I think I love to teach an online course. I am pretty confident that I would do a good job at it. I am usually a fast learner and really dedicated to whatever project I take on. I think I would be a very dedicated online teacher and make sure that I know and am well prepared to teach any course I am assigned to. I also think that I would have no problem learning how to use any an educational web tool such as Blackboard, etc., because I’m usually really good with anything hands-on.
Furthermore, I frequently check my email throughout the day; therefore I should have no problem with my students not being able to get a hold of me.
Finally, I feel confident teaching an online course because I have learned of so many web tools that could be used to assist students learn in a fun and educational manner. I feel that I have learned enough from this course and the activities we have been assigned to put together a great course that requires lots of student interaction and a great deal of tools to use.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Topic 2: Efficacy and potential influence of a virtual environment on student learning
From my own experience, it seems as though any student who has decided to complete high school online has done so because they were not succeeding in the traditional school setting. Also, of those students, the majority of them have had someone else complete the course for them. There are so many institutions online that offer students diplomas with very little to no effort being required of the students. I have recently heard of a high school that offers students a valid high school diploma after taking 4 tests. So basically, a person can get a high school diploma in about 2-3 hours. How will that affect the students? I think many of our students are used to doing things the easy way and doing just enough to get by. If more of our students are turning to institutions like these, I’m afraid that in the future, we will have intelligent individuals who cannot hold down a job or have trouble focusing on tasks because they were used to taking the easy route all their lives.
Topic 1: Challenges in providing effective virtual schooling
There are a few challenges that concern me about virtual schooling. The first is motivation/or lack of motivation of the institute that is providing the virtual schooling. It seems as though many of the virtual schools offered online are not very serious about the students they are teaching. As long as the student pays for the course, the institution moves on to the next enrollee. I am aware of many instances where people are enrolled in a course and someone else is taking the exams for them. This alone is an issue in itself. How is a student supposed to effectively benefit from an online course, if he/she is not even taking the courses?
The second concern is the follow-up process of these schools and the teachers. Of the cases I have heard of, it is very rare that the school follows up with students to see how they are doing and/or addresses the concerns of the students. Again, as long as the student pays for the course they really don’t care. Sometimes I wonder if there are actual teachers at the other end who are held responsible for the progress of these students.
The third concern is the accreditation of these institutions. Can a student really get a valid high school diploma from completing a few tests online? Whatever happened to the other factors that are considered in a traditional school, such as participation, attendance, completion of assignments, etc? How do we expect our students to be successful in college and hold down a successful career when we are basically spoon-feeding them and teaching them that being irresponsible and careless is ok, as long as you no one cares?
The second concern is the follow-up process of these schools and the teachers. Of the cases I have heard of, it is very rare that the school follows up with students to see how they are doing and/or addresses the concerns of the students. Again, as long as the student pays for the course they really don’t care. Sometimes I wonder if there are actual teachers at the other end who are held responsible for the progress of these students.
The third concern is the accreditation of these institutions. Can a student really get a valid high school diploma from completing a few tests online? Whatever happened to the other factors that are considered in a traditional school, such as participation, attendance, completion of assignments, etc? How do we expect our students to be successful in college and hold down a successful career when we are basically spoon-feeding them and teaching them that being irresponsible and careless is ok, as long as you no one cares?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
You Must Learn Online
Dear legislator,
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share with you my views on online learning and support for this topic.
Being a secondary teacher working in Michigan it really saddens me to see how many students we are losing due to the lack of interest in schooling and education. Our students are brought up in a generation that is completely different from ours. In order to keep their interest in school and motivating them to excel we need to give them opportunities to do so using tools they are most familiar with. In this case these tools are computers and the internet.
Through the use of the internet to teach courses, our students will learn responsibility, time management skills, self-control, and will gain confidence. They will also learn how to use the internet to gain information and apply it rather than using it as a source of entertainment. Furthermore, the use of the internet and familiarization with technology will better prepare our students for future of Michigan, the United State and more importantly their future careers.
Thank you for taking the time to read and review my input on virtual schooling. Good luck with this legislation.
Sincerely,
Asmaa Kayed
A Concerned Michigan Educator
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share with you my views on online learning and support for this topic.
Being a secondary teacher working in Michigan it really saddens me to see how many students we are losing due to the lack of interest in schooling and education. Our students are brought up in a generation that is completely different from ours. In order to keep their interest in school and motivating them to excel we need to give them opportunities to do so using tools they are most familiar with. In this case these tools are computers and the internet.
Through the use of the internet to teach courses, our students will learn responsibility, time management skills, self-control, and will gain confidence. They will also learn how to use the internet to gain information and apply it rather than using it as a source of entertainment. Furthermore, the use of the internet and familiarization with technology will better prepare our students for future of Michigan, the United State and more importantly their future careers.
Thank you for taking the time to read and review my input on virtual schooling. Good luck with this legislation.
Sincerely,
Asmaa Kayed
A Concerned Michigan Educator
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Additional Virtual Schooling Scenarios
Scenarios that could be developed in the future could be ones that discuss how teachers, students and parents from virtual schooling.
To display the benefits of the teachers, a scenario could be developed to show how the teacher is able to teach and convey a subject without all the disruptions that would usually arise in a regular class setting. It could begin with a teacher teaching in an in-class setting and display the constant problems and disruptions that the teacher has to deal with. It can then show that same teacher working as a virtual school teacher and show how she interacts with the students on an individual bases without all the daily distractions.
A scenario that displays the benefits for the students could begin with a student who is very shy in class and is often picked on. The students can be shown in an in-class setting sitting in the back and avoiding any kind of interaction in class. That same student could be shown taking an online course and blogging, carrying on in discussions and giving his/her opinion on topics without feeling the fear of being ridiculed or teased by the other students.
As for parents, a scenario could display a parent that is not aware of how his/her child is being treated at school or is not sure of how the teachers are helping her child. He/she can then sign her child up for a virtual class and help him/her with assignments and monitor his/her progress. The parent can also be reassured that his/her child is getting the proper education from the teacher and can have round-the-clock access to the teacher.
To display the benefits of the teachers, a scenario could be developed to show how the teacher is able to teach and convey a subject without all the disruptions that would usually arise in a regular class setting. It could begin with a teacher teaching in an in-class setting and display the constant problems and disruptions that the teacher has to deal with. It can then show that same teacher working as a virtual school teacher and show how she interacts with the students on an individual bases without all the daily distractions.
A scenario that displays the benefits for the students could begin with a student who is very shy in class and is often picked on. The students can be shown in an in-class setting sitting in the back and avoiding any kind of interaction in class. That same student could be shown taking an online course and blogging, carrying on in discussions and giving his/her opinion on topics without feeling the fear of being ridiculed or teased by the other students.
As for parents, a scenario could display a parent that is not aware of how his/her child is being treated at school or is not sure of how the teachers are helping her child. He/she can then sign her child up for a virtual class and help him/her with assignments and monitor his/her progress. The parent can also be reassured that his/her child is getting the proper education from the teacher and can have round-the-clock access to the teacher.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Scenerio 3- Virtual Schooling and Security
After doing a little bit of research on the technology used for this course, it seems that the technology is a very sufficient tool to use to teach online courses. WebCT is owned by Blackboard; therefore it is safe to assume that it offers many of the same features. This program should be a great tool to help teachers organize the course being taught by posting materials, assignments, due dates, grades, etc. The students are also able to communicate online through the use of discussion boards. This will be a great way for the teacher to keep track of who is participating and who is not.
The teacher is also using the Iowa Communications Network to teach this course. This is a great tool because it gives the teacher the opportunity to broadcast her lectures so that students are aware of what is going on in class. It also helps the students stay on task and reminds them that they are enrolled in a class even though they are not actually going to the campus. Also, the students have the opportunity to view the video of the teacher so that they are aware of exactly what is going on and what is required of them. This way, they will have no excuse as for why they are lagging behind.
As far as the organizational aspect is concerned, since Mrs. Wortmann is using WebCT and Iowa Communications Network, she should have no problem conveying the information to all her students. It seems that WebCT is very similar to Blackboard, since it is owned by them. Since Blackboard offers is set up in a very user-friendly manner and gives the teacher lots of control, I would assume that WebCT does the same. I would only recommend that Mrs. Wortmann uses all the resources that Web CT offers to ensure that the students are keeping up with the weekly assignments and are not falling behind. Also, I noticed that through IOWA Communications Network teachers are able to record videos for students to watch. This would be a great tool for the teacher to use to summarize the assignments and chapters read. This will help the students who do not have a great deal of time to complete all the readings necessary.
Being a distance learning teacher, Mrs. Wortmann needs to be very careful so that all her students get the most out of her course. She should have paid closer attention to her students by sending out assignments updates and reminders. She should have also given each student a syllabus so that they are aware of what is required of them and know all the due dates in advance. I would also advise Mrs. Wortmann to check up on Nick more frequently since he did tell her that he was busy and was not able to spend as much time posting and responding to blogs and emails.
As for her tests, she should change them around every semester to ensure that students aren’t cheating and include short answer questions as well so that she can see how students respond to different questions. It is nice of her to give the students two turns on each test but maybe it would be better that she gives them only one chance and an opportunity to do extra credit for students who do poorly on the exams.
The teacher is also using the Iowa Communications Network to teach this course. This is a great tool because it gives the teacher the opportunity to broadcast her lectures so that students are aware of what is going on in class. It also helps the students stay on task and reminds them that they are enrolled in a class even though they are not actually going to the campus. Also, the students have the opportunity to view the video of the teacher so that they are aware of exactly what is going on and what is required of them. This way, they will have no excuse as for why they are lagging behind.
As far as the organizational aspect is concerned, since Mrs. Wortmann is using WebCT and Iowa Communications Network, she should have no problem conveying the information to all her students. It seems that WebCT is very similar to Blackboard, since it is owned by them. Since Blackboard offers is set up in a very user-friendly manner and gives the teacher lots of control, I would assume that WebCT does the same. I would only recommend that Mrs. Wortmann uses all the resources that Web CT offers to ensure that the students are keeping up with the weekly assignments and are not falling behind. Also, I noticed that through IOWA Communications Network teachers are able to record videos for students to watch. This would be a great tool for the teacher to use to summarize the assignments and chapters read. This will help the students who do not have a great deal of time to complete all the readings necessary.
Being a distance learning teacher, Mrs. Wortmann needs to be very careful so that all her students get the most out of her course. She should have paid closer attention to her students by sending out assignments updates and reminders. She should have also given each student a syllabus so that they are aware of what is required of them and know all the due dates in advance. I would also advise Mrs. Wortmann to check up on Nick more frequently since he did tell her that he was busy and was not able to spend as much time posting and responding to blogs and emails.
As for her tests, she should change them around every semester to ensure that students aren’t cheating and include short answer questions as well so that she can see how students respond to different questions. It is nice of her to give the students two turns on each test but maybe it would be better that she gives them only one chance and an opportunity to do extra credit for students who do poorly on the exams.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Scenario 2- Benefits of Virtual Schooling
Although virtual schooling might not sound so great to many people, it actually has lots of benefits to teachers, students and parents.
It is beneficial to teachers because teachers do not have to put up with the distractions of other students who are uninterested in learning. It gives the teachers the opportunity to have access to the students 24/7 and them having access to her/him as well. Also, teachers will have more time to focus on more important things like lesson preparation and students help and feedback, as opposed to the loads of paperwork they have to deal with in an in-class setting. Also, teachers are able to grade assignments anywhere they choose, be it their porch, bedroom, etc. The grading process is also less tedious because it involves using the computer, something lots of people enjoy doing.
There are benefits to the students as well. Students do not have to feel like they are being on display all the time. They work at their own pace and can ask the teacher as many questions as they want without being singles out. Also, the students tend to have more confidence with chatting online as opposed to sitting in a classroom surrounded by dozens of people. Through virtual schooling, students are more likely to be out spoken and give their honest opinions and responses because they do not feel the peer pressure they would otherwise feel in the classroom. Furthermore, students are taught to be responsible for their work and encouraged to be more organized. They are not being distracted constantly by those students who often have a hard time paying attention in class.
As for the parents, their minds are more at ease. They are able to see what their child is doing at all times. They don’t have to worry about the peer pressure the students are facing in public schools on a daily basis. They are also able to look over their child’s work and know exactly what they are doing. Also, the parents feel more involved in the education of their child when they see him/her constantly completing online assignments and communicating with the teacher.
As you can see, everyone can benefit from virtual schooling if they take the time to look at it with an open mind.
These three website will give you a better understanding of the benefits of virtual schooling.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/nov/24/na-virtual-schools-real-benefits/- This website discusses how teachers, parents and students all benefit from virtual schools. It gives the reader a better idea of how teachers, parents and students feel about virtual schooling.
http://virtualschools2.virtualschools.net/folders/the_benefits/- This website tells the benefits of virtual schooling and compares virtual schools to regular schools.
http://www.academicleadership.org/student_research/Virtual_Schools_An_Ethical_Option.shtml- this a journal article the discussed the benefits of virtual schools and breaks down how each group benefits from virtual schooling.
It is beneficial to teachers because teachers do not have to put up with the distractions of other students who are uninterested in learning. It gives the teachers the opportunity to have access to the students 24/7 and them having access to her/him as well. Also, teachers will have more time to focus on more important things like lesson preparation and students help and feedback, as opposed to the loads of paperwork they have to deal with in an in-class setting. Also, teachers are able to grade assignments anywhere they choose, be it their porch, bedroom, etc. The grading process is also less tedious because it involves using the computer, something lots of people enjoy doing.
There are benefits to the students as well. Students do not have to feel like they are being on display all the time. They work at their own pace and can ask the teacher as many questions as they want without being singles out. Also, the students tend to have more confidence with chatting online as opposed to sitting in a classroom surrounded by dozens of people. Through virtual schooling, students are more likely to be out spoken and give their honest opinions and responses because they do not feel the peer pressure they would otherwise feel in the classroom. Furthermore, students are taught to be responsible for their work and encouraged to be more organized. They are not being distracted constantly by those students who often have a hard time paying attention in class.
As for the parents, their minds are more at ease. They are able to see what their child is doing at all times. They don’t have to worry about the peer pressure the students are facing in public schools on a daily basis. They are also able to look over their child’s work and know exactly what they are doing. Also, the parents feel more involved in the education of their child when they see him/her constantly completing online assignments and communicating with the teacher.
As you can see, everyone can benefit from virtual schooling if they take the time to look at it with an open mind.
These three website will give you a better understanding of the benefits of virtual schooling.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/nov/24/na-virtual-schools-real-benefits/- This website discusses how teachers, parents and students all benefit from virtual schools. It gives the reader a better idea of how teachers, parents and students feel about virtual schooling.
http://virtualschools2.virtualschools.net/folders/the_benefits/- This website tells the benefits of virtual schooling and compares virtual schools to regular schools.
http://www.academicleadership.org/student_research/Virtual_Schools_An_Ethical_Option.shtml- this a journal article the discussed the benefits of virtual schools and breaks down how each group benefits from virtual schooling.
Monday, March 16, 2009
My advice for scene 1
After viewing scene 1 of the scenario, I noticed that the school has very outdated resouces. The computers are really old and do not support much of any type of software. The first step the principal took was a good one, purchacing new and more advanced computers. I would also recommend that the school gets more information on the software requirements of Elluminate to ensure that the software will be easily installed on the computers purchased. Listed below are the Minimum System Requirements of Elluminate:
All clients are required to have:
Java versions 1.5 or 1.6
20 MB free disk space
Soundcard with speakers and microphone or headset (or telephone for Telephony users)
28.8 Kbps Internet connection
In addition to the above requirements, each server requires the following:
Windows Client
Windows 2000/XP/Vista
Pentium III 1 GHz processor
256 MB RAM
Macintosh Client
Mac OS X 10.4 and 10.5
G4, G5 or Intel Processor
256 MB RAM
Solaris Client
Solaris 10
UltraSPARC 500 MHz
256 MB RAM
Linux Client
Red Hat Linux (RHEL4), Novell SUSE 10
Pentium III 1 GHz processor
256 MB RAM
Futhermore, I would recommend that the school gets technology teacher or coordinator to assist with the software, hardware, and technology needs of the school and to help students who would like to take virtual classes.
Here are three websites I would recommend the school to look at.
1) http://www.elluminate.com/index.jsp- this website will provide the school with more information on the Elluminate Software so that the school know exactly what to purchase.
2) http://www.inacol.org/resources/docs/NACOL_PDforVSandOlnLrng.pdf- this is a report that examines the types of professional developments necessary to implement successful online learning initiatives.
3) http://www.districtadministration.com/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1094- this is an article that discusses ways administrators can create effective virtual school programs.
All clients are required to have:
Java versions 1.5 or 1.6
20 MB free disk space
Soundcard with speakers and microphone or headset (or telephone for Telephony users)
28.8 Kbps Internet connection
In addition to the above requirements, each server requires the following:
Windows Client
Windows 2000/XP/Vista
Pentium III 1 GHz processor
256 MB RAM
Macintosh Client
Mac OS X 10.4 and 10.5
G4, G5 or Intel Processor
256 MB RAM
Solaris Client
Solaris 10
UltraSPARC 500 MHz
256 MB RAM
Linux Client
Red Hat Linux (RHEL4), Novell SUSE 10
Pentium III 1 GHz processor
256 MB RAM
Futhermore, I would recommend that the school gets technology teacher or coordinator to assist with the software, hardware, and technology needs of the school and to help students who would like to take virtual classes.
Here are three websites I would recommend the school to look at.
1) http://www.elluminate.com/index.jsp- this website will provide the school with more information on the Elluminate Software so that the school know exactly what to purchase.
2) http://www.inacol.org/resources/docs/NACOL_PDforVSandOlnLrng.pdf- this is a report that examines the types of professional developments necessary to implement successful online learning initiatives.
3) http://www.districtadministration.com/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1094- this is an article that discusses ways administrators can create effective virtual school programs.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Virtual Schooling- Part 2
I have been working at a public charter school for the past 6 years. It wasn’t until my second year of teaching that we got a telephone installed in our classrooms. That was then followed by 1-2 computers in each classroom…without DVD players and some don’t even have CD players. And now, six years later, we finally have 3 smart boards and a laptop cart in our school. Technology is being adapted into our classrooms slowly but surely.
Looking at this technology trend in my personal school over a 6 year period, I was surprised to see that Michigan was one of the schools that had been discussed in the Clark article. I would not have guessed that at all.
Reading the Clark article and 10 Myths about Virtual Schooling enlightened me on the topic of virtual schooling. I was right when I had stated that students are more willing to express themselves online as opposed to in a classroom setting. It was also interesting how they discussed how teachers work longer hours because they are using the computer constantly to communicate with the students. I can relate to this because this year I started posting homework assignments online instead of through weekly packets. I also communicate with a few parents via email. It really is a constant task making sure that all the emails are being responded to and all the student messages online are being read and responded to as well. I do however feel that even though I am reading and responding to messages more frequently, it is easier to communicate with the parents. I feel like it strengthened the relationship between the parents and me.
I guess virtual schooling does have a lot more benefits that are perceived. Students are learning in a way that is beneficial to them and teachers are teaching without the usual distractions that they usually experience in a classroom setting.
Looking at this technology trend in my personal school over a 6 year period, I was surprised to see that Michigan was one of the schools that had been discussed in the Clark article. I would not have guessed that at all.
Reading the Clark article and 10 Myths about Virtual Schooling enlightened me on the topic of virtual schooling. I was right when I had stated that students are more willing to express themselves online as opposed to in a classroom setting. It was also interesting how they discussed how teachers work longer hours because they are using the computer constantly to communicate with the students. I can relate to this because this year I started posting homework assignments online instead of through weekly packets. I also communicate with a few parents via email. It really is a constant task making sure that all the emails are being responded to and all the student messages online are being read and responded to as well. I do however feel that even though I am reading and responding to messages more frequently, it is easier to communicate with the parents. I feel like it strengthened the relationship between the parents and me.
I guess virtual schooling does have a lot more benefits that are perceived. Students are learning in a way that is beneficial to them and teachers are teaching without the usual distractions that they usually experience in a classroom setting.
Friday, March 6, 2009
My Thoughts on Virtual Schooling
I am not very familiar with online learning however I recently viewed a case study on schools in Las Vegas and it showed some examples of online learning and virtual schooling. I thought it was very interesting. Teachers and students both enjoyed the online teaching/learning environment. It seemed very flexible and it gave the students the opportunity to work full-time jobs along with getting a high school education. The teachers also seemed so much less stresses. Since all assignments were given via email, it reduced the paper work for the teacher and the teacher was able to grade the work at his/her own convenience.
From viewing the video, it seemed as though virtual schooling was very similar to the online courses we take at Wayne State. The students are working from the convenience of their own homes and the teacher is doing so as well. It kind of eliminates peer pressure, bullying, disrespect toward the teacher and other issues that would usually arise in an in-class setting. I also feel that online classes help students become more open and show their true personalities. Students are often embarrassed, reserved or simply afraid to make a mistake in a class setting. With online schooling, students do not feel the pressure of needing to impress students around them. They also might be more likely to speak out about certain topics of discussion with other class members more freely because of the lack or peer pressure and boost of confidence the internet gives to individuals.
It seems like the students that usually would take online classes are ones who already have other commitments to work or family and have found a great way to be successful at both simultaneously.
From viewing the video, it seemed as though virtual schooling was very similar to the online courses we take at Wayne State. The students are working from the convenience of their own homes and the teacher is doing so as well. It kind of eliminates peer pressure, bullying, disrespect toward the teacher and other issues that would usually arise in an in-class setting. I also feel that online classes help students become more open and show their true personalities. Students are often embarrassed, reserved or simply afraid to make a mistake in a class setting. With online schooling, students do not feel the pressure of needing to impress students around them. They also might be more likely to speak out about certain topics of discussion with other class members more freely because of the lack or peer pressure and boost of confidence the internet gives to individuals.
It seems like the students that usually would take online classes are ones who already have other commitments to work or family and have found a great way to be successful at both simultaneously.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Global Community
One activity that I particularly liked to help promote a global community was ePals. ePal is a great way to introduce students to a safe way to social network. It is great tool for students and gives them the opportunity to have their own, safe email accounts. They are also able to post blogs and collaborate with one another in a safe and productive manner. It is also great how teachers are given school homepages for students and parents to have around-the-clock access to the events that are taking place in the class. Students would benefit greatly from having access to websites that are geared toward education and other members of the global community who are working toward the same objective. With all the corruption and dangers that come with the web, having a safe community of students and educators helps reduce the problems that would otherwise arise if students were communicating in an open network.
I also like how students are able to me mentored. There are many students now who have many issues that they do not feel comfortable discussing with their parents. Through mentoring, students are able to get the same advice and help without feeling as much pressure.
I also like how students are able to me mentored. There are many students now who have many issues that they do not feel comfortable discussing with their parents. Through mentoring, students are able to get the same advice and help without feeling as much pressure.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Educational Impact of the Personal Web
Of the six trends outlined in the 2009 Horizon Report, I feel that the personal web will have the biggest impact on teaching. Although the majority of social networking sites are blocked at many schools, the majority of teachers and students have accounts to some sort of social networking site. Through the use of social networking sites, teachers will be able to set up blogs, post assignments, and communicate with students easily. Students can also display artwork, pictures, respond to blogs and post videos that are related to concepts discussed in class.
I am very excited about seeing mobiles being used in schools as a teaching tool. Students are often punished for bringing mobile devices with them to school or for using them during class time. It will be really interesting to see teachers adapting to mobile devices and using them as a tool, as opposed to being a distraction.
It’s interesting to look at mobile devices as ones that can be used to capture education-related pictures, record educational videos and conduct interviews. We, as teachers, need to look outside the box and see how mobile devices can be used to promote creativity and positive interaction amongst peers. Once students realize that mobile devices are finally allowed in schools they might begin to use them more responsibly.
I am very excited about seeing mobiles being used in schools as a teaching tool. Students are often punished for bringing mobile devices with them to school or for using them during class time. It will be really interesting to see teachers adapting to mobile devices and using them as a tool, as opposed to being a distraction.
It’s interesting to look at mobile devices as ones that can be used to capture education-related pictures, record educational videos and conduct interviews. We, as teachers, need to look outside the box and see how mobile devices can be used to promote creativity and positive interaction amongst peers. Once students realize that mobile devices are finally allowed in schools they might begin to use them more responsibly.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Millennial Generation aka Digital Natives
The articles Millennials rising: The next great generation by Howe & Strauss and Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants by Marc Prensky were very interesting and provided great insight about the generation of students we're dealing with today. Reading these articles helped me to see this new generation in a different light, in a better light.
Although these articles were very interesting and discuss the group of learners we are teaching today, I was not able to relate the articles to the group of students I am currently teaching. As I mentioned in my earlier blog, I am currently teaching at a charter school where the majority of the students come from low income, single parent homes. Yes, my students are raised watching lots of television, listening to inappropriate music and playing video games. However, due to their economic background, I feel that they are lacking the knowledge of many of the technologies that exist today. I am even finding it difficult to have the students complete homework assignments online because many of them do not have internet access at home, let alone computers.
Hence I did not find a clear relationship between the students I teach and the students mentioned in these articles, I was able to relate these articles to the generation of my younger brother and sister. I noticed that many of the characteristics discussed, especially by Howe and Strauss, were ones that are present in my younger brother and sister.
Being raised in the same household as my younger brother and sister and by the same parents, I often question how these two kids turned out so different from the rest of us in the family. I try to question my parents’ parental skill and whether they gave up on the younger ones. Questions as such always linger through my mind as I try to make sense of why my younger siblings behave in the manner they do. The rest of the kids in our family are very family-oriented, social, respectful, especially of our parents, and considerate of the feelings of others… Where did these two kids come from? When I see their behavior and their disregard for authority it really bothers me. How could these two kids be born into a family like ours? Reading these articles gave me a better understanding of “what went wrong”. They also gave me some sense of comfort. Although, initially I did not see my little brother as one who would consider going to college as an option. I now see him a little more serious about his life and the decisions he makes…sometimes. When I read the characteristics of kids in this generation, they remind me a lot of my siblings and the stages of life they have and are going through. It also helps me to see how I think of them and how they can be looked at through the eyes of others, such as Howe, Strauss and Prensky. I must admit, I did see them as self-absorbed, distrustful, rule-breakers, neglected and to some extent stupid (or at least made horrible decisions). These articles made me look at these characteristics in a different light, a more optimistic light. As many of the students in this generation, it is fair to say that, they, like all kids in their generation, are very intelligent and focused individuals. Their focuses, however, revolve more around them and less with the individuals around them. The way the Howe and Strauss defines their self-absorption, distrustfulness, rule-breaking attitudes and intelligence is really great. Once we shy away from the stereotypes of this generation and the type of world they will produce, we become more reassured that they will make things better. That they, as all kids, go through stages and eventually turn out alright.
I guess you can say that the Millennial Generation or the Digital Natives, however you want to refer to them, could actually becoming a generation of hope and change. A generation made up of smart, free-thinking individuals who are aware of what is going on in the world, who are not self-absorbed and actually think outside of the box, for a change. A generation who looks for knowledge as opposed to sitting back and getting brainwashed by the closed-minded, one-sided thoughts that are being portrayed through the media and television today.
Maybe the Millennial Generation will actually be made up of some pretty intelligent individuals.
Although these articles were very interesting and discuss the group of learners we are teaching today, I was not able to relate the articles to the group of students I am currently teaching. As I mentioned in my earlier blog, I am currently teaching at a charter school where the majority of the students come from low income, single parent homes. Yes, my students are raised watching lots of television, listening to inappropriate music and playing video games. However, due to their economic background, I feel that they are lacking the knowledge of many of the technologies that exist today. I am even finding it difficult to have the students complete homework assignments online because many of them do not have internet access at home, let alone computers.
Hence I did not find a clear relationship between the students I teach and the students mentioned in these articles, I was able to relate these articles to the generation of my younger brother and sister. I noticed that many of the characteristics discussed, especially by Howe and Strauss, were ones that are present in my younger brother and sister.
Being raised in the same household as my younger brother and sister and by the same parents, I often question how these two kids turned out so different from the rest of us in the family. I try to question my parents’ parental skill and whether they gave up on the younger ones. Questions as such always linger through my mind as I try to make sense of why my younger siblings behave in the manner they do. The rest of the kids in our family are very family-oriented, social, respectful, especially of our parents, and considerate of the feelings of others… Where did these two kids come from? When I see their behavior and their disregard for authority it really bothers me. How could these two kids be born into a family like ours? Reading these articles gave me a better understanding of “what went wrong”. They also gave me some sense of comfort. Although, initially I did not see my little brother as one who would consider going to college as an option. I now see him a little more serious about his life and the decisions he makes…sometimes. When I read the characteristics of kids in this generation, they remind me a lot of my siblings and the stages of life they have and are going through. It also helps me to see how I think of them and how they can be looked at through the eyes of others, such as Howe, Strauss and Prensky. I must admit, I did see them as self-absorbed, distrustful, rule-breakers, neglected and to some extent stupid (or at least made horrible decisions). These articles made me look at these characteristics in a different light, a more optimistic light. As many of the students in this generation, it is fair to say that, they, like all kids in their generation, are very intelligent and focused individuals. Their focuses, however, revolve more around them and less with the individuals around them. The way the Howe and Strauss defines their self-absorption, distrustfulness, rule-breaking attitudes and intelligence is really great. Once we shy away from the stereotypes of this generation and the type of world they will produce, we become more reassured that they will make things better. That they, as all kids, go through stages and eventually turn out alright.
I guess you can say that the Millennial Generation or the Digital Natives, however you want to refer to them, could actually becoming a generation of hope and change. A generation made up of smart, free-thinking individuals who are aware of what is going on in the world, who are not self-absorbed and actually think outside of the box, for a change. A generation who looks for knowledge as opposed to sitting back and getting brainwashed by the closed-minded, one-sided thoughts that are being portrayed through the media and television today.
Maybe the Millennial Generation will actually be made up of some pretty intelligent individuals.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Interesting Blogs
I was never really interested in blogging nor did I even bother to think that it would be something I might be interested in looking at or reading from time to time. After becoming more acquainted with blogging, its ease of use, and the unlimited amount of information and resources that are accessed with little to no effort, I think blogging might actually be something that could be interesting to partake in. After performing many searches and viewing many blogs and RSS feeds these are the ones that most caught my attention.
Teaching Ideas
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TeachingIdeas
Being a teacher for 6 years now, you can never have enough resources to utilize on the classroom. It seems that with every new set of students, come a handful of challenges. I find it very hard to reuse many of the resources I had gathered the previous years because of all the new expectations that are put on teachers every year. Teaching Ideas seemed to be a good feed to subscribe to. This feed sends you new teaching ideas often that other teachers felt to be useful. It is always nice to see what other teachers are doing and see if those new methods could be ones that could be successful in your own classroom.
ActivBoarding
http://activboarding.blogspot.com/
This year, I was one of the few teachers that had been blessed with a beautiful Interactive Promethean Whiteboard. This is a great, powerful tool; however I find it very difficult to find ways to use it in the classroom. It did not come with a handheld manual, therefore I have to actually log onto the internet in order to learn more about its features. I often struggle with finding the time to do so, leaving me to download lessons that have been created by other teachers and hoping that they fit nicely with what I am trying to teach. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn’t. Subscribing to this blogs gives me a chance to become better acquainted with the tools and features it offers without putting forth much effort. I scroll through these blogs as I normally would my emails and read the blogs I feel I can most benefit from. I feel more hopeful that I will begin using the interactive whiteboard more effectively after subscribing to these blogs.
Instructify
http://instructify.com/feed/
Instructify seems like a useful feed to be subscribed to. It basically informs you of the great classroom ideas and new methods of instruction. It also updates you on the latest teaching technology and how they can be used for instruction. Since I am almost done with my Instructional Technology degree, I should at least be more familiar with the technology that is being used in schools around the world.
2¢ Worth
http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/?feed=rss2
The current blogs I read on 2¢ Worth were not really that great; however this site has been recommended on the Instructify site as a must-read blog for teachers. David Warlick, the blogger on this feed basically discusses his opinions and ideas about educational technology and how others perceive it.
Michigan.gov
http://www.michigan.gov/rss/0,2348,7-192-31933--44554-,00.xml
I sometimes feel that I am very unaware of what is happening in education and other current affairs the state of Michigan is discussing. Subscribing to Michigan.gov is a good way to keep me updated on government issues as they arise.
Teaching Ideas
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TeachingIdeas
Being a teacher for 6 years now, you can never have enough resources to utilize on the classroom. It seems that with every new set of students, come a handful of challenges. I find it very hard to reuse many of the resources I had gathered the previous years because of all the new expectations that are put on teachers every year. Teaching Ideas seemed to be a good feed to subscribe to. This feed sends you new teaching ideas often that other teachers felt to be useful. It is always nice to see what other teachers are doing and see if those new methods could be ones that could be successful in your own classroom.
ActivBoarding
http://activboarding.blogspot.com/
This year, I was one of the few teachers that had been blessed with a beautiful Interactive Promethean Whiteboard. This is a great, powerful tool; however I find it very difficult to find ways to use it in the classroom. It did not come with a handheld manual, therefore I have to actually log onto the internet in order to learn more about its features. I often struggle with finding the time to do so, leaving me to download lessons that have been created by other teachers and hoping that they fit nicely with what I am trying to teach. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn’t. Subscribing to this blogs gives me a chance to become better acquainted with the tools and features it offers without putting forth much effort. I scroll through these blogs as I normally would my emails and read the blogs I feel I can most benefit from. I feel more hopeful that I will begin using the interactive whiteboard more effectively after subscribing to these blogs.
Instructify
http://instructify.com/feed/
Instructify seems like a useful feed to be subscribed to. It basically informs you of the great classroom ideas and new methods of instruction. It also updates you on the latest teaching technology and how they can be used for instruction. Since I am almost done with my Instructional Technology degree, I should at least be more familiar with the technology that is being used in schools around the world.
2¢ Worth
http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/?feed=rss2
The current blogs I read on 2¢ Worth were not really that great; however this site has been recommended on the Instructify site as a must-read blog for teachers. David Warlick, the blogger on this feed basically discusses his opinions and ideas about educational technology and how others perceive it.
Michigan.gov
http://www.michigan.gov/rss/0,2348,7-192-31933--44554-,00.xml
I sometimes feel that I am very unaware of what is happening in education and other current affairs the state of Michigan is discussing. Subscribing to Michigan.gov is a good way to keep me updated on government issues as they arise.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Introduction to Me
Hello everyone,
My name is Asmaa Kayed. I am currently working at ABT Elementary, a charter school located in dearborn. I am a second grade teacher and have been so for the past 6 years. I am currently working on my master's degree in instructional technology with a k-12 emphasis. My goal is to have my master's complete by the end of the summer term. With my master's degree, I hope to broaden my career options and hopefully move up in my career.
My name is Asmaa Kayed. I am currently working at ABT Elementary, a charter school located in dearborn. I am a second grade teacher and have been so for the past 6 years. I am currently working on my master's degree in instructional technology with a k-12 emphasis. My goal is to have my master's complete by the end of the summer term. With my master's degree, I hope to broaden my career options and hopefully move up in my career.
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