Thing #6 - Cell Phones in the Classroom?!?

Using cell phones in the classroom is an interesting concept. Reading the title made me curious of how this technology could be used in class. I had some of my own ideas about using cell phones in the classroom but this article really broaden my imagination. This technology can not only be used in the class but also outside of class. Some ideas were using the cell phone to collect data like pictures and videos. It could also be used for assessment like oral quizzes and texting an assignment. Text messaging could also be used as "assistive technology" for the hearing impaired. Some of the obstacles of using this technology in class are all students may not have a phone, some of the phones may not have all the upgrades needed to accomplish the assignment, keeping students on task while using the phone and getting support of parents and adminstration. On the personal end do you really want 100 homework assignment text messages?!!

Thing #4 - "Exploring Blogs"

Through the exploratory blog reading, I noticed some where written more in a conversational tone while others used a more serious tone. I personally liked the ones that were brief & conversational because it seemed easier to grasp the information.

I found of personal interest was the blog concerning homework. Homework is a challenging issue for all teachers. I agree that those who do not need the grade (A & B student and already know the concept) do the homework and those who need the grade (failing and do not know the concept) do not do the homework. Homework should not be something to do just to fill in class time. Because of the block schedule, I usually assign a short homework assignment so students at least have to look at biology on the days the are not in class. Of course you know which students do the homework!!

Thing #5 - "cyberbullying"

This article is about a student who wrote in facebook about one of her teachers. The school suspended her for 3 days. The student who is now a freshman at the University of Florida is sueing the principal to have the suspension removed from her record. She states this could possibly keep her from getting into graduate school or landing her dream job. Her lawyer feels that she has the right to freedom of speech. The school feels that once she use the word hatred that it was verbal harrassment and warranted the suspension. All of this raises important questions since this is our new way of getting "news".

Thing # 2 - A Day in the Life of WeB 2.0

Using Web 2.0 in the classroom is an opportunity to enhance traditional teaching strategies. Podcast, Blog and computers are wonderful tools to add to your educational "toolbox". Podcast is an exciting way to bring updated information to you class curriculum. Of course you would not only need to have the resources (knowledge and skills) to use them but possibly other tools ...MP3 player. A blog is a wonderful resource in helping with communication. Students, parents, administrators and other teacher can know what is going on in class by viewing posted assignments, resources and activities. The ability to respond to what is posted can help "tweak" assignment/activities. The challenge of using Web 2.0 in the class not only includes gaining the knowledge and skills but also ensuring that students are using the technology academically and not socially.

Thing #1 - Life Long Learners

This is a little more difficult than I thought. The thought that any random person might be reading what I am thinking makes me a little nervous ( It probably has something to do with age or generation thing -I was probably the last generation of "children are seen not heard") With that said I will do my best to let go and......BLOG!!



These are a few thoughts that I received from the 7.5 Habits video that I thought were important. (It's my blog so I know that there is no right or wrong to this. RIGHT??)

Some of the habits, like goal planning & taking responsibility for your own learning are habits that I am familiar with. As I move along in time (there's that age thing again) these things become more a part of who I am. In other words, I do them without knowing that I am doing them (I guess that is why it is called a habit). Some of these habits are associated with attitude. And we all know what a difference attitudes can make! These are - look at problems as challenges and have confidence!! I don't know why a challenge is better than a problem but it does makes IT easier to deal with. Confidence is about knowing and believing in yourself (Dream, Believe, Achieve... that's what the people at North say!!) The Learning Toolbox was a great visual for the tools that you would need to accomplish anything. Some of the tools you would need to be a lifelong learner are mentors and technology (which is actually one of the 7.5 habits - Remember that technology is your friend not your enemy!!) . Also from experience I know the best way to really know the ins and outs of something is to teach it to some else. It's always been said if its fun (play) you will continue to learn!