When I become a teacher....

Webquest Reviews

1.  The two best projects we chose were Unraveling the Underground Railroad and Where is my Hero. These sites used great use of time and the students worked in groups to understand the history. Many students may not know the true meaning of a hero and the project would be a great way for students to learn that definition.

2.  The two worst projects we chose were Grow School Green and Ancient Egypt Webquest. The Grow School Green project was a great use of time but may have went too long for the children. The Ancient Egypt Webquest really is too lengthy for the students to read. It does not seem interesting and it is very disorganized.

3.  Best and worst hold strong meanings to me. The best is the one that is going to be the better instructions and which project the students would enjoy. If a project can interest me and make me want to do the project then I qualify it as the best. The worst to me is the project that is most unorganized and most clearly unwritten. I had a hard time reading certain projects because the site was just uninteresting and hard to pay attention to. A website has to catch a reader's attention.

The Efficiency Expert

WebQuest	Strengths	Weaknesses
Grow School Greens	Takes 15 weeks to complete. This keeps the students busy in the classroom with this project.	This project may go on too long and students may lose interest.
Where is My Hero?	This project will take the students a week or so to complete because they do have to do the outside interview.	What if they complete their projects in a day before they have to do the at home interview. The children are then sitting there with nothing to do.
Underground Railroad	This would take a while for the students to complete and a good use of their time. There are so many different pieces they have to complete before they can move on to the next section.	No weaknesses
Ice Cream	The assignment the second day would take up the whole class except the end.	This project would only take two days to complete and the first day the children could complete it before the class is over.
Ancient Egypt	This project would take a couple days to complete in the classroom.	Only one of the students are actively doing something during the research portion of the project.

DEJ #12

Quote:

They need to understand a new language of expression. The way we are educating is based on nineteenth-century ideas and methods. Here we are, entering the twenty-first century, and you look at our schools and ask, 'Why are we doing things in this ancient way?' Our system of education is locked in a time capsule. You want to say to the people in charge, 'You're not using today's tools! Wake up!

Response:

This quote explains so much about our schools today. I wish that teachers would wake up and understand that lecture does not grab our attention. If you want to get your students attention make something exciting for them. Let the students answer questions on Edmodo or use Storybird to let the students explain something in history. Teacher’s all over America are not allowing students to expand and broaden their horizon with the different resources that are available to that, and that to me is absolutely sickening. Let the students’ minds expand and let them learn!

Additional Response:

This website gives a list of essays about Visual Literacy in the classroom.  It also gives teacher's different ideas to integrate Visual Literacy into their class. 

http://www.rapides.k12.la.us/nitro/visual_literacy.htm

Resources:

Cox, Mary , and Cherry McNease. "Visual Literacy." Rapides Parish Schools -K-12 Education Louisiana. http://www.rapides.k12.la.us/nitro/visual_literacy.htm (accessed November 13, 2011).

Daly, James. "Life on the Screen: Visual Literacy in Education | Edutopia." K-12 Education & Learning Innovations with Proven Strategies that Work | Edutopia. http://www.edutopia.org/lucas-visual-literacy (accessed November 13, 2011).

My Autobiography

My autobiography

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Glass Giant

DEJ #11

• Summarize the argument made in this article.
• What evidence is presented to support the argument?
• State and justify your position on banning sex offenders from social-networking sites?

The argument in this article is whether or not to allow registered sex offenders to have a social networking site that they can use. A majority of people say that sex offenders should not be banned from social networking sites.

The evidence that is shown is that people all over the country who are on the sex offenders list does not necessarily mean that they raped a child or even touched a child. People had to be put on because of participating in prostitution and peeing outside in public. They had no contact with a child and being on the sex offenders list makes it a stereotypical thought.

I feel like some sex offenders should be banned from social networking sites because of the charges against them. There are sex offenders who actually have not done anything except pee in public and yes, of course that is wrong but that does not make them a sex offender. I feel like they should have the choice to get a facebook if they want one. Offenders who have been charged with touching a child or being on the internet and seeking attention from young children should be banned from every networking site there is. I believe that if they do it once they'll do it again.

Friend Not Foe

1.  Did the class activity about Wikipedia and this article change your opinion about the value of Wikipedia to society in general and education specifically?

     It did change my opinion about Wikipedia because I did not realize that there were so many people behind the site who try everyday to keep facts on the page and make sure people get the right information. I had no idea there was a wikiscanner who kept the site under control and keep people from posting information that is unreliable. 

2.  Describe how you might direct students to use Wikipedia in your future classroom.  ( Blogging Points for this assignment)

     I will direct students to use Wikipedia as a site that they can go to and get a quick overview of what is going on and get some information but not let them use it as a resource because you do not know if the website is 100% credible but students could use it as a beginning point to get them started on research.  

Harry Potter

1. Start with the main page. Does it have any cleanup banners that have been placed there to indicate problems with the article? (A complete list is available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Template_messages/
   Cleanup.)

Any one of the following cleanup banners means the article is anunreliable source:

This article or section has multiple issues.	No
This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards.	No
The neutrality of this article is disputed.	No
The factual accuracy of this article is disputed.	No
This needs copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone or spelling.	No
This may contain material not appropriate for an encyclopedia.	No
This article only describes one highly specialized aspect of its associated subject.	No
This article requires authentication or verification by an expert.	No
This article or section needs to be updated.	No
This article may not provide balanced geographical coverage on a region.	No
This is missing citations or needs footnotes.	No
This article does not cite any references or sources.	No

2. Read through the article and see if it meets the following requirements:

Is it written in a clear and organized way?	yes
Is the tone neutral (not taking sides)?	yes
Are all important facts referenced (you're told where they come from)?	yes
Does the information provided seem complete or does it look like there are gaps (or just one side of the story)?	yes

Wikipedia Questions

a. What is Wikipedia?  Wikipedia is a multilingual, Web-based encyclopedia project, operated by the Wikimedia Foundation, a nonprofit organization


b. How would you answer the question posed in this piece “How reliable can a source be when anyone can edit it?” I feel like a source can only be as reliable as you let it be. People edit sites sites everyday and if you feel uneasy about the information look it up on a different site.

c. Who do the creators of Wikipedia place their trust in when it comes to weeding out misinformation?
 They put their faith in the "wisdom of crowds,".


d. Why did founder Larry Sanger leave Wikipedia?Mr. Sanger left Wikipedia, believing that it should give more authority to experts; he has since created another site, Citizendium that does just that.


e. What would abuse or vandalism look like on a Wikipedia page? There would be a lot of errors and untrue statements made about whatever the page is on.

f. What do the statistics quoted in the third paragraph of this piece reveal? Wikipedia is growing rapidly and spreading all over the world.

g. Why do you think Wikipedia is so successful? Wikipedia is so successful because you can look up anything on the site and there is so much information on there. It is easy to get to and convenient.

h. Why might Wikipedia’s creators not want to accept advertising? when advertising is on a site it becomes less credible because everyone would think that it is a scam to get money from you.

i. How does Wikiscanner help increase the reliability of Wikipedia entries? It reveals any errors or abuse made by businesses or government officials. It keeps the site credible.

Think Aloud

Presentation1

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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

 

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.

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.

http://www.shinyshiny.tv/2011/04/how-teens-use-facebook.html

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

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

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.

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

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.