ePortfolios

I really like the idea of ePortfolios simply because of its simple and organized manner. We know that students often struggle with organization of material, data, resources, etc. Having students set up an ePortfolio is a great way for them to keep track of all of their ideas and information for several projects at a time. Check out this video on starting your very own ePortfolio.

Engrade = Quick and Easy ;0

So today I set up my class for next year using a free software program called Engrade. This is definitely a helpful tool for teachers, I loved that it is so easy to set up, and pretty much self-explanatory. Some of the other features that I liked is the calender and the attendance. This can be very time consuming (attendance) and www.engrade.com can elevate some of these pressures and hassle. I also like that you can allow access for your students to view there grades and progress. I always found it helpful to monitor my own progress as a student and this is a quick easy way for students/parents to do this. The only thing that may be a bit difficult is using Engrade along with New York State's current grading system. For many NY schools the standard A, B, C, D, and F no longer given. Instead, a 1, 2, 3, and 4 are given (1 being significantly below grade level and 4 being above grade level.) When giving these scores on tests and report cards, at my school anyway, we are asked to grade holistically, not based on a percentage. With this being said, Engrade may be a challenge to use and still follow New York's grading system. However, If I find myself in a situation when percentages can be given, this is a wonderful tool to use.

Let's Not Talk, Let's Tweet!

While I 100% agree that technology must be utilized and implemented in the classroom in order to move forward in the field, I found the video about using Twitter in the classroom disheartening. Reason being? I feel as though college, and any educational setting for that matter, should be a platform where one is challenged, taken out of their comfort zone, intellectually stimulated and in a place of conversation and discussion (YES, discussion....not sitting behind a computer or phone without saying a word. Let's face it, kids / young-adults spend a lot of time using technology on a personal level (twitter, e-mail, blogging, surfing, chatting, facebooking, etc.), but is the classroom the time and place for this to happen. I feel as though technology is best utilized when it enhances the lesson and learning, not takes the place of it. In this video, I saw a lot of emotionless faces, and to me, the teacher was sending the message, "Hey kids, it's okay that you feel uncomfortable engaging in meaningful conversation, let's just type our thoughts instead." What about stretching yourself as a learner, stretching yourself as a student? However, I will say this, Dr. Kanki certainly went outside of her comfort zone with this class!

4 Models of teaching

Reading the article and viewing the graphic-organizer about the 4 models of teaching was important as it serves as a reminder of what we, as educators, need to be aware of in the classroom. At times, I find myself getting into a bit a of a rut in terms of what model of teaching I implement. It's easy to get into a routine but, as we all know, changing things up and using different models can make a world of difference. Like a puzzle, affective learning takes place when all of the pieces are put into place. It is important when planning a lesson to make sure you incorporate more than one of the following models; 1. Social Family (cooperative learning, peer tutoring, etc), 2. Information Processing Family (concept information, inquiry learning, etc.), 3. Personal Family (individualized instruction), and 4. Behavioral Systems Family (mastery learning, direct instruction).

9 Rules for GOOD Technology.

So Stephen Downes has 9 rules for good technology. You may be asking yourself, what is "good technology". Well, to me, I think what constitutes as "good" is; effective, meaningful, useful, quick, user friendly, and educational. Technology, as we all know, has a place in today's classrooms but it works best when it is seamless and easy to use. The rule that I thought was most valuable is rule number 7. "Good Technology is Personalized". I know that Stephen has a slightly different interpretation of this rule; but here is mine. For example, if you, as a teacher, came across a wonderful interactive fraction website, would you share it with your students who have already mastered fractions? Would you use a webquest about a topic that is not relevant, just because the webquest is outstanding? My point is....technology is only helpful and beneficial if it is meaningful. Just like state mandated curriculum, technology and software should not fall short of meeting these standards. It is important to carefully select appropriate technologies to accompany and enhance what the students are learning.

Let's Talk NETS

In my opinion I feel that of six National Education Technology Standards, the one that is best implemented TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS. The reason why I feel this is because, in my mind, it is the most basic of the standards. Now a days, most classrooms have at least one computer in which students have access. Therefore, the students presumably gain basic technology operations and concepts. As I mentioned in a previous post, a major issue facing many public schools is the fact that there is not much funding for up-to-date technology. Therefore, in many cases, these standards are not implemented at all. For example, DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP and COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION.

Technology Operations and Concepts
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:

a. understand and use technology systems.
b. select and use applications effectively and productively.
c. troubleshoot systems and applications.
d. transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

As a current 4th and 5th grade teacher, I do not believe that public schools are ready to successfully implement these 6 standards. In order for this to be successful, students need to have hands-on and consistent access to technology (PCs or Laptops). Unfortunetly, this does not always happen. Research has proven that children learn and retain information through repeated practice and consistency. How can students meet these technology standards if they only have access to a computer 35 minutes a day or sometimes just an hour a week? In order for teachers and students to gain benefit from these standards, school districts need to see "the bigger picture" and realize that this "new technology" is not just a fad or phase. This is our future. School districts must dedicate money, time, energy, and training into creating Digital-Age Teachers who can engage and stimulate their technology-hungry students.

Google Tools...You Rules! haha j/k

Dear Google Tools,
I am extending this personal "thank you" for all that you have done for me. You are a real life-saver. I know our relationship started out slow, but "Wow....now look at us!" Remember in the beginning when you and I only had e-mail to talk about? Ah, but then you began to explore things such as maps, earth, iGoogle, Gtalk, Google docs., images, video, blogger, and even a calender to help keep track of you oh-so-busy live. Again, thank you so much for your dedication, creativity, and the sheer fact that you make my life so much easier!
Sincerely,
Mr. Canaan Bump


On a more serious note....I use Google Tools on a regular basis; including searching, images, videos, gtalk, maps, earth, and most recently documents. As there are some Google tools that I have not yet discovered, I am excited to experiment with these. These tools include Glogster and G-reader. Exploring....here I come!