Article Assessment #3

Shanna Rounds November 15, 2007
shannarounds@yahoo.com
Tools for the Mind
by Mary Burns

In this article, Mary Burns addresses the trouble with technology in schools. The problem is not the technology itself, but the way our students are using and, more importantly, not using the resources available to them. Burns points out that students most often use Microsoft Office tools, such as Power Point, which only require low-order operations. Unfortunately, according to Ms. Burns, higher-order applications such as spreadsheets and databases are rarely used. On-line collaboration has also been neglected and therefore negates the need for broadband, which was highly sought-after for school use. In Burns' view, the Internet is simply an electronic textbook. So what is the reason students are not using computers to create learning experiences? It is really very simple, teachers themselves do not understand the tools or their instructional possibilities.

The solutions Burns presents to us is that we teach critical thinking first. She notes that we must return to the belief in the need for critical thinking, learner-centered education, and for students to use the computers as mind tools.

Main Points:

• Tools such as PowerPoint, Word, and Publisher are all low-order applications.
• Spreadsheets and Databases demand concrete and abstract reasoning, higher-order applications.
• We should teach critical thinking first and technology later.
• Focus on curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• Students must become creators of information and ideas, not just users of technology.
• Plan your curriculum and fit in technology. Do not shove curriculum into technology.
• Technology should support the core areas of teaching.

I appreciate what this article has to say. I think Ms. Burns is focused on what is important, rather than simply assuming that technology is the end-all-be-it for the future of education. I am now encouraged to learn how to use technology which addresses higher-order thinking so that I may teach my students the same skills. I would, however, like to know what she means by calling computers an "expensive fad for boondoggle"? The article was terribly boring, but at the same time had a lot of truths embedded in it.

Reflecting on my Presentation

First, I look at the screen too often. A good presenter would have notecards, or have all their slides memorized. Also, my presentation is boring. I wave my hands around too much. I need a way to change the slide myself, (unfortunately the remote control did not work.) I am not sure how I would make this particular subject more interesting besides getting the audience involved, (if I had one.)

Some good points include clarity and a strong voice, (a family trait.) I was relaxed and comfortable while presenting. Video is a good tool for self-analysis. I would be curious to see video of myself teaching and actual lesson to a classroom full of students.

ENFIN!

Well Folks, 24 hours of trying to upload this thing and it finally happened! It isn't even very interesting is the sad part...

But if you dare, you may watch my video presentation at :
http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=98e39ca7994f93311ba2

Watts Happening

Engergy Project

This was really fun! Sean and I did get tired of writing down every time we turned on/off each light switch we used in the house we house sat, for a whole week. But it was all worth it. I learned that although $.92 per week for lighting doesn't seem like much, $.28 cents is so much less. What really impressed me though, is the fact that for a 100 watt light bulb you get 1600 lumens. For the same amount of lumens the energy efficient bulbs use just 23-30 watts! I have heard some people complain about the type of light that the energy efficient bulbs put off, but I think it's just a matter of light/lamp shades.

It is so easy to make a difference this way. We hear about how much we consume and are continually told to lessen our consumption, especially of energy. Well, changing light bulbs is a great way to take action or tell others how to take action.

Check out my Power Point Presentation and look at the data I found.
http://www.slideshare.net/gueste3f1de/watts-happening-150357

My Spreadsheet with data may be found at:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pqyNp1Svqo1lTTeCPMTB0dw

Article of Assessment #2

Shanna Rounds 10/11/07
Shannarounds@yahoo.com

The Educators Guide to the Read/Write Web

By Will Richardson

In his article, Will Richardson gives us a glimpse into the Read/Write Web. He tells us that we are no longer simply gathering information from the Internet, but that we can now actively participate in adding, editing, and deleting information.

Students are now publishing interactive work online. This means they can interact with many different professionals and learn from a wealth of resources. Some tools which make this interaction possible include wikis and RSS aggregators. Wikis are site that anyone can edit. RSS aggregators separate, filter, and store information. Sites like Furl.net can save copies of websites in a searchable folder. Also, podcasts allow teachers and students to listen to content relevant shows at their convenience.

The issue is that now, as teachers, we must decide how this Read/Write Web will affect our curriculum. It seems that literacy has taken-on a whole new meaning! Most importantly, students must be able to evaluate and question everything they read- especially on the Internet.

Main Points

• Some cool tools on the Read/Write Web are web logs, blogs, wikis, feeds(RSS), social book marking, and podcasting
• These new tools demand that we teach students how to actively question and evaluate published information instead of passively accepting it as legitimate.
• Traditional pedagogy is being challenged. The teacher's role shifts from a content expert to a guide who shows students how to find and evaluate resources, communicate, and publish online.
• As more content becomes available online, it becomes less appropriate to rely on outdated textbooks and handouts.
• Teachers must monitor student use and teach students how to use the tools safely to enhance learning.
• The Read/Write Web is a place where every person with Internet access can join and ongoing global conversation.

On a personal note, the Read/Write Web sounds like a lovely idea, especially with the help of RSS to filter out the muck. As a French teacher, I see a vast amount of opportunities as far as linking my curriculum with the francophone world.

As far as student use is concerned, connecting with professionals and monitoring their own Web travels, I am not so confident in these activities for students. My current experience, I have noticed that many high school students are not very motivated. They may use the web to find music or video games but they are no more excited about using the web for research and projects than they are about reading their US history books.

As far as Wikis go, especially Wikipedia, I have been directed not to rely on these sources whatsoever. (Perhaps because of "Big Brother" stunts which organizations such as the CIA like to perform.)

Finally, it always comes back to the "haves and the have nots." How do we so easily forget about all the teachers, and especially the students, who do not have regular access to the Internet? Shall we just leave them out of the global conversation? Shall we continue to ignore the voices of the poor as we have done for all time?

P.S., the blog spell check does not recognize "wikis", "podcasts", "RSS", or "aggregators"...hmm.
Also, why do we capitalize Internet as if it were a real place?

For my Energy Project

This is the proposal for my current energy project. Now, I must go and look at light bulbs...

How efficient are the lights in the house we are currently housesitting? Would energy efficient lighting be worth the cost?

The Energy Star (a seal of approval from the US government,) is stamped on certain energy conserving light bulbs and fixtures. You can find more information at
www.energystar.gov/index.cmf?c=lighting.pr_lighting.
Another helpful site in the lighting field is www.americanlightingassoc.com/info_energywise.php

The data required to answer this question includes:

• wattages for each light bulb in the house
• cost per watt
  
• total cost of replacement energy efficient wattage bulbs and fixtures
• total wattages for energy efficient bulbs

The measurements for this project include:

• amount of wattage used over the a one week span
• documentation charts next to each switch and light fixture
• total cost of used wattage
• formula to show what wattage would be for energy efficient bulbs for one week
  
• subtract cost of wattage of new bulbs from current cost and compare this number with cost of new bulbs, (and fixures.) Is it worth it?

This one is going to be a real eye opener!

Being an Anthropologist

You may find my final report about the Technology Culture at Sitka High at...
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=df347m4x_0ffvt5k

For this report, I joined forces with the four other MAT students here at Sitka High School:

• Kate Coseo - Science


• Jeff Glase - English


• Ike Kahler - Math


• Hillary Seeland - English
  

We scouted the school and tracked down pertinent information and illustrious persons with knowledge about the technological culture at our school. It seems that many students are tech savvy. In fact, 70-80% of students have a computer and Internet connection at home.

This project really made me open my eyes and look around at just how intertwined digital equipment has become in our daily lives. When I read articles and hear lectures about embracing technology, I find myself resist. It feels like the world as we know it is about to end and an new digital wasteland will soon emerge... However when I just relax, look around, and realize how easily these digital tools fit into life, it seems all right.