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.

Week 3 Web 2.0 and Social Bookmarking

Web 2.0 has been referred to as the "living web". It definately lives up to the name considering it has brought so many new technologies that allow people to communicate with each other across the globe. We as individuals are the ones that have made it living. Many people spend hours and hours on MySpace or other live platforms. The web is no longer just a source of information. It is a vehicle for opening lines of communication. Accroding to the article the web has replaced phone books and is on it way to replace phones. I didn't realize until I read the article that I have not used a phone book in a very long time. I use skype and a web cam to communicate with my family in Texas. skype is free and using a web cam allows my parents to see how my daughter has grown.



Social bookmarking is a way to save all favorite websites in a sinle location or site. The site may be accessible from anywhere. Social bookmarking can definately benefit my students. Students and teachers can create a list of web sites that will be needed in class or for an assignment. These lists can be shared. Social bookmarking eliminates students having to search the web information.

Week 2 Web 2.0

The articles for week two focused on the use of blogs. Blogs are a web 2.0 technology that will allow students and teachers to communicate with one another. Blogs are like having your own website, but are so much easier to put together. There are many free blog sites available such as blogger.com, wordpress.com, and edublog.com. I use a blog in my language arts class to communicate ideas on the latest issues. Blogs can be used in all content areas and at all grade levels. Blogs also serve as a great tool for parents. Blogs open the lines communication between teachers and parents. With a blog, teachers can communicate class activities, assignment and the most current information. Other teachers can also benefit from using blogs. Teachers in other content or special areas can stay informed with the topics taught in class. If possible, it gives other teachers the opportunities to integrate some of your material in their class. bogs will open the lines of communication among all students, parents and teachers.