I went to http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/ and followed the link called "Watch the Full Program Online," where I watched a PBS video called "Growing Up Online." Nothing in the video really surprised me that much because I have heard about the dangers and problems of spending too much time online. However, I do think the video is misleading in how big of a problem this is. Yes, there have been cases of bullying and predators, and we should take those seriously. However, this video seemed to interview kids that were much more addicted to the internet than most people I know. Most of the people I know have a facebook, and they admit that they spend too much time on it. But, I don't believe facebook replaces face-to-face contact. If anything, it keeps people in contact with each other enough that they can use facebook to keep updated on the basics of their friends' lives so that they will have something to talk about when they meet up face to face. I have the passwords to a couple of my friends' facebook accounts, and I do go on them, but I don't have my own facebook account and I don't want one. I feel like it would be too much work. I prefer seeing my friends regularly and talking on the phone. While I'm sure that there are people in the world who are online as much as the video says, I don't think it is something everybody, or even most people, do to that extent.
Like Jenny said in her blog at http://atejenniper.blogspot.com/ I think it can be a problem when kids are uneducated about the internet, but it is easy to educate them. I once had a teacher who said that she never typed anything into a computer that she didn't want read over the announcements at school. If kids are shown how open the internet is, I think they can be smart enough to protect themselves in most situations, which is a point the video eventually made.
In Brittney's blog at http://brittneynow.blogspot.com/ she said that she worried about the impact of the internet on her future students. I agree that the internet can be very dangerous. However, we know that technology is constantly changing, and in a couple years when we are teachers, the internet will be a completely different place from what it is now. Now that all of these problems are being researched, there may be enough awareness that some of the dangers can be fixed.
I really like how Emily mentioned in her blog at http://edirks.blogspot.com/ that we can't blame the internet for all of our problems. I agree with that. The internet is just bringing problems to light, and possibly making them worse, but overall, the problems existed before the internet. 10 years ago, kids were still bullied and people still committed suicide. The internet makes it easier for this to happen, which is a problem, but we should realize that these problems existed before the internet, and so only handling the problems that the internet causes will not get rid of all the problems.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Money for Grades?
I read the article at http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/content/education/chi-money-for-grades-11-sep11,0,4916582,print.story about how students are getting paid for their grades, and I originally thought it was a terrible idea. I would probably expect all educational professionals to be in agreement about whichever side of the debate they support, but I found this article at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3617/is_200405/ai_n9360319 that gives a wide range of opinions from several professionals. Since this is question of educational theory, it surprises me that people who have all studied education, and who have been taught that learning has intrinsic value, do not agree on this issue. After reading these different views, I am a little more understanding of why some people might think it is a good idea to pay students for their grades, even thought I don't support it. We want kids to succeed, and it is hard to turn down paying them if that is the only way they will succeed.
In general, I think it is a bad idea to pay students for their grades for the reason that this article at http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/RaiseKids/IsItSmartToPayForGoodGrades.aspx states. Yes, students do need motivation to do well in school. However, if they receive money for their grades, they run into danger of valuing money over learning and knowledge. It is setting kids up for the real world where everything is based on money, but the real world would be better if money was not so important. By initiating children into the real world so young, we are giving up hope that society can change. If I had children, I imagine that I would want them to appreciate knowledge for its own sake, and not raise greedy and spoiled kids.
As a taxpayer (even if I don't contribute much yet), I agree with this man's blog at http://blogs.chron.com/lorensteffy/2008/08/grades_money_bu_1.html where he explained why he is opposed to giving students money for good grades because eventually the money will probably come from taxes. Even if it is just now using private donations, that may not always be the case. I especially like how he agreed that better grades mean the student will receive more money- but he meant that better grades mean a better education and a better job.
USA Today has an interesting article at http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2008-09-10-pay-for-grades_N.htm which reports how CEOs of companies, who spend their days motivating paid employees, responded when asked about kids being paid for grades. I find it interested that it reported that more than half of CEOs supported the idea, but only 15% of principles supported it. Principles realize that school is not the same thing as the business world and they are highly educated in educational philosophies, so I believe their opinions are more reliable.
In general, I think it is a bad idea to pay students for their grades for the reason that this article at http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/RaiseKids/IsItSmartToPayForGoodGrades.aspx states. Yes, students do need motivation to do well in school. However, if they receive money for their grades, they run into danger of valuing money over learning and knowledge. It is setting kids up for the real world where everything is based on money, but the real world would be better if money was not so important. By initiating children into the real world so young, we are giving up hope that society can change. If I had children, I imagine that I would want them to appreciate knowledge for its own sake, and not raise greedy and spoiled kids.
As a taxpayer (even if I don't contribute much yet), I agree with this man's blog at http://blogs.chron.com/lorensteffy/2008/08/grades_money_bu_1.html where he explained why he is opposed to giving students money for good grades because eventually the money will probably come from taxes. Even if it is just now using private donations, that may not always be the case. I especially like how he agreed that better grades mean the student will receive more money- but he meant that better grades mean a better education and a better job.
USA Today has an interesting article at http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2008-09-10-pay-for-grades_N.htm which reports how CEOs of companies, who spend their days motivating paid employees, responded when asked about kids being paid for grades. I find it interested that it reported that more than half of CEOs supported the idea, but only 15% of principles supported it. Principles realize that school is not the same thing as the business world and they are highly educated in educational philosophies, so I believe their opinions are more reliable.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Responses
I was not surprised that Jacqueline (Click here to read her blog) said that students know more technology than their teachers, but it is interesting to think about. Jacqueline's main point was that teachers should keep up with current technology, because that is a great medium to use to reach their students. I agree with her. Teachers should be familiar with all the technology students may be using. I also think that teachers should know technology that the students might not (such as educational computer programs) because teaching new technology to the students is a way to keep their interest. As a teacher, I know that I should be able to use web pages to pass along information to students, and I should also know some fun programs that help them learn math, such as Geometer's Sketchpad.
Brittney's blog mentioned that kids today are "digital learners", which is a term I had never heard before, but it immediately made sense. There were already a few different types of learners in every classroom, but adding another one makes a teacher's job even more complicated. I agree with Brittney that teachers should use technology and that it will be very beneficial to the students. In my classroom, I will use technology often to help teach, but I will not use it all the time, because I don't think that all students are digital learners.
As I read Steph's blog I related to how she said that a lot of the technology that students were familiar with is technology that I have never heard of or used. Like the other girls, she feels that technology is a necessary component in the classroom, and I agree. Even though my own math education was taught mainly from a dry erase board, I know that in the future this will become less and less common and students will find it less engaging. While my teachers did many great things that I can in turn do for my students, one thing that must change is an increase in the use of technology.
Brittney's blog mentioned that kids today are "digital learners", which is a term I had never heard before, but it immediately made sense. There were already a few different types of learners in every classroom, but adding another one makes a teacher's job even more complicated. I agree with Brittney that teachers should use technology and that it will be very beneficial to the students. In my classroom, I will use technology often to help teach, but I will not use it all the time, because I don't think that all students are digital learners.
As I read Steph's blog I related to how she said that a lot of the technology that students were familiar with is technology that I have never heard of or used. Like the other girls, she feels that technology is a necessary component in the classroom, and I agree. Even though my own math education was taught mainly from a dry erase board, I know that in the future this will become less and less common and students will find it less engaging. While my teachers did many great things that I can in turn do for my students, one thing that must change is an increase in the use of technology.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Sir Ken Robinson
Check out this video-- it will really get you thinking! (and it's funny)
In the last century, society has placed more importance on math and science than art and dance, and Sir Ken Robinson is finally calling us out on it. He explains how we try to make all kids fit the mold of future scientists, rather than allowing their interests and talents to place them where they are meant to be. He offers a critical analysis of public school systems and how some subjects are valued over others, to the point that some subjects, such as dance, are rarely ever taught, whereas others, like math, are required every day and every year. This is something that is so embedded in our brains that we all believe it. I don't particularly like science, but I have struggled through many, many years of science classes, even though I will not ever use it. However, this is totally normal to me, because I have been taught that it is a part of a balanced education, and if I'm not good at it, then there is something wrong with me. After hearing his talk, now I question why I have learned so much that is incompatible with my ways of thinking. Yes, it is good to broaden my horizons, because maybe I will discover something new that I like, and it is part of being a well balanced person. But I wonder why my general education classes require me to take a life science and a quantitative reasoning class, but not an art class. Who gets to decide that math and science are better than art? And are they really better? Wouldn't it be good for me to know more about art so that I would better appreciate a trip to Europe? But should I really be forced to take art if it is something that I don't enjoy? I think it is time for school administrators to take a good look at the education they are giving their students, and why they are giving it. This might make a difference in the lives of their students. However, it is also important for everybody to think about this, because what we have to do is change the culture of thinking in our society.
In my classroom, I actually want to teach math, and learning ballet may not be the best way to go about it. However, I can incorporate examples from many different fields into my lessons. I can use music and rhythm to teach fractions, photography to teach naturally occurring mathematical phenomena, chemistry reactions to teach multiplication... I can also realize that my students will not all learn in the same way, and I should try to teach them as many different ways as possible. This could include using blocks to demonstrate fractions or singing School House Rock songs to learn multiplication. I can encourage my students to try hard at whatever they are passionate about and I can ask the administration why requirements are formulated the way they are. I think it is also important to support my students in their activities by coming to the plays, watching football games, and attending art shows.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Teaching Question
"Given the realities of our modern age and the demands of our children's future, is it really ok to allow teachers to choose whether or not they incorporate modern technologies into their instruction?"
I believe that there is not one set formula for teaching. Each teacher should continuously be learning and reflecting about the world and their students, and come up with the best plan for each situation. In general, I think it is important to expose students to modern technology for 2 reasons: first, because they will need to know the technology in order to be competitive and successful in their fields. Also, they must understand the current technology in order to be able to keep up with the constant improvements that will be made. Second, if used correctly, technology can help students learn by allowing them to interact with the information in multiple ways, and therefore understand and internalize it better. However, teachers should take care that students do not become so reliant on technology that they are incapable by themselves. Ideally, students should be able to use advanced programs to do advanced mathematics, but they should not need to turn to a calculator for more basic math. To answer the question, teachers should be required to use technology in their classrooms, but they should be allowed to choose how and how much it is used.
I believe that there is not one set formula for teaching. Each teacher should continuously be learning and reflecting about the world and their students, and come up with the best plan for each situation. In general, I think it is important to expose students to modern technology for 2 reasons: first, because they will need to know the technology in order to be competitive and successful in their fields. Also, they must understand the current technology in order to be able to keep up with the constant improvements that will be made. Second, if used correctly, technology can help students learn by allowing them to interact with the information in multiple ways, and therefore understand and internalize it better. However, teachers should take care that students do not become so reliant on technology that they are incapable by themselves. Ideally, students should be able to use advanced programs to do advanced mathematics, but they should not need to turn to a calculator for more basic math. To answer the question, teachers should be required to use technology in their classrooms, but they should be allowed to choose how and how much it is used.
Welcome Post
Hi!
I'm a 20 year old student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I'm studying math and secondary education. I'm from the suburbs of Chicago, where I have lived since I was 2 years old. I have always loved my math teachers and my math classes, which led me to begin the process of becoming a math teacher myself. One idea I have about the future is teaching for a few years, and then going back to get my master's in educational administration.
Right now, I am beginning the process of leading a team of 6 in cooking for 65 people for a weekend in October. We are already meeting a couple times a week, and we will continue to pick up the pace; I predict that I will eventually be spending 15 hours a week working on this. But that word "work" is misleading, because I love doing this! Not only is it great to do volunteer work, but I have met some awesome people on my team and I'm so excited to continue getting to know them. In any leftover time I have after this team and school, I love talking to my friends and going ice skating.
I'm a 20 year old student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I'm studying math and secondary education. I'm from the suburbs of Chicago, where I have lived since I was 2 years old. I have always loved my math teachers and my math classes, which led me to begin the process of becoming a math teacher myself. One idea I have about the future is teaching for a few years, and then going back to get my master's in educational administration.
Right now, I am beginning the process of leading a team of 6 in cooking for 65 people for a weekend in October. We are already meeting a couple times a week, and we will continue to pick up the pace; I predict that I will eventually be spending 15 hours a week working on this. But that word "work" is misleading, because I love doing this! Not only is it great to do volunteer work, but I have met some awesome people on my team and I'm so excited to continue getting to know them. In any leftover time I have after this team and school, I love talking to my friends and going ice skating.
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