Today in class we reviewed the various places to learn other than at school. Workplace learning includes virtual customers. Adult education provides people to become life long learners and may include the Internet. Learning Centers help people prepare for national tests, such as the SAT or ACT. Computer-based learning software include video games or computer games that afford people learning opportunities that they may not get in classrooms. These games are time-consuming and may promote aggression. Technical certifications prepare people for technical exams without going to school. Internet cafes allow people, usually younger, to pay a small fee and use the Internet (they may educate themselves but will probably use it more for fun). It seems unnecessary because you can use the Internet for free (wifi). It is more useful internationally where people do not have wifi access. We want everyone to be lifelong learners by using the Internet. Older people may use this to change their careers.
We then discussed the pros and cons of homeschooling, distance education and educational television and video. I heard points that I had not previously considered, which expanded my thinking and refined my views on the topics.
When conducting a presentation, you should have an opening (tell the audience what you are presenting), present the information, and close the presentation (recap the main points instead of announcing you are finished).
I enjoyed playing the games and learning about the K12 website. I think this would be very helpful if I were homeschooling my children. I think if I use this as a tool with children/students, I would want to be nearby to help if students get stuck or frustrated.
Contemporary Issues:
Brand loyalty: Companies are finding ways to use technology to get children to buy their products and use them for life. An example is Webkins. It is leading to childhood obesity and encouraging fatty foods (e.g. cereal boxes, etc.). The companies are not particularly educated in child development. Their main goal is to advertise their products. I think parents need to set clear, consistent limits on their children's use of these products and model healthy behaviors. It is more of a parenting issue than a product issue.
Cochlear Implants: Hearing parents are in favor of it and the Deaf community is against it. It is an electrical device put on the cochlea in the middle ear and a microphone worn behind the ear to provide electrical stimulation between nerve fibers in the ear to allow people to hear. The success levels vary between children. There are many risks (including a complete loss of hearing) and the exact benefits cannot be determined. I do not think students should be forced to have them. If they choose to get it when they are 18, that is their choice. I think that since they have their own language and community and are happy and functioning members of society, they do not need to change to be "normal".
HP Touch Screen Computers for children with autism: It provides students with the ability to communicate, perhaps for the first time. It may be less costly than other assistive technology devices but may be. It is not an assistive technology device that students can carry around with them.
New test to replace the FCAT: The new test would be given at the end of each year for the courses students are taking. The FCAT tests all the information you have learned in school to that point. It will go hand-in-hand with the FCAT at first until it can replace the FCAT completely. They are still working out the kinks for the new test (i.e. how long students will have to take it, the consequences for not passing the test, etc.). It is like a standardized final exam for all students to take. It is mandating that teachers teach certain topics that will be covered on the test (what teachers should teach).
Students cheating using technology: There are many ways students have access to technology, such as higher tech cell phones like an iPhone and IPODs, buying or using papers online, and calculator use with specific programs. Ways to combat some of this include using turnitin.com to check for plagiarism.
Cool Tools:
Twiddla: It is free and easy to use. You can draw, communicate with others, and text. Everyone you invite to join can write or draw whatever they choose.
TimeRime: You can make interactive timelines. You can include links to website, pictures, music, etc. You can print it out. There is an educational version that is free that you have to pay for. It has European settings (such as the date) that may confuse young children. Pictures close together overlap until you click on the text; then the text you want comes up. Not everything from school can be put into time lines. It may be conducive to cheating.
Pageflakes: It is similar to Dashboard on Mac. You can make Pageflakes your homepage. It is easy to use and free. This tool seems to be geared towards older students and adults. For example, the finance section is too advanced for young children and students could play games instead of doing their work. Students can find recipes to cook in class. Teachers may also use it instead of traditional calendar time. I do not think I would use this in my classroom because it is not appropriate for young children and has too many weaknesses and threats.
Symbaloo: It can be made to a homepage. It is interactive but not as educational. It is better for personal use. It is difficult to figure out.
Go! Animate: It is a website to make cartoons. There are MANY options and is very time consuming.
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