Sunday, October 30, 2011

DJE #10

Quote:
"It’s my profound hope that our schools can use findings like these to better teach children who struggle to read, to help them overcome their limitations, and to help them understand that it’s not their fault. "
Response:
I know that this isn’t a controversial statement or anything along those lines but this quote is very powerful. This man has struggled with Dyslexia his entire life and he overcame all of the obstacles that were thrown in front of him. It takes a lot to teach yourself how to read and make speeches and write any type of literature, especially a person with Dyslexia. It recently came to my family’s attention that my little cousin may actually be Dyslexic. I, however, do not think that it is at all like Schultz but could be a problem for her in school. It helps to read an article about someone who overcame this problem back before they even knew what learning disabilities were.

Citation:
Schultz, P. (2011, September 3). Words Failed and Then Saved Me. The New York Times. Retrieved October 30, 2011, from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/opinion/sunday/with-dyslexia-words-failed-me-and-then-saved-me.html?_r=1

Additional Resource:
This picture shows what Dyslexia looks like to a patient and I feel like this is a very good example of this.



Additional Citation:
Dyslexia decoded-Dyslexia decoded- learning disorder. (n.d.). Study in India | Education Loans | Education Abroad | Distance Learning Education Programs. Retrieved October 30, 2011, from http://www.educationtimes.com/educationTimes/CMSD/Special-Needs/77/20100426201004261601144983c04a1e5/Dyslexia-decoded.html

 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Website Validation

All About Explorers

Who:
Has someone taken responsibility for the content of this Web site? Yes, there are four authors taking time to make sure that the information is valid.

Is information about the author or organization clearly stated? Yes, there are links at the bottom of the page for the "webmaster". On the homescreen there is a link for the authors along with the copyright link.

Are there any links to in-depth information about the author or organization?  Yes, there are links and tabs on the website about the authors and the organization.

What:
Is the information biased in any way? No, the information is 100% factual and well researched.

Is the information well written and easy to understand? Yes, the information is easy to read and would be good for younger children to grasp the meaning of.

Does the Web site offer a list of further in-depth resources or links to such resources? Yes, when I clicked on an explorer, it showed at the bottom of the link "more information on this person". I chose to click on the link and another page came up with different reliable resources that the student could use.

When:
Is it important that the information you're looking for be absolutely current? No, the information on this site is historical.

Is a reference date provided to show when the material was put online, or when it was last updated? The date shows when it was last updated.
Do the links work? Yes, i clicked on the links and they all go to the right area of the site.



The credibility of the website is great! The authors have came up with so many different ways for students to get the information they need from the website. There are additional links for students so they can get more information on the explorer they are reading about. The website even gives teacher's lesson plans on teaching the material.



Sunday, October 23, 2011

DEJ #9

Quote:
Many national studies found that internet users were not less likely to visit or call friends and that they actually have larger social networks (DiMaggio et. al. 2001).

Response:
I understand that students have larger social networks with Facebook and other networks but do these kids even know who they are talking to? There are many people who will add people on facebook who they do not know. I just feel like students should be very cautious when it comes to the internet and talking to people who they do not know. I do agree however, that it does help families stick together if that is the only communication that is available with them. I am a very active facebook user but I do not accept friend requests from people who I do not know. Kids have to be very careful now, there are crazy individuals in this world.

Resource:
Owens, L. (n.d.). Internet & Anti-Social Behavior Theory Unfounded: Facebook, MySpace, Online: Research Refutes Cyber Socializing Fears | Suite101.com. Laura Owens | Suite101.com. Retrieved October 23, 2011, from http://laura-owens.suite101.com/internet--anti-social-behavior-theory-unfounded-a111897

Additional Response:
This article explains how students react to people on facebook and if they add people they do not know or not.

Resource:
Leach, A. (n.d.). How teens use Facebook: Trends in Social Networking : Shiny Shiny. Shiny Shiny: Gadgets, Web Stuff, Tech Reviews and Geeky LOLs. Retrieved October 23, 2011, from http://www.shinyshiny.tv/2011/04/how-teens-use-facebook.html

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Popplet

The tool I chose for the classroom is Popplet. This tool is an online technology site that students can create flow charts and elaborate on pictures, discussions, experiences, and so much more. This would be a great way for children to keep in touch with each other during the summer or when children are doing a group project. This site would be a great way to keep students involved in the classroom. A teacher could use this tool in almost every subject.  If you are teaching history or math or art, a teacher can put a year in the middle and all of the students into the group and have them write down one fact that comes from the subject from that year.  In art, a teacher can put a picture in the middle and have the students write facts. There are so many different ways to use this in the classroom. The teachers have to make sure that they have the correct format of internet access and if the students can understand how to use this site.  It seems pretty easy so I feel like the students would really enjoy it.

Google Form

Google Form

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Voki




I would use the voki in my classroom to first get the students attention and make them aware of what is going on in the classroom. I would then use it to teach the students about technology in the classroom. The Voki would teach the students how to use different things on the internet and teach them how to make a voki and have them embed that Voki on Edmodo. The students would then have to comment on students Voki's and give them feedback. This would then incorporate two different sites and different examples of technology for the children.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

DJE #7

Quote:
Although based on offline rather than online media literacy, the study found that explicit media literacy instruction increased both traditional literacy skills, such as reading comprehension and writing, and more specific media-related skills, including identification of techniques various media use to influence audiences.

Response:
I feel like this quote is just what the schools need! If teachers would integrate the modern world with literature the students would be more interested in the reading. Student's would want to learn about the recent news and of course would want to watch TV.  If teachers integrate traditional literature into the classroom with TV shows and on-line readings it makes students excited to get on line and read what is needed.  The students would no longer get in trouble for watching TV and not doing homework. They could have the best of both worlds which keeps them involved and loving english class which most students do not anymore.  Teachers have made English boring in classes and I think it is a great way too keep students involved and eager to learn.

Reference:
David, J. (2009, March). Literacy 2.0: Teaching Media Literacy. Educational Leadership, 66, 84-86. Retrieved October 6, 2009, from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar09/vol66/num06/Teaching-Media-Literacy.aspx

Additional Resource:
http://www.teachingliterature.org/teachingliterature/technology.htm

This website is a list of different websites to keep students interested in the media and literature at the same time. I feel like this is a great example!!

My Magazine

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Arnold Magazines

 Picture 1:


When I look at this picture I see Arnold looking very intimidating and mean. It looks like he is standing behind an explosion and showing off his muscles to someone standing behind him.  He looks very muscular and Arnold looks like he could take on anything.
He makes me feel puny and intimidated.
I feel like Arnold is very muscular and many people would use him as a role model for weightlifting. I have never really been a fan of Arnold so I do not really think this has changed my views of him.
I do not feel like those looks should be used for a magazine cover because in my opinion it is false advertising. Yes, Arnold is strong and muscular but I am sure this clip was taken from a movie and I am sure they put the clip on there to attract potential buyers to look at it.
I feel like this cover is shot for teenage boys and men in their 20’s.  Guys are more likely to want 20 inch arms than anyone else. When men are weightlifting they hope and dream to have arms like Arnold so they used him as what the buyer can look like using this particular program because Arnold used it too. When in reality, Arnold probably never used any type of workout program on a magazine.
Picture 2: 




When looking at this photo I see Arnold sitting on a desk looking like he is campaigning for governor of California. He looks nice in the suit he is wearing and looks much more genuine and caring about the state of California.
He makes me feel like he does care and that he is confident and ready to take on the state.  I would be more confident in him after looking at this picture.
I feel like this magazine is a way better view to see him at because he is not trying to look so “hot” or “intimidating”. He should always be in a suit and tie and smiling because he is a rather large person and just looking at him can be scary but in this second picture he is relaxed and his muscles are not out for everyone to see.
I feel like this magazine was pointed at citizens who are worried about the elections and the governor of California. I feel like this is a great magazine cover except for the half naked woman on the front. I really feel like that ruins Arnold’s look.  
I did not like the first cover because of how mean he looked and hard. The colors of the first magazine are going to draw your eyes to it because they are bright warm colors on the front of a magazine and may remind people of summer and most people love summer. To men the first article would also be better because they see a caption about being leaner and stronger just like Arnold and of course, most guys want that. Most people would think the second article is more personable because he is keeping eye contact with the camera and with his audience and he makes it seem like he is reaching out and ready to help out in any way he can. He also looks more professional in the second magazine because of the suit and tie.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

DJE #6

Quote:

The tools of visual, media, and information literacy must be taught in school because they will (or won’t) be used at home.

Response:
I feel like all of these skills should be taught in school but not because they won’t be used at home. Most kids would like to go home and show their parents what they are doing in school, if it is possible.  I feel like children will learn those skills and use them for many years to come. I don’t feel like saying “won’t” be used at home is appropriate in this quote.  The only way that I feel like students would not use these skills at home would be that they did not have a computer in their house hold but there is always the possibility of going to the library and practicing or looking up new skills.
Resource:

Abilock, D. (2003, Nov. - Dec.). A seven power lens on 21st century literacy. Multimedia Schools, 2. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://www.noodletools.com/debbie

Additional Resource:
This picture shows students practicing visual literacy in a museum. I feel like this is a really good example of visual literacy because these students really have to interpret these to understand them.