Sunday, April 15, 2012

Blog Post #11



This is the most adorable video of children that I have ever come across. Ms. Cassidy's First grade class explains what they have learned about using technology in the classroom. These first graders demonstrate the use of SMARTBOARD technology as well as using computers in there "down time".This video really pulls at your heart strings. It is truly amazes me that children this young can absorb so much!




Technology In The Classroom

Education has rapidly envolved from what it was 10 or 20 years ago and the reason is mainly the students and technologies introduced in the classrooms. The students of today are a lot more technology savvy than the teachers in the classrooms. Ms. Cassidy, who is a Canadian 1st grade teacher, has her own opinion about technology in the classroom. This is what I gained from her interview with Dr. Strange back in 2010.

Ms. Cassidy was supplied with 5 computers that began her technological adventure. She consider this a "center" for her first graders. From here, she began allowing her kids to safely search and use the internet. She only uses the first names of the students, which is a great way to protect the identity of minors.  Her students have connected with many students around the country. I love how she describes the children's reactions to getting new comments on their blogs. 

BLOGS
I have said in previous posts that blogs are a way of expressing ones emotions and feelings about something. Through Ms. Cassidy's interview, I have also confirmed that blogs can be used to connect with others and exchange ideas. Because I am teaching 6-12 graders, using blogging in my classroom is going to range. This is a huge age gap so my students opinions will vary, but nonetheless I will be using blogging in my classroom. Social Sciences (History) does not have to be all boring with dates, times, and historical events. My students' blogs would probably be about their own history and how they plan to make a difference in the world. It can be about more than that but for the most part, history will be a main focus.

PERSONAL LEARNING NETWORKS
This is an incredible tool for students of any educational level!!! I do not think that Ms. Cassidy uses these in her classroom because her students are not really old enough to understand the concept of what they are used for, but I could be wrong. Children today are being born with teeth these days so I do not put anything past the intelligence of a child. I can say that my students will HAVE to learn this technology in my class. For my lesson plan, my students will be require to write at least two important papers in a semester and using PLNs with monitor what websites they use for these assignments.

TWITTER/FACEBOOK
In the Mobile County Public School System is a deemed inappropriate to befriend a student on any social networking site. With this being said, using Twitter or Facebook would have to be out of the question. Upon graduation those rules change because that student is no longer a part of the school system in which I will be teaching. I have personal  experience with teachers and befriending them on Facebook. I actually, til this very day, am friends with my math teacher from high school. Mr. Clifford Allred is one of the best math teachers that I have ever had and he has continued to help me even while taking college math. According to Ms. Cassidy, Twitter is a great way to network with people who share the same ideas as you. I have my own personal Twitter, but I will be setting up a more professional account as I progress in my career field. Follow my on twitter: xoDaphyDuckxo!!

This Interview is a great way for education majors to get some great advice for their classrooms and how to get involved in a more "hands on" environment. In my honest opinion, "hands-on" is the best way for a child to retain information and information retention is what education is about. Technology is becoming more and more intertwined in our educational systems and as educators WE MUST KEEP UP WITH THE TIMES.

"Technology isn't going anywhere, it's here to stay" -Ms. Cassidy 

4 comments:

  1. "...in there "down time"." their not there

    "Education has rapidly envolved from what it was..." evolved not envolved

    "...using blogging in my classroom is going to range." Going to range? I do not understand.

    "For my lesson plan, my students will be require to write at least two important papers in a semester and using PLNs with monitor what websites they use for these assignments." This sentence is awkward. I cannot clearly decipher your intentions.

    "In the Mobile County Public School System is a deemed inappropriate to befriend a student on any social networking site...." it is deemed not it a deemed

    "With this being said, using Twitter or Facebook would have to be out of the question." Not necessarily. Change the system. Push the boundaries. And what is meant by "befriending"? It does not happen in Twitter.

    You cover a lot of territory in an assignment about Kathy Cassidy!

    You MUST work on your writing. Start with PROOFREADING!

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    Replies
    1. Dr. Strange, thank you for your comment.

      1. By "Down Time", I meant their "center time". Center time is where the students got to choose where they wanted to go in the classroom. I guess I will go back and revise that.

      2. When I said "blogging in my classroom is going to range". I meant that because I am going to be certified to teach grades 6-12, the use of blogging is going to range with the students researching and blogging ability.

      3.PLNs are going to be used for research purposes in my classroom. This is how students are going to be able to keep track of what websites they use. For instance, if they used the PBS website then that should show up on their PLNs.

      4.You are correct on that one. I read over this blog before I posted it and even clicked the spell check button. I guess I will read over it more thoroughly next time.

      5. I got this information from when I was in high school. My calculus teacher informed us that he was not able to befriend ANY student on a social networking per MCPSS regulations. Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc. are all included. Now that may have changed since 2009.

      Thank you for your comments and I will be working on those areas. Have a great day.

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  2. Daphney,

    I really enjoyed your blog post you were very thorough. After reading your post to Dr.Strange I gained clarity on a few things. I like the way you will use PLN's for research but, have you ever considered a bookmarking site such as Delicious ? I think you would get more use out of a site like this for research projects. Besides the mistakes corrected in your follow up comment I think you had a wonderful post! Keep up the good work!
    Heather ")

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have yet to test Delicious out. I have been meaning to, but just no time to get around to it. I thank you for the suggestion. I'm sorry for the confusion to both you and Dr. Strange.

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