What is acceptable use policy? What impact does it have on the use of the Web in the classroom?
Due to the nature of the Internet and the inquisitive nature of children, it is necessary for school and school districts to implement acceptable use policies (AUP). These policies lay out rules and regulations that guide student Internet use. Teachers and administrators try to ensure both students and parents are familiar with these policies and in some cases, require signatures from all the parties so that there can be no misunderstanding.
Individual districts usually set the policy, some are very strict while some are more liberal. Regardless of the amount of material a district allows student access to, the goal of AUP is to ensure students can not venture into improper sites, while allowing enough access so students can utilize the technology to its potential.
In my classroom, I am somewhat frustrated by the amount of web sites that have been blocked by our IT department. If I am able to review a blocked site prior to the lesson, then I can submit a form to have the site unblocked for a few days as long as I provide a valid reason for using the site. Our computer lab is a little more liberal. I can bring my entire class in there and do a web quest or even allow them to play "g-rated" games. I sometimes reward student behavior by allowing trips to the computer lab.
To me the big drawback comes in those spur of the moment when I want to show the class something that has come up unexpectedly during a lecture. If I can't have access to sites when I need them, it can be detrimental to the lesson.
This type of censuring may not be considered AUP as the students have no choice in which sites are blocked by the school. Still, you can't black everything and kids will be kids; they will definitely try to visit sites that are not appropriate. This is where appropriate use policies are useful.
My district allows students a few chances at violating our AUP. Punishments range from loss of computer time to expulsion. At least having the policy in place, students, teachers, parents, and administrators are familiar with which sites students should and should not be exploring. And even though some web capabilities may be limited, AUPs are ultimately used to protect the students.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Week 9 - Chapter 7
What is the Internet? What value does it hold for educators?
Simply put, the Internet is an international network of networks that allows users to access resources from their own computers. Basically, the "Net" is a group of computers that have agreed to "connect" and share resources and data. From its meager beginnings as a resource for the military and a few select Universities, the net now consists of over 450 million host computers and has reached virtually every corner of the globe.
With more than one billion users, one might think that the communication between systems would be difficult. In fact, many protocols are put into place to overcome the obstacles of language and programming differences. One widely used protocol is called TCP/IP or transmission control protocol/Internet protocol. These protocols allow users of almost any system around the world to access a wealth of information.
Such a resource is an invaluable tool for today's teachers. Web quests, email, chat rooms, technical support, and instant messaging are but a few of the many opportunities users have to explore. In this very class, we are using assignment transmission and discussion boards to communicate with one another and complete assignments.
Students and teachers alike can research virtually any topic on the Internet and most scientific publications allow access to recent articles. Teachers can post assignments or share lesson plans, parents can view grades or contact a teacher, and students can research to further their studies. Communication of this type allows students to progress at their own pace and focus on topics that spark their curiosity.
There are so many uses for the Internet that is would be impossible to compile a list. But instant access to real-time information is at the heart of the Internet and the world wide web. Of course, like television, much of what is out there is strictly for entertainment purposes and is rarely one hundred percent correct. Fortunately, systems have been put in place to allow parents and teachers to filter, block, or monitor student traffic.
Regardless of how one feels about the Internet, it and the world wide web are here to stay. As technology increases, students will become even more familiar with this tool and be allowed even greater access to information. Now not only is the Internet available by computer, most cell phones and PDAs can reach the net.
Personally, I use the Internet everyday. Whether at home, at work, or at school, the net is a valuable tool for everyone. My students find web quests exciting and using the technology prepares them for life in the work place. I feel that anything that can help a student learn, should be used to its greatest potential. The Internet is such a tool.
Simply put, the Internet is an international network of networks that allows users to access resources from their own computers. Basically, the "Net" is a group of computers that have agreed to "connect" and share resources and data. From its meager beginnings as a resource for the military and a few select Universities, the net now consists of over 450 million host computers and has reached virtually every corner of the globe.
With more than one billion users, one might think that the communication between systems would be difficult. In fact, many protocols are put into place to overcome the obstacles of language and programming differences. One widely used protocol is called TCP/IP or transmission control protocol/Internet protocol. These protocols allow users of almost any system around the world to access a wealth of information.
Such a resource is an invaluable tool for today's teachers. Web quests, email, chat rooms, technical support, and instant messaging are but a few of the many opportunities users have to explore. In this very class, we are using assignment transmission and discussion boards to communicate with one another and complete assignments.
Students and teachers alike can research virtually any topic on the Internet and most scientific publications allow access to recent articles. Teachers can post assignments or share lesson plans, parents can view grades or contact a teacher, and students can research to further their studies. Communication of this type allows students to progress at their own pace and focus on topics that spark their curiosity.
There are so many uses for the Internet that is would be impossible to compile a list. But instant access to real-time information is at the heart of the Internet and the world wide web. Of course, like television, much of what is out there is strictly for entertainment purposes and is rarely one hundred percent correct. Fortunately, systems have been put in place to allow parents and teachers to filter, block, or monitor student traffic.
Regardless of how one feels about the Internet, it and the world wide web are here to stay. As technology increases, students will become even more familiar with this tool and be allowed even greater access to information. Now not only is the Internet available by computer, most cell phones and PDAs can reach the net.
Personally, I use the Internet everyday. Whether at home, at work, or at school, the net is a valuable tool for everyone. My students find web quests exciting and using the technology prepares them for life in the work place. I feel that anything that can help a student learn, should be used to its greatest potential. The Internet is such a tool.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Week 8 - Chapter 6
What is the difference between drill-and-practice software and tutorial software? When is it appropriate to use each in teaching and learning?
Tutorial and drill-and-practice software packages are designed to introduce students to new material or help reinforce information that has already been discussed. These types of software are particularly helpful when teacher to student ratios are low and may limit one-on-one instruction time. The programs can also be helpful in addressing the numerous learning styles of the students. This academic software is readily available and in use in many school districts around the country.
Although there are many similarities in these educational software, there are many differences as well. Tutorial software, for instance, introduces users to new information and material, whereas drill-and-practice software reinforces content that has already been presented to the student. Tutorial software often contains lessons planned according to the instructional design, while drill-and-practice focuses on key points in a particular topic or lesson.
Tutorial software can be separated into two categories: linear and hypermedia. Linear tutorials use a step-by-step approach to achieve different objectives. This has the advantage of providing immediate feedback to the user detailing which objectives have been mastered and which need to be reviewed again. Hypermedia tutorials allow users to freely explore various links related to the lesson. This means students can explore areas that peak their personal interests. Like linear tutorial, hypermedia also provides evaluation and feedback elements.
Drill-and-practice software ask students particular questions to key concepts, giving students instant feedback to their answers. Most of these software packages track correct answers and move to more complex questions as the user increases mastery. These software programs allow students to control the pace learning, but limits the content until each section, or subject, is mastered.
Both tutorial and drill-and-practice software offers many benefits to students and teachers. it is imperative however, that instructors do not rely solely on software to educate students. No matter how far technology advances or how well the software is designed, it will never be able to replace teacher to student contact.
Tutorial and drill-and-practice software packages are designed to introduce students to new material or help reinforce information that has already been discussed. These types of software are particularly helpful when teacher to student ratios are low and may limit one-on-one instruction time. The programs can also be helpful in addressing the numerous learning styles of the students. This academic software is readily available and in use in many school districts around the country.
Although there are many similarities in these educational software, there are many differences as well. Tutorial software, for instance, introduces users to new information and material, whereas drill-and-practice software reinforces content that has already been presented to the student. Tutorial software often contains lessons planned according to the instructional design, while drill-and-practice focuses on key points in a particular topic or lesson.
Tutorial software can be separated into two categories: linear and hypermedia. Linear tutorials use a step-by-step approach to achieve different objectives. This has the advantage of providing immediate feedback to the user detailing which objectives have been mastered and which need to be reviewed again. Hypermedia tutorials allow users to freely explore various links related to the lesson. This means students can explore areas that peak their personal interests. Like linear tutorial, hypermedia also provides evaluation and feedback elements.
Drill-and-practice software ask students particular questions to key concepts, giving students instant feedback to their answers. Most of these software packages track correct answers and move to more complex questions as the user increases mastery. These software programs allow students to control the pace learning, but limits the content until each section, or subject, is mastered.
Both tutorial and drill-and-practice software offers many benefits to students and teachers. it is imperative however, that instructors do not rely solely on software to educate students. No matter how far technology advances or how well the software is designed, it will never be able to replace teacher to student contact.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Week 7
What are the characteristics of today's students? In what way do they differ from traditional students? What strategies should educators apply?
Today's students are the most technological savvy learners in history. When I grew up, all we had were typewriters. I can still remember the first word processor my father brought home (he worked for Xerox at the time). My mother and I were fascinated. She was a teacher at a local elementary school and I was a student. It changed both of our lives. When personal computers came around, our lives changed even more. The ease at which documents and presentations could be created and edited shifted our views of learning and teaching. No longer was the five-page paper excruciating to type. What my mother and I considered a technological wonder, today's students take for granted.
Today there is almost a computer in every home. Even children without personal computers can work basic programs and I challenge any adult to keep up with any child in the latest video game. Technology is something all students are familiar with. Today's children learn from the television as well as the classroom. Reality often blends with make-believe and soe children have difficulty differentiating between the two. Just last week a student asked if jellyfish could fly. When I said "no", the student responded, "but they do on SpongeBob!" So sometimes technology can lead to misinformation. Take the internet for example, there is a plethera of misinformation available on the world wide web. I'm not saying it's all bad, there are a lot of great things out there, but as parents and educators, we need to responsibly filter some of the information to which our children have access.
But it is not just technology that separates students of today from the students of the past. Today's world climate has changed dramatically. Famine, war, terrorism, and hate crimes are all very real and the children are aware of these facts. Elementary students face problems that high school students once faced. Drugs and gangs have infiltrated the lowest grade levels. Television and the internet bring violence into homes that were once peaceful. This is leading to children with less empathy towards each other. On-line chat rooms are actually disconnecting students from each other, lessening the face-to-face contact past students thrived on.
With this in mind, it is important for educators to incoorporate technology into the classroom while integrating group activities that allow for personal interaction between students. Teachers should be conscience of the fact that students learn better when technology is utilized, but they should be careful not to rely too heavily on computers to do all of the teaching. Afterall, no matter how much technology progresses, it will never be able to replace the personality of a teacher.
Today's students are the most technological savvy learners in history. When I grew up, all we had were typewriters. I can still remember the first word processor my father brought home (he worked for Xerox at the time). My mother and I were fascinated. She was a teacher at a local elementary school and I was a student. It changed both of our lives. When personal computers came around, our lives changed even more. The ease at which documents and presentations could be created and edited shifted our views of learning and teaching. No longer was the five-page paper excruciating to type. What my mother and I considered a technological wonder, today's students take for granted.
Today there is almost a computer in every home. Even children without personal computers can work basic programs and I challenge any adult to keep up with any child in the latest video game. Technology is something all students are familiar with. Today's children learn from the television as well as the classroom. Reality often blends with make-believe and soe children have difficulty differentiating between the two. Just last week a student asked if jellyfish could fly. When I said "no", the student responded, "but they do on SpongeBob!" So sometimes technology can lead to misinformation. Take the internet for example, there is a plethera of misinformation available on the world wide web. I'm not saying it's all bad, there are a lot of great things out there, but as parents and educators, we need to responsibly filter some of the information to which our children have access.
But it is not just technology that separates students of today from the students of the past. Today's world climate has changed dramatically. Famine, war, terrorism, and hate crimes are all very real and the children are aware of these facts. Elementary students face problems that high school students once faced. Drugs and gangs have infiltrated the lowest grade levels. Television and the internet bring violence into homes that were once peaceful. This is leading to children with less empathy towards each other. On-line chat rooms are actually disconnecting students from each other, lessening the face-to-face contact past students thrived on.
With this in mind, it is important for educators to incoorporate technology into the classroom while integrating group activities that allow for personal interaction between students. Teachers should be conscience of the fact that students learn better when technology is utilized, but they should be careful not to rely too heavily on computers to do all of the teaching. Afterall, no matter how much technology progresses, it will never be able to replace the personality of a teacher.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Week 6 - Chapter 5 Reflections
Define database management software and describe how you might use it to help you in teaching responsibilities. How might you construct a learning assignment for your students that use this productivity tool?
Database management software is a software system designed to record, organize, access, and extract information electronically from stored data. This software offers users an easy way to create customized reports while allowing data to be sorted automatically. The book uses the example of an electronic card catalog system in a library. These card systems are highly complex and require cross-referencing on many levels. In an electronic database system, however, information can be quickly checked for author, title, or subject. These electronic systems greatly reduce the time needed for looking for or sorting books; not to mention the amount of space that can be saved by using one of these program packages instead of the standard manual card catalog that most libraries use. There are many more advantages in using this type of software other than just saving time and space. For instance, users can generate professional looking reports using numerous tools and wizards. They also provide multiple levels of sorting to make data easy to understand. And they can allow for the creation of customized queries of specific records. But probable one of the best reasons to use this software is that it can provide an inexpensive way to archive and access records, data, or information of all sorts. This type of management software can be used by students as well as teachers. Reports can be generated and data can be formatted into attractive presentations. In using these programs, students learn to think practically, developing critical-thinking skills that will serve them well not only in the classroom, but in life as well. One of the most practical uses for these types of software systems is the archiving of grades. Separating test scores from daily grades or projects can help a teacher to track individual student progress or view the class as a whole. Another practicle use in the classroom is the developement of query-based student projects in which the teacher allows student to view important data while controlling the access to non-pertinant information. Projects can be easily designed by the teacher for students to find the information on their own. Data can be updated and accessed easily, reducing research time and ensuring content. These programs are in wide use around the country today. Virtually every school district in the country is using some type of database management system, although few realize the great potential for student benefit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)