Prezi - Nine Themes of Digital Citizenship

http://prezi.com/frcyl2bi7eoi/nine-themes-of-digital-citizenship/




Adding the link because I'm not sure if the embeded document worked.

Prezi - Nine Themes of Digital Citizenship

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Module 4.2/”Digital Literacy”

In the article “Five Reasons for Integrating Technology”, I found that the article was written with well balanced thoughts.  The article questions why we as teachers and school districts have so many demands placed on us to improve test scores and student performance, yet states continue to deny or reduce the funding that provides the technology that is needed to make these improvements.

The article gives you five typical arguments against technology in schools, and five better reasons to use it:

1. The legal issues are daunting: what if a student writes inappropriate content online?  Answer:  Parents and teachers must be a part of monitoring and modeling.  It may be scary, but without teaching students about appropriate use, the will surely encounter exactly that which we are most scared of.
2. How ever will we train all those teachers?  Answer:  It’s simple.  Have teachers train teachers.  Give teachers who know how the paid release time to be trainers during their contracted hours of those who don’t know how.
3. Where does the time come from?  How can we add more to a teacher’s plate?  Answer:  How ‘bout this?  Don’t.  Instead, take something off teachers’ plates rather than put more on.  We have to prioritize, and including technology is too important.  We can’t continue to have teachers waste their time on the curricular needs of yesteryear.
4. Some students don’t have access to technology at home so how can we expect them to use it for assignment?  Answer:  The fact is that it’s a school’s job to step up to provide and instruct.  Even though some students may not have access to a computer at home, the school needs to see its role in equalizing the differences between those who have and those who don’t.
5. It’s expensive.  Answer:  Nevertheless, we cannot afford to fall any more behind in our comfort and use of technology.  Policymakers need to start backing up their demands with funds.

She ends the article by stating, “We can’t allow fear to dictate our progress, nor can we allow those who won’t move forward to dictate whether we do move forward.  We cannot allow policymakers to insist on adoption and not provide for it, or worse yet, tentatively provide it and not find bravery and support by those within education’s walls.”
Very good article!

Video - Learning World Affairs Through Digital Media

http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-global-kids-video

Learning World Affairs Through Digital Media is the name of the video that I felt really grabbed my attention.  It was interesting because it allowed the student to step outside of their own world and into another just by pushing a button.  Most of the students that I teach are very creative but tend not to have an outlet to demonstrate their creativity.  Most of my students don’t have the opportunity or the funding to go on a trip to another country or even another state for that matter, but by creating a virtual world that allows the student to collaborate with students in other countries with similar curiosities and concerns about current events and the state of global affairs they can work together to come up with possible solutions to these real problems.  Global Kids provides opportunities for learning during school and after-school.  Students feel empowered and engaged because GK states that, “Students are more motivated to learn if it is something that they care about.  Students will read more books, take action on things they care about, and truly become players in the global market.  In order to do this they will understand that they will have to work harder in school.”  Students are exposed to the arts, digital media, and leadership classes that promote civic participation and global awareness.  You can also learn about the cultures of the people within your classroom.  When thinking of a goal for myself, I think that my first goal is to get with my district and see what type of funding is available to purchase programs that are relevant and engaging to the students. 

Video - Learning World Affairs Through Digital Media

Emerging Technology 2/Virtual School and Video Conferencing For Students With Special Needs

Since seat time is so important to a students success and absenteeism is at an all time high, schools are starting to use virtual school and video conferencing as means to bridge the gap between the student and the classroom.  Students miss excessive days due to illness, various therapies and treatments, or disruptive behaviors that impede the learning process.  Virtual school allows the student the opportunity to receive the lesson that he/she would normally miss.  Video conferencing allows students with special needs to conduct important IEP meetings or therapy sessions while allowing all parties to participate.  Virtual school and video conferencing are good alternatives to expulsions as well.  There will be a time when students will not have to leave the house to attend school.  Learning can happen anywhere!

Just checking in

Will be back soon.....