A classroom web site improves communications with students, parents, and community by developing making the academic setting a focal point of activity for each group mentioned above.
For students who may suffer from an illness or tragic situation that keeps that student from the classroom a web site can present an opportunity for the student to keep abreast of the class homework. Also, lost handouts can easily be reproduced by simply printing then again. No more, dog at my homework stories. Students can also interact with a teacher by using the email address associated with the web page. This is another way to help the visual learner. Many teachers teach web page design and allow students to update the web page with pictures and create discussion blogs with students from around the world. A list of references links to other good sites can help give students ideas on how to better complete outside work assigned to them
For parents a web site improves communication because the parent can be in constant connection with what a teacher is doing in the classroom. Parents can see the class syllabus, email a teacher, and check on their child progress, without scheduling time away from their job. A simple email is a great way to make contact with a teacher instead of trying to meet on that person’s planning period.
For community a web page engages the community with the teacher and his/her students. Community members can interacts with teacher and students on projects that can help the local community. For instance, a green campaign on recycling could serve as an update for local community leaders about a classroom project to help clean up a local park. Tax dollars keep our school operating, however very few opportunities present themselves for the community to see teachers in a classroom. A web page creates such an opportunity. The use of blogs also can attract community leaders to voice and opinion on classroom activities. The more community member and parents use the web page, the easier it will become at using this as a form of communicating.
Lastly, for educators a web page is very helpful tool to help other teachers. Often time’s teachers share ideas and concepts for teaching classes. These ideas can be viewed from a web page and emailed to a teacher for more information.
With out busy lives, we must take every opportunity to communicate fast, and efficiently. Web pages along with email are a great way to foster that communication. From forgetful students, to parents who can not get away from work, to a community leader helping out in a classroom project, web pages are a win – win situation.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
ITS-645 Chapter 7 Q2 What is the difference between asynchronous and synchronous communications?
Internet based communications is either asynchronous or synchronous. Asynchronous communication is communication that is time shifted while synchronous communication is same time communication.
The most popular internet based communication is electronic mail (email). The software that manages email is similar to the regular postal service, it is however, digital. Along with using email are several other software packages that make sending and receiving email manageable. Most Internet Service Providers (ISP) package the sending and receiving of mail with personal address books. These electronic books keep track of names using internet protocol along with any formal or nickname the user opt to store the information. Another popular package with email is the use of calendars. Calendars store information by date and task and inform the user or email another party of a task to be remembered. However, the managing of email is just one form of asynchronous (async) communications. Other forms of async communications are bulleting boards, clubs, conference forums and list servers. Posting information on bulleting boards are a great way to request information or ask questions that can later be checked by the sender or anyone else searching the web. Clubs and conferences can interact with specific membership list to keep in touch about information that is easier to share then printing and sending threw traditional ways.
Although email is exceptionally popular, synchronous or same-time communication is gaining momentum. Synchronous software is software that includes but not limited to chat rooms, Instant Messages and video-conferencing. This software requires both end-users to interact with each other almost instantly. Video conferencing requires the use of video so that each party can see each other. Chat rooms do not have video, but all parties can type and open a chat room up to only people that have permission. When all parties can respond to each others comments or communication this is referred to as being in sync.
Many companies use video conferencing instead of having employees traveling from point A to point B. This has become a great way to save the company money and yet still being productive. Email, likewise, has tremendously changed how we communicate. Instead of sending mail via the postal system (taking several days) an email can be sent instantaneous. This saves time, money and helps people to be more productive. Originally email where for written form, today you can email pictures, voice and music. Both forms of communications are very important. I wonder what will be next.
The most popular internet based communication is electronic mail (email). The software that manages email is similar to the regular postal service, it is however, digital. Along with using email are several other software packages that make sending and receiving email manageable. Most Internet Service Providers (ISP) package the sending and receiving of mail with personal address books. These electronic books keep track of names using internet protocol along with any formal or nickname the user opt to store the information. Another popular package with email is the use of calendars. Calendars store information by date and task and inform the user or email another party of a task to be remembered. However, the managing of email is just one form of asynchronous (async) communications. Other forms of async communications are bulleting boards, clubs, conference forums and list servers. Posting information on bulleting boards are a great way to request information or ask questions that can later be checked by the sender or anyone else searching the web. Clubs and conferences can interact with specific membership list to keep in touch about information that is easier to share then printing and sending threw traditional ways.
Although email is exceptionally popular, synchronous or same-time communication is gaining momentum. Synchronous software is software that includes but not limited to chat rooms, Instant Messages and video-conferencing. This software requires both end-users to interact with each other almost instantly. Video conferencing requires the use of video so that each party can see each other. Chat rooms do not have video, but all parties can type and open a chat room up to only people that have permission. When all parties can respond to each others comments or communication this is referred to as being in sync.
Many companies use video conferencing instead of having employees traveling from point A to point B. This has become a great way to save the company money and yet still being productive. Email, likewise, has tremendously changed how we communicate. Instead of sending mail via the postal system (taking several days) an email can be sent instantaneous. This saves time, money and helps people to be more productive. Originally email where for written form, today you can email pictures, voice and music. Both forms of communications are very important. I wonder what will be next.
Monday, October 15, 2007
ITS-645 Chapter 6 Q3 Problem Solving vs. Brainstorming Tools
Problem solving software is software that involves the student by focusing on creative problem solving methods instead of drill and practice software. Drill and practice software is more of a review and practice form of learning. I think of drill and practice as an assessment tool. Problem solving software allows for critical thinking and challenges the student to make decisions and observe the consequences of those actions. The virtual chemistry lab is a great example of problem solving software. Problem solving software creates scenarios’ that need solutions. Out of x-number of possible solutions a student can make a selection and then evaluate the results of that decision. Students then can go back and adjust the outcome until they are satisfied with the results.
Brainstorming is a creative outlet that requires no right or wrong answer. Brainstorming is searching for ideas and concepts that can be applied to a particular problem or question that needs to be researched. Brainstorming may result in using concept maps to visually be able to see ideas in graphic form. Many visual learners may be able to use brainstorming and concept maps to organize their thought processes before approaching the bigger or larger problem. All solutions to problems start with some form of brainstorming. Brainstorming permits the learner to think in logical and abstract ways about possible solutions.
Both brainstorming and problem solving software are essential tools in the learning process. I think starting off a project with brainstorming is a first level introduction to learning. As a student learns and becomes more familiar with a subject or project, he/she can then test that knowledge by using problem solving software. However, if you have an advanced learner, you may want to challenge that student to use the problem solving method first instead of the brainstorming strategy.
Today’s software has something to offer everyone. Each teacher should walk each piece of software to understand its limits. Doing this will better equip them to help students. Teacher are also learning at this level themselves. All the sciences in school are great outlets for problem solving. Brainstorming software has proven beneficial in the English subject areas. Today’s student must be equipped to not only become an independent learner by using new software but also keep abreast of technology. Keeping abreast of technology is in itself a course in problem solving.
Brainstorming is a creative outlet that requires no right or wrong answer. Brainstorming is searching for ideas and concepts that can be applied to a particular problem or question that needs to be researched. Brainstorming may result in using concept maps to visually be able to see ideas in graphic form. Many visual learners may be able to use brainstorming and concept maps to organize their thought processes before approaching the bigger or larger problem. All solutions to problems start with some form of brainstorming. Brainstorming permits the learner to think in logical and abstract ways about possible solutions.
Both brainstorming and problem solving software are essential tools in the learning process. I think starting off a project with brainstorming is a first level introduction to learning. As a student learns and becomes more familiar with a subject or project, he/she can then test that knowledge by using problem solving software. However, if you have an advanced learner, you may want to challenge that student to use the problem solving method first instead of the brainstorming strategy.
Today’s software has something to offer everyone. Each teacher should walk each piece of software to understand its limits. Doing this will better equip them to help students. Teacher are also learning at this level themselves. All the sciences in school are great outlets for problem solving. Brainstorming software has proven beneficial in the English subject areas. Today’s student must be equipped to not only become an independent learner by using new software but also keep abreast of technology. Keeping abreast of technology is in itself a course in problem solving.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
IT645 Response to Digital Native - Digital Immigrants
Different Day – Different Student
It is safe to say that traditional teachers where not equipped with computers, cell phones, the internet and electronic devices while attending high school. Therefore, their reality about learning differs greatly from what young people today experience. Teaching “digital native” students means that instructors have to be equipped to accept how society has changed what defines as a new learning environment.
Students have learned to accept modern technology as an everyday necessity. Text messaging, for example, is a new language with abbreviated words and acronyms. Many English teachers snarl at the though of accept it as a way to communicate. Librarian no longer can wait for students to pile in to do research in the traditional way. Many students use the internet to get more than enough information. The learning trend is not in getting the information, but in deciphering it.
Many teachers are what we call, “digital immigrants.” They are learning about technology slowly as the need arises. Students, however, are being raised with new technology and operating within a technology environment is second nature. A large number of students can multi-task very easily. Part of the reason maybe that a large number of students are diagnosed as ADD or ADHD. Such students present themselves as a challenge to teachers who are not equipped to manage such a classroom.
Another issue being discussed by educators is the number of older students returning to education. Many students mature later than anticipated and decide later in life to go to college. These students bring with them families, jobs, and adult responsibilities. There approach to what they want to get out of education exceeds that of the instructor’s who learning experience has been traditional. Traditional has always included reading textbooks and writing laborious reports. Today’s student creates powerpoint presentations that are visually more attractive and memorable. The powerpoint informs the whole class and not just the teacher reading the paper.
Technology is both good and bad. Regardless of what we think of technology, as educators it behooves us to keep abreast of the changes and challenges that are occurring. We owe it to ourselves and our students to be ahead of the pack.
It is safe to say that traditional teachers where not equipped with computers, cell phones, the internet and electronic devices while attending high school. Therefore, their reality about learning differs greatly from what young people today experience. Teaching “digital native” students means that instructors have to be equipped to accept how society has changed what defines as a new learning environment.
Students have learned to accept modern technology as an everyday necessity. Text messaging, for example, is a new language with abbreviated words and acronyms. Many English teachers snarl at the though of accept it as a way to communicate. Librarian no longer can wait for students to pile in to do research in the traditional way. Many students use the internet to get more than enough information. The learning trend is not in getting the information, but in deciphering it.
Many teachers are what we call, “digital immigrants.” They are learning about technology slowly as the need arises. Students, however, are being raised with new technology and operating within a technology environment is second nature. A large number of students can multi-task very easily. Part of the reason maybe that a large number of students are diagnosed as ADD or ADHD. Such students present themselves as a challenge to teachers who are not equipped to manage such a classroom.
Another issue being discussed by educators is the number of older students returning to education. Many students mature later than anticipated and decide later in life to go to college. These students bring with them families, jobs, and adult responsibilities. There approach to what they want to get out of education exceeds that of the instructor’s who learning experience has been traditional. Traditional has always included reading textbooks and writing laborious reports. Today’s student creates powerpoint presentations that are visually more attractive and memorable. The powerpoint informs the whole class and not just the teacher reading the paper.
Technology is both good and bad. Regardless of what we think of technology, as educators it behooves us to keep abreast of the changes and challenges that are occurring. We owe it to ourselves and our students to be ahead of the pack.
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