We constantly see cell phones as a distraction and a way to void the lecture of the head of the classroom, however can these mobile devices actually protect our children during dangerous or harmful circumstances? The way I saw this was beyond the typical complaints of this mobile phone, but as more of a safety issue. In today's society we put so much emphasis on technology, whether we mean to or not.
I can even remember when my older sister had first received her cell phone at age 17, and that was early at that age. Now-a-days you see 10 year olds running around with the newest and brightest cellular device.
Anyways, in school there are some advantages to having a cell phone, at least from a parenting perspective. If there ever were a case of emergency in the school, one that places those in its facilities in danger, it could lead to faster and more efficient means of contacting help. We are not strangers to such situations, we have seen tragedies like the shootings that occurred in Colorado at Columbine High school.
Even with less severe cases, bullying is where most of these tragedies begin. You can't really find a mobile device without a camera attachment in today's recent models, this could also help protect the student body. Being able to take pictures or have the ability to call for help at any time is a benefit within its self.
With every advantage comes disadvantages. In emergency cases, sometimes cellphone usage can actually worsen a situation. At times, when there are emergencies and most children call home to their parents, parents do worry, after all they are parents. Sometimes the lines to the school will be so held up with worried home-calls that calling the authorities may be difficult and cause chaos.
If anyone wants to vote and take surveys on what they think about cellular devices in school, you can go to http://www.ehow.com/
This site is perfect for all people. It offers anywhere from education blogs to parenting advice.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Technology: Yay or Nay?
I was searching the web and found an article promoting a new type of multimedia server to be used in classrooms. What caught my eye was not simply the advantages that come with its use, but the fact that it can be effective for K-12 classrooms.It's called the SnapStream Server and what it does is enable teachers to stream in any multimedia clips, videos, radio broadcasts, the list goes on and on.
It's simple, whatever you can find on the internet, television, radio, or any other electronic, you now have the ability to safely and ethically stream it through your schools centralized media centers into your lesson plans. What I find a lot is that there are so many great educational shows or series out there in television but it may either: Take too much time to download via internet, or bringing in a recorded tape of the episode may be shut down by the lack of availability of a school television to view it. We should not shun television viewing in education, especially if used effectively.
With this server you can immediately stream television showings to the classroom in a quick, straight forward manner. I think that this will enable educators to form solid, varied, educational lessons for all ages, while keeping their students entertained. With such ease of technology there do come struggles.Yes, we all had that feeling that when there was news that there would be a video presented in class that day it would be a great day to relax and slack off. To avoid these types of stereotypes involved with technology in the classroom, you can
A.) Instill more of a progressive standpoint and have students relate to what they are viewing/listening to their lives today.
B.) Make sure you have some sort of evaluation or assessment afterwards, like have the students take notes or do group discussions about what was learned.
I know you never want to focus mainly on how you can integrate technology in the classroom, but I feel that if it is used effectively you can not only spice up the typical pen and paper lesson plan but also help with the changing times of our society and integrate something that our youth is becoming in seemingly familiarized with.
If anyone is interested in learning more about this new SnapStream server and possibly get started talking with your administrators about possibly getting involved with it I have attached a link. I think it will make it easier and less intimidating for all those out there who are scared of technology and its often times difficulty of use! Remember, these types of programs and servers are out there to help you out, have fun with it!
SnapStream Server
It's simple, whatever you can find on the internet, television, radio, or any other electronic, you now have the ability to safely and ethically stream it through your schools centralized media centers into your lesson plans. What I find a lot is that there are so many great educational shows or series out there in television but it may either: Take too much time to download via internet, or bringing in a recorded tape of the episode may be shut down by the lack of availability of a school television to view it. We should not shun television viewing in education, especially if used effectively.
With this server you can immediately stream television showings to the classroom in a quick, straight forward manner. I think that this will enable educators to form solid, varied, educational lessons for all ages, while keeping their students entertained. With such ease of technology there do come struggles.Yes, we all had that feeling that when there was news that there would be a video presented in class that day it would be a great day to relax and slack off. To avoid these types of stereotypes involved with technology in the classroom, you can
A.) Instill more of a progressive standpoint and have students relate to what they are viewing/listening to their lives today.
B.) Make sure you have some sort of evaluation or assessment afterwards, like have the students take notes or do group discussions about what was learned.
I know you never want to focus mainly on how you can integrate technology in the classroom, but I feel that if it is used effectively you can not only spice up the typical pen and paper lesson plan but also help with the changing times of our society and integrate something that our youth is becoming in seemingly familiarized with.
If anyone is interested in learning more about this new SnapStream server and possibly get started talking with your administrators about possibly getting involved with it I have attached a link. I think it will make it easier and less intimidating for all those out there who are scared of technology and its often times difficulty of use! Remember, these types of programs and servers are out there to help you out, have fun with it!
SnapStream Server
Thursday, March 3, 2011
My goals for the blog!
I chose to right this blog just so that my readers can see my open views about today's educational topics. I know you may not agree with a lot of my opinions at times, but hey isn't that what a blog is all about!? I hope we can have a great, open blog for everyone to explain their views on some of the topics I discuss. Hopefully through discussion and seeing others' views, we can learn and grow on our journey throughout our educational world. Most of our blogs will pertain to the earlier years of education, but ultimately as long as you have the foundations you can sure apply and relate to many of our entries. I hope to create a fun, helpful environment for my readers and look forward to all of our discussions!
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