Reflection: My Journey

                                         Reflection: My Journey

                  Looking back at the beginning at the semester;
                  I must smile.
                  Looking back at the beginning of the semester;
                  I develop a sense a pride.
                  Looking back at the beginning of the semester;
                  I think of how much I have learnt about technology tools.
                  Looking back at the beginning of the semester;
                  I must tell Dr. Watwood thanks!
                  For what you might ask?
                  For opening my eyes to the vast array of technology tools;
                  For making me more accepting of blogging;
                  For making a blank page now filled with information that will
                  last me for a lifetime.

                                                                  By: K. Bourne

               When I was asked to write a blog reflecting on this semester, I started to smile. I wondered where would start? What would I say? The poem that I have written above conveys exactly how I feel.

               One of  the first things that we were asked to do was to create our blog. Oh Lord I thought! We will be blogging. Nonetheless I did it. Then we had to create a delicious account, which ironically has also come to an end like this course. Lol! Seriously though, I had never bookmarked a page before. I didn't even have favorites on my personal computer. Now I must say that I am a changed woman. I bookmark, have favorite websites, and can't wait to find new information on the internet.

              For lesson three we were introduced to Vicki Davis' blog. Watch this video as Vicki talks about how she views what she is doing. Ahi Dios Mio (Oh my God!)! Here is a woman that is using mobile phones, mobile phones for her lessons. At my school they are so adamant that students should not take these phones to school. Students are being suspended on the spot when they are seen. Here was a blog that showed the use of cell phones in a positive way. Vicki is saying that we should be "transformers and not transmitters." We should teach, and not just stress test taking. Learning goes up, as she says in the video, when technology is used and used apporpriately. She describes the students as Generation V. We need as she reiterates to make school relevant for these students as we teach the curriculum and prepare the students for the 21st century. Please watch this video and see how her school and her class has progressed since she first used cell phones in 2006.

             Mobile phones: Should they be used in schools? This has been a topic that has been debated for years. As with everything in this life, there are pros and cons for the use of mobile phones in schools. I agree with Maya Cohen that "there are benefits to giving your kids cell phones..."

             Maya Chen also has a link on her website that was polling the responses of individuals and their views on the use of mobile phones. 85% of the 7328 individuals polled as of December 16, 2010 at 8:27 p.m. said that they would allow their child to take a mobile phone to school "if schools would control their use and impose limitations during class time."

                                           Teacher Using Mobile Phone for Instruction

                It has been said that the students are digital natives, and they are to be taught in their native "language". The picture above has the teacher telling the students to take out their phones and turn to a certain page. It should be noted that, ebooks are on the rise. One can read most books that are in hard copy digitally.

                 I found the views that Thomas outlined in his blog Open Education: Free Education for All that mobile phones have numerous benefits when used as a teaching tool. Thomas went on to state, "a partial list of the ways that teachers used the devices which included the following:

• Timing experiments with stopwatch
• Photographing apparatus and results of experiments for reports
• Photographing development of design models for eportfolios
• Photographing texts/whiteboards for future review
• Bluetoothing project material between group members
• Receiving SMS & email reminders from teachers
• Synchronizing calendar/timetable and setting reminders
• Connecting remotely to school learning platform
• Recording a teacher reading a poem for revision
• Accessing revision sites on the Internet
• Creating short narrative movies
• Downloading and listening to foreign language podcasts
• Logging into the school email system
• Using GPS to identify locations
• Transferring files between school and home"

             Wow! Who would have thought that a mobile phone could be so useful. There are numerous schools that are using mobile phones to enhance the teaching and learning environment. As Thomas stated in his blog "the use of the cell phone technology in the classroom served as a great motivator for students. Almost all students reported greater enjoyment in projects and felt more motivated."

             Mobile phones can be used as a teaching tool for all subjects. Watch this video for an example of the ways in which mobile phones can be used for instruction. Now that you have watched the video I am sure you see that mobile phones are available everywhere. LOL. Seriously, its use as a teaching tool is numerous.

              There are definitely schools that are using mobile phones as a teaching tool as I have said numerous times before. They have all found that this mode of instruction is very engaging and as a result students ultimately do well. As Marc Prensky said "we must engage them (students) or enrage them". We must, as was stated earlier, teach students in their language. A student will be more interested in what is being taught if he/she finds the material interesting. As an educator we must use technology and adjust our teaching style as the situation may need. Watch this You Tube video in which Scott Moore is doing the same that I just mentioned. This shows that technology must be used appropriately in order to enhance the teaching and learning environment.

              It is a fact that students get into trouble at schools for using their mobile devices. Let's put these phones to use that will enhance the teaching and learning environment. Watch this video about Craik School that is in Mann District 11 where the mobile devices are being used as a teaching tool.

             For lesson five and six we were told to look at our school's technology plan and the National Education Plan. After reading the papers in discussion board I realized the disparity that exists. There is not a level playing field when it comes to technology that is offered at schools. My school has a laptop program with all students having their own assigned laptops. While some schools are no where close to doing something like that.

              Like the act of school yard bullying evolving to cyber bullying so too has the availabilty of technolological tools. As an adminstrator I will utilize many of the technological tools that I have been taught through this medium. The slideshare for example that we have used for our technology plan presentation is the first that I have used it. I am the kind of person that is a visual learner. I teach every child the way that I want my child to be taught. I think it is that caring side of me that has caused me to have so much successes in the classroom. I have the highest English 1 passes in my county. Thank God for leading me and opening my eyes to being so accommodating. I am always looking for ways to enhance the teaching and learning environment. I am sure that my school will be technology driven. Mobile phones will be a teaching tool not a means of suspension. New advances, like gesture based technology, which I see being used on Abc11News, will be utilized appropriately as the school setting will allow.

              I have learnt a lot that will follow me, and be improved on as I grow in this profession. I will actually miss this class and my instructor though we have only met in cyberspace.

             I will not be waiting on the fence where technology is concerned. As Vicki Davis had said in the video that I had outlined earlier "we need to stop waiting on SUPERMAN and be SUPERCAN" I will definitely be looking on what I can do. What do I have, as she said, that is inexpensive and will not put a strain on my school's budget. What technology tools can I employ and enhance the teaching and learning environment.

             Though I have not warmed up to the idea of social networking websites, I will use technology tools that will enhance the teaching and learning environment. I will vet and use techonlogically based tools and information that will enhance the students understanding of the curriculum. Which will ultimately prepare them to be leaders in the society as they boost the working class and the economy when they step into the world of work. I will, as an administrator, encourage my teachers to be technologically savvy. I will have various steps, as was outlined in my groups technology plan, in place to ensure that my staff is like our students, cognizant and able to use techonological tools to foster the teaching and learning environment.

              Without a doubt, I am stronger based on this experience. This journey, has made me a better person, a better teacher, a better administrator, and a better parent based on the new information that I have garnered. I believe that every experience can lead to a good or the opposite. In this case, my experience, my journey, in this class, was for a good. I enjoyed and appreciated every minute of it.

             Thank you Dr. Watwood for taking me on this technological journey that I have not only thoroughly enjoyed, but have also learned a wealth. Thanks to you Sir, I am one of the go to guys when teachers want creative ways to present information to their students at my school. Me! Whenever I am asked, I would chuckle to myself and think that this course was just in time. God never makes a mistake. The timing of this course was just in time for me. Thank you Sir. Until we meet again in cyberspace "walk good". (smile) Thank you Sir!

              Hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. I will miss you all. Oh.... wait... I will "see" you in January for two more courses guys! (smile)

Visionary High School's Three Year Technology Plan

Group Members:
Conscientious Views
Teachergirl
Visionary Leader
Jamaicangirl

It is very important for a school to have a technology plan. Everyone will view this fact in very different ways. Watch this video about the Importance of Having a Technology Plan presented by Frank Klein. This will lay the foundation for what we have to come.

Another video also presented by J. Klein that we want you to watch is 5 Reasons An Education Gap Still Exists. In this video Mr. Klein talks about his views of there being certain issues, such as Location and Socio-Economics that contribute to the education gap that he believes still exists. What we particularly found interesting was his view that the intention on the local level is what will bring about the change that he thinks that the education system needs. He believes, and we concur, that we have to work together to make this change evident. Of course, at the local level we are looking at all the stakeholders of the school. Parents must be involved in their child's education as we strive to make the students ready for the 21st century.

This is our technology plan over a three year period for our school Visionary High School. Please note that not all possible technology plans could have been employed, however, we have used what was appropriate.

Please click the link below that will show a slideshare that outlines our technology plan. Then watch the summary of our technology plan that follows.

http://www.slideshare.net/Conscientious/tech-plan-group-work


http://www.screencast.com/t/GsQFPNo8aVisionary High School Technology Plan Summary

Emerging Issues in Education

              I remember watching this you tube video and thinking that it is believed by many that education needs to be reformed. Please watch the link and see if you agree with Alvin Toffler’s comments. Now that you have watched the video, how can we reform the education system? Of course, there are several things that we can do, for example, adjusting the curriculum and enhancing instruction by using technology. Where do teachers fit into the scheme of things? Watch this video that asks if you are a teacher or an educator. After viewing this video I hope that you agree with me that we are educators. As educators how are we using technology to enhance the teaching and learning environment.

             There are a number of technological tools that are readily available to us now that were not around thirty years ago. The mobile phone has gone from looking like a mini car to being sleek in its design. There are  many emerging technologies that can be used in education. What is emerging technology? “Emerging technology is defined as amedia that is coming into view, coming into existence, or coming to commonality. It is an innovative technology that is reshaping the nature of education.”  Watch this link about the future of schools. Now that you have watched the video, how do you feel about the advances that it highlights? Do they seem as far off as one may think?

What are some of these major emerging technologies?

“Six Major Emerging Technologies

• Blogs

• RSS

• Podcasts

• Wikis

• Handhelds

• Robotics

Other Emerging Technologies

• Digital Video
• Distance Education
• Social Bookmarking
• Internet Telephony
• One to One
• Social Networking Sites
• Tablet Computers
• Virtual Worlds
• Games in Education
• Interactive Whiteboard Technologies
• Learner Response Systems

Paradigms that shape "Web 2.0" tools:

• Free vs. Fee
• Open Access vs. Fire walled
• Easy vs. Intricate
• Fast sufficiency vs. Clumsy Quality.
• Integrated/linked vs. Isolated/Siloed.
• Findable vs. Precise
• Recommended vs. Available
• Updatable vs. Static “

Quote above taken from http://schoolcomputing.wikia.com/wiki/Emerging_Technologies

             What are some possible barriers that the implementation of the use of technology in schools may be facing? I agree with Jenni Voorhees who said,

• “Hardware/Software- Often the most common factor deterring teachers from integrating technology into the classroom is the lack of hardware and software necessary to make true technology integration attainable. Many classrooms suffer from few computers, slow computers, limited internet connectivity, broken hardware, or incorrect software. A lack of appropriate hardware and software makes technology integration extremely challenging, but still doable. Strategies outlined in the sections below will hopefully generate ideas for activities that can be utilized in a classroom even with limited hardware and software.

• Professional Development- Another large problem with technology integration is the lack of professional development directed towards integrating technology into the classroom. Most teachers recognize the benefits of technology integration, but are unequipped to present instructional information via technology to their classes.(This is a problem that I believe can be solved if schools have professional development that caters to these needs)

• Construction Time- To successfully incorporate beneficial technology requires a large amount of time for production and preparation. A webquest, for example, may take several hours for even an experienced teacher to program, identify links, and upload to the internet. Often, even installing and setting up software is tedious and time consuming, leading many teachers to avoid technology integration completely.

• Limited Familiarity- Depending on the age of your students and how accessible computers are in their lives, limited familiarity with technology amongst students could be a major stumbling block in technology integration. It is difficult to provide instruction using computers when students have low familiarity with basic applications like using a mouse, saving a file, etc. (We started a laptop program at the writer of this blog school. I found that many of the students did have a problem to just type the websites to which they are being sent. I had to use Wikispaces and post the websites there and then have the students simply click on the link. It was not that the website addresses were too long. Many of them just could not spell the words correctly though they were written on the board. Seems strange but this is a true occurrence.)

• Time in Curriculum to Add Technology: Curriculum guides are so tight that it is hard to add anything, many assignments involving creativity have been cut out of curricula. (Some schools do add this to their curriculum though)

• Blogs and Discussion Boards: These are more effective to have students do from home, unless you are able to bring your students into the lab every day. However, home bound technology assignments mean that there are students who do not have access to the technology. (Some schools have students that have been assigned laptops that they have access to at home, however, all schools do not have this being offered)

• Podcasts: Podcasts are a great way to have students do reports, however there are limits on what you are allowed to do with students if you want to post anything on the internet because of privacy and protection issues, as well as parental permission. Others types of tools that are affected by this are: blogs and pictures.

• One to One Programs: With the rise of one-to-one programs and wireless laptops/tablets many of these problems listed above are resolved and new ones have arisen. Student familiarity becomes a non-issue and is replaced by "toy versus tool" issues. Training students and teachers (even administrators) in the disciplines necessary for appropriate computer use becomes a primary responsibility of schools with ubiquitous computing. See http://www.aalf.org/Resources/Default.aspx for more resources."

Here are a Few Schools that are Using Emerging Technologies

1.                                    Video conferencing can be used for multipoint instruction in personable and more relevant ways than say an email or even a telephone conversation. In Bronx, New York According to Howard Pitter in his book titled Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works on page 67 students have been communicating for the past nine years via video conferencing within the school district as they read their poems as a part of an integrated poetry program. Twice yearly there is a “poetry slam” in which teams of five perform for the entire school district as they compete to win the event. This competition is also aired via video conferencing through the use of computers. The judges are a panel of two peer judges and two adults for the District Regional Office. The conferencing allows for interaction that embodies the District Office and the students that are at different schools simultaneously. They can all give feedback. This is a wonderful collaborative program that uses technology in ways that will enhance the teaching and learning environment.

2.                                    Another school that is using technology can be found in Onslow County, North Carolina where a study of Project K-Nect examined the use of smart phones as a learning tool. Three of the high schools that are based in economically challenged communities, are using technology and digital content to supplement certain Mathematics classes, such as Algebra 1. “Students improved their scores in Math by an average of 20 percent, and this technology and wireless Internet access ensured the equitable delivery of engaging instruction, bridging the persistent digital and achievement divides. Project K-Nect and this report have significant new implications on how, when and where we engage students in a learning process. Some of the other key findings from this year’s evaluation report include:

* Students participating in Project K-Nect have a greater self-perception (61%)that they are succeeding academically than their national peers (39%). And they believe that they are being better prepared for that success (55%) than other students (45%).” 
 

              Another example of the use of smart phones is in a middle school setting in North Carolina. Lincoln Middle School has a group of three sixth grade classes using smart phones that have been provided by Sprint for class instruction. The phones that were provided for the August 2010-June 2011 school year are the HTC Touch Pro, HTC Touch Pro 2, and Palm models. Texting, calls, be it incoming or outgoing, is blocked, and internet access is filtered. The students are given the latest assignments and websites that will be used for instruction by their teachers. Some teachers found that their students learn quickly and are even more aware of the smart phone operations than their trained teachers are. The students have already developed a sense of responsibility for these phones though the program was recently initiated. The hands on devices make the students anxious for class to begin daily, engaged in their learning, and showing improved academic performance. Isn’t that what all educators want? I know that I do! At the end of the school year the school plans to analyze a survey that was given before the program had started and one that will be given when the program ends. They will also analyze student performance academically in order to ascertain the feasibility of the program. From the looks of it the review of this program will be positive.

              Another school that is using technology this time in the form of iPads can be found in Chicago. The Greenfield-Central School District has their kindergarten, yes kindergarten and first grade students using iPads. The educators found that the students, like the groups that I mentioned earlier, are excited about using this form of technology in their school as "Eden Elementary Principal Joey Johnson said children are wired to use technology, which makes the iPads a good teaching device."

What about My School?

Like this video about a Dell connected high school so too does my school have a program that is similar to this. The laptops that the students at my high school use are provided by Dell through a grant that was given to my school because it is located in a economically challenged area. Personnel from Dell came to our school system and trained representatives of each department who in turn informs the teachers who are in their department. There is also an interactive website on which educators at my high school can submit class related questions directly to representatives from Dell. At times personnel from Dell come to our school and conduct additional training and observations as we implement the strategies that they have taught us. I think that this a great program. It is a supportive technological and aides teachers that may not have been technologically savvy in the beginning who have now grown in leaps and bounds. Unfortunately, the internet is heavily filtered. Also, the level of exposure that our students had to the internet was extremely limited. I must say though, that since the students have been trained about the use of their laptops and internet safety they have greatly improved in their efficiency and effective use of their laptop.

               I agree with Kristin Hokanson who stated in her you tube video that we must "teach them (students) the way they learn best. Prepare (students) for their world. (Educators must) connect to their students and connect them to their world."  

               As Roland Barth stated "the problem of all educational institutions isn't that they are no longer what they once were. The problem is that they are precisely what they once were while the world around them is changing in revolutionary ways."   

                One thing that is for certain, schools need to change their mode of instruction to suit the time and the students that we now have to teach. These students are digital natives and we need to speak to them as educators and use their language. Watch this video that addresses the fact that we need to change the way that we teach. Hope that you found it informative.

                 Additionally, if you note the examples that I have outlined you will find one thing in common no matter the age group, they all found the use of technology engaging. All of the schools saw an improvement in student performance. I have always said that if you teach students and use materials that they find interesting, they will pay attention and they will learn. If someone is interested, you will be able to hold their attention. Until we meet again in cyberspace let us embrace technology that is currently available and use it in our instruction daily. Let us as educators seek to be abreast of current and new technologies and keep our lessons current and in line with society. Schools in essence is the medium through which students are being prepared to live in the world. As a result, let us embrace technology and enhance the teaching and learning environment. Technology is here to stay. Technology is not something that can be ignored either. Let's as educators walk with our kids on a path that uses technology as we seek to educate and mold the lives that are constantly in our care.Watch this video that shows ways that technology can enhance instructions. Hope that you found in informative.

                   One thing is for sure, the classroom is changing, are we going to change with it or are we going to be resistant to change. Watch this video about the changing classroom. Think on what I have said. Hope that you found the blog informative. Know that you may have a different view from mine, however, I hope that you think on these things and educate your students in ways that embraces technology. Shift does happen: Let's bring our students into the 21st century.


                   


              

Do Teachers Have the Luxury to Chose to Not Use the Internet?

               I went to a mobile store the other day and I noticed that there are some really marvelous mobile phones. Marvelous meaning that they are technology driven. Some of these cell phones don’t have a QWERTY key board. I started thinking, so how in the world will I be able to send text messages? How will I dial my numbers for those that I want to contact that are not listed in my contacts? These phones, and I don’t mean I Phone or any other related devices either, are completely touch screen. Of course, I was skeptic. Then I saw the Sprint LG Optimus Android and I asked the sales representative to show it to me.

Like my reaction to my technology class, I immediately became smitten with the capabilities that this phone has. I am sure that there are others like it. My point is, I just found out about it. Did I wait to see if everyone liked it? I most certainly did not! 

             

               I apply this same concept to teaching. If I am aware of a technological device or tool that will aid me in the classroom I will be using it. As long as I actually have access to it from school, one must remember that there are a number of useful websites that are blocked from school to teachers, I definitely, will be using the technological tool to enhance my teaching and learning environment.

               

                Dr. Scott McLeod stated “given the realities of our modern age and the demands of our children’s future, is it really okay to allow teachers to choose whether or not they incorporate digital technologies into instruction?” NO! I don’t believe that it is okay for us to allow teachers to wait and choose if they wish to incorporate technology into their instruction. Yes we live in a democratic society. On the other hand, let’s face the fact, technology is improving daily. We can either embrace it or do our students a disservice. I mean, will we be preparing them for the world in which they will have to live if we don’t use technology in our instruction? My goodness, many of my students have all of the touch phones that I spoke of earlier. How can we say that we are educators if we don’t wish to upgrade our teaching strategies?

               Have you ever thought about what future classrooms could look like? Watch this video then continue reading my blog. Now that you have watched the video, do you see why teachers should not be allowed to chose to not use technology in their instruction.

             

               When we buy a car we want an upgrade from what we had. When we change our bed we want an upgrade. When we go shopping we buy things that are trendy or at least appropriate for the times and occasion that we are attending. Then why is it that some educators use archaic teaching methods that have long since outlived its usefulness?

             

                 Every website that you visit speaks about letting teaching be student centered. Please visit this link to read this article in full. One thing that is a fact is that there are certain things that are evident in a class that utilizes technological tools to enhance the teaching and learning environment. They are as follows:

 "Characteristics of Engaged Learners*

Responsible for their own learning

They invest personally in the quest for knowledge and understanding, in part because the questions or issues being investigated are drawn from their own curiosity about the world. Projects are pertinent and questions are essential.

Energized by learning

They feel excited, intrigued and motivated to solve the puzzles, make new answers and reach insight. Their work feels both important and worthwhile.

Strategic

They make thoughtful choices from a toolkit of strategies, considering carefully which approach, which source and which technique may work best to resolve a particular information challenge.

Collaborative

They work with others in a coordinated, playful manner, splitting up the work according to a plan and sharing good ideas during the search for understanding."

*These concepts are based upon the work of Barbara Means quoted in Plugging In.

http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/edtalk/toc.htm

             It is also stated in the National Technology Plan that we are to prepare students to become 21^st century learners. Then how can we do that if as teachers we are not using the 21^st century technology tools that are available to us?

             Of course when we get to the local level the amount of technology that is available to us as educators may be varied. One thing that is certain is that we can use whatever little we have available and make it work. As we would say back home “Turn Your Hand and Make Fashion” Which basically means that we have to use what we have and not whine about what you don’t.

              On the other hand, as Will Robinson said in his blog "how in God's name can we seriously talk about 21st century skills for kids if we are not talking 21st Century skills for our educators?" Without a doubt administrators need to provide the necessary training in creative ways that will ensure that teachers are able to use the wide variety of technological tools that are available to them. An educator that has no idea about how to use something, or even knows that it exists for that matter, can't implement it. Of course, if the educator is aware of the tool; I would advise him/her to make use of it. There are numerous websites that teaches you how to do certain things. To be quite honest, the mastering of many of these technology tools are not as hard as one may think. By merely opening a search engine, such as Google, one can type what he/she wants and many possible responses are available. 

             One thing that is a fact, is that there needs to be more connected classrooms like this one. Watch this video to see how a school has collaborated with Dell and has not only have technology available at its school, but also found ways to assist teachers to get the technology use implemented in classrooms for all courses. 

              Again, I know views on the topic that I am discussing will differ. However, I strongly believe that educators should not wait for formal development of any technological device that is appropriate for school. There are so many people and tools that you will encounter in cyberspace. Are we going to say hold up, wait a minute, I can't use this right now! Or are we as educators going to take the initiative with the resources that we have available at our schools and educate our students the best way that we know how. I am sure that once administrators see that based on your initiative there may be something valuable that can benefit all students at the school they may be more supportive. They may have that push that some may need to launch the technology boat at that school. Remember that many of the limited technology resources are linked to funding. As educators we have to think outside the box and find creative ways to engage our students with the little technology that we may have available.

              It is a fact that, some schools are left wanting, but we can make use of what we have until we get what we want. Just a thought. As Prensky M. (2001) stated, like I had said many times before, our students are digital natives. They are digital learners and educators are the digital immigrants that have to teach these students in their technological language. Watch this video. I know that you will find it interesting as we talk about students being digital learners. This is a fact that sooner, hopefully not later, that we have to face. Look at or lecturer's grand daughter. My goodness, at such a tender age and she is already engrossed and enthralled about technology.

               Again let's make use of what we have and teach our students using technology that is available to us at our schools. Until we meet again in cyberspace, walk with your digital learners and get them immersed, the best way that you know how, in technology.

NMC Horizon Report

             When we were assigned the task of blogging about the New Media Consortium (NMC); I immediately started to wonder what exciting topic in technology we would now have to become abreast on. Never did I think that it would be something that has sought to "chart the landscape of emerging technologies for teaching, learning and creative inquiry and produces the NMC’s series of Horizon Reports. Since the launch of the Horizon Project in March 2002, the NMC has held an ongoing series of conversations and dialogs with hundreds of technology professionals, campus technologists, faculty leaders from colleges and universities, and representatives of leading corporations."

              Every year this report is written based on a number of things such as current technological trends and tagged information that individuals bring to their attention by using delicious. I believe that the fact that current trends in technology and the views of individuals in society is taken into account is awesome; "straight from the horses mouth."

             As the Horizon Report states, the aim is to highlight emerging technologies. There are normally six technologies of focus in each horizon report. One of which is near-term horizon which is expected to be in use in institutions within twelve months. Then there is the mid-term horizon that is expected to be in use by one to three yeatrs. The final is the far-term horizon which spans a four to five year period. The Horizon Report for 2010 can be viewed by following this link. A wonderful synopsis of this report for 2010 is eloquently stated by Mary Bart. You can read her entire findings by following this link. I think that she states quite clearly the findings of the report for 2010.

              Follow this link to view NMC Horizon Report for 2009.  Follow this link to view NMC Horizon Report 2007. One thing that the report in 2009 highlights are some key trends and challenges which are as follows:
"Key Trends

Technology is increasingly a means for empowering students, a method for communication and socializing, and a ubiquitous, transparent part of students’ lives. Technology continues to profoundly affect the way we work, collaborate, communicate, and succeed. The perceived value of innovation and creativity is increasing. There is increasing interest in just-in-time, alternate, or non-formal avenues of education, such as online learning, mentoring, and independent study. The way we think of learning environments is changing. Critical

Challenges
Digital media literacy continues its rise in importance as a key skill in every discipline and profession. Students are different, but educational practice and the materials that support it are changing, only slowly. Many policy makers and educators believe that deep reform is needed, but at the same time, there is little agreement as to what a new model of education might look like. A key challenge is the fundamental structure of the K-12 education establishment. Many activities related to learning and education take place outside the walls of the classroom — but these experiences are often undervalued or unacknowledged." 
 
              To view an eloquent analysis of the focus area initiatives from 2008-2010 for the Horizon Report is to follow this link.          
 
               The current technology plan at my school does not support the items outlined in either 2007-2010 Horizon Reports. Networkings sites like Classroom 2.0 will play a part in keeping schools current in technology. Whether or not my school is ready and is trying to advance with the trends of the time; technology will continuously to evolve. The possibility of having gesture based use of the internet and web based autopsy I thought was overtop technology in movies like CSI Miami. Looking at this report it seems the way that the world will be. After a while becoming the norm.

                Can you imagine going into a class and presenting information by using gesture based technology! I would enjoy that lesson and I am sure that my students would too. The Net Gen students are ready for all this technology. Like the challenges like I had listed above state, are the school systems ready though? One of my colleagues in this class seem to be immersed in technology at her school. Some schools are so far behind that it makes you wonder when they will move from just merely presenting the class lesson on merely the overhead projector. Of course, schools will embrace technology in different strides. The mere fact is that whether or not schools drag their feet in getting immersed in technology and prepare 21st century leaners, technology is available and it will keep getting better as the months, no days go by. The questions is will schools be participators or watchers of this new technology that is, may, and will become available!

                   Hope that you found this informative. It was a joy for my to see the NMC Horizon Reports. I am sure that I didn't look at all the reports said. I hope that you walk away from this blog bearing in mind the possibilities for technological use is vast, as is outlined by the report. Similarly, so too are the trends and challenges that school will face vast. I see technology as having a wide variety of items to use; question is, are we going to use any? I see the use of technology in the Classroom as one of the ways to change teaching and learning to being student based, creative, and interesting. Read this article about the Effects ofTechnology in the Classroom.

                    Until we meet again in cyberspace, embrace technology as is availiable at your school. Remember, this is not the end, it is only the beginning of the technological journey that mankind will make.

School Boards: Their role in schools

             The National Education Plan (NETP) states that, “education is the key to America’s economic growth and prosperity and to our ability to compete in the global economy… just as technology is at the core of virtually every aspect of our daily lives and work we must leverage it to provide engaging and powerful learning experiences.”

             NETP outlined five aspects that are crucial in the plan for the nation. The areas are learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure, and productivity. In regards to learning, all learners are hoped to have engaging and empowering learning experiences that will serve to make them participants of the globally networked society.

              In terms of assessment; again the focus is on the use of technology, this time with emphasis on measuring and assessing data for continuous improvement. I like the fact that the focus is on using technology, that constantly evolves, to implement and foster the growth and sustainability of these areas.

               Another focus of NETP is teaching. The focus here is on the support of educators “[who are] connected to learning data and tools for using data, content, resources, and learning expertise…and inspire more effective teaching for all learners.” (Page 8) 

               In the area of infrastructure, it is recommended that students and teachers have access to the internet and other broadband services both in and out of school. Of course, the aim here is to support meaningful use of these services that will enhance the teaching and learning environment as well. The aim is to get students to be not only engaged learners, but also to be able to perform in this technologically advancing society.

             Without a doubt, all of the above areas once implemented and continuously improved on, should lead to productivity, which is the final aspect of focus by NETP. Productivity is tied in with the fact that all levels will take advantage of the use of technology with improved learning outcomes being the end result.

               It is now up to schools on the local level to implement the various aspects that are outlined in National Technology plan. Obviously there is a huge emphasis on technology being used to lay the foundation in the advancement of educational opportunites to students.

               In every county/district there is a school board. School boards and their roles will vary depending on where you go. One thing that is sure though, is that these school boards have responsibilities that are tied to the effectiveness and sustainability of schools.It is believed that "these are changing times for public education, and even more challenging is the work of local school board members. Today's local board of education is the leader on the front lines of public education. The board is responsible for putting in place the proper keystones for students to learn and achieve at the highest level possible. Board members' primary agenda is raising student achievement and involving the community in the attainment of that goal."

               On the other hand it is believed that "since the 1980s school boards have been experiencing erosion of power. State regulations have eaten into school board authority from above, while teacher unions and school-based management have worn away at it from below. Instead of viewing recent increased state involvement as usurping school board authority, Conley (1993) sees it as an opportunity for schools to focus their attention on "issues of internal coordination and quality control."

                One thing that is certain is that school boards still play a role, be it on a large scale or not, in developing the school curriculum and making changes that are deemed necessary. The school board in my county plays a huge role in the policies that are implemented. School boards are normally the first entity that is expected to lead reform and change in schools. Watch this video by Secretary Duncan and listen to his charge to school boards. After watching that video I am sure that you see that you see that school boards still have a vital role to play in the school system.

               Like I said before, the school board in my county has a lot of power. They are the ones that pass and implement policies that relate to the classroom and the school in general. There are obviously individuals on these boards that have not been in schools that are web based and in their estimation they turned out fine. I call this resistant to change. It is human nature to stick to what we know. As we say back home "stick to the evil that you know!"

               On the other hand, how can schools educate their boards about web in schools? How can this creative way of teaching be impressed upon school boards? What should be done in order to ensure the support of school boards?

http://www.screencast.com/t/iDoCyDKUEHSupport of School Boards

               Of course, one has to remember that there are a number of negatives that are associated with web use, such as the risk of predators that prey on the young and inexperienced. One thing that I have found is that everything in life may have negatives. As it relates to internet use if one is taught internet safety then the chances of the negatives having a major impact is lessened.
               
                As there are negatives, so too are there positives as it relates to the use of the web. Here is a school according to the Columbus Local News that have used the web in interesting ways. Parents can access their students grades via the use of the web. Read the entire story to get the understanding of their use in full. This leads me to the ways in which school boards can be educated about the use of the internet.

               School officials can prepare a tutorial that outlines other schools that may have implemented some of the same web tools that they would love to employ that may have worked. As the article above shows, school boards can be shown how parents can have easy access to their children's grades and completed assignments be simply going online.

               School boards may also be invited to attend classes that have the use of the web being utilized to show the creative ways that the web could be interwoven into the lesson. The school boards should also attend many of the professional development sessions held for teachers, so that they can see and play an integral part in the professional development training that the teachers are getting. The aim is for the board to see that any proposals that they may have been given is being implemented at schools with the teachers being properly equipped with the necessary training.

               School boards could be shown the relevance of the use of the web being used in ways that is applicable to the society that these students will have to be able to function in. For example a teacher could show the use of Wikispaces that he/she may be using daily in class. Many schools use Wikispaces as a teaching tool. Some schools may have a tool such as blackboard, that is similar to Wikispaces. The student would have already been exposed to this mode of instruction in high school, therefore, his/her transition in college becomes that much easier.

                School boards should also be shown students work that they may have completed. The assignments could have been completed by using web 2.0 tools, such as jing. The students could also show how they may have used the web for research as they complete assignments.

              At the end of it all it is important that school board members are shown the ways that the web can help to improve students scores and academic performance. It must be pointed out at this point that students don't learn in the same way. By using the various web tools teachers can expose students to interactive websites that serve to enhance the student understanding of a given topic with immediate feedback. At the end of the day the improvement of student performance is the focus as the technological advancement and capabilities improve daily.

              Without a doubt there are a number of ways that school boards can be educated, some of which I have mentioned. School boards must be shown how the web can be used to enhance the schools' relationship with parents, improve the teaching and learning environment, and foster the growth and sustainabilty of 21st century learning as I mentioned earlier. I hope that you found this blog informative. I am sure that you can think of other ways to educate board members.

Controlling Internet Access in Schools

             Since the beginning of time man has sought to make their existence easier as the days, months, and years go by. Initially communication was limited to writing letters.

                                                               Letter Writing
   
              Now individuals rarely write letters. The focus is on the technological devices that are evident. Mobile phones are used to send messages. Instant messaging is available as well. One can also have video conferencing. Without a doubt, the ways to communicate instantly is quite numerous. The art of letter writing is said to be a dying one. "More than a quarter of seven to 14-year-olds have not written a letter in the last year, and one in 10 has never written one, according to a poll commissioned by World Vision." You can read the rest of the finding of the survey by using this link. I am sure that teenagers are not the only ones who are not writing letters anymore.

              With the dawning of a new day comes new and more innovative ways to use the technology that is now evident in society. The teaching and learning environment has evolved just as everything else in society. A number of schools have given students access to various technological tools. The aim is to make the students capable of not only functioning but also thriving in the 21st century. Many schools have given the students their personal laptops that should be used at school daily. Where personal laptops are not available the students have access to desktop computers. One would have thought, YES, a wonderful way to aid the teaching and learning environment.... 

               Of course, with the advent of these wonderful additional teaching ,schools have sought to inititate various policies that governs the use of the varied technological tools that the students will have access to. One such implemented policy is the trend of banning certain websites that the students should access on the internet.
                                                          Internet Banned

              What gives the school system the right to be able to be able to block certain use of the internet? The answer is quite simple: The Children Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which is a federal law that was enacted by Congress to "address the concerns about the access to offensive content over the internet on school and library computers." There are several requirements of CIPA, one of which is that "an authorized person may disable the blocking or filtering measure during any use by an adult to enable access for bonafide research or other lawful purposes." Obviously in order to disable there must be something that needs to be disabled. In this case it is the blocking of certain websites that the school activated.

                                                    Internet Ban

               However some schools, like mine, have sought to block all social networking websites. Imagine my unwanted surprise when I went to work on Monday November 1st and could not access my wikispaces webpage that I had been using daily as an integral part of the teaching and learning environment. It is a good thing that I am flexible and was able to teach the day's lesson even though our main technological tool had been disabled. This problem was sorted out by Wednesday November 3rd, however, it made me realize how limited internet use we had at our school. Everything is banned. Most websites have some sort of link to social networks. We can't even use yahoo, yes, yahoo a search engine. Google is very limited in scope as well. I know that YouTube has a number of videos that the students ought not to have access to at school. On the other hand, what about the various videos and other resources that can aid the teaching and learning environment? Yes, it is said that teachers can click the login option when it says access denied. However, even after you have identified yourself as a teacher you still can't gain access.
                Computers can't filter like a human brain. It blocks what it is told to block. Computers can't use its discretion and allow something to be shown that it may deem as being appropriate. It will block what it was "instructed" to block irrespective of any usefulness that a blocked website may possibly add. Where do we go from here? Hmmm.... That is a good question!

                I was of the impression that my school was offering differentiated blocking. However, I don't see any differentiation. Even when you try to login as a teacher, you are still blocked. I don't have what this blog outlines, differentiated blocking so that a teacher can access the website. That sounds like a luxury that I would love to bask in the glory of. What we have to do to solve this dilemma is to find the websites that we want and submit it to the technology support; who will in turn view the website and ultimately decide if you will gain access. Needless to say this is a long process. The upside is that the website once approved is available for future use as well.

               I really don't find differentiated blocking very useful. Like I said before, you are prompted to log in as a teacher to gain access and often times I am told that I still can't access the website. I think, as Attorney General Roy Cooper of North Carolina stated in his article Protect Kids on the Internet, that "computers are wonderful learning tools, but they can also expose children to dangers like unwanted content and inappropriate contact from adults through the Internet. Parents, educators and caregivers can limit the danger and help children learn to navigate the Internet safely. By protecting their personal information and being cautious about what they view, families can reduce their risks."
               
                 Without a doubt, schools need to have policies, and parents need to set rules that clearly state the appropriate use of the internet. Students should be informed about the inappropriate use, and possible negative end results, if the internet is not used properly.
               
               One thing that I have learnt is that students are curious. They should be informed of why they should be cautious when using the internet not just told don't do this or that, which is essentially what banning does. Can I tell you that if we chose to not answer a students' questions and just think that banning is the end all, then we have another thing coming. There are websites that will inform these students about the various ways they can access a blocked website. Please view this link to see an example about How to Access Blocked Websites. Here is another that gives 9 Alternative Ways to Access Blocked Websites.  This site even has illustrations. There are websites and blogs that give specific walkarounds for certain blocked websites such as Google. Check the links that I haved given you out. I am sure that there are students that will find these websites just as I have.

                                              Countless use of the Computer

                Can I also tell you that I am not saying that parents should be Helicopter Parents, which according to Danah Boyd can lead to the seclusion of students because parents are being overprotective. That is going from one extreme to the next. What I am saying is that parents should monitor their child's use as much as they can on the internet. The child should feel more comfortable asking their parents questions instead of simply a peer or a friend on the internet, who they may have never met before, and who obviously may not have their best interest at heart. As this blog in response to Danah Boyd's outlined parents should protect their children and aid the child to become responsible users of the internet. At some "point they have to learn to judge for themselves: they need the opportunity to develop their own gut feelings about situations and people to avoid. Parents can talk things over with kids and help them evaluate, gently guiding them towards the day when they’ll have to do it for themselves anyway."

               Schools should focus on educating their students about the proper use of the internet. There will still be some level of blocking, such pornography and so on. However, if the focus is on proper and safe internet use, I am sure that with expected behavior, monitoring, and education about the proper online use of the various websites students will conform. I am sure that as Vicki Davis had pointed out with the use of cell phones in her class that many people felt that it was not possible. On the other hand, with the establishment of expectations it worked. As Harold Jarche pointed out in his blog students need to be taught how social networking websites can be used for the teaching and learning environment. He goes on to outline that instead of being restrictive that schools information technology and internet use policies should state the following:

"Because the Internet is used by almost all students to do research, the school should focus on developing skills to discern the veracity of information available.

The proliferation of Web services means that their use in education should be encouraged so that students understand how best to use them and develop appropriate behaviours, guided by teachers.

The high use social networking sites suggests that teachers engage students in evaluating these services from a critical perspective and understanding how they can be used for learning.

Students who use the Internet must know how to protect their digital identity.

Ease of access to text and media online means that students must understand intellectual property, copyright, fair use (fair dealing in Canada) and how to ease copyright restrictions through licensing such as Creative Commons.

All system users should ensure that their behaviour online reflects the values of public education."

                I support Harold Jarche's views that I have outlined above. I definitely echo the various points that I have noted as well. The internet is a way to not only go places that one may never be able to go physically, but to also be exposed to other cultures through websites such as social networks. The internet is a way to have students interact with each other and get feedback on a completed assignment that is immediate. Yes the internet can be a distraction, however, proper monitoring, and the teaching of the proper use of the internet could minimize this problem.
               To Block or not to block, that is the question. This is a very debatable topic. I hope that you found this blog informative. I am sure that like everybody else you have your views on this issue. You may or may not agree with mine. One thing that is sure though is that the internet is here to stay, what we do with it is the question.

Slanderous Use of Social Networks

              I have never been a fan of social networking sites. Maybe I am old fashion in my young days. Maybe I am too cautious and private. Whatever my reasons, that has not stopped the users of social networking sites to grow as the months go by. What are social networking sites? What purpose do they serve? What causes its seeming popularity? According to Wikipedia "social network service is an online service, platform, or site that focuses on building and reflecting of social networks or social relations among people, e.g., who share interests and/or activities. A social network service essentially consists of a representation of each user (often a profile), his/her social links, and a variety of additional services. Most social network services are web based and provide means for users to interact over the internet, such as e-mail and instant messaging. Although online community services are sometimes considered as a social network service. In a broader sense, social network service usually means an individual-centered service whereas online community services are group centered"

              Some popular social networking sites are Facebook and Myspace. I thought there were only a few social networking sites. Wow, was I wrong. Please view this link that shows a list of social networking websites. There some that have even 200, 000,000 registered users. Can you imagine that! I was marvelled by that site. Facebook has 500,000,000 registered users according to the list above as well.

              It must be noted that, many of these websites are not being used  for the use for which it was intended. Many individuals are using it to slander and for libel. Slander is said to be "words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another." Libel on the other hand is said to be "a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person." What is the difference between the two? "The difference between slander and libel is that libel is the written or otherwise published, public defamation of a person or entity such as an organization or company, while slander is the spoken false defamation of a person or entity. Slander can also include bodily gestures while libel can include published photographs."

                                            Freedom of Speech

               On the other hand, like I said last week in my blog about cyberbullying, what about the First Amendment? In particular the section of the first amendment which says that "Congress shall make no laws... prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech..." On the one hand, one is free to exercise their right to freedom of speech, but is it right to slander and libel which can ultimately lead to defamation of character. For example, according to Norman Chad in the Washington Post on July 5, 2010 he was Losing his identity on Twitter though he never had a Twitter account. Also, though he tried to have the account closed he was getting nowhere. You may read the entire article via the link above. It makes you wonder, though it is against the law, what can you actually do? This young man only wanted to get the fake account closed, yet he kept getting computer generated responses whenever he contacted Twitter.

             What about the school setting? What can principals do if the fake account set up is focused on them? According to Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent Community School District (click the link to read about the case), 1969, students who threaten or harass students from home using school equipment can face the "...possibility of school discipline under the 'substantial disruption of the educational environment'..." As a result, it has been said that "in the area of speech... the law must be clear so that people can easily discern the distinction between criminal activity and the exercise of fundamental constitutional rights."

                                                  Principal

               However, in the Layshock versus Hermitage School District Number 6-116, July 10, 2007, a federal district court had ruled that "school officials violated a high school student's freedom of speech rights when they had disciplined him for his off-campus parody MySpace proflile of the school's principal." Justin Layshock was said to have created  a profile of the principal. As result he was placed in an alternative education program.The student sued, stating that his first amendment rights had been violated. The justices had found that his first amendment rights had indeed been violated. The justices made reference to the Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent Community School District stating that they had made reference to the "relevant court precedents and analyzed student speech in accordance with the principles set forth in the Supreme Court ruling."

              The justices also made reference to Morse v. Frederick, 2007 WL1804317 (June 25, 2007) stating that in that case there was school-related speech, however, in the case of Layshock there was no school-related speech. The district court went on to state that "school officials' authority over off-campus expresssion is much more limited than expression on school grounds." The justices added on pages 23-24 of the filed court documents (filed on July 7, 2007) that, "the public school setting demands a special approach to First Amendment disputes. Most students are minors, and school adminstrators must have authority to provide and facilitate education and to maintain order. The Supreme Court 'has repeatedly emphasized the need for affirming the comprehensive authority of the States and of school officials, consistent with fundamental constitutional safeguards, to pescribe and control conducts in schools.' Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District  On the other hand, 'it can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate' Id. at 506. Thus students retain the protection of the First Amendment, but the shape of these rights in the public school setting may not always mirror the contours of constitutional protections afforded in other contexts."

             What the court also found is that, in the cases of students, each case is viewed in terms of the school environment. If the fake profiles formed have caused substantial school disruption or does it have a compelling governmental interest. In the case of Layshock the court stated that there was no school disruption due to the MySpace page of the principal. The school could not prove that this profile caused any severe disruptions of school such as cancelled classes and so on.
                            School Bus Taking Students Home After Dismissal

             Is this the ruling in all cases that involve fake profiles? Definitely not! In the case of Principal McGonigle the judge upheld the ten (10) day suspension of Jill Snyder. The justices stated that the rulings of Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent Community School District did not apply here because the MySpace page was not considered to be political speech as was the case in the Tinker case. The justices applied the speech of the student to rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court for Bethel School District v. Fraser which had found that public schools could "prohibit the use of vulgar and offensive terms in public discourse." The justices also made reference to Morse v. Frederick which had ruled that "school officials could sensor a student's speech, unlike the political protest by school officials in Tinker." You may read the entire findings here.

            How does a judge decide school related speech be it on or off campus? The justices that had upheld Principal McGonigle's suspension of Snyder acknowledged that "there was a blur when it came to on and off campus speech, [but] he applied a 1976 district court case that upheld school jurisdiction over off-campus student speech and cited Fenton v.Stear where the court ruled that 'when a high school student refers to a high school teacher in a public place on Sunday by a lewd and obscene name in such a loud voice that the teacher and others hear the insult, it may be deemed a matter for discipline in the discretion of school authorities'."

            One thing that seems to be the case as it relates to the rulings by the court is that the slander has to cause substantial school disruption. The school district has to ensure that they can prove this as well. To an extent it makes one wonder about the fairness of this situation. The principal or teacher would have undergone humiliation at the hands of the student. This topic will always be controversial and very much debatable. Parents seem to be more concerned with the punishment given to the student than to ensuring that the child is actually punished for the action and not do it in the future. It seems to be a cruel joke that teenagers feel that they should be able to get away with at the expense of the humiliation of another. With the cloak of the First Amendment to hide under, school administrators must be vigilant in its monitoring and response to slander on the internet due to a fake account that may be set up by a student.

           Teenagers Having a Good Time!

               At my school the policy is to ban all access to social networking websites. This can be a good and a bad thing. It is good because it is a measure deemed necessary as the school attempts to monitor the use of the internet and limit what the students can access from school. However, it can be frustrating at times for the teacher because he/she may need an instructional material for class for which he/she is denied access. The system may prompt you to log in as a school official, yet often times after you try to gain access to the blocked website as a school educator you are still denied access. Additionally, the internet is available at other locations other than school. In the case of Layshock he opened the account for his principal at his grandmother. So though the website is blocked at school, students still have access when they are away from school. On the other hand, as a school you must have a clear internet use policy that can be referred to in the case of court proceedings. You can't want to punish a student for something that there is no clear policy for.

              Also, school officials will still have their various methods of implementing school rules. Schools will always react to slander that students may direct towards school officials. Read this article on ABCNEWS about a school that had suspended a student for three days and gave detentions to all thirty-three (33) students that were fans after they had posted comments about a teacher on a facebook page. "The comments appeared on a Facebook ‘fan’ page which the district says was derogatory toward a teacher at the Roxboro Road Middle School in Liverpool, N.Y. The North Syracuse Central School District superintendent Jerome Melvin called it 'a personal and educational attack on the teacher, which was sexual in nature'.”

            There are several things that could have been focused on for this topical issue. I have focused on a few that I hope that you found enlightening. One must note that as I said before, this is a very debatable issue. One thing that is certain is that parents must let there children know that it is wrong to attempt to slander others. It goes to morals and the values that one has. I was always told when I was a child that "if you have nothing good to say then you should not say anything." Whenever I tell my students that when they are being mean to one another they give a look of shock, and state that they have never heard anything like that before. They accept what I say though. However, that makes me wonder, if I had not said that to them, would they have ever heard it. Again showing me that it goes back to upbringing. I would never think of slandering a teacher, principal or anyone for that matter as  a child. The fear of disappointing my father was enough. I realize though that my upbringing is different from my students. They have the freedom to do so much and feel so little remorse when caught.

               This is a very debatable issue that will not be solved overnight. School officials must have clear policies that they consistently enforce as they ensure that respect is paid to the First Amendment. The school lawyer must be cognizant of court case rulings that may be related to the issue that the school may face as they make an attempt to combat and deal with issues of slander and libel. Again, I hope that you found my blog informative and understand that all issues could not have been ironed out and brought to the fore at this time. Please tread carefully as we surf the internet and mold the minds of the students that are in our care.

http://www.screencast.com/t/XIAB9R0ziOHXTeacher and Students Using the Computer Appropriately