http://http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/2007/09/25/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-tool/ Today I read a post called How Long does it Take to Become a Tool on 2 cents worth. This post focused on how email and blogging abuse and how long it will take before new technology is used as not a toy, but as a learning tool.
This post applied to our class because laptops and other new technology are being introduced to the classroom. We sometimes have problems remembering that our laptops are not for chatting with friends, but for learning. Sometimes, we forget that Google Earth is not for looking up our friend’s address and saying “I see you!” but for searching for places we have been and remembering what we did there, (though admittedly, the former is very fun.) Our privilege to use the laptops in class is sometimes abused, just as David Warlick said.
This post applies to my life because sometimes, when I am doing my homework, I forget that I am doing homework, not checking email. Sometimes, I get distracted by something I see on the web, and forget why I am really on the computer.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Tool relates to the world because new technology is being applied to the classroom all the time. Most students aren’t used to having such advanced technology in the classroom. Often they get distracted by it and technology becomes a toy again.
We will always be distracted by the advancements in our classrooms, but it won’t be long before laptops, web cams, and other equipment are used every day, in every classroom.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
PLN-5
http://http://www.thethinkingstick.com/?p=575
Today I read a post by Jeff Utech about integrating versus embedding technology into our learning environments. He talked about how integrating technology is like fitting pieces of a puzzle together; some pieces fit, others don't.
This relates to the classroom because we too are integrating technology into the classroom. We are learning how to use the computers to help us in our learning environment. Our class is learning how to make personal learning networks and personal journeys. The computer in the classroom is becoming, well, personal. We are slowly embedding technology into our classroom. The laptops and how to use them is becoming a really important part of just about every English class.
This relates to the world because we aren't the only school working to embed technology in our learning environments. All around the world, schools are working to make more technologically advanced classrooms. Laptops and other such devices are becoming more and more common in classrooms. Books are being replaced with laptops and websites containing the required reading.
It is amazing to me that our world is becoming so advanced that we have the privilege to use laptops and web cams in our classrooms.
Today I read a post by Jeff Utech about integrating versus embedding technology into our learning environments. He talked about how integrating technology is like fitting pieces of a puzzle together; some pieces fit, others don't.
This relates to the classroom because we too are integrating technology into the classroom. We are learning how to use the computers to help us in our learning environment. Our class is learning how to make personal learning networks and personal journeys. The computer in the classroom is becoming, well, personal. We are slowly embedding technology into our classroom. The laptops and how to use them is becoming a really important part of just about every English class.
This relates to the world because we aren't the only school working to embed technology in our learning environments. All around the world, schools are working to make more technologically advanced classrooms. Laptops and other such devices are becoming more and more common in classrooms. Books are being replaced with laptops and websites containing the required reading.
It is amazing to me that our world is becoming so advanced that we have the privilege to use laptops and web cams in our classrooms.
PLN-5
http://http://www.thethinkingstick.com/?p=575
Today I read a post by Jeff Utech about integrating versus embedding technology into our learning environments. He talked about how integrating technology is like fitting pieces of a puzzle together; some pieces fit, others don't.
This relates to the classroom because we too are integrating technology into the classroom. We are learning how to use the computers to help us in our learning environment. Our class is learning how to make personal learning networks and personal journeys. The computer in the classroom is becoming, well, personal. We are slowly embedding technology into our classroom. The laptops and how to use them is becoming a really important part of just about every English class.
This relates to the world because we aren't the only school working to embed technology in our learning environments. All around the world, schools are working to make more technologically advanced classrooms. Laptops and other such devices are becoming more and more common in classrooms. Books are being replaced with laptops and websites containing the required reading.
It is amazing to me that our world is becoming so advanced that we have the privilege to use laptops and web cams in our classrooms.
Today I read a post by Jeff Utech about integrating versus embedding technology into our learning environments. He talked about how integrating technology is like fitting pieces of a puzzle together; some pieces fit, others don't.
This relates to the classroom because we too are integrating technology into the classroom. We are learning how to use the computers to help us in our learning environment. Our class is learning how to make personal learning networks and personal journeys. The computer in the classroom is becoming, well, personal. We are slowly embedding technology into our classroom. The laptops and how to use them is becoming a really important part of just about every English class.
This relates to the world because we aren't the only school working to embed technology in our learning environments. All around the world, schools are working to make more technologically advanced classrooms. Laptops and other such devices are becoming more and more common in classrooms. Books are being replaced with laptops and websites containing the required reading.
It is amazing to me that our world is becoming so advanced that we have the privilege to use laptops and web cams in our classrooms.
Monday, September 24, 2007
PLN-4
http://http://thefischbowl.blogspot.com/2007/09/speaking-from-soul.html
Today I read a post on The Fischbowl called Speaking from the Soul. Mr. Fisch talked a lot about the importance of the staff at our school and how teachers need to open up to their students just as much as students need to open up to their teachers and to each other.
This relates to our classroom because there are times when, during a presentation, we get really nervous. This is completely understandable and happens to the best of us. Sometimes, we don’t realize that it can happen to our teachers as well.
Mr. Fisch talked about one teacher at our school, Mrs. Gerlich, who had problems sharing her writing with her students. On her blog, Mrs. Gerlich posted:
Today I read a post on The Fischbowl called Speaking from the Soul. Mr. Fisch talked a lot about the importance of the staff at our school and how teachers need to open up to their students just as much as students need to open up to their teachers and to each other.
This relates to our classroom because there are times when, during a presentation, we get really nervous. This is completely understandable and happens to the best of us. Sometimes, we don’t realize that it can happen to our teachers as well.
Mr. Fisch talked about one teacher at our school, Mrs. Gerlich, who had problems sharing her writing with her students. On her blog, Mrs. Gerlich posted:
Now I'm no wallflower, but I don't necessarily enjoy sharing my writing--writing for me is like a window on my soul--perhaps that's why I'm a reluctant blogger. But, I figured if 9th graders could share their writing, if Lary could do birdcalls, I could take a chance and share my poem. So I did. Even for a seasoned professional (or, ancient veteran teacher), I found it hard to recite my poem in front of the kids. Eye contact was hard to make and my stomach lurched, but I did it. Then Lary challenged me to put it on my blog. So I am. No eye contact, but my stomach is lurching...
This blog post relates not only to our class, but to the world as well. We all get nervous. Teachers, students, public speakers, managers; everyone gets scared to go up and talk in front of a crowd. In fact, most people would rather get eaten by sharks or die from a spider bite than speak in public.
We think that once a person grows up, they stop being afraid of public speaking, but there are so many people who do it every day, and still hate it. Teachers like Mrs. Gerlich are everywhere, they hate sharing in front of others, and yet, they make exceptional teachers and leaders. It is just like Mr. Fisch said, people like Mrs. Gerlich lead by example, and it is truly inspiring.
We think that once a person grows up, they stop being afraid of public speaking, but there are so many people who do it every day, and still hate it. Teachers like Mrs. Gerlich are everywhere, they hate sharing in front of others, and yet, they make exceptional teachers and leaders. It is just like Mr. Fisch said, people like Mrs. Gerlich lead by example, and it is truly inspiring.
Monday, September 17, 2007
PLN Entry 3
Today I read an article on http://http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5700291,00.html by Alan Gathright about five children who were taken to the hospital after two buses near Carmody Middle School bumped into each other. The buses just barely bumped each other so the children sustained no injuries, but, as in the words of one spokeswoman for Jefferson County Public Schools said, "We always err on the side of caution about making sure kids are OK," so the five students were taken to the hospital anyways.
This story really stuck out to me because my best friend and several of our other friends attend Carmody Middle School. It scares me to think that the buses that collided could have had one of my friends inside, and that the students could have been much worse off then they were.
This story, I believe, really relates to the world today. Too often, we see a child get hurt, and when they say they are fine, we dismiss any possibilities of serious health risks. Too often, when e child gets hurt, we assume that a band-aid and a kiss from mommy will make everything better and that the kid is just being a baby. I don't mean to say that every time a child gets a splinter, we should run them to the Emergency Room, but we should take more precautions about our children's health. The five students in the bus bump were not injured, but there was still a risk of head injuries. Perhaps the students shouldn't have been raced to the hospital like they were, but they should definitely been checked up on the next time they went to the doctor.
Children's health and safety is really important, and this Alan Gathright's article is a good (if hardly news worthy) example of how small injuries should be treated with the same amount of care more serious injuries are treated with.
This story really stuck out to me because my best friend and several of our other friends attend Carmody Middle School. It scares me to think that the buses that collided could have had one of my friends inside, and that the students could have been much worse off then they were.
This story, I believe, really relates to the world today. Too often, we see a child get hurt, and when they say they are fine, we dismiss any possibilities of serious health risks. Too often, when e child gets hurt, we assume that a band-aid and a kiss from mommy will make everything better and that the kid is just being a baby. I don't mean to say that every time a child gets a splinter, we should run them to the Emergency Room, but we should take more precautions about our children's health. The five students in the bus bump were not injured, but there was still a risk of head injuries. Perhaps the students shouldn't have been raced to the hospital like they were, but they should definitely been checked up on the next time they went to the doctor.
Children's health and safety is really important, and this Alan Gathright's article is a good (if hardly news worthy) example of how small injuries should be treated with the same amount of care more serious injuries are treated with.
Friday, September 14, 2007
PLN-Week1-2
This morning I read an article about a police officer who spared the life of an 18 year-old boy who broke into his house at 2 am last October. The police officer would have been justified if he had shot the intruder, but instead, used a shotgun loaded with bean bags so as not to kill the boy. Officer Kushdilian had every right to kill the 18 year old Dustin Mertz, but instead chose to let him live. Dustin’s right to live or die hung in the balance of one man’s choice.
Dustin’s story reminded me of the Lady and the Tiger. The princess was jealous of the lady behind one of the doors, but knew terrible death awaited her love if she led him to the door that hid the tiger. The princess had to make a choice. She had to decide whether live without her love, or death for him would be better. The youth who was a t trial had to hope that the princess would overcome her jealousy and lead him to the correct door. Officer Kushdilian had to make a choice as well. He had to choose whether or not the drunken Dustin deserved to live or die. Both the princess and Kushdilian had to make choices that would either end or save a life.
Though never quite as extreme, I too have had to make choices that would help me and hurt someone else. We have all had to make a decision like that. Sometimes the outcome will be better for us than for others, and sometimes vice versa. I should hope none of us ever have to make a decision that could be the end of someone’s life, but we have all been in situations that are very similar.
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_6888399?source=rss
Dustin’s story reminded me of the Lady and the Tiger. The princess was jealous of the lady behind one of the doors, but knew terrible death awaited her love if she led him to the door that hid the tiger. The princess had to make a choice. She had to decide whether live without her love, or death for him would be better. The youth who was a t trial had to hope that the princess would overcome her jealousy and lead him to the correct door. Officer Kushdilian had to make a choice as well. He had to choose whether or not the drunken Dustin deserved to live or die. Both the princess and Kushdilian had to make choices that would either end or save a life.
Though never quite as extreme, I too have had to make choices that would help me and hurt someone else. We have all had to make a decision like that. Sometimes the outcome will be better for us than for others, and sometimes vice versa. I should hope none of us ever have to make a decision that could be the end of someone’s life, but we have all been in situations that are very similar.
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_6888399?source=rss
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
PLN-Week 1-1
Today, I read an article from Denver post about a skeleton found near a Cherry Creek Bike trail. The skeleton is so worn away that they are having troubles identifying it. Because the skeleton was found under such strange circumstances, police are not ruling out foul play. The skeleton's identity and story will remain a mystery until such time when it can be identified.
What really mattered to me from this story was the mystery that went along with the skeleton. We may never know who this person was, or what caused their untimely death. We may never know what they were doing on the path that day, or if there is a family out there, missing them.
This article connects to class because, like many of the stories we read in class, we are never really sure about what happens at the end. In Lady and the Tiger, we never find out what happens to the youth. In Scarlet Ibis, we never learn how Doodle really died, or what happened to his family after his death. These stories are similar to the article because of the mystery that hangs around the ending. We know nothing about the skeleton that was found, or what brought its end. We can only assume things, much like we can only guess the ending of the short stories we read in class.
This article relates to the world around us because, everywhere, people go missing, and nobody really notices. The skeleton was severely decomposed, so the person we found must have been missing for quite some time. However, no reports were made about a missing person, so we have no one to link the skeleton to. All around the world, people go missing for weeks, and even months, but rarely is there ever concern. It is always assumed the have moved or gone on a cruise. Perhaps the skeleton we found was like so many that go missing. Maybe this person went out on the trail, and when they didn't comeback, maybe everyone assumed they had run off and gone on an early vacation.
This article really touched me, so many people go missing a year, and it is sad that so many of them aren't recovered until it is too late. Perhaps we will find the identity of this person. Unfortunately, because we don't even have a missing person to link it to, we may never even discover the gender of this skeleton.
What really mattered to me from this story was the mystery that went along with the skeleton. We may never know who this person was, or what caused their untimely death. We may never know what they were doing on the path that day, or if there is a family out there, missing them.
This article connects to class because, like many of the stories we read in class, we are never really sure about what happens at the end. In Lady and the Tiger, we never find out what happens to the youth. In Scarlet Ibis, we never learn how Doodle really died, or what happened to his family after his death. These stories are similar to the article because of the mystery that hangs around the ending. We know nothing about the skeleton that was found, or what brought its end. We can only assume things, much like we can only guess the ending of the short stories we read in class.
This article relates to the world around us because, everywhere, people go missing, and nobody really notices. The skeleton was severely decomposed, so the person we found must have been missing for quite some time. However, no reports were made about a missing person, so we have no one to link the skeleton to. All around the world, people go missing for weeks, and even months, but rarely is there ever concern. It is always assumed the have moved or gone on a cruise. Perhaps the skeleton we found was like so many that go missing. Maybe this person went out on the trail, and when they didn't comeback, maybe everyone assumed they had run off and gone on an early vacation.
This article really touched me, so many people go missing a year, and it is sad that so many of them aren't recovered until it is too late. Perhaps we will find the identity of this person. Unfortunately, because we don't even have a missing person to link it to, we may never even discover the gender of this skeleton.
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