Sunday, May 2, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Reflective Blog #3 Cyberbullying
People hide behind their computer screens spewing words that they would never speak in polite society. Words about their bosses, their spouses, their sports teams, politicians, or anybody they feel animosity towards at the time. Cyberspace is a playground and the bullies are coming in all shapes and sizes. Our children used to have to just deal with the physical world's menaces, now they have to beware of the cyber stalkers and cyber bullies that threaten them in their own homes.
The internet allows a normally meek person to stretch out, and feel comfortable, hiding behind their anonymity. However, it also allows bullies a chance to toss around hate words, and spread rumors to a much larger audience, an audience that will believe what ever they have in front of them. People tend to let go of all their inhibitions when they anticipate no repercussion. These bullies include hate groups and the like, these are cowards that could not grab an audience in the real world, but make themselves feel important starting their derogatory websites. Websites that toss out half truths, and in most cases out right lies, just to snare an unwitting youth or some other poor like minded soul to help further spread their divisional cause.
As a parent and a future teaching professional, it is my duty to monitor all my charges while they are on the computer. This includes instant messages and emails, especially if they are from new acquaintance.This may sound Orwellian, but I would gladly take the heat from my child for a lack of privacy, than to see them harmed physically or psychologically. I believe, as a teacher I need to monitor not only the physical classroom, but also keep an eye on the cyber realm also. We need to protect or children by informing them what is expected of them both in and out of the classroom. Start the process young, let the children know it is safe to come to the a teacher or parent if they are being bullied, even if the bullying is happening online. Try to instill a love for everyone, especially those children in their classroom. Create a family bond between the children, and let them know that means protecting your weaker siblings. It also means watching out for them wherever they may be at the time.
Today's children are so computer savvy they can connect to the internet in a variety of ways, including their game systems, phones, laptops, and desktop computers. Bullies use these objects also, they use chat rooms, "bash boards", instant messages, voting sites ( sites that allow users to place a poll about whatever they desire), and plain old e mail to harasses unsuspecting children. Below is a list of websites, blogs and articles that may help explain cyber bullying; as well as help you the parent, guardian, or teacher understand the dangers, and find solutions for this growing problem.
Judge Acquits Lori Drew in Cyberbullying Case, Overrules Jury
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/07/drew_court/
In this article the author describes how Lori Drew, the mother who along with a family friend, and her daughter harassed a classmate of her daughter's online and her trial. You hear why the judge overturned the jury and why the prosecutors of the case had to take it to California to file charges.
Cyberbully Organization
http://cyberbullying.org/
This website describes, and gives examples of cyberbullying, and provides information to help stop this harassment from occurring. The website also provides resources including other websites and readings to help educate the public.
One of these resources is http://wwwAbuse.net a website that is dedicated to helping people report cyberbullies and stop them from continuing these deplorable actions.
http://www.online-bully.com/index.html
This website has a lot of useful information about cyberbullying, and some ways to stop the situation. It also is an advertisement for Spector Pro, a software program that may be able to help by monitoring all the PC and internet activity in your home. This will allow the parent an opportunity to discuss these issues with their child.
The following is a 2005 article from the cover of USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2005-03-06-cover-cyberbullies_x.htm
This article gives many examples of cyberbullies, and explains how some bullies work. It also gives specific cases of bullying; ncluding a case of a student in St. Louis who was expelled for e mailing nude photos of a freshman at his school. (The charges were later dropped, and the school settled a lawsuit with the boy's family after it came out that the young girl placed the photos of herself on the school's server.) We have to be very vigilant about how we deal with these children. Always remember that we are dealing with young people. Many times the bullies are between the ages of 9-14.
http://cyberbully.org/
This website is for the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use. It is very informative, it includes articles on sexting, articles for teachers and administrators on prevention, and articles that explain why most methods used today are not adequate.
The link found below is an article found on the cyberbully.org website.
http://cyberbully.org/cyberbully/docs/cbcteducator.pdf
This is a link to a paper published by Nancy Willard, M.S., J.D. from the Center for Safe and Responsible Use of the Internet. It is a great resource for educators, and students alike on cyberbullying. It gives examples, explains that not all internet taunting is cyberbullying, and provides information for the educator on how to handle these situations.
http://www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying
This link is to the National Crime Prevention Council (you know McGruff the crime dog).
It gives an overview about cyberbullying and prevention techniques. It is not that much different from a few of the articles above, however the NCPC is a well known group, and it thus it can garner a lot of attention to a cause.
http://thecyberhoodwatch.com/chwhite-paper/cyberbulling-research/
The cyberhood watch is a great website. It gives an abundant amount of information, including a booklet entitled Think It Wont Happen To You on many topics including cyberbully. The visuals of the website are a little off putting, but try to fight through for the content.
http://en.wordpress.com/tag/cyberbulling/
This is a nice little site that provides links to a plethora of blogs on cyberbullying. Not all are in English so read carefully.
http://www.beatbullying.org/index.html
This site is from Great Britain, and focuses mainly on bullying in general. However, since cyberbullying is a direct descendant from the real world version I believed it was applicable and very informative.
The internet allows a normally meek person to stretch out, and feel comfortable, hiding behind their anonymity. However, it also allows bullies a chance to toss around hate words, and spread rumors to a much larger audience, an audience that will believe what ever they have in front of them. People tend to let go of all their inhibitions when they anticipate no repercussion. These bullies include hate groups and the like, these are cowards that could not grab an audience in the real world, but make themselves feel important starting their derogatory websites. Websites that toss out half truths, and in most cases out right lies, just to snare an unwitting youth or some other poor like minded soul to help further spread their divisional cause.
As a parent and a future teaching professional, it is my duty to monitor all my charges while they are on the computer. This includes instant messages and emails, especially if they are from new acquaintance.This may sound Orwellian, but I would gladly take the heat from my child for a lack of privacy, than to see them harmed physically or psychologically. I believe, as a teacher I need to monitor not only the physical classroom, but also keep an eye on the cyber realm also. We need to protect or children by informing them what is expected of them both in and out of the classroom. Start the process young, let the children know it is safe to come to the a teacher or parent if they are being bullied, even if the bullying is happening online. Try to instill a love for everyone, especially those children in their classroom. Create a family bond between the children, and let them know that means protecting your weaker siblings. It also means watching out for them wherever they may be at the time.
Today's children are so computer savvy they can connect to the internet in a variety of ways, including their game systems, phones, laptops, and desktop computers. Bullies use these objects also, they use chat rooms, "bash boards", instant messages, voting sites ( sites that allow users to place a poll about whatever they desire), and plain old e mail to harasses unsuspecting children. Below is a list of websites, blogs and articles that may help explain cyber bullying; as well as help you the parent, guardian, or teacher understand the dangers, and find solutions for this growing problem.
Judge Acquits Lori Drew in Cyberbullying Case, Overrules Jury
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/07/drew_court/
In this article the author describes how Lori Drew, the mother who along with a family friend, and her daughter harassed a classmate of her daughter's online and her trial. You hear why the judge overturned the jury and why the prosecutors of the case had to take it to California to file charges.
Cyberbully Organization
http://cyberbullying.org/
This website describes, and gives examples of cyberbullying, and provides information to help stop this harassment from occurring. The website also provides resources including other websites and readings to help educate the public.
One of these resources is http://wwwAbuse.net a website that is dedicated to helping people report cyberbullies and stop them from continuing these deplorable actions.
http://www.online-bully.com/index.html
This website has a lot of useful information about cyberbullying, and some ways to stop the situation. It also is an advertisement for Spector Pro, a software program that may be able to help by monitoring all the PC and internet activity in your home. This will allow the parent an opportunity to discuss these issues with their child.
The following is a 2005 article from the cover of USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2005-03-06-cover-cyberbullies_x.htm
This article gives many examples of cyberbullies, and explains how some bullies work. It also gives specific cases of bullying; ncluding a case of a student in St. Louis who was expelled for e mailing nude photos of a freshman at his school. (The charges were later dropped, and the school settled a lawsuit with the boy's family after it came out that the young girl placed the photos of herself on the school's server.) We have to be very vigilant about how we deal with these children. Always remember that we are dealing with young people. Many times the bullies are between the ages of 9-14.
http://cyberbully.org/
This website is for the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use. It is very informative, it includes articles on sexting, articles for teachers and administrators on prevention, and articles that explain why most methods used today are not adequate.
The link found below is an article found on the cyberbully.org website.
http://cyberbully.org/cyberbully/docs/cbcteducator.pdf
This is a link to a paper published by Nancy Willard, M.S., J.D. from the Center for Safe and Responsible Use of the Internet. It is a great resource for educators, and students alike on cyberbullying. It gives examples, explains that not all internet taunting is cyberbullying, and provides information for the educator on how to handle these situations.
http://www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying
This link is to the National Crime Prevention Council (you know McGruff the crime dog).
It gives an overview about cyberbullying and prevention techniques. It is not that much different from a few of the articles above, however the NCPC is a well known group, and it thus it can garner a lot of attention to a cause.
http://thecyberhoodwatch.com/chwhite-paper/cyberbulling-research/
The cyberhood watch is a great website. It gives an abundant amount of information, including a booklet entitled Think It Wont Happen To You on many topics including cyberbully. The visuals of the website are a little off putting, but try to fight through for the content.
http://en.wordpress.com/tag/cyberbulling/
This is a nice little site that provides links to a plethora of blogs on cyberbullying. Not all are in English so read carefully.
http://www.beatbullying.org/index.html
This site is from Great Britain, and focuses mainly on bullying in general. However, since cyberbullying is a direct descendant from the real world version I believed it was applicable and very informative.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Relective Blog #2: Research in Educational Technology
The assignment for our second blog was to find 5 journal articles on educational technology and give an annotated bibliography on each. I decided to try articles pertaining to interactive learning, whether it be using a virtual lab online, teaching using the internet, or even how we learning using other media.
Article#1
DeKanter, N. (2004). Gaming redefines interactivity for learning.
TechTrends, 49(3) 26-31. Retrieved Feburuary 24, 2010
from EBSCO Host Academic Search Educational.
Author Nick DeKanter, describes the use of game simulations as the new frontier for learning. This article gives a short history of multimedia from the creation of CD-ROMs to present. He preposes that interactive learning using a multiplayer game can offer a three-dimensional learning construct, with teachers talking to students, students challenging each other , and the whole classroom discussing the causes and effects of a game scenario.
DeKanter points out that as early as the 1960 with the Learning Pyramid educational leaders have always thought that the best learning is "socially negotiated". The article discusses the creation and design of the game Making History in which students supplement what the teacher has already discussed in class, by learning and having responsibility of a developing nation's economic, diplomatic, political, and military development. Each students decisions effect the whole class, moreover the events influence the course of events for future sessions. The article states that interactive education takes the next big step in making gaming useful to high school and college curricula.
Article#2
Evert, D.,Goodwin, G., Stavnezer, A (2005)
Integration of computer technology Into an Introductory-
Level Neuroscience Laboratory. Teaching of Psychology,
32(1) 69-73 Retrieved Feburary 24, 2010 from
EBSCO Host Academic Search Educational
The authors describe 3 computer-based neuroscience laboratories. Two of the laboratories were available from commercial vendors and the third was software and hardware developed to use specifically in 2 psychophysiological experiments.The researchers described four different labs, and than assessed the students knowledge and asked for their opinions on the virtual labs. The three authors found that using virtual labs enhanced the lab and allowed more time for discussion with the students about the experiments. The students also responded well to the testing and the summary resulted in support for virtual labs as long as it is aligned with clear learning objectives and appropriate for the particular situation.
Article#3
Simpson, C., (2005) Teaching and the internet.
Library Media Connection, August/September 23-25
Retrieved February 24, 2010 from EBSCO Host
Academic Search Educational
Carol Simpson is a Doctor of Education and an associate professor in the School of Library and Information Sciences at the University of North Texas. In her article she describes in detail the T.E.A.C.H Act (Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization) The bill was signed into law on November 3, 2002 and it provides guidelines on how copyright-protected materials can be used in distance education. These laws had not been updated sine the middle 1970's and therefore needed revision. Simpson goes over specific guidelines on what can be used and how it must be used in order to be compliant with the law. Secondly, who must comply with the act is outlined; this includes IT staff, policy makers (Board of Education), instructors, and developers. Simpson is very specific on what can be and can not be used for the students, as well as how the information can be used. Finally, the author provides resources to help understand the law.
Article #4
Ferreira, C. and Arroio, A. (2009)
Teacher's Education and the use of visualization in
Chemistry Instruction, Problems of Education in the
21st Century, (16) 48-53 Retrieved February 24, 2010
from EBSCO Host Academic Search Educational
The two authors both professor at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil discuss the use of visual tools ( 3D concrete models, statics and dynamics virtual 2D and 3D images, simulations, and interactive software ) in helping Chemistry instructors better illustrate complex abstract concepts to their students. The research involved sending questionnaires to 24 pre-service chemistry teacher. The first inquiry found that a majority of the teachers had already been using some type of visualization tool to provide assistance in teaching these abstract concepts. The research continue to describe how the teachers were planning on using more visual aids, but needed training with these tools. In fact, some of the concepts were becoming misconceptions due to a superficial training program. The results of the study found that teachers are planning on using visualization tools to help cover the more abstract concepts in chemistry, but they will require more background and training on the aids.
Article #5
Leistyna, P and Mollen, D (2008) Teaching social class through
alternative media and by dialoging across disciplines and
boundaries, Radical Teacher, (81) 20-27 Retrived
February 24, 2010 from EBSCO Host Academic Search
Educational
Pepi Leistyna produced a film titled Class Dismissed: How TV Frames the Working Class. The article gives background on way and how Leistyna produced the film. Debra Mollen is a teacher of graduate and undergraduate studies in multicultural counseling and psychology. The article goes on to explain how MS. Mollen taught Class Dismissed in her classrooms and how the two have come together to raise awareness of
how the working class is defined through the media. How the movie was used and discussion techniques are described, as well as the use of log books. The article than describes why this is important and gives political statements and concerns.
Article#1
DeKanter, N. (2004). Gaming redefines interactivity for learning.
TechTrends, 49(3) 26-31. Retrieved Feburuary 24, 2010
from EBSCO Host Academic Search Educational.
Author Nick DeKanter, describes the use of game simulations as the new frontier for learning. This article gives a short history of multimedia from the creation of CD-ROMs to present. He preposes that interactive learning using a multiplayer game can offer a three-dimensional learning construct, with teachers talking to students, students challenging each other , and the whole classroom discussing the causes and effects of a game scenario.
DeKanter points out that as early as the 1960 with the Learning Pyramid educational leaders have always thought that the best learning is "socially negotiated". The article discusses the creation and design of the game Making History in which students supplement what the teacher has already discussed in class, by learning and having responsibility of a developing nation's economic, diplomatic, political, and military development. Each students decisions effect the whole class, moreover the events influence the course of events for future sessions. The article states that interactive education takes the next big step in making gaming useful to high school and college curricula.
Article#2
Evert, D.,Goodwin, G., Stavnezer, A (2005)
Integration of computer technology Into an Introductory-
Level Neuroscience Laboratory. Teaching of Psychology,
32(1) 69-73 Retrieved Feburary 24, 2010 from
EBSCO Host Academic Search Educational
The authors describe 3 computer-based neuroscience laboratories. Two of the laboratories were available from commercial vendors and the third was software and hardware developed to use specifically in 2 psychophysiological experiments.The researchers described four different labs, and than assessed the students knowledge and asked for their opinions on the virtual labs. The three authors found that using virtual labs enhanced the lab and allowed more time for discussion with the students about the experiments. The students also responded well to the testing and the summary resulted in support for virtual labs as long as it is aligned with clear learning objectives and appropriate for the particular situation.
Article#3
Simpson, C., (2005) Teaching and the internet.
Library Media Connection, August/September 23-25
Retrieved February 24, 2010 from EBSCO Host
Academic Search Educational
Carol Simpson is a Doctor of Education and an associate professor in the School of Library and Information Sciences at the University of North Texas. In her article she describes in detail the T.E.A.C.H Act (Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization) The bill was signed into law on November 3, 2002 and it provides guidelines on how copyright-protected materials can be used in distance education. These laws had not been updated sine the middle 1970's and therefore needed revision. Simpson goes over specific guidelines on what can be used and how it must be used in order to be compliant with the law. Secondly, who must comply with the act is outlined; this includes IT staff, policy makers (Board of Education), instructors, and developers. Simpson is very specific on what can be and can not be used for the students, as well as how the information can be used. Finally, the author provides resources to help understand the law.
Article #4
Ferreira, C. and Arroio, A. (2009)
Teacher's Education and the use of visualization in
Chemistry Instruction, Problems of Education in the
21st Century, (16) 48-53 Retrieved February 24, 2010
from EBSCO Host Academic Search Educational
The two authors both professor at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil discuss the use of visual tools ( 3D concrete models, statics and dynamics virtual 2D and 3D images, simulations, and interactive software ) in helping Chemistry instructors better illustrate complex abstract concepts to their students. The research involved sending questionnaires to 24 pre-service chemistry teacher. The first inquiry found that a majority of the teachers had already been using some type of visualization tool to provide assistance in teaching these abstract concepts. The research continue to describe how the teachers were planning on using more visual aids, but needed training with these tools. In fact, some of the concepts were becoming misconceptions due to a superficial training program. The results of the study found that teachers are planning on using visualization tools to help cover the more abstract concepts in chemistry, but they will require more background and training on the aids.
Article #5
Leistyna, P and Mollen, D (2008) Teaching social class through
alternative media and by dialoging across disciplines and
boundaries, Radical Teacher, (81) 20-27 Retrived
February 24, 2010 from EBSCO Host Academic Search
Educational
Pepi Leistyna produced a film titled Class Dismissed: How TV Frames the Working Class. The article gives background on way and how Leistyna produced the film. Debra Mollen is a teacher of graduate and undergraduate studies in multicultural counseling and psychology. The article goes on to explain how MS. Mollen taught Class Dismissed in her classrooms and how the two have come together to raise awareness of
how the working class is defined through the media. How the movie was used and discussion techniques are described, as well as the use of log books. The article than describes why this is important and gives political statements and concerns.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Reflective Blog #1
We were assigned a project to visit 6 different blogs and give our views, critiques, and a general description about each one. Here are my six visits and a few words about each one.
Classroom Blogs
I first visited "The Greatest Middle School Blog in the World.: http://moranmustangs.org
This site is an eighth grade class in Connecticut. The site invites you to join them for projects, however it seems to be especially for the last few months, a vehicle for the teacher to get information to the students. This is not a bad idea, but not terrible interesting unless you are in the class. One feature I did like was the link to the "Lunch Time Leaders Podcast" this is a podcast of interviews from a wide range of people including the Governor of Connecticut and Musician George Rowe. I also liked the live traffic feed that lets you know who is visiting.
The layout had no pop. I was expecting a little more from a group of eighth graders, however maybe the teacher designed the layout because there are links to individual blogs for the students. Overall, I think the graphics could of had a little more pop. Check out the site for the podcast for sure.
This blog hasn't been updated since June 15th, 2007. Therefore, I would not trust it for the Final Exam Schedule. However, there is an interesting project on this site. The International Teen Life Project. This link allows teens from around the world to come together and discuss issues while sharing these different perspectives through writing, videos, or audio. I very neat concept. I wonder what has gone on in the last three years.
Again the layout is kind of vanilla, but it has a kind of symmetry about it. I would give it a "B". Not a lot of color, but it is a clean layout. Check it out.
Educational Blogs
My first visit in the educational blogs was to The Leaky Cauldron:
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/blogs/doris
This was a very interesting blog. The tag line is "The most trusted name in Potter" A whole site on Harry Potter. Well, not quite, although the majority of the postings are about Harry Potter, or things that relate to Potter, there are a few different blogs. I especially was touch by a teacher that posted a blog about a 12 year old that killed himself on account of bullies. Very good.
The site is graphically exciting, there are some ads, but they are not unsightly or out of place.
Overall a very good blog, I recommend it.
Next I went to Teach 42 http://www.teach42.com
This is a very interesting blog with a variety of technology postings ranging from some 360 degree videos from Haiti. to a very interesting post about how Twitter may be making blogging a thing of the past. I also like the post about how social media is "dumbing" down our writing skills. I have noticed that ever since I started emailing.
I really like the way this blog is displayed, it has some great graphics, and some great widgets including a map showing all the locations of the visitors.
Definitely drop in to Teach 42.
Teacher Blogs
My first stop in the teacher's blogs may have been my most enjoyable of the day. Doug Johnson's The Blue Skunk Blog. http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/blue-skunk-blog/?currentPage=2
This is a hilarious blog that is updated daily that includes insightful posts about reading to his own commentary on his own life. I am guessing that the art work is produced by his child (Brady Johnson), but it is good and lively. In fact I am going to put a link to his blog on my site. So I recommend it.
So You Want To Teach
http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/
I had to check out this blog, and am I glad I did. There are many good posts about teaching, teaching aids, and just posts that can help anyone. there are posting about music festivals, posting about goal setting, weight loss, and finally how we show are students we love them. I really like the positive attitude and helpfulness of this blog.This music teacher really wants to get the word out there and spread hope to teachers.
I love the layout, the easy tabs at the top that take you to some great references, the ten most popular posts, and I really like all the art and photos. Check this blog out.
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