Lesson Planning

As I was working on my technology infused lesson plan, I realized the problem. As adults, we get so excited about the topic and we know there's a lot to cover in any given subject. This happens even moreso when we get excited about the things that we teach our students. The problem then happens - what do we leave out? I think lesson planning can be such an easy task since we know what we have to include and that we need to assess at the end. But, what do we include? I think, as teachers, we want our students to get something out of the lessons and we want specific things to be included, it's difficult to simplify. That has always been my problem. I have a hard time simplifying things and thus, make the task more difficult than it should be.

So, when lesson planning, I would like for us to remember a phrase that someone [i dont know who] said, "Keep it simple!" We make our lives difficult at times, and make it difficult for our students. And, I'm not saying that we "dumb down" our material, but don't over complicate your job. :) I must say, that's what I had to do when writing up a lesson plan for something I had already done! :) Hope it helps! :)

CLRN

I think it's refreshing to know that there is a central website that provide assistance. So many of us are used to opening the internet and typing, "GOOGLE", "Yahoo.com" or whatever other search engine. When using these other websites, it gets difficult because you can't really filter what is academic, factual, or trust worthy. You spend more time looking and looking then really necessary. It is definitely a useful website for lesson planning to help generate ideas, or refining some ideas you may already have. There's a wide spectrum of subjects and areas it will keep you on the website as you get distracted on each area. This website will get you spending more time looking but getting excited at the possibilities that are out there and you hadn't thought about it yet! :) Enjoy! :)

myFace!

This morning, during our "Team Period", one of the teachers [my former 8th grade science teacher =)] was sharing a story with regards to one of the sites, and blurted, "Yes, myFace!" Not realizing what he said, I chuckled because I knew what he meant and several moments later he realized his mistake.

Once upon a time, there were "wine and cheese" events or other such things that professionals used as a means of networking. These things do still exist. However, social networking has taken on a new meaning. Well, not so new. Most recently associated with Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, among others, social networking has been argued on many levels. There are issues, both positive and negative, that are latched on with the idea of "networking" on these sites. Like everything else in life, it serves a purpose with its pros and cons. The purpose for which you use it is entirely up to you. It is important to be educated in your decision as to whether or not you would like to use these sites as your means for social networking.

Yes, there lies the fear that this will take away from people's "social skills." Yes, this opens the doors for cyberbullying and pedophiles to virtually harm children, or even adults. Yes, employees (programs applied to, or other positions) may check out your profiles for a reference. Yes, everything you post will F-O-R-E-V-E-R be available, whether or not you like it.

But, you may just be able to reconnect with long, lost friends [family]. You may be able to remain connected with people that have moved far away or vice versa. You may promote your skills or talent with others. Or, you may just be able to share pieces [the pieces that you want to share] with people. Yes, you can maintain privacy. You have to make adjustments that are suitable to your liking.

In either direction, these are things that one must be self-conscious about. And, as I was looking and reading other peoples' posts on the subject, I must agree with Ron [thanks, Ron!]. You should have your own set of guidelines on the subject, should you decide to socially network on any one of these sites.

BE CAUTIOUS! Be sure to be aware of the pros and cons of these sites. Once you're aware, you can decide for yourself how you would like to make use of these sites. Be sure not to post pictures that you wouldn't want a possible employer having access to [likewise, do not take part in pictures that may be posted, if that is the case.] Decide how much information you'd like to have out for the world to see. Be mindful and cautious, of course, of how much your children are looking at [or could one day have access to].

And of course, if possible, do not negate others of face-to-face time with you! Do not let these sites become "myFace!"

"Introducing the Book"

It's so funny how far we've come. I thought this video was pretty funny. It is very true to think that this is quite possibly how people may have felt when the book was first introduced. Or, let's think about when pens were developed. Something's that are part of our every day lives. Wasn't always that way. That "Help Desk" wasn't always available. The extraordinary has become the ordinary.

Yes, teaching an old dog new tricks isn't easy. Let's just think of what things would be like if we weren't able to deal with the changing of the times. We're teaching our students to work and live in times with things that we don't even know about. Just think about what we'll be calling the "Help Desk" for then. :)

Gossip Girls and Boys Get Lessons in Empathy

This was an interesting read on the NY Times (published on April 4, 2009). There's a greater emphasis these days on character education as it has been infused in to the standards. There are so many things going on this world. It does make sense to do this. It is good to start early. Yes, you can't tell kids who to be friends with, but you can teach them how to be nicer and more understanding of each others differences. Just the other day, there were two fights at school - one right after the other. (I'm not sure for what.) It was rumored that the young man had prepared by holding a lock in his hands (later clarified to be a watch.) Earlier that same day, a girl in my class was called out for Mediation Group - she was having issues with another young lady in the school. A few days before that, there were two girls in the cafeteria that began yelling at each other. It's nothing new. Yet, it seems that it wont completely go away. This is a good start. Kids can be so cruel. (Well, some.) Hopefully, this will help produce productive participants of society.

Again, just thought I'd share. :) Enjoy. :)

Web Page Building

I think the concept of using web pages for classes may seem intimidating for some teachers. There's a lot that goes into building traditional web pages and it is, at times, complicated. However, websites like scholastic.com have made this process that much less intimidating. This website has laid out, step-by-step, how to make this website happen even at the most basic level. There's free software available, These websites have made it that much more easier to "teach old dog new tricks." :) Once you meet it "head on", web page building doesnt seem as daunting as it is to learn HTML and all that other programmatic lingo to build the website for your classes! Enjoy!

School Web Pages

School web pages are so practical these days. The communication with the school district are now on a much more regular basis. Parents and students are now able to access the school's/class information much easier. Both parents and students can now refer to the school's websites for updates with district wide events, policies, and any other pertinent district information. Districts may post teacher's district emails for more rapid and effective communication among teachers, parents, and administration.

Although, the websites are convenient for teachers and parents, it can be difficult to maintain and manage on a regular basis for the districts. Depending on the size of the school districts, there may be too many updates to maintain on a regular basis. Sometimes school districts may lag on updating the websites. Smaller districts, however, can use the district size to its advantage and maintain the websites up-to-date.

Schools Try Separating Boys From Girls

(image taken from NYTimes website 3/10/2009)

I heard about this a while ago and stumbled upon it again on the NY Times website. To everything there are pros and cons. It is very true that girls and boys learn differently and at different paces. Although, learning together is part of their development process. This is not to say that I agree or disagree with separating them. I wanted to put it out there and share it. If you want to comment back, that's fine and appreciated. Again, something to think about. :)

SchoolTube

I thought this was a great idea. A website that will be used to the potential that some others could've been used for if not for all the other not-so-productive material. SchoolTube, of course, will take a while before it hits a note with students because we all know how students can be - positive things generally tend not to be "cool." SchoolTube could work for its intents and purpose. I would love to use it within the classroom. SchoolTube will definitely be helpful and useful in the classroom.

Just a thought! :)

Web - Based Educational Resources

I came to the stark realization a few years ago that I was not creative. I seem to lack that gene that puts the spark in people to create and produce fresh ideas to contribute. I worry, sometimes, well, alot, that the lack of creativity will be a hindrance for me. I really think it will be. If and only IF I let it.

While watching the "Education in Second Life" video, the narrator said something along lines of - anything that you need has already been created, as an educator, you just need to figure a way to use it within your classroom. With all this technology, this is very true. And it's not to say that you must always copy someone's work. Feel free to create new and original ideas that will help your students grasp the concepts/ideas. However, if you're like me, the technology is there to be a useful support system. One that you can consult when those ideas are just not coming. Use the ideas that people are freely offering to share (the reason why they are on the internet, since you can now find just about anything.) and modify them for your classroom. It's called being "resourceful". Just give the credit where credit is due. :)

Blogging

Through the course of this class, I've been responding to the other blogs before I have posted my own. I realize now that I should blog first and then post responses to other blogs. I say this because I may be repeating some things that I have may have posted as a response to others and because I may be inadvertently repeating some blogs.

In any case, blogging allows us to freely express our opinions and thoughts about any given topic. I look at blogging much like text messaging. I am sending out a message that, although I would like a response and some feedback, I do not require one. As such, you can post your response when ever the opportunity arises, if you'd like, of course. Because you can sit down when the time is available, you can also take the time to process thoughts to better express yourself if it is a little harder to do so verbally. Everyone communicates differently. Blogging opens the door up for communication with people outside of the constraints of a classroom where time, face-to-face contact (can be an issue at times), outside elements always come into play. A person can freely sit down at their computer without having to worry about getting to their next class, catching the bus, thinking about parking tickets, etc. etc.

A blog is also out there for the world to see. Although there are pros and cons to this, as are with anything, the pros seem to outweigh the cons. A blog can be very useful. Communication is now open with people that are not in your immediate circle. This also allows for different kinds of constructive criticism you may otherwise not get. :)

Inspiration

I must admit that I am still amazed at what the advancement of technology has done for education. Yet, many, understandably, cannot implement certain things into the classroom. Programs like Inspiration and Kidspiration are such helpful programs for planning lessons and activities for students. After playing with Inspiration for a little while, I kept thinking of things I can produce for my students as I do my student teaching. My mind was all over the place as I started to try one feature, I would discover another one that would help me do another kind of activity. I attempted to create a something, but I did get distracted with the next feature that I discovered.

I hadn't thought about how to have the students use Inspiration. I thought Inspiration was a program that only teachers used. Through my search for ideas for a lesson, however, I discovered that other teachers (on the internet) have created assignments in which students used Inspiration. That was interesting. I look forward to being able to use such programs in the future to enhance the lessons and activities my students engage in.

Student Fights Record of ‘Cyberbullying’

I wanted to share this article posted on the NYTimes website. We talk so much about bullying among students. This was a different kind of "cyberbullying." A young lady decided she wanted to criticize a teacher over Facebook and she was suspended because of it. She didn't like the teacher and she decided to post them thinking that she had the freedom to voice her opinion. As you read the article, it states that she received several responses from both sides - defending the teacher as well as supporting her stance.

On the one hand, you have a young lady that was taking her opinion to a forum. It was posted as a blog. On the other, this young lady is being critical of her teachers and was considered a form of "cyberbullying".

I wanted to share. You can draw your own conclusions and perhaps, if you'd like share your opinions.

Just some thoughts.

WebQuests

I've been going over this for a while now. I have thoughts and ideas, but I always have a hard time simplifying and narrowing down what I want to do. I know this would be a great opportunity for my students to do something they may actually enjoy in the classroom. I don't think they'd believe it. Again, teachers are competing for the attention of their students. WebQuests are a great way to draw them in to the lesson. Students spend so much time playing on the computer, why not put them to work? (Without them knowing it.) Although, I think part of their problem is that adults are telling them to do it.(But that's a whole 'nother story. )

I've been thinking about things that I could possibly incorporate into the next month's lesson plans for my student teaching. We'll be going over Women's Suffrage and the Great Depression. I suppose that is step #1. I have an idea of where I want to begin. The rest of it may be harder than I thought. Although, this extension is definitely helping. Thanks, Dr. Luongo! :)

Internet Safety

I don't think kids understand. As "careful" or "harmless", internet safety is no joke. Kids seem to take things so lightly sometimes. Bullying online is as serious as face-to-face. These videos are good for them to see. You have to be very careful about what you put out there and, of course, talk to people around you about what is going on. Kids lack the communication with the adults around them. Because there is no communication and/or trust, no one knows what's going on.

I wonder what will it take for kids to believe how important internet safety really is. Hopefully, not the worst.

NJCCCS/NETS

It's crazy to think how far society has come. It is crazy to think that we are supposed to be preparing students to become fully participating members of society. They have to be ready for whatever may come at them. In the classroom, we have to maintain their attention by showing them that learning can be fun, despite their preconceived notions. Teachers must put on a "show" (thanks, Mrs. Kennedy) by entertaining them - putting on a song and dance - to maintain their attention while competing with the internet at home, DSs, cell phones. And, we also have to make sure that they are ready to be able to work with any kinds of technology that may be developed despite the fact that, many teachers now (bless them all!) may not even know how to use the technology. I didn't know there were NETS. Teachers are never done teaching.... or learning for that matter.

By the way, many of our districts - our districts - cannot afford to provide the technologies needed in the classrooms. I am not talking individual computers, or fancy TVs. I am simply talking, working computers, functioning microscopes in biology, chemistry labs, TVs with DVD players, to be able to bring the lesson and activities alive for the students to keep up with the NJCCCS.

Yes, kids are different. .. and learning is different. Times are changing. :) And will continue to change...

greetings :)

Just wanted to say hello everyone. There's a first time for everything :) Looking forward to sharing with you all - at least, about some things. :)