Spencer, J. (2011, September 19). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.educationrethink.com/2011/09/ten-reasons-to-get-rid-of-homework-and.html
Children have a very busy schedule starting from an early age. Some teachers have developed alternative ways for students to continue to learn while being away from school. Recently, there have been several teachers that have voiced their concerns about whether students should be required to do homework on a regular basis or not. In John Spencer's blog, "Ten Reasons to Get Rid of Homework," he suggests ten different reasons why students should not have to do homework. One of his main concerns with homework is that it promotes an inequitable situation. Students all have different home lives, for example, one child could go home and have both parents there to help with homework, while another student has to go home and take care of their siblings because both parents are at work. Depending on which research one believes, arguments have been made that homework does not raise achievement and it can actually inhibit students from effectively learning. I would have to agree that I think homework does promote an inequitable situation. As an educator, I would come up with alternative ways to stimulate the minds of young people. Some of my alternative homework ideas consist of:
1. To get students involved in clubs: such as Boy Scouts, martial arts, sports, music, etc. Students need to have other activities that may be enjoyable. I have stated before that not all students are going to grow up and become lawyers or doctors, so I think it is a good idea to get them involved in other activities.
2. Students should have the option to stay after school for additional help. It will be my duty as an educator to come in early and stay after school to help every student succeed.
3. Students should have the opportunity to create arts and crafts. At a young age, students can develop a liking for the arts and decide to pursue it further down the road.
4. Students should help out in the community. I think all of the students should have an active role in the community, whether it be helping build something or help taking care of pets.
5. Read and write on their own. Students should be encouraged to read and write on their own so they don't feel like they are forced into doing something. I think students will do better in reading and writing if they were reading something that interested them.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Journal 4 "Join the Flock" and "Enhance Your Twitter Experience"
Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock!. Learning & leading with technology, 37(8), 12-15. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Join_the_Flock.aspx.
McClintock Miller, S. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning & leading with technology, 37(8), 14-17. Retrieved from
http://www.iste.org/Libraries/Leading_and_Learning_Docs/June_July_2010_Join_the_Flock.sflb.ashx
Over the past several years Twitter has become a cesspool of information if one knows how to use it. In her journal article, "Join the Flock!" Hadley Ferguson has broken down how educators can build their personal learning network, or PLN. Ferguson describes ways educators can interact with each other and give advice on lesson planning, dealing with difficult situations, or just discussing a normal day in the classroom. Educators can help their peers by posting links through Twitter that can be used as a resource for others. Shy people who are afraid to post ideas and comments can sit back and read other posts until they feel comfortable enough to post an opinion in their PLN network. It is very beneficial to the educational community for educators to develop a PLN and share ideas with other educators.
Shannon McClintock Miller writes about how to simplify and organize your Twitter in her article, "Enhance Your Twitter Experience." The Twitter account can be set up where tweets from friends and family can be separated into columns away from educational tweets that could be lost in the mix. Miller also explains how beneficial hashtags are in expanding the number of followers a person may have. For example, if a person posts a tweet on #Edchat and people following #Edchat like what you had to say, they may start following you. The more people that see a person's tweets, the better the chance of having a bigger PLN. It is also very beneficial for a person to share and re-tweet a good resource or link to the rest of their PLN to give the entire group ideas.
Q: How will Twitter change the educational system for the future?
A: I think Twitter is at the cusp of making a major impact on the educational system. Not only can teachers and administrators share ideas in regards to learning, but they can also share ideas on how to make cuts to the budget without having an impact on the students. Twitter allows educators to better prepare themselves for difficult situations in the classroom, how to add to lesson plans, and build a PLN that will last an entire career. Twenty years ago teachers didn't have the luxury to share teaching strategies with people throughout the world. The ability to be able to communicate and strategize with people around the world will only have a positive impact in education.
Q: Will students and teachers begin interacting using Twitter when away from school?
A: I think if it hasn't already begun to happen students and teachers will discuss lessons via Twitter in the future. Periodically, students may have questions that they need help with while doing their homework at home, and eventually I can see them tweeting their teacher for help. I think it would be a good idea to keep students away from tweeting their teachers. I think when the teacher leaves and goes home for the day, students should wait to have their questions answered the following day. Teachers do need time with their families and away from work. Teachers can meet students before or after school if they need additional help on an assignment. I will use my Twitter account to build a PLN that will improve my teaching strategies.
McClintock Miller, S. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning & leading with technology, 37(8), 14-17. Retrieved from
http://www.iste.org/Libraries/Leading_and_Learning_Docs/June_July_2010_Join_the_Flock.sflb.ashx
Over the past several years Twitter has become a cesspool of information if one knows how to use it. In her journal article, "Join the Flock!" Hadley Ferguson has broken down how educators can build their personal learning network, or PLN. Ferguson describes ways educators can interact with each other and give advice on lesson planning, dealing with difficult situations, or just discussing a normal day in the classroom. Educators can help their peers by posting links through Twitter that can be used as a resource for others. Shy people who are afraid to post ideas and comments can sit back and read other posts until they feel comfortable enough to post an opinion in their PLN network. It is very beneficial to the educational community for educators to develop a PLN and share ideas with other educators.
Shannon McClintock Miller writes about how to simplify and organize your Twitter in her article, "Enhance Your Twitter Experience." The Twitter account can be set up where tweets from friends and family can be separated into columns away from educational tweets that could be lost in the mix. Miller also explains how beneficial hashtags are in expanding the number of followers a person may have. For example, if a person posts a tweet on #Edchat and people following #Edchat like what you had to say, they may start following you. The more people that see a person's tweets, the better the chance of having a bigger PLN. It is also very beneficial for a person to share and re-tweet a good resource or link to the rest of their PLN to give the entire group ideas.
Q: How will Twitter change the educational system for the future?
A: I think Twitter is at the cusp of making a major impact on the educational system. Not only can teachers and administrators share ideas in regards to learning, but they can also share ideas on how to make cuts to the budget without having an impact on the students. Twitter allows educators to better prepare themselves for difficult situations in the classroom, how to add to lesson plans, and build a PLN that will last an entire career. Twenty years ago teachers didn't have the luxury to share teaching strategies with people throughout the world. The ability to be able to communicate and strategize with people around the world will only have a positive impact in education.
Q: Will students and teachers begin interacting using Twitter when away from school?
A: I think if it hasn't already begun to happen students and teachers will discuss lessons via Twitter in the future. Periodically, students may have questions that they need help with while doing their homework at home, and eventually I can see them tweeting their teacher for help. I think it would be a good idea to keep students away from tweeting their teachers. I think when the teacher leaves and goes home for the day, students should wait to have their questions answered the following day. Teachers do need time with their families and away from work. Teachers can meet students before or after school if they need additional help on an assignment. I will use my Twitter account to build a PLN that will improve my teaching strategies.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Journal 3 "Upside Down and Inside Out"
Fulton, K. (2012). Upside down and inside out. Flip your classroom to improve student learning. Learning and leading, 39(8), 12-14. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Upside_Down_and_Inside_Out.aspx.
With the bad economy and a decrease in funding for schools across the United States, school districts have had to become creative in coming up with ways to effectively teach students while dealing with all of the cuts. In Kathleen Fulton's journal, "Upside Down and Inside Out," Fulton explores a change in the traditional curriculum that some districts have adopted. Some schools across the country have implemented a way for students to learn and watch lessons in the comfort of their own homes while getting rid of textbooks in order to save the district money. After students watch the lesson plans via the internet out their homes, the following day they come to class and do their homework. Students are able to either work in groups or by themselves at their own pace. At the beginning of class, the teacher puts questions or problems on the board to see if all of the students are understanding the concepts. If students are struggling, the teacher will then go into more detail in a particular area. There have been mixed reviews since this is a new concept for students, teachers, and parents. One of the pros to this change is that the teacher can go around the class while students are doing their homework and help each and every student. A con to this change is that it could be difficult for students and parents to make time to view the lessons online with multiple students attending the school.
Q: Can this type of change work in the inner city schools?
A: I honestly don't think this would work in inner city schools. Students whose families are below the poverty line may not be able to afford a computer for home. If funding is going to be taken away from schools, we as a society need to make sure schools in less fortunate areas receive the proper funding. These students must have the same opportunities as students that live in affluent neighborhoods. The only way I can see this type of teaching to have any success is if every student has the resources to succeed in this type of curriculum.
Q: Do I see myself working for a school district that adopts this idea?
A: I do think this is a good idea, especially when funding becomes a problem for districts. I have to commend the teachers that worked on this project to ensure that the students did not suffer from the budget cuts. I like the idea of having time to meet with each and every student on a regular basis to ensure they are understanding the material. If students are watching the lessons at home and then coming to school to do their homework, I would have the ability to work with the students that are struggling. I also like the idea of taking quizzes electronically where I would have the ability to instantaneously see what students were struggling with and what I need to spend extra time on. Overall, I do see myself working in a school setting that adopts this type of curriculum. I do favor the traditional way over this, but when there isn't enough money to continue with the traditional way, this is an excellent alternative.
With the bad economy and a decrease in funding for schools across the United States, school districts have had to become creative in coming up with ways to effectively teach students while dealing with all of the cuts. In Kathleen Fulton's journal, "Upside Down and Inside Out," Fulton explores a change in the traditional curriculum that some districts have adopted. Some schools across the country have implemented a way for students to learn and watch lessons in the comfort of their own homes while getting rid of textbooks in order to save the district money. After students watch the lesson plans via the internet out their homes, the following day they come to class and do their homework. Students are able to either work in groups or by themselves at their own pace. At the beginning of class, the teacher puts questions or problems on the board to see if all of the students are understanding the concepts. If students are struggling, the teacher will then go into more detail in a particular area. There have been mixed reviews since this is a new concept for students, teachers, and parents. One of the pros to this change is that the teacher can go around the class while students are doing their homework and help each and every student. A con to this change is that it could be difficult for students and parents to make time to view the lessons online with multiple students attending the school.
Q: Can this type of change work in the inner city schools?
A: I honestly don't think this would work in inner city schools. Students whose families are below the poverty line may not be able to afford a computer for home. If funding is going to be taken away from schools, we as a society need to make sure schools in less fortunate areas receive the proper funding. These students must have the same opportunities as students that live in affluent neighborhoods. The only way I can see this type of teaching to have any success is if every student has the resources to succeed in this type of curriculum.
Q: Do I see myself working for a school district that adopts this idea?
A: I do think this is a good idea, especially when funding becomes a problem for districts. I have to commend the teachers that worked on this project to ensure that the students did not suffer from the budget cuts. I like the idea of having time to meet with each and every student on a regular basis to ensure they are understanding the material. If students are watching the lessons at home and then coming to school to do their homework, I would have the ability to work with the students that are struggling. I also like the idea of taking quizzes electronically where I would have the ability to instantaneously see what students were struggling with and what I need to spend extra time on. Overall, I do see myself working in a school setting that adopts this type of curriculum. I do favor the traditional way over this, but when there isn't enough money to continue with the traditional way, this is an excellent alternative.
Journal 2: School 2.0 Reflection Tool
Journal #2 Noah Barringer
Reflection results for NETS-T IV: Promote and Model
Digital Citizenship and Responsibility.
2. I facilitate
equitable access to digital tools and resources, use learner-centered
strategies, and employ features of universal access and assistive technologies
to meet the diverse needs of learners.
I selected the Reflection results for NETS-T Module: Promote and
Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility. Under this module, I selected the second principle, “I
facilitate equitable access to digital tools and resources, use
learner-centered strategies, and employ features of universal access and
assistive technologies to meet the diverse needs of learners. One of the main reasons I chose to go
to CSUSM for my teaching credential is because the University stresses the
importance of equity in the classroom.
The resource I liked the most from this principle is
Free Technology Toolkit for UDL in All Classrooms.
The website is a toolkit that consists of Audio Books, Math
Tools, Graphic Organizers, Study Skills Tools, Literacy Tools, Text-to-Speech,
and Speech-to-Text just to name a few.
These tools and links give students a free way to receive additional
help in an area they may be struggling in. The website reminds me of a tutor where the students can receive
help at the pace they need. The
text-to-speech, for example, helps students that may be struggling with reading
be able to identify words and sounds.
This link would be a great resource for an elementary school classroom
that actually has a few computers inside the classroom. With classroom sizes increasing, it is
crucial that classrooms obtain resources like this website so all students
have an opportunity to succeed. Teachers may not be able to meet with every student each day in all subjects, so this website will give students an opportunity to get additional help in a particular subject every day. This website also allows students that are less fortunate and do not have a computer at home, to log into the free website from a school computer to access the content.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Journal 1: 100 things that make me happy
1. Helene
2. Sammi
3. Mom
4. Dad
5. Nick
6. all family
7. football
8. baseball
9. fantasy sports
10. surfing
11. mma
12. steak
13. boxing
14. carne asada burritos
15. friends
16. Hawaii
17. Chicago
18. Chargers
19. Padres
20. Cubs
21. White Sox
22. quitting the bank
23. video games
24. working out
25. sushi
26. spaghetti
27. frozen yogurt
28. movies
29. books
30. iPad
31. iPod
32. laptop
33. Poway
34. Poway Wrestling
35. Poway Baseball
36. Florida
37. Arizona
38. cell phone
39. my car
40. carne asada fries
41. sandwiches
42. sleeping
43. smoking cigars
44. days off
45. watching sports with friends
46. playing games with friends
47. holidays
48. visiting my Dad
49. vacations
50. getting paid
51. winning in Vegas
52. going to Vegas
53. staying in nice hotels
54. going to Disneyland
55. going to sporting events
56. Apple Products
57. Aztec football
58. Aztec basketball
59. CSUSM
60. Tupac Shakur
61. Sublime
62. World Series
63. Super Bowl
64. College Bowl games
65. March Madness
66. In N Out
67. ESPN
68. Discovery Channel
69. History Channel
70. Dateline
71. 48 hours
72. A & E
73. achieving my goals
74. burgers
75. Iz
76. music
77. beach
78. Santa Barbara
79. Hells Kitchen
80. Gordon Ramsey
81. Kitchen Nightmares
82. Sony products
83. laying by the pool
84. War books
85. Mountaineering books
86. learning
87. jet skiing
88. swimming
89. concerts
90. good restaurants
91. Fox Sports
92. UFC
93. helping good people
94. walking Sammi
95. mountain biking
96. half marathons
97. Jesus
98. candy
99. sparkling water
100. pho
2. Sammi
3. Mom
4. Dad
5. Nick
6. all family
7. football
8. baseball
9. fantasy sports
10. surfing
11. mma
12. steak
13. boxing
14. carne asada burritos
15. friends
16. Hawaii
17. Chicago
18. Chargers
19. Padres
20. Cubs
21. White Sox
22. quitting the bank
23. video games
24. working out
25. sushi
26. spaghetti
27. frozen yogurt
28. movies
29. books
30. iPad
31. iPod
32. laptop
33. Poway
34. Poway Wrestling
35. Poway Baseball
36. Florida
37. Arizona
38. cell phone
39. my car
40. carne asada fries
41. sandwiches
42. sleeping
43. smoking cigars
44. days off
45. watching sports with friends
46. playing games with friends
47. holidays
48. visiting my Dad
49. vacations
50. getting paid
51. winning in Vegas
52. going to Vegas
53. staying in nice hotels
54. going to Disneyland
55. going to sporting events
56. Apple Products
57. Aztec football
58. Aztec basketball
59. CSUSM
60. Tupac Shakur
61. Sublime
62. World Series
63. Super Bowl
64. College Bowl games
65. March Madness
66. In N Out
67. ESPN
68. Discovery Channel
69. History Channel
70. Dateline
71. 48 hours
72. A & E
73. achieving my goals
74. burgers
75. Iz
76. music
77. beach
78. Santa Barbara
79. Hells Kitchen
80. Gordon Ramsey
81. Kitchen Nightmares
82. Sony products
83. laying by the pool
84. War books
85. Mountaineering books
86. learning
87. jet skiing
88. swimming
89. concerts
90. good restaurants
91. Fox Sports
92. UFC
93. helping good people
94. walking Sammi
95. mountain biking
96. half marathons
97. Jesus
98. candy
99. sparkling water
100. pho
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