Large corporations look toward the educational community to populate their companies with qualified employees. It is well worth the investment of corporate dollars to help teachers keep abreast of technology to better educate their potential employees.
Corporation often award grants to teachers who can show a project has merit and needs funding. Also a corporation’s help to a community it services shows itself to be neighborhood friendly. Corporation often sends funds to their alma maters. If a person has received an education that has help to make that person successful, they often send monies to that institution. Research is another way that corporations help educators. Often time’s college professors perform research in specific areas that require monies that a university cannot afford to keep funding. For example, research in turning corn into fuel. Many companies may look forward to funding any research in an attempt to be on the breaking edge of new technology. Although companies have research specialist, a new mind can always fresh idea to the table, that researchers may not have thought of.
Corporations have the resources and funding to invest in new technology that school districts and universities can not. Therefore, it is well worth their time and money to fund training for teachers/instructors and professors to learn what is new. This information can then be taught to upcoming employees and saves corporations from having to employee teachers on their payrolls. It is cheaper to fund a research project or educate a teacher to train students than to employ a group of teachers, and pay medical benefits, salaries and retirement benefits.
Not only does large corporation give to educational endeavors, some small companies do also. Often companies are looking for people to try out new products. What better way then to contribute to a local school. Students get the chance to use new products and companies get feedback that will make their product better. If a student starts out using a certain product research has proven they will stay with that product. There are many word processing products on the market; however, more popular by far is Microsoft WORD. Microsoft just about gives it software to educational institutions. This will prove profitable when students buy software for their own private use at home. Microsoft is not the only company practicing this kind of sales for the future. GPS monitoring systems does the same, and school calculators companies like “Texas Instruments” also have educator grants.
If a teacher can find the time to do research and write letters and grant applications, he/she can find monies to help their school district keep up with emerging technology.
Monday, November 19, 2007
IT645 Chapter 11 Q1 What are the legal, social, and ethical issues arising in the Digital Age? Summarize each.
Technology from an educational perspective carries with it both good applications and also areas of concern that could cause problems. The major areas of concern when implementing technology are legal issues, social issues, and ethical issues.
Legal issues covers the areas of copyright, privacy, acceptable use and piracy. In education there has always been an acceptable use policy for students and teachers (Fair Use doctrine). That use is an acceptable but limited number of pages of a document or second/minutes of sound or video. These policies are place so as not to cheat the owner of revenue generated from the product. Today’s technology allows for this information to be obtain easier than every before. As a professional, teachers are responsible for being gate keepers for checking whether a student document his/her work properly. This concern brought about the development of software packages like Turnitin, Plagiazed, and Copycatch that scan papers for illegal and improper use of student papers.
Privacy is another legal issue that has emerged o the technology scene. Every citizen (man, woman, or child) has privacy rights. As an educator, you must get permission to share information about information that you have gotten from a student which could be construed as private whether inadvertent or intentional that results in abuse. Also, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) passed in 1998 protects the information gathered by minors on the internet from misuse.
A few tips for teachers are: (1) keeping confidential information in a confidential and secured area as it refers to electronic equipment, (2) guard you login names and passwords, (3) secure storage devices (floppies, cd-rw, and USB devices), (4) also guard students photographs as well.
If a teacher’s his/herself abides by the Fair Use Doctrine, a Code of Professional Ethics and school guide lines then students should be fine. Most school districts also have purchased filtering software to keep students safe from questionable materials. This software keeps students away from sited by trying to access improper sites and also by using Keyword that would access questionable sites. Sometimes this poses a problem for students doing research. For instant “breast cancer”, however there are still libraries to access information. More than likely this would be a problem for high school students.
Software Piracy is another legal concern. Software piracy is the illegal use of software like making copies of music CDs or movies on video tapes or CD. A teacher should not engage in this practice nor allow students to use such stolen information. Any software that a teacher uses should be controlled by a network administrator.
Social issues in the digital age cover a number of issues such as equity and accessibility of software. Equity concerns the have’s and have not’s. The benefits of technology are often expenses. Every student does not have a computer at home, the internet, or the most advanced digital equipment that could help to keep the students abreast of what is going on in the world. A teacher has to be careful to assign projects within the limits of the class as a whole. The best scenario is to make sure that the class has an opportunity to go to the computer lab as a class to gain necessary information. We refer to this as the digital divide. The digital divide transcends not only socio-economic concerns but also gender differences, educational lines and even persons with disabilities often cannot get access to the latest or greatest technology. Sometimes students have computers but can not afford the monthly internet cost. Although we have come along way, teachers still have to keep in mind that everyone does not have the technology tools and access to complete assignments.
Although our country was built on the principle of “freedom of Speech”, there are still concerns that involve the internet that calls for searching for a definition that will include the new technologies. We have touched upon these issues earlier with inappropriate sites for children, academic honesty, and the right to have a view point does not necessarily give an internet site academic credibility. Although technology changes daily and we try to keep abreast of the information and tools such as wireless networking, WiFi technology and visual reality games, it is still important for an education to keep abreast of all this new information and make sure that “all” students have access to your knowledge. This often requires school districts to investigate the technology before investing in it.
Good Luck.
Legal issues covers the areas of copyright, privacy, acceptable use and piracy. In education there has always been an acceptable use policy for students and teachers (Fair Use doctrine). That use is an acceptable but limited number of pages of a document or second/minutes of sound or video. These policies are place so as not to cheat the owner of revenue generated from the product. Today’s technology allows for this information to be obtain easier than every before. As a professional, teachers are responsible for being gate keepers for checking whether a student document his/her work properly. This concern brought about the development of software packages like Turnitin, Plagiazed, and Copycatch that scan papers for illegal and improper use of student papers.
Privacy is another legal issue that has emerged o the technology scene. Every citizen (man, woman, or child) has privacy rights. As an educator, you must get permission to share information about information that you have gotten from a student which could be construed as private whether inadvertent or intentional that results in abuse. Also, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) passed in 1998 protects the information gathered by minors on the internet from misuse.
A few tips for teachers are: (1) keeping confidential information in a confidential and secured area as it refers to electronic equipment, (2) guard you login names and passwords, (3) secure storage devices (floppies, cd-rw, and USB devices), (4) also guard students photographs as well.
If a teacher’s his/herself abides by the Fair Use Doctrine, a Code of Professional Ethics and school guide lines then students should be fine. Most school districts also have purchased filtering software to keep students safe from questionable materials. This software keeps students away from sited by trying to access improper sites and also by using Keyword that would access questionable sites. Sometimes this poses a problem for students doing research. For instant “breast cancer”, however there are still libraries to access information. More than likely this would be a problem for high school students.
Software Piracy is another legal concern. Software piracy is the illegal use of software like making copies of music CDs or movies on video tapes or CD. A teacher should not engage in this practice nor allow students to use such stolen information. Any software that a teacher uses should be controlled by a network administrator.
Social issues in the digital age cover a number of issues such as equity and accessibility of software. Equity concerns the have’s and have not’s. The benefits of technology are often expenses. Every student does not have a computer at home, the internet, or the most advanced digital equipment that could help to keep the students abreast of what is going on in the world. A teacher has to be careful to assign projects within the limits of the class as a whole. The best scenario is to make sure that the class has an opportunity to go to the computer lab as a class to gain necessary information. We refer to this as the digital divide. The digital divide transcends not only socio-economic concerns but also gender differences, educational lines and even persons with disabilities often cannot get access to the latest or greatest technology. Sometimes students have computers but can not afford the monthly internet cost. Although we have come along way, teachers still have to keep in mind that everyone does not have the technology tools and access to complete assignments.
Although our country was built on the principle of “freedom of Speech”, there are still concerns that involve the internet that calls for searching for a definition that will include the new technologies. We have touched upon these issues earlier with inappropriate sites for children, academic honesty, and the right to have a view point does not necessarily give an internet site academic credibility. Although technology changes daily and we try to keep abreast of the information and tools such as wireless networking, WiFi technology and visual reality games, it is still important for an education to keep abreast of all this new information and make sure that “all” students have access to your knowledge. This often requires school districts to investigate the technology before investing in it.
Good Luck.
Monday, November 12, 2007
IT645 Chptr 10 Q2 What is Distance Leaning? What types of support are critical to the success of distance education? Why?
In the beginning Distance Learning was a term that was associated with affording students from rural community the same opportunity as large urban or suburban communities as it relates to receiving instruction for subjects that would otherwise not be available to students. A student wishing to take calculus or Latin could sign up for the class and receive the information via the mail, much like an independent study course. At first, “nontraditional instruction” was receiving subjects via mail. Students would do assignments and return the packages to a teacher to be graded. The postal system is slow at best and does not allow for communication between student and teachers. Individual instruction was lost without the exchanged between teacher and student.
The idea of Distance Learning would evolve to include more and better technology that helped to develop the ideas about learning in a more non-traditional way. New technology in the telephone arena has developed teleconferencing. Satellite technology has enabled video conferencing. Computers have added the ability to have chat rooms and email. The internet can have complete syllabus available to everyone without waiting days for the postal services to get a package from point A to point B.
The most importance component for success in this scenario of learning is timely and accurate exchange of communications between teacher and student. More and more school districts are allowing this way to teaching to become available to students. Students may be home bound due to illness, or like many child-stars not available during traditional hours as students without a work obligation. Student athletics who have rigorous practice schedules can now take an Distance Learning class and not loose any credits toward graduation.
Timely communication between student and teacher is critical. If a teacher can respond to a student via email, or chat room then learning is not put on the side while awaiting a response through the postal system. Satellite vide conferencing allows student to see a teacher interacting in present time with students. A student can see a teacher lecturing and posing scenarios on a white-board. Even the use of the telephone to call parents on the phone to discuss a student’s progress is a plus in communication.
These forms of feedback are crucial to a student understanding the subject information and also having an instructor to learn how to alter instruction for each individual student. The key to this success is built around planning and a great deal of problem solving before the situation occurs. A master flow chart need to be designed that has a solution for every possible problem that a student and/or teacher could experience. Therefore, Distance Learning is still a work in progress.
The idea of Distance Learning would evolve to include more and better technology that helped to develop the ideas about learning in a more non-traditional way. New technology in the telephone arena has developed teleconferencing. Satellite technology has enabled video conferencing. Computers have added the ability to have chat rooms and email. The internet can have complete syllabus available to everyone without waiting days for the postal services to get a package from point A to point B.
The most importance component for success in this scenario of learning is timely and accurate exchange of communications between teacher and student. More and more school districts are allowing this way to teaching to become available to students. Students may be home bound due to illness, or like many child-stars not available during traditional hours as students without a work obligation. Student athletics who have rigorous practice schedules can now take an Distance Learning class and not loose any credits toward graduation.
Timely communication between student and teacher is critical. If a teacher can respond to a student via email, or chat room then learning is not put on the side while awaiting a response through the postal system. Satellite vide conferencing allows student to see a teacher interacting in present time with students. A student can see a teacher lecturing and posing scenarios on a white-board. Even the use of the telephone to call parents on the phone to discuss a student’s progress is a plus in communication.
These forms of feedback are crucial to a student understanding the subject information and also having an instructor to learn how to alter instruction for each individual student. The key to this success is built around planning and a great deal of problem solving before the situation occurs. A master flow chart need to be designed that has a solution for every possible problem that a student and/or teacher could experience. Therefore, Distance Learning is still a work in progress.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
IT-645 Chptr 9 Q3 Why is it important to preview and evaluate videos? What tools should you use to be sure a video is communicating the intended mes
It is important to preview and evaluate videos for relevance to the subject being taught, to make sure the information is current and engaging, to make sure that the technical quality of the video is good quality and to be able to have time to create supportive materials for the students. This is seems like a long list of criteria needed to select a video for an educational goal, however it will save you in the long run. Videos that are to broad in scope will loose the viewer. It is important to show only information that is key to the lesson since in most classes time is of the essence. First, even before showing a video, parents should have signed any parental form necessary. In many school districts, the principal also has to give permission. This is a safety for the teacher, the school and the school district.
Before permission slips are sent out, it is understood that the following tasks have been performed. The instructor has viewed the video for elements that add clarity to the curriculum concepts for the lesson being taught. Often times a whole video is not required, you may only need to show a few minutes instead of a whole hour video. Previewing a video allows a teacher to select what is important and identify where it on the media, so it will start up instantly.
After identifying and deciding what you will show to your students, it is then important to create a worksheet or study guide that keeps the students engaged. This information can be written while watching the video or after it is complete. It helps students to stay focused on what is important.
Video technology allows to teachers to bring current information in the classroom. This is often more up-to-date than waiting on a book to be published. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the information is accurate and current. Student will rely on the information that you give them as fact.
Lastly, there is nothing that will loose the attention of students more quickly than a technically, poorly produced video. The information should have clear, crisp graphics and the sound should be clear. Students are more likely to remember information that plays smoothly and to be less disruptive if they are kept busy.
Creating a Video Evaluation Sheet that cover the eras of concern as discussed earlier, will save you time and assure you of a smooth visual experience. You are assuring yourself, parents, and students of a great learning experience that will stay with students for a long time.
Before permission slips are sent out, it is understood that the following tasks have been performed. The instructor has viewed the video for elements that add clarity to the curriculum concepts for the lesson being taught. Often times a whole video is not required, you may only need to show a few minutes instead of a whole hour video. Previewing a video allows a teacher to select what is important and identify where it on the media, so it will start up instantly.
After identifying and deciding what you will show to your students, it is then important to create a worksheet or study guide that keeps the students engaged. This information can be written while watching the video or after it is complete. It helps students to stay focused on what is important.
Video technology allows to teachers to bring current information in the classroom. This is often more up-to-date than waiting on a book to be published. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the information is accurate and current. Student will rely on the information that you give them as fact.
Lastly, there is nothing that will loose the attention of students more quickly than a technically, poorly produced video. The information should have clear, crisp graphics and the sound should be clear. Students are more likely to remember information that plays smoothly and to be less disruptive if they are kept busy.
Creating a Video Evaluation Sheet that cover the eras of concern as discussed earlier, will save you time and assure you of a smooth visual experience. You are assuring yourself, parents, and students of a great learning experience that will stay with students for a long time.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
IT645 Chptr 8 Q1 How can a classroom web site improve communications with students, parents, and community?
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.
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.
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.
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