WOW!

Okay, so I won't comment on the coolness of that little video. I almost cried when the script went backwards because I had myself convinced that technology was ending one of my favorite things in the whole world-- Books. I don't feel I am alone in that opinion and now I feel like an idiot for not thinking outside of the box before I made that decision. I can usually see the positive in everything and this video sure hits a homer for me. It just goes to show you how diversified and fabulous our human race is. Honestly Kara, if more people attempted to read between the lines (or backwards) the world would be a happier place. One video--- two opinions--- EXCELLENT!

Chapter 3

The video was very short and maybe this has something to do with the fact that I did not even understand the lesson. I got that they were learning how to send email and clicking the three and one half inch floppy.... but after that I lost her. I noticed at the very end that more than one computer was available and I wonder why the teacher did not let the kids interact as she explained or asked questions (like we did at the taskstream seminar). So, I believe I would have let the children type and click as I walked them through the lesson. Even if only one computer was there I would have taught one or two students at a time. After the lesson was reinforced I would have asked the questions. I don't like to be too critical because you only see a few minutes of the lesson and maybe what I suggested was actually done at some point. Now I will wonder what the heck a 3 and 1 half inch floppy has to do with email (hee, hee).

My Future Classroom

Hey Kara,

To compute or not to compute, that is the question? Well, chapter 13 proved my theory in that everything about teaching has it's complications. My first response to the ideal classroom (technologically) was to have a one to one ratio of computers. I could see us in the middle of an exciting scientific experiment with our goggles on, hair on end, computer wires looking like a freak show of snakes winding around the room, and then, we took out the schools transformer. Oops! Okay, I am convinced that most school districts are not set up for the one to one (technically or financially). Thankfully, group work is a big part of science and adheres to my idea that learning in groups solidifies concepts. My classroom would have one computer for each group of four students. I could tame the cord mess easily enough and still provide fair access to the computers. Here at UIS we operate with one laptop per group and I don't think it unreasonable to have the same at the high school level. As far as technicians, when I get through your class my employer is going to have to pay me double for my expertise in technology. Seriously, I have talked with the science teachers at my sons high school and they tell me most days go smoothly and there are more and more tech savvy people now than ever who are willing to help. I think my mad little scientists and I are going to be fine. Laura Lee

Bird Rap Video

Discovery, discovery, discovery! I think this video excelled at many levels. The instructor provided a lesson plan that went above and beyond what the students learned about songbirds. The students learned how important it is to site sources. The students learned collaboration in a group (other scientists). The students were given the opportunity to learn about several technological devices to aid them in discovery (hand held computers, video cameras etc...). Here the instructor went a step further in that she only taught each group how to operate one device. Many studies confirm that by explaining a procedure (how to use, in this case) one is more likely to retain the learned concept. By leaving the students to teach each other the instructor enacted a powerful learning tool. The students learned how to create a spreadsheet. The students learned how to persuade, speak to an audience and most importantly, the students learned to ask why. All of the above does not even begin to encompass the technology that was intertwined in every step throughout the lesson. I truly did not notice any weaknesses, maybe because the class was science and I am biased on the subject. One would only have to see the part of the video where the students gave a presentation to know that, whatever the discipline was, the students learned the intended and had fun doing so. Bravo, Laura Lee

Video # 6

Hi Kara,

This video was a good demonstration for integrating technology into the classroom. Obviously the teacher was very versed in what she was teaching which shows me that being confident with technology is very important for me as a future teacher.
From what I observed, all the technology standards were incorporated. The students showed a sound understanding of the operations(1), social and human issues were involved(2), creativity was being promoted(3), the weather project was going to be shared with an audience(4), The students located information(5), real world concepts (weather (6)). I am jealous at the ease at which the students managed.
The only thing I would have done differently; I would have responded to the question on what the students learned with more enthusiasm. The teacher did not seem to hear answers before she moved to another student. Time was of the essence as she stated at the end. Great teaching tool for me. Laura

Trouble Online/Campus computing and the law

Hi Kara,
The one thing for sure that I did not know is that a human can speak as fast as C.L. Lindsey lll and still be understood. What a great speaker. He sure does know the computer laws.
Most important to me was the advise Lindsey offered on not doing it online if you would not do it in front of a crowd of 1000. At my age this is common sense but for many this needs to be taken to heart.
I was surprised when he spoke of technology that is not yet available is already under copyright. Who knew? I was also surprised at the 25% of illegally downloaded music comes from college kids. I do not know where they find the time. I can barely fit laundry into my day with all my homework. Ah, kids are resourceful.
My son watched a little of the video with me and being 16 he was not yet convinced that a person could get fined for downloading music illegally. This is one of the reasons that my computer is the only in the house. I need it for school or I would not own one. Computers frighten me (with good cause as shown in the video). Anyway, great video. I hope the college students of America heed the warning.

comments on Chapter one video

Good afternoon Kara,

Wow, That was a short video. Maybe mine is not working right? However, from what I did observe, the children were definitely familiar with the graphing calculators. The familiarity can be applied to the technology standard of "basic operations and concepts". I could also see that the children were being responsible while using the calculators which falls within the social standard. Finally, the standard of problem solving was surely represented in the video. The lesson was all about area in geometry and by using the calculators the students were able to make the connection that length x width will always equal width x length. The most important observation I made was how well the children were listening to the teacher. I believe kids are anxious to use technology and by getting to use the media in class, all the better.
One area of the lesson that I would have done differently, is I would have allowed the students to figure out much more on their own. It seemed that the teacher answered most of the questions that she asked before allowing for individual thinking by the students. If chemistry has taught me anything it is that you have to be able to critically think on your own. The reward of getting to the answer on your own is worth the time it takes.
Okay, I have written my very first blog. Now if I post it correctly, you are reading this. Have a great weekend, Laura Lee.