be for networking, staying in touch with old friends, etc. I would really like to setup another personal blog, so that family and friends can read up on my adventures in teaching and life in my 20's.
Until then. I have setup this blog to display the necklaces that I create and sell. I look forward to see what's ahead in the remaining weeks!

Wordle

I recently used the program, Wordle, to make a colorful arrangement of all the students' and teachers' names in my classroom. The kids loved it and I would definitely recommend it to other educators!

Check it out:
*My Wordle Creation*

Copyright Implications for Educators

Many teachers believe that under "fair use" they are protected to use copyrighted material in their classrooms. However, with many of the new copyright laws--it is making it difficult for educators to know it they're following the law. On Education World, there was an interesting article questioning "fair use" and if it truly was just a license to steal. This website was a great resource for me, and I will definitely be able to refer to it when using images, music, video in my classroom, future graduate classes at Fairfield, etc. After discussing some of the violations in class, I have come to the conclusion that copyright laws are an extremely complex issue. Educators will either shy away from using technology for fear of breaking the law, or proceed using materials that they do not have permission to use.

These are some other useful resources to help educators with copyright issues:
Creative Commons
Stanford University Copyright & Fair Use

Interesting article about copyright issues and Creative Commons can be found at the PBS Teachers: Learning Now blog

Webtastic

under construction:
www.students.fairfield.edu/s_eholzberg

FotoFlexer is AMAZING.

Andy Warhol would be proud:



and Bronx Zoo BFFs...


I really enjoyed using FotoFlexer in class today and I think it's a useful program for both educators and students. It allows individuals to express their ideas by using their creativity and imagination. I was surprised to see how many different projects are possible using FotoFlexer. For example, a teacher could use the program to manipulate pictures of his/her students in the class to use for holiday projects, classroom artwork, parent newsletters, etc. It's also a valuable resource for adapting images for use during lessons. FotoFlexer was so user friendly, that even students would be able to manipulate images and have fun! I think it's a great website, and will definitely be using it again for professional/personal use.

Universal Design for Learning

This is a concept map of a reading on Universal Design for Learning. It shows some of the essential characteristics of this educational theory. I decided the most efficient way to display the information I read would be to make a diagram breaking down the four main sections in the chapter.





*created on Inspiration software

English/Language Arts K-4 Standard

English/ Language Arts K-4
Content Standard 1: READING & REASONING: Students will read and respond in individual, literal, critical and evaluative ways to literary, informational and persuasive texts.

I will be focusing on the Reading/ Language Arts Content Standard 1 for the remainder of the semester because I feel it is the most relevant to me and the classroom I am currently in. We cover all of the subjects in our room, but we spend most of the day focusing on reading and comprehension (luckily, they are also my favorites to teach). In first grade, we really dive right into decoding and comprehension at the students' appropriate levels. Whether it be by drawing a picture, or writing just one or two sentences, I think a first grader has the ability to respond to different texts presented to them.
Digital technology also provides many resources and opportunities to enrich students' understanding of reading and language arts. There are great websites that can be used in the classroom, ex. using Google Images to find related images. Or even Kidspiration, to allow students to express themselves using technology.
With the information and skills acquired in this class, I hope to discover many more ways that technology can be used to enhance students' grasp of English/Language Arts as well to assess their knowledge.

Inspiration Sample

eTIPS Response

"Technology use provides added value to teaching and learning" -Dexter

eTIPS-Educational Technology Integration and Implementation Principles by Sara Dexter provided good insight into the world of educational technology. Throughout the entire piece, she kept reminding the reader that when used appropriately, technology and media could enhance the classroom experience. I think it's essential for teachers to always keep in mind the type of learners they have in their class. Using media in the lessons could help the teachers get the attention of those students who are visual and auditory learners. It would allow the students to reach and access another level of understanding. As valuable as technology is, I believe it should be used to support a lesson and accompany other forms of teaching. For example, my class recently got a SmartBoard. It's an excellent resource that could be used for tons of different lessons. So far, we have used the SmartBoard once or twice to pull up a picture to display to the entire class. Without the advanced piece of technology, we would have had to print out the picture and make 17 copies. With the use of SmartBoard, we eliminated the photocopying and paper waste (think green!) and all the children were able to remain on the small rug and look at one big picture. Each and every day, I think of new ways technology could be used in our classroom. Just the other day, one of the teachers in 3rd grade told me she was teaching a lesson on Martin Luther King and within a few short minutes, had his "I Had a Dream Speech" video playing for the entire class. She compared it to past years, where her class read the speech outloud from a sheet of paper, and couldn't believe how much more interested and excited this class was. The future generation will have technology at their fingertips at such a young age, and it can only have positive results.

Dexter also discussed the importance of having the proper support in schools if new technology is present. I completely agree with her. Along with the newer faculty, there are many teachers at schools who have been there for 20+ years. They all need to have a technology support team present to instruct them on how to use the equipment and what to do if something breaks down. When people become frustrated with technology, they tend to back away and give up on it. The appropriate people need to be present in the school and have the background to educate the educators.

Technology in the Classroom

Our SmartBoard (or as our students like to call it...Mr. Computer Man) complete with googly eyes and a sparkly nose!



The MacBooks they provide all the teachers and TAs at GFA:

What I hope to learn....

After our first class last night, I'm really looking forward to learn new ways I can integrate technology into my classroom. I'm currently working as a Teacher Assistant in a first grade classroom at Greens Farms Academy in Westport, CT. During our week of orientation/training, we sat through a 5 hour extensive SmartBoard session. I was amazed by all the things the SmartBoard could do and add to a classroom. Whether it be something as simple as the morning meeting message, or as complex as a quiz given to the entire class, I know the SmartBoard will be extremely useful and my students will love it. I think it's wonderful to incorporate technology at a young age, exposing them to the tools and terms, in hopes of making them feel comfortable so early on in their life.
How tech savvy do I think I am? In true teacher fashion, I would probably give myself a grade of a B. I know enough to "use" the programs from Microsoft Office and enjoy exploring creative programs such as PhotoShop, etc. I'm comfortable being introduced to new programs, and at times, look forward to the challenge.

I Heart Blogging

First day of class and blog is set-up!