Welcome to my Blog for INST 605

This blog was created for Computers in Education (INST 605)

Monday, March 14, 2011

Copyright laws: 3 facts a teacher should know...

1.    If you record a program on a non-premium service you must erase it after 45 calendar days.  I was completely unaware of this violation.  Although it has been years since I taught, many teachers kept copies of taped programs from year to year.  I did not know this was a violation.

2.       You are not allowed to install a single copy of a program on multiple computers or onto a network without permission.  Although I am not guilty of this one (we were just getting one computer in each classroom the last year I was teaching), I think this would be an easy one to violate.  I can see where if I bought a terrific biology program, I would want to share it with the other biology teachers.  However the Fair Use exception does not cover copying complete computer programs on multiple computers or networks. 

3.       All internet materials are copyrighted unless noted otherwise.   

Friday, March 11, 2011

At what cost?

This week, one of my customers told me that he heard one of Microsoft's executives speak.  The executive had a 5 year old in kindergarten and the school called him because his child kept ripping through his paper when he would try to write.  The executive said that it then dawned on him that his child's experience with writing/drawing was always on a tablet, thus he did not understand how to control the pressure of his pencil.  Two hours later, another customer shared that they no longer teach cursive writing in elementary school.  (She said her son goes to a school in Guilford County.  I have not verified that this is accurate.)  Then this morning, I read Kiva Elliott's blog.  She spoke about how technology is making children antisocial.

I feel that so many aspects of technology in an educational setting are great and improve/enhance the learning process.  However, at what cost? As great as it may be that a 5 year old can manipulate a tablet computer, doesn't that child also need the mechanical development of holding a pencil or crayon?  Is cursive writing going to become a thing of the past?  Will our students only learn how to "sign" their name for legal documents?  How will children learn how to interact face-to-face?

Personally, I do not think that we will lose the need for pencils and crayons in the immediate future.  However, cursive writing may be a thing of the past.  Most of my correspondence is computer-generated in some form.  I rarely receive a hand-written note anymore (but I love it when I do).  I do think that as long as children have recess, sports and time to play outside (with no electronics), social skills will develop.  A balance will need to be found. 

Friday, March 4, 2011

Features of iPad 2

I thought I would pass along some of the features of the iPad2:

1.  33% thinner and 15% lighter
2.  twice as fast with the same 10 hour battery life
3.  A camera with FaceTime!!
4.  Smart Cover
5.  Same price as the first iPad

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Open Source Goes To High School

The Open High School of Utah is a public charter school that is an on-line high school.  Its mission statement is as follows:

The Open High School of Utah is putting the focus where it should be – on the student. Our mission is to facilitate lifelong success by meeting the needs of the 21st century learner through individualized, student-centered instruction, innovative technology, service learning, and personal responsibility. (taken from the school's website: http://www.openhighschool.org/general-information/about-us/)

I see on-line Open Source learning as more of an additional teaching strategy than a replacement to traditional education.  I do think it has its place for students who travel or have demands outside of school that would require home-based learning or a tutor.   

Where I can see the advantages of on-line coursework, as I am taking two on-line classes now, I definitely see the limitations as well.  I think the student that decides to pursue on-line work has to understand his/her learning style and if on-line is appropriate for that style.   Self-knowledge of a student’s own learning style is not a skill all high school students possess.  One of the teachers stated in the video, some students are smart and will understand quickly, and those that need extra help will get individualized attention.  When I think back to my experience as a Biology teacher covering a difficult concept, like genetics, I explained things multiple times and in multiple ways.  Sometimes it was just a look from a student that signaled to me "Hey, I am not getting this."  I would worry that subtle gestures would be lost in on-line learning, especially at an age where frustration can lead to giving up.  Additionally, we did a wide variety of labs.  I know that there are virtual labs, even Open Source, available, but does it really compare to touching, smelling, seeing, hearing and even occasionally tasting.  It is hard for me to think it does.  I understand the business world wants employees that can meet the technology demands of the 21st century, but at what cost. 

Friday, February 18, 2011

StudyBoost

After reading about the pros and cons of iPads utilization in schools, I started thinking about technology that many students already had available --- the cell phone.  

I came across StudyBoost (https://www.studyboost.com/).  It is a free service.  Once an account is created, a student can create his/her own batch of questions or use an existing batch of questions.  Most subject areas are covered.  The student chooses to receive messages via GoogleTalk, Facebook, Yahoo Messenger, text messaging or Jabber.  Then based upon the settings set by the student, questions are sent to the student to answer.  I signed up to see what it was like.  Within a few minutes, I received my first question "What is the capital of Alabama?".

Granted, I know not all students have a cell phone or unlimited text messaging.  However, it could be a tool that may interest some students and encourage learning when they have a few minutes to spare.

Monday, February 7, 2011

iPads in Education

I really enjoyed searching Apple's iPad Education site.  The video that is on the site has examples of how the iPad has transformed learning from a public elementary school in Chicago to high school science to medical school in Durham. 

http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/#iwork

Additionally, the educational apps for the iPad seems endless.  My son plays Kindergarten TeachMe and loves it.  It teaches addition, subtraction, spelling and sight words in a very fun way.  With every three questions answered correctly, a coin is earned.  They can then "spend" their coins at the marketplace.  Learning occurs on many levels.  It was fascinating to watch my four-year old figure out how many more coins he needed for fish for his aquarium, then go back and answer questions until he has enough coins.

Friday, February 4, 2011

To Blog or Not to Blog

Prior to this class, I could never of imagined myself blogging.  I viewed blogging as journaling, and I hate journaling.  I do not like to express myself by writing about my feelings.  The idea of an on-line diary, where good for some, was just not for me.  However, now that I understand how practical blogging is and how useful it can be, I think I am really going to enjoy this.  I love the idea of subscribing to different feeds and having information that I am interested in to be sent to me as opposed to me finding it.  I also like the idea of sharing helful information with others who may want to view my blog and vice versa.  Who knows where blogging will take me!