Blogfolio

1. Intro Video

This assignment is aligned with the NETT standard 5a, which calls for teachers to be engaged in learning communities. This assignment required us to begin a blog that would connect us to the online teaching world. It required us to join the community by introducing ourselves, and many of us included our teaching experiences and goals in that introduction.
I think this was a worthwhile assignment mostly because it gave us an opportunity to get to know w little bit about our classmates. We will be working with each other for the next couple of years, and it was good to learn a little bit about each other. It was also useful for teaching us how to post videos to the internet. Some of my professors now post short lectures online we can watch in addition to what we learn in class if we so choose. I think this is a useful skill for teachers to have because it is a good way to share information for student enrichment.

2. Concept Map

This assignment is aligned with standard 1a, which calls for teachers to model creativity and inventiveness. Using a concept map causes the teacher and student to look at the information presented in a new way. This assignment also is aligned with standard two, which calls for teachers to provide diverse ways of presenting information and using digital tools, and standard three which requires teachers to transfer knowledge via new technology. This assignment required us to use technology to present information in a unique way that would engage students in our lessons. I think this assignment was especially useful because concept maps work for any subject area or grade level. They can be useful for almost any lesson and are a good skill for teachers to have.

3. Website

This assignment also in in line with five, which requires teachers to be engaged in online learning communities. Most people used this assignment as an opportunity to create web pages for their future classrooms that will help them keep parents informed and connected to what is happening inside the class. I also liked the versatility of this assignment. It is useful in the field of education, but it is also a good skill to have for any field. Some people chose to make websites for their church classrooms or other things they are interested in. This is a skill that we have and will be able to use in and out of the classroom.

4. Video

This assignment is aligned with standard 2c, which calls for teachers to present information in a variety of digital formats, and standard 3, which requires teachers to communicate information using new technologies. This assignment taught us to present technology in a unique, efficient, and creative way using movie making technology. This assignment was my favorite for a few reasons. This assignment provided us the best opportunity to see what is important in the lives of our classmates. I think this assignment was the best for getting to know the other people in our class. I also enjoyed the versatility of this assignment. As proved by the diverse videos shown in class, the skills used for this assignment can be applied to absolutely any topic.

5.  Turn It In/ Ethical Issues

This assignment is aligned with standard three, which requires teachers to use digital tools to collaborate and share information. Turnitin.com is a website that allows people to share their assignments through a digital platform that will make sure the information and ideas presented are original. It is more closely aligned with standard four, which calls for responsible digital citizenship. It requires teachers to model ethical use of technology and to promote digital etiquette. I think this assignment was worthwhile because of the two fold purpose of the assignment. I think if the assignment only existed to teach us how to use turnitin, it would have been a waste of time. Because we learned about the website by writing an essay on digital citizenship, I think we learned not only about ethical web-tools but also about digital etiquette and ethical dilemmas that exist on the web.

6. Google Groups

This assignment is aligned with standard five, which requires teachers to be a part of a community of digital learning. This assignment required us to work together by collaborating over the internet. It is also aligned with standard two, which requires teachers to present information through a variety of digital formats.  I think this assignment was especially fun and informative. We learned to present information though a google group, docs, and presentation. We learned lots of skills through this one assignment, but it was not overwhelming.

7. Web Tools

This assignment is aligned with standards two and three, which require teachers to use up to date digital assessments for their students and to demonstrate fluency in technology systems. I think this assignment was useful, but I was not able to access all the necessary websites. I think the ideas are good in theory, but I was not able to see them in practice. I know, though, that as a teacher it will be important to have aids for creating organized quizzes and rubrics.


Reflection on Course as a Whole

I was pleasantly surprised by this class. I have always considered myself to be technologically challenged, and I have never been very excited about new technology. I know that technology is important in the modern classroom, but I want to teach in places in the world that probably will not allow my students access to the latest technology or even things we might consider basic technology. Though I understood that a knowledge of classroom technology was important as a teacher, I did not think it would be of much use for me under the circumstances in which I am looking to teach. Because of my original attitude towards technology, I did not expect to enjoy this class very much. I was surprised to find the class to be very enjoyable and that much of what I learned I will probably be able to apply in the future. Even though I am not gifted in the area of technology, I learned that it is not hard to learn to use technology if I am open to it and try. There are lots of tools we used in class that I had not used before and am able to use with ease. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that almost all of what we learned simply involved a computer and internet access. We did learn about new tools in classroom technology, but not having access to these tools does not mean a teacher is limited to never use technology. Though many schools in developing parts of the world do not have the means to bring in technology for their students, I will be able to use a personal laptop in most places. Over the summer, the school I where I taught did not have technology more advanced than a dry-erase board, but there were lots of internet cafes, and we were able to use our computers as teachers. Because so much of what we learned in this class simply involves a computer and the internet, it will be easier for me to apply this knowledge in most parts of the world. I am thankful for what I learned in this class and think this course was more than worthwhile. It changed my mind about technology and I believe prepared me to be a better teacher in the future.

Web Tools

Big Bus Testmaker

Incomplete Metamorphosis

1. What is the process in which an insect grows and sheds its skeleton? nymphmoltingchrysalismetamorphosis
2. What is the first stage of incomplete metamorphosis? moltingadult nymphegg
3. What is the final stage of incomplete metamorphosis? adultnymphegglarvae
4. Which of the following undergoes incomplete metamorphosis? mothbutterflycricketladybug
5. In which stage does the insect look like a small adult? adultlarvaenymphegg
I thought that this website was easy for creating short tests and can be useful for making short quizzes. It was not hard to figure out, but it might be hard for testing a large group of people. It did not allow me to share the test link anywhere, so I do not understand how it would be used to test an entire class at once. I was unable to access the other test making websites on my computer.

Internet Safety Questions

Safe Practices for Life Online

1. Facebook, Twitter, SnapChat

2. If students threaten a faculty member, the school, fellow students, or administrators online, they will be arrested. For example, in Beaverton, Oregon, two students were arrested for threatening the school with a shooting on Twitter. In another example, a high school senior tweeted about something explicit that happened between himself and a high school teacher.

3. Sexting- Sending suggestive, sexual, explicit messages or pictures via text messages or social media. (“Lets Settle This Once and for All: What exactly is Sexting?” by Sam Biddle, 7/22/2011, Gizmodo)

Cramming-To try to learn a lot right before an exam

Cookies- It is a small piece of information about your computer that web browsers use when visiting certain websites that allow you to access certain pages.

Trojan Horse-Virus on your computer that tricks your computer into believing that it is fighting viruses but actually fills your computer with viruses

Phishing- Getting financial information from people online and claiming that it is a legitimate business

Spyware- Software that allows a computer user to get information about another user’s activity secretly

Rootkit- Software that allows a user that is unauthorized to gain control of a computer undetected

Zombie- A computer that has been compromised by a hacker, virus, or trojan horse.

4.These screen names are poor choices because they are degrading to the user and are immature and unprofessional.

5.These screen names are degrading and inappropriate and can draw undesired attention to the user that chose the name.

6.When you use a screen name that gives out information about your interests, full name, age, or location, you are risking someone taking advantage of that information.

9. My current password has a score of eight based on these questions. It is important to access your password based on these and similar criteria in order to protect yourself from internet predators and hackers. Passwords should not use common or easy to figure out information because it would be too easy to crack and make the user vulnerable to hackers.

            #s 10 - 13 - Lindsay Fuller

10. Most & Least common reason students' online accounts are broken into each year:

MOST: Others who know personal things about the student guess the password.

LEAST: A password cracking program is used to crack their password.

11. Malware Analysis: Drive-By Download Thoughts and Summary:

The video, while super cheesy, was actually informative. The man in the video is logging into an infected website with his own computer to show just how quickly your computer can get infected. He also is showing how sneaky and dangerous these websites are. He begins explaining exactly what is going on with the computer and what the program is doing. "Some attacks tip you off by crashing stuff, other times it does nothing, then shows itself later." The website he went to, specifically, was loading the site normally, but when he minimized his screen he showed what was really going on. His computer's desktop changed to a message claiming that he has a spyware infection on his laptop. In his tray there is a new icon also saying, "Your computer is infected. Windows has detected spyware infection!" He clicks the popup icon and a program pops up that he never installed claiming to be a virus scanner.

Other visual cues that a drive-by has hit your machine:

• Unusual apps in your program bar
• Your web browser's homepage changed
• Unfamiliar toolbar appears in your web browser
• Your browser has new bookmarks that you didn't make
• Pop-up windows display ads
• Unusual files in different directories on your computer

After he infects his computer he showed the viewers several different applications and spywares the Malware added then explains how you can prevent this from happening to your own computer. Such as:

• Keep up with patches - Malware uses tricks to get around old patches
• Harden your web browser - keep the web setting at the highest security setting
• Block dangerous file types at your firebox - http & https proxies (inbound and outbound)
• Use antivirus and anti-spyware software - keep it up to date

Watching this video made me a little paranoid about my own anti-virus scanner not working so I updated it right after. I knew how important it was to have a virus scanner and how bad malware and spyware can be, but seeing just how many programs can be installed on your computer in just one click, really puts it into perspective.

12. 3 Tests to Stay Safe Online 8 Tests

1. Is your computer protected?
2. For this quiz I was at a low risk for being unprotected. The 2 questions that made the bar go up were "Do you have a wireless computer" "yes" and "Do you back up your files on a regular basis?" "no".
3. Are you protecting your identity?
4. I was at a medium/low risk for this quiz. I got this score because I don't check my bank statement monthly. I know I have no money, so I don't bother checking. I should check anyway. I don't run a regular credit check on myself, annually, like you're supposed to do.

Article Response: Why Kids Can't Sit Still

       This article addressed the growing number of children being diagnosed with ADHD.   It talked about students losing confidence in themselves because they are unable to sit still when asked to and students who have underdeveloped balance because they do not practice prolonged movement on a daily basis. Kids need regular movement for proper development, but they are being asked to sit still all day at school only to go home and stay inside rather than go out and play.
       I think one way to solve this problem in the classroom is to simply lower the standards for children sitting still in the classroom. If children need movement for development and healthy learning, then teachers should encourage rather discourage movement in the classroom. Kids should not be scolded or made to feel like they are doing something wrong for fidgeting in their desks. Teachers should also encourage movement by incorporating it into their lesson plans. They can demonstrate concepts through interactive lessons that get kids out of their desks and moving around the classroom. This addresses the problem of kids sitting still too long as well as giving students a new way to think about the concept.  

21st Education Videos

The first video showed students using their phones and only their phones in the classroom. The phones connected to larger screens that allowed students to share with the class, but there were no notebooks or textbooks. The students got all of their information and did their recording on their smart phones. While this is a fun idea, I do not think it would be a very successful way to run a classroom. It is not easy to monitor what every student has pulled up on their phones, and there are endless distractions placed in front of the student when they use their phones to work. Also, staring at the small screens all day in school would be harmful to a student's eyesight. ebooks have lots of benefits, but sometimes it is better to read from paper without any glare or distractions.

The second video made predictions about the future of high school classes being online and listed benefits on online education. I do agree that there are lots of benefits to online study. It gives the student access to lots of new information and connects the student to teachers and learners across the world. I do think there are some drawbacks to complete online education. I think that human interaction is important in the learning process. Again, I think there is a lot of opportunity for distraction to creep in when the student relies solely on the web for learning.

The third video advocated the use of ICT in the classroom, but it emphasized using it wisely. Access to technology is not enough. Educators must be well equipped to use the technology in the way that is most beneficial to the students. I agree with the points made in this video, that teachers should be trained in new technology in order to implement it in their classroom and that students should be allowed access to ICT for specific purposes.

The fourth video talked about the architecture of the classroom. It advocated open areas for learning and environments that helped students feel connected with the world outside rather than shut off. I think that the ideas presented in this video are important and that students would benefit greatly by having a learning environment that is more comfortable and natural to them than traditional square classrooms. The classrooms shown in the video were good fro promoting creativity and collaboration.

The fifth video listed lots of resources that available for teachers and students. It gave little information about ti resources, their purposes, and their effectiveness. I did not find this video to be helpful.

Video

Website

https://sites.google.com/a/eagles.usm.edu/lauryn-h/home

Common Sense Media

     I explored both the Common Sense Media website and the app and found both to be useful for teachers and for parents, or anyone who cares for children. The website especially provides great resources for teachers, including opportunities for professional development. They provide information on ebooks and on digital resources as well as reviews that are helpful for determining whether a resource will be helpful and appropriate for use in classrooms of students at each age level. They provide other tools such as videos and posters to help teachers educate students on how to be responsible users of technology and how to stay safe on the internet.
     The app is especially good for parents and other caregivers, but is still useful for educators. It allows the user to personalize a profile based on their children and provides recommendations of age appropriate books, movies, games, and other resources. It also has a useful search feature that gives ratings on books, movies, apps, etc. I liked the rating system used because it was not limited to a few parent reviews or system of stars. Rather, it  rates in multiple categories such as violence, consumerism, educational value, etc. It also gives examples of topics that families can use in conversation about the resource. Overall, i think Common Sense Media is the best resource I have seen so far when it comes to rating children's resources and entertainment.

Response to Cyberbullying Articles

http://www.jconline.com/story/life/wellness/2014/09/23/cyberbullying-middle-school/16065229/

http://www.cbc.ca/newsblogs/yourcommunity/2014/10/teen-arrested-for-harassing-teacher-with-cyberbullying-app-streetchat.html

I read two recent articles on cyber-bullying, both highlighting ways in which this disturbing trend is expanding.  One talked about a student who is facing legal trouble after bullying a teacher over anonymous social media. The second discussed how cyber bullying is becoming more prevalent among middle school children. This terms is growing to include a larger part of the school population, now including faculty and younger students than it has before. 

     It is also becoming easier for students to post hurtful things to the internet because of apps that allow them to remain anonymous. Students can say what they want to hurt someone else, usually without facing the consequences, whether that be discipline by the school or backlash from offended peers. 

     I think one step that needs to be taken to combat this growing problem to educate students early on on what bullying is. Explain to young children what counts as bullying as well as the effects bullying can have on a person. Too often hurtful words and actions and brushed off as harmless jokes and are not identified as bullying. I think if children have a clear idea of bullying and it's effects from very early in their education, they will be less likely to act as a bully. 

     Schools should also take the steps that they can to monitor cyber bullying in the school. Any electronic devices that are distributed by the school should come with rules against apps that encourage cyber bullying. Personal devices should be stored or monitored, so that students are using them for school purposes and not to post harmful content. 

Podcasts

     The first podcast I listened to had to do with student motivation. The speakers urged teachers to work to motivate students rather than expecting students to walk into class motivated. They argued that there are no students without motivation, only students in demotivating situations who need help finding their motivation. it encouraged teachers to get to know their students as people. Take notice of student interests and be aware of student backgrounds. Teachers should not think of themselves as teachers of math or English but as teachers of people, putting the students before the subject or tests. Teachers should create a welcoming environment and help students imagine bright futures for themselves so that they can find motivation even if they come from places or families that drain motivation.
     The second podcast I listened to was to inform people on the state of poverty, education, and girls in schools across the globe as well as how to interpret and predict statistics on such issues. Though the majority of the talk was just statistics, it caught my interest because of the emphasis on global education and education for peoples across the world who do not have the same access to quality education that we do. Though the statistics were not all good, in general they seem to be improving with time.
     To my surprise, I very much enjoyed learning this information through listening to podcasts. I enjoy traditional media and would have liked sitting down to read an article with the same information, but the podcast gave me freedom to do other things while becoming informed. It is a lot easier to exercise, do dishes, or go about my morning routine while listening to a podcast than it is to do those same things while reading an article. That being said, I feel as though I learn more through reading than listening to a podcast on the same issue. Because I have the freedom to do other things, all of my attention is not focused on listening and I miss details. I think I will use podcasts to supplement other learning, but they will not replace written articles in my life.

Concept Map--How Children Live In Bangladesh

I.    International Language Day

A.    Holidays

1.    Life of a Child in Bangladesh

  longer distances are traveled by rickshaw

A.    Transportation

I.     Islam: main religion

Boys go to mosque and receive instruction

A.    Religion

Minor religions: Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism

children walk most places that are nearby

people travel across the country by bus, train, and boat

Children are in school from early morning until lunch

I.    School

Main subjects: Math, English, Bangla

classroom in Bangladesh

what is Ramadan?

I.    Ramadan: tradition of fasting during the day and feasting at night in line with major requirements of Islam

Some children live in places called slums.

A.    Many children live in the city

1.    Home

Some children live in flats in tall buildings.

   Some children live in the country

Shutterfly Article Response

As a future educator who is not incredibly knowledgable about technology, I found this article to be especially informative. I think that it is important for teachers to be aware of the types of security systems websites use so that they can make wise decisions about which ones to use. 

     I think that there should be more restrictions on how websites geared towards children and their coaches, teachers, and parents are able to advertise themselves. They should be more transparent about exactly what time of security is in place and what that means for the information being entrusted to that website. 

     Until websites are more clear about they safety measures they have in place, adults in charge of children need to take it upon themselves to be educated about web safety and know how to avoid potentially dangerous sites. 

With Tech Taking Over in School, Worries Arise Response

     I think that the new laws being put in place are good measures that will help keep children safe as technology continues to expand. Many of the laws previously in place to keep children's information safe are somewhat outdated now due to rapid advances in technology. Old laws place restrictions on how a child's private information can be stored and shared, but these laws do not include details about new types of technology for storing and sharing information. New laws are necessary for maintaining the safety of students and keeping their personal information secure with new technology such as cloud computing and palm scanners being used in schools.
     A lot of new technology is beneficial to schools, but it is understandable that parents would be worried when it comes to the safety of their children and their children's records. Technology can be a great resource in the classroom and in other areas of the school, but when it interferes with the security and privacy of students it might not be worth using. When aiding in education, technology should be considered for helping a student expand their understanding. If technology is being used for information storage or to make payments easier, then it is a great tool but is not entirely necessary. It is important that a school be run efficiently, and technology can help; but it is more important that technology be used in a way that gaurantees student safety and privacy.

Response to Salman Khan article and video

     I liked the overall idea of the video and agreed with most of what what said. I found the overall message, that students can learn anything and should be encouraged to have a growth mindset, was encouraging and refreshing. In my experience as a tutor, many students did poorly in school because they had been told they were not smart and they believed it. They did not put forth effort to learn hard material because they did not believe they could learn it. Over a long period of time, with much encouragement, a lot of the students improved. They grew to have bigger dreams for the rest of their lives because in changing their outlook on academics, they were able to change their outlooks on their entire futures. A growth mindset in essential, and I have seen first hand its power to change a young person's life.
     This being said, I do believe there is still room for encouragement in areas in which students are naturally gifted.  Students should be encouraged to work through hard material, but I do not think they should be ignored if a task comes to them easily. Instead, they should be encouraged to pursue more difficult tasks in the same field. While people do have the ability to learn anything, they are still gifted in different areas. A person might quickly understand music but struggle in science classes. It would be right to encourage them to work through the difficult science lessons and expand their learning, but I do not think it would be right to ignore their accomplishments in music simply because it comes easily to them. I believe a growth mindset should be encouraged and that students should be encouraged in all areas of their learning-easy or hard.

NMC Report Notes

-flipped classrooms gaining popularity: students gain knowledge on their own time and put it into practice during class time
-shift to deeper learning (suicide prevention, the arts, etc.)
-open educational resources: free sharing of knowledge/ information
-hybrid learning designs: incorporates physical and virtual learning methods,  classroom time used for collaboration and online time used for individual learning
-NUI: helpful for teachers in using technology in the classroom, games give students motivation to learn online, improve literacy skills
-creative classroom settings: nontraditional classrooms and lessons provide more individualized/ student centered approaches to education
-major focus on individualized learning
-authentic learning: push for classroom learning to mimic real life experience, greater preparedness for college/ the work force, vocational learning  and apprenticeships
-computational thinking: involves critical thinking about data, abstractions, models, etc.
-teaching computer programming to younger elementary students
-development of new laws to keep student data secure as technology changes
-use of personal devices on the classroom--allows personalized use of technology, personal programs, apps
-cloud computing: promotes collaboration
-gaming: promotes collaboration, teaches design/ spacial elements
-learning analytics: data about student behaviors, track progress, behaviors, preparedness
-wearable technology: used for lab safety, enhances field trip learning,

Introduction

     I am a junior elementary education major from New Orleans. I first became interested in teaching through  volunteering as a tutor for inner city elementary boys. I have experience working with children at home as well as abroad in various settings. My most recent experience involved teaching ESL in South Asia. I have experience with children with special needs, mainly through growing up with sisters with autism and family friends with different learning disabilities. I hope to have a career as an educator in a developing nation, teaching children who have limited access to education. My main goal is to use education as a platform to carry the gospel to places that have not been reached with the good news of Jesus, who is my life.