Article #8 and Entry #5

Article #8 

Summary: 

The article was about Kindles being used in classrooms. The article reviews the positive and negative aspects of using and e-reader in the classroom. This article is a little outdated, so I decided to compare how fast the technology culture changes. One of the negative aspects was that the Kindle can drop and break, but apparently that is not a concern anymore because most classes have at least three Ipads in the room. Another issue was the cost, and once again apparently that is not an issue. The Ipads are used for more than reading in order to meet the needs of all the students. Technology changes so fast, and the schools are trying to keep up with the fast pace of technology. 

Opinion: 

I think their concerns for the Kindle were valid, bit I also think that those problems have been solved correctly. The tablets allow students to work on skills that they need, and the teacher can monitor their involvement with the tablet. They have not completely eliminated the need for textbooks in elementary school because there is not a table for every child. In some high schools, they have eliminated text books because every student is assigned an Ipad. Technology is changing fast, and I do not think the schools should try to get the latest item as soon as it comes to the market. Schools need to wait and research the positive aspect of the technology before they spend thousands of dollars to supply every classroom with it. Ipads and tablets can be a good thing if used correctly and productively. 

Entry #5

Dear parents and guardians, 

Thank you all for supporting your students through the S.T.A.A.R. test. I am sure your child did great.  We should be getting scores by the end of the year. Sometimes students think that after the test, then the school year is over. Please, please, please remind your students that the school year is NOT over. We still have plenty of work that needs to be done before we dismiss for the summer. I would like to really push your students to read more each night. I am going to start assigning longer reading time for homework. Please be positive about this change for your students. Encourage them through reading more, then they will learn more. The more the read, the better they will get at it. Thank you for teaming with me to push your students to the next level. It has been a great year, and my expectations do not change from now and until the end of the school year. As always, if you have any questions feel free to contact me. Thank you again for your support. 

Article #7

Summary:

Forest Lake Elementary School is a prime example of integrating technology in schools. Each child is constantly participating in activities using technology. The technology serves the purpose of meeting the students needs. The students are independent in their work, but the teachers assign and facilitate the activities. Instead of the teachers spending time grading paper after paper, they spend time evaluating computer generated grades. The teachers have more time to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the children because technology does the mundane work for them. Teachers can plan ways for the students to use technology based on their interest and their needs. Forest Lake Elementary School is truly defining what it means to integrate technology.


Reflection:

I really enjoyed reading this article. It addressed several stakeholders when using technology. The school persevered to train all of their teachers on all of the technology in the classroom and how to use it to its full potential. The article also addressed how they got started using all of the technology in the classrooms. I think it would be an interesting way to teach. I have a few questions about how general instruction is taken place. Does the teacher ever teach full lessons? Does she meet with the students individually to hear them read or watch them do their math? I think using technology to practice and hone skills is very beneficial, but technology should not take the place of the teacher. Teachers still need to actually listen to their students read and not just trust whatever the computer generates. Students need interaction with each other and the teacher. Technology can serve a very important role in the classroom, but teachers should be careful to not let that role replace their role.

Article #6 

Summary:

As the world becomes more technology based so does the communication between families and school personal. Teachers are communicating with parents and students through e-mail and social media. The article discusses the pros and cons of social media as a form of communication. There are many examples of teachers getting in trouble for having inappropriate relations with students through social media. Many school districts have tried to ban communication through social media to protect their teachers and students, but the state ruled it as unconstitutional. Some teachers want to teach their students how to use social media appropriately, and the teachers want model that for their students. Other teachers say they are trying to communicate with their students in a way that they will understand, and those teachers are trying to reach the shy students. Each side of the issue has strong points, but the question is what is best for the students. 

Reflection: 

I do not agree with students or parents communicating with teachers through social media about school. Teachers should be keeping their life private. Students do not need to know what teachers do on their free time because it would break the professional barrier. Students should treat their teachers with respect. If the students know what their teacher does on their free time, then the students might not want to talk about their teachers weekend instead of the homework assignment. Teacher and student relationship should be professional at all times. Parents should not try to communicate with teachers about school on social media. If the parent or teacher becomes hostile, then the school cannot go and view the e-mails that were exchanged. No communication on social media is protecting teachers from lawsuits filed against them. 

Entry #4

Hello, I hope all of you had a wonderful spring break. We are nearing the end of the year quickly which means that state testing will be happening very soon. I wanted to inform you of a few pieces of information about the S.T.A.A.R. test. The test is designed to give the students a chance to perform standards that they have learned this year. It can be a very scary thing for you and your students. I want to assure you not to stress about this test. If you stress, then your students will become more stressed. Your students have heard about this test all year and most likely have a little bit of anxiety about it. I ask you to be relaxed and encouraging to them when you talk about it, so you can help ease their anxiety. The night before they take the test, make sure they get plenty of sleep. Also, they need to eat a good breakfast if possible. I want us to partner together to have the students understand that all we expect is their best. Thank you for your continued support of your students and their teacher. I have truly enjoyed each of your children. As always, if you have any questions you can call or email me at anytime. Thank you for your time. 

Entry #3 

Hello Parents and Guardians, 

I am pleased to say that everyone did a fantastic job on the Native American dioromas. Thank you for working with your child and supporting him or her on this project. As we reach spring break, I encourage you to encourage your child to read. I am still sending home the weekly reading log for spring break week. Your children need to read and build relationships with literature. I hope that you will partner with me to help your children build this relationship with reading. I do not want reading to be a dreaded homework assignment but an enjoyable one. 

I also would like you to be aware of a reoccurring problem we are having in class. As you know, I have only a few rules in my classroom. My number one rule is that your child tries their very BEST. As a class, the students are becoming lazy. I know the year is coming to a close rather quickly, but I still hold to the same expectations. I have discussed the problem with the class as a whole, but I am asking you to speak with them about this issue too. I have told them that their future job, wherever it may be, will ask for their best work, so they need to learn how to be good workers. I strongly encourage you to speak to your child about your job and what is expected of you. Thank you for helping me to address this issue, and as always you are welcome to contact me with any questions. 

Article #5 

Summary: The article is exploring the usage of cell phones in the classroom. Cell phones help teachers and students complete the same task in a more efficient fashion. One teacher, in the article, uses cell phones in every class. It is considered a tool. He has the students use their cell phones for online polls. Another teacher uses cell phones in order for the students to write a response and other students to analyze it. Although some teachers use them to make a more efficient classroom, other teachers think it is unfair to the students who do not own a cell phone. Regardless do the view of the teacher, the view of cell phones in school are changing. At some schools, students can use their phones when promoted by a teacher. 

Reflection: In a perfect world cell phones would be a great tool, but the world is not perfect. There are many students who do not own a smart phone or even a phone. Cell phones also present a distraction to the students. The teacher cannot monitor what each student is actually doing on their phones throughout the entire class. I do think that cell phones should be integrated, but they should not be relied on so heavily that the class could not function without them. There are equal positive and negative aspects of using cell phones in class. 

Blog article #4 

Summary: 

The article argues that  younger children should not spend time learning software programs. The author says that it is a waste of time because by the time they learn it, the students do not learn a thing beneficial. The children will learn how to use a software program that will be outdated in a few years. The author also writes that computers are not always the best vehicle to learning. There is technology that are not computers including dice and measuring devices. Also, he suggest that making the students take apart a computer and putting it back together again is more beneficial for students. FInally, he compares us to Japan. Japan takes time to think through their problems, and the teacher might spend weeks on one problem. American teachers rush through problems and do not look at them from all aspects. 

Reflection:

I personally agree with the article. When a teacher is with 22 first grade students trying to teach them how to take a spelling test from a website, it is frustrating for the teacher and the students. I do think students should be using computers a little during the week, but it is a waste of time to go down to the computer lab for an hour and a half each week. It is all about teaching the students through the best way possible. If the students cannot take a spelling test because they cannot understand the words on the computer, then students should not be using computers to take the spelling test. I really enjoyed reading how the Japanese teach their children. Students should be thinking critically at all times instead of being forced to rush to the next subject without understanding of the previous subject. 

Entry #2

Dear Parents and Caregivers,



                               Your children have been working very hard to research their Native American tribe while practicing their technology skills. The time has come to start gathering materials in your home to assist your child in building their diorama. I encourage you to not take full responsibility for this project. Allow your students to teach you about their tribe and to brainstorm materials they can use in your home. The diorama should be made using some type of box. I suggest an extra shoe box you have laying around the house. I have shown them several examples in class of how they can build their diorama, so they should have their brain juices flowing with ideas. If your child becomes frustrated or "stuck", then you can make suggestions to them on how to complete the project. Please do not do this project for them. You may help them by gluing or cutting items. Allow for this project to be fun for you and your child to do together. I am going to give them two full weeks to finish it. The diorama will be due February 19 along with their typed summary. If you have any questions about the project feel free to e-mail me. Thank you for your time.