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Week 9

Using manipulative in Math should not end in elementary school. "Math Manipulatives in the Upper Grades" suggests hands on activities is just as useful for middle and high schoolers as it is for elementary students. If students understand what it means to find the greatest common factor by actually seeing it, and they can come up with their own formulas for area and perimeter by actually drawing and mainuplating, then the concepts will make better sense.

"Math Refreshers for Teachers" is on target as it describes the fact that upper grade teachers may find gaps in their content knowledge. If so, there are many resources available. Always consider the use of the text book, professional organizations, colleagues and community college courses. It is only natural to have to "brush up" on your skills. The better teacher will make the effort to close those gaps!

"Asking Questions that Count" describes the need to ask higher order thinking questions. If students are plainly asked, "what is the slope of the line?" There is a one word answer that does not give them the opportunity to think, rationalize, or analyze. Asking questions that forces them to manipulate data and see things through another angle will better prepare students to become independent thinkers. Just like anything else, this takes lots of practice.

Week 8

With word processing and publishing technology we have to consider the changes in literacy and how it should be taught in schools. This article continues to support the need for revision by teachers and not the word processor along. Students should formally be taught how to use the word processor and other publishing tools. The use of a processor does not eliminate the process of writing a good paper. It only adds to the refinement. Sometimes I wonder if it is even necessary to teach children how to write in cursive. I notice many of my 7th graders have horrific handwriting. They have lack of practice. Every paper they write is typed. What does it do for their spelling they have have spell checker? I believe this comes down to the formal instruction and expectations from teachers.

Week 7

The article mentions the perspective of technology  not helping student achievement.  It further states the quality of technology is dependent on the teacher's knowledge.  There are many teachers that can say they "integrate technology", but having students type their papers using Microsoft Word, or creating a Power Point to present their book talks is not meaningful enough to say that the use of technology will enhance student achievement.  It is important to integrate technology and project based learning, but it is equally important for the teacher to be competent and viewed as an expert.  I can understand why some students say they are bored even though they "got to use a computer."  There is a lot of research that states it is the quality of technology, not the quantity of use which increases student learning.  Teachers must be up to the challenge and continue their professional development of technology to keep up with the speed of today's technological advances.

Week 6

Wikipedia is a good, but not always reliable source to use.  The idea of having a source that anyone can add to or edit is both brilliant and dangerous.  If I have a question, wikipedia is the first place I look.  When using it in the classroom it is important to communicate the possibilities of accessing inaccurate information.  That is why it is necessary to use other sources in addition to wikipedia.  I like to believe that what I read is accurate, but I will have to remind myself to always questions its accountability.

The article on MySpace was interesting to read.  I can see the educational value of using MySpace, but I also think it is a scary think to incorporate into the classroom.  At least with young students.  I definitely see the advantages of its use.  Students are acquiring a countless number of skills as they communicate, copy and paste code, and embed media into their pages.  I don't think they realize the skills they are learning.  I may  not feel comfortable using MySpace in the classroom, but I would like to take advantage of the skills my students are coming into the classroom with and utilize them by incorporating similar media and technologies which are safe.

Week 5

According to recent studies, more than half of all teenagers have used multimedia to create content.  Over one third of teenagers using the internet have shared what they have created with other individuals.  These teenagers are involved in "participatory Culture".  In this culture teens have hardly any limitations to their artistic expression.  This environment allows for support from other people and exchange in ideas.  In this setting the content created matters deeply to the individual.  This place exhibits a clear reflection of the individual's capabilities.  Such environments are as follows:  Affiliations, Expressions, Collaborative Problem-solving, and Circulations.

Week 4 Social Networking

I realized that many of my students some type of social networking tool on a daily basis without knowing it.  Students constantly communicate with a network of friends and family via My Space, Face Book and instant messaging.  These tools should be incorporated in the classroom.  Why not use the technology that students already are familiar with?  Some networking tools teachers can use for multiple content areas and instruction are Wikis, Google Docs and Blogging.  These are ways to collaboratively work on a single document.  Other forms of social networking are sharing music, video, games, and photos.  Social networking broadens the audience.  It is instant and used in real time.  It is global and gives students the capability of communicating with other students across the globe.