LEAD issues five digital learning recommendations Summary/Reflection

LEAD issues five digital learning recommendations

     In today's world digital teaching and learning are a must. The LEAD commission's five-point blueprint would enable all school children to gain quality, hands on digital learning. Through this plan, school wiring would be up dated to ensure high speed internet access; steps would be taken to place digital devices in all students' hands; a new digital curriculum would be put in place; model schools would be funded; and teacher to student to device learning would be assured.
     "As a country, we must make digital learning a national priority for every child to have access to the same high-quality 21st century learning tools- regardless of zip code." This statement from the article addresses my one fear about modern technology. Although, they make this statement, unless LEAD can ensure that all schools in America will be funded equally, how can they truly ensure that even the poorest of schools receive the same technology as the rest?
      

Ali Carr-Chellman: Gaming to re-engage boys in learning Summary/Reflection

Ali Carr-Chellman: Gaming to re-engage boys in Learning 

    The video "Gaming to re-engage boys in Learning" shows Ali Carr-Chellman speaking at a TED convention. She begins by revealing some startling statistics that were discovered in the 100 girls project. Some of these statistics include: for every 100 girls there are suspended from school 250 boys are suspended from school, and for every 100 girls that are expelled from school 335 boys are expelled from school. She reviews three reason why she believes boys are acting out in the culture of school. These three reasons include: zero tolerance, fewer male teachers, and kindergarten is the old second grade. She explains how each of these is affecting boys within the school culture. She explains that instead of trying to mold and shape boys into "girls" we should instead allow them to learn how they naturally do in their everyday culture. One way we can do this is through gaming. However, the world of educational gaming must first find stable ground. In order for this to happen, there are several things that need to take place including: design better games, talk to teachers, parents, and school board members, find more money for games, and look at teachers attitudes. Once these steps have been taken, the world of educational gaming can expand and allow boys to become engaged in learning.

     Overall, I found the video very interesting. It was interesting to learn why boys tend "act out" within the classroom setting. Now, after watching this video, it is very apparent that our classroom and school setting and culture does not fit the "God" given traits of boys. It is very important for teachers to understand this and learn ways to keep their boy students engaged in learning. This video shows us that educational gaming is one way we can help our boys to become engaged in learning. Even though I believe this is a very good idea, I also believe there are many other ways that we can keep our boys engaged in learning.

Jon Hunter- Teaching the World Peace Game Summary/Reflection

Jon Hunter- Teaching the World Peace Game

      In the video "Teaching the World Peace Game" Jon Hunter is giving a speech at a TED convention about his World Peace Game. Hunter begins by giving the audience a glimpse into his past and revealing how he became an educator. From there, he discusses the creation of the World Peace Game and his reasons for creating it. Hunter continues by discussing the many accomplishments that have come from the World Peace Game. He shares several success stories of children and how they have gained ample knowledge through the game. He concludes by expressing his hope for the game and our future. 

     I was totally captivated by this video. I believe that what Jon Hunter has created and put into action with the World Peace Game is truly remarkable. I was almost in shock over how the World Peace Game became a reality. After Hunter had received his job was a gifted educator he was simply asked "What do you want to do?" He was given the freedom to create, what he calls, his "empty space." I think it is truly incredible what has come from that freedom. At one point in the video Jon Hunter offers the following apology, "I am so sorry boys and girls but the truth is, we have left this world to you in such a sad and terrible state, we hope that you can fix it for us and maybe this game will help you learn how to do it." Unfortunately, this is so very true. However, I believe that the World Peace Game could teach children how to understand and control our world in a "peaceful" and successful way. If this game was used in every classroom around the world, we truly could see our world become a better place in the future, and not to mention the incredible amount of knowledge our students would gain through such a remarkable game.

How Teachers are using technology at home and in their classrooms Summary/Reflection

How Teachers are using technology at home and in their classrooms

            The article discusses the results of a survey taken by 2,462 teachers. The survey asked teachers how they used technology (mainly the internet/internet access) in their classroom. They were asked several questions about how the use of the internet impacted their abilities to access information, and their students’ ability to access information. The survey also revealed that teachers say their students have more access to the internet at school than at home. Also the survey revealed that access of internet access is affected by the income of their personal home and or community. Higher income communities and schools have more access to technology than lower income communities and schools.

            All of the information discussed in the article was very interesting however, not very surprising. Technology has already had a huge impact on how students learn. High income schools and communities have the money to have the newest technology in the classroom and at home. However, low income schools and communities struggle to offer technology to their students. Students in the low income communities rarely have technology at home. My fear is that the students is in the low income schools will not be receiving the “privileges” that the high income schools are. There are so many questions that come with technology this is just another question that is added on top. How will the low income school keep up the high income schools? Will the high income students receive a better education? Will they be more likely to go to college?

            

15 Strategies Educators Can Use to Stop Cyberbullying Summary/Reflection

15 Strategies Educators Can Use to Stop Cyberbullying

            The article “15 Strategies Educators Can Use to Stop Cyberbullying” starts out by explain to readers how cyberbullying is unique and different from in-person bullying. The article emphasizes that current and future educators need to be aware of cyberbullying. The article gives many different examples of how educators can help in the fight against cyberbullying! The article concludes by reminding educators that by being aware of cyberbullying and implementing actions against it they are protecting their students’ human rights.

            During high school I was a victim of cyberbullying. Now as an adult I am a huge advocate in the fight against cyberbullying. All of the strategies in this article are great ways for educators to, not only understand and be aware of cyberbullying, but help prevent it! I think every future and current educator needs to read this article. Unfortunately, since cyberbullying happens off campus some teachers think that cyberbullying is not their problem. However, this article proves to educators that cyberbullying is in many ways connected to school (on campus).  

College hosts educational technology speaker series Summary/Reflection

College hosts educational technology speaker series

            The article “College hosts educational technology speaker series” talks about a college that hosted the T21 Speaker series.  The article explains how the T21 Speaker series is presented and what it entails.  The T21 Speaker series is a program designed for future educators. The program educates future educators on new and current technology.  The program shows future educators how to use this technology, how to implement it into the classroom, how to set up the technology in the classroom, and how to keep advancing on skills and knowledge.

            I absolutely loved this article!!! I wish we could get the T21 Speaker series at USM! I think this program is amazing. As a future educator I have my concerns about new and current technology. When it comes to ipads and smartboards , I feel overwhelmed. At this point in my education I have not had the opportunity to use ipads or smartboards. I am concerned that I will be uneducated when it comes to these technologies and others even when I am finished with school. I would love to be able to go through a program like T21 before I am out in the work world. I want to be “up to speed” on all technology before I get a job. I want to be able to implement technology into my classroom but in order to do that I have to have the education of how to do it! 

Xtranormal/ Fire Escape Plan

Fire Escape Plan
by: MaryLindsay