It is no secret that students today are heavily immersed in new technologies especially social networking sites (i.e. blogs, twitter, podcasts, wikis, virtual worlds, video sharing and photo sharing). They are crafting on-line lives that seamlessly meld with their off-line world. Indeed, the internet is playing an increasingly important role in not only students’ social life, but also academic. So as teachers it is important we take the initiative to incorporate these technologies that are so present in their lives while also modeling how to responsibility do so.Though social networking sites have some downsides, they also offer so many tools. Implementing these tools in the classroom can help students use technology responsibly — and learn a few other new things while they’re at it.

There are a number of unique features that make social networking sites amenable to educational pursuits. Most importantly social network sites connect students with other students, indirectly creating a learning community – a vital component of student education. For example, Facebook is equipped with bulletin boards, instant messaging, email, and the ability to post videos and pictures. Most notably, anyone can post information and collaborate within the system. These sites also provide teachers like me opportunities to create and support and online community where my students can help and support one another. For example, these sites can provide a place for absent students to see the assignments they have missed and even get help from a fellow student or teacher (as we noted in class). Additionally, these sites can be used for collaborative projects, assessments, discussions, surveys… Finally, these sites can provide a great way for a teacher to communicate with parents about specific or general topics concerning the class and/or specific students.

Though I hope that teachers and students will push learning beyond the borders of the classroom through social networking; that move can also come with hurdles, including the fact that many schools still block access to such sites within their campus. Schools must also confront the uncertainties and questions surrounding privacy issues, proper management, and cyber security when they open their doors to social-networking sites. Another disadvantage of these sites is they have become a huge source of bullying as well as a distraction for many students. Another argument I have heard against these sites is they keep kids away from the “real world” and diminish the quality of communication- computer lingo and hyphenated versions of everything.

In the end we as educators need to realize that this web world is one that students feel at home in and it is unlikely to disappear, so whether you agree with or disagree with the use of these sites in the classroom you must be willing to figure out a way to responsibly and creatively integrate them to educate the youth on how to use it positively an d successfully in the future. I believe one way to counter many of the cons of these sites in the educational setting would be to first: wait until middle school and second: create strict guidelines and rules for how it would be used for the class and a zero tolerance policy for misuse.

Excel Grade Book Practice

ISTE Standards Reflection

As the world becomes more technologically advanced, it is important for teachers to understand and recognize the importance for using technology in the classroom and the ISTE standards is an important tool to make sure it is done correctly. These standards highlight the goals we have for our students and their use of technology. These standards also helped to remind me that it’s not just content standards that need to be addressed while teaching. In my opinion, these standards focus on good teaching and learning – not simply on technology use. On the other hand while reviewing these standards I found myself having a similar reaction to when I read the essential conditions; which is a feeling of doubt that these standard can really be met in most schools which often not only lack the resources to do so but also may not have an immediate desire to do so either. I also feel these standards are a bit of a laundry list for teachers and students that are quite nonspecific in nature. Despite the standards idealism and impreciseness they can provide a very basic structure for a teacher when creating a curriculum which attempts to incorporates technology in a meaningful and successful way

Standard 1 is one of the most important of the 5 in my opinion. It promotes that integrating technology is important in every classroom and what better way to nurture student use of technology than to model it ourselves. It also strongly encourages the need for collaboration, creativity and innovation in the classroom in relationship to technology.

Standard 2, which I found most interesting, refers to planning and designing learning environments and experiences. The standard addresses the need for teachers to be able to incorporate tools and resources that will maximize content learning for students. I believe that technology offers so many venues in which teachers can explore valuable resources. Educators today must teach to so many different learners and learning styles that it is important to be able to tap into technology in order to present information in a variety of ways that will make learning relevant and meaningful. With the ideals of this standard a goal that I would like to have for myself as a future teacher is to individualize student learning through the power of technology as much as possible. My hope is my students will take more initiative in succeeding in these goals if they've been an active participant in creating them.

According to Standard 3, teachers are to “demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.” Thankfully, with the variety modern technology, teachers can find tools they feel comfortable using in their own classrooms. As a future teacher, I would love to have a Smart Board or other new technologies in my classroom. I feel very passionate about getting students involved and feeling like they are a part of something. With a Smart Board, students can participate in nontraditional ways and hopefully feel more motivated to engage in class. I feel that with all the new technologies arising, teachers are bound to find something that will enhance their classrooms.

Standard 4 addresses the issue of digital citizenship and responsibility. I do strongly feel teachers have a duty to model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information. While the internet is an excellent tool for learning when used correctly, it can also be very destructive if safety, legal, and ethical use is not taught and enforced. Teachers have a responsibility to teach students awareness of copyright regulations and the correct way to document sources in order to avoid plagiarism.

Standard 5 states that teachers must engage in professional growth and leadership as well as “participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.” I believe this last statement is the most important within Standard 5. Teachers should always be collaborating with other teachers and professionals to ensure the best education for their students. I hope to take full advantage of the online learning communities available when i become a teacher- they can provide inventive ideas and tips to increase my effectiveness in the classroom.

essential conditions

After reading through this list i realized just how unimportant technology was my classrooms as i went through school. I currently am not teaching at a school so i cant speak to what a specific classroom or school is like; however, i can say that i wish we had more classes early on in my education on how to use the many resources the computer/other technology have to offer. I discovered and learned how to use these resources primarily on my own or not until high school when the computer more necessary for much of my work.

I think that in order for most of these essential conditions to be met we cant rely only on the school itself to do this we as teachers must be proactive in encouraging and pushing for them to be met. This can even mean bringing in our own technology to show just how helpful it can be in the classroom and maybe inspiring the whole school to do the same. Technology is key for any student and it is not only a shame to not provide and introduce it to them at a young age its a hindrance in their education.