The Judgement of Thamus

Salon Three

Just like Thamus, Neil Postman feels when a problem is solved, more problems arrive. For example, the use of cars as a mode of transportation. The car has obviously solved many problems, however has caused problems as well. Pollution, traffic and have destroyed environmental landscapes. He believes all new technologies which has solved problems, will definitely introduce new and different problems. Many times these problems can not be predicted.

The implementation of technology has been a blessing and curse depending upon which way someone looks at it. My belief it has been a blessing, however, it has to be used the correct way. Teachers and students both must take responsibility to use these technologies appropriately and positively. Teachers need to use technology to enhance their lessons and not just throw computers in front of the students. Computers should be used as a tool for learning...not be used as the teacher.

During our conversation I talked about spell check. I have always been a weak speller and once I discovered spell check, I thought it was the greatest thing around. But I didn't start using spell check until college. I had years of practicing my spelling and using dictionaries. From my experience students depend upon spell check to much and have become lazy with there spelling. It is important for teachers to make sure students are able to spell and do not depend upon spell check. I feel the same away about calculators.. I have a classroom of students in middle school who do not know there multiplication table.

There is also the subject of online chatting. It is a great way to network and stay in touch with friends. I use this technology daily. However, students are starting to write how they type during chats or texting. THe use of LOL, OMG, Ur....instead of writing out words or phrases. Also children have gotten into sitituations and conversations with people or adults that are inappropriate. This is another example of a technology that is used for something positive has a negative attribute as well.

FLASH

I am constantly searching online for a site or a game that complimets my lesson. Often I come across games and sites that use Flash. I have always been impressed by many of these games that other teachers have made. I have always wanted to learn how to make my own games for my students since there is always content I wish was included or omitted. The opportunity is now here where I can learn how to use Flash and utilize it in my classroom.

How would I use Flash in my classroom? I loved the Endangered Species Photo Mapo on the National Geographic website. I could use something like this when I teach the 14 colonies, French and Indian and Revolutionary Wars. I could create a map that has landmarks and pictures.

Another example of how I can use flash in the classroom is by using the technique found in the African Voices site. I would create an interactive timeline where kids could manipulate the pictures and match up with the dates that they learned about in Social Studies. One idea is matching up pictures with the proper event and date of the steps leading up to the Revolutionary War. (Stamp Act, Quartering Act, Sugar Act etc)

The Forgotten: The Armenian Genocide site gave me some ideas as well. I think that integrating video clips is an invaluable tool for the students. I would like to maybe have a site where there are different videos matched up to different parts of the body and explains how they work. Of course I would also like to have photos as well.
Exploring these sites that use Flash and really taking notice of this technique I am quite excited about the possibilities. Hopefully I will be a natural Flash master and my students will reap the benefits of my new technological skill.

Schools That Learn

Teachers love to complain. Lack of resources, lack of cooperation, lack of motivation. It seems some teachers let the negatives stop and prevent them from moving forward. As a community in a school teachers and administrators need to stop and ask themselves the following questions. Why do we exist? What do we want to accomplish? What do we stand for? and most importantly What do we believe about teaching and learning?

Things are constantly changing around us, from technology to laws. Schools need to do the same. We need to refocus their goals and collaboratively come up with a way to achieve them. However, with the NYS Standards and Tests it can be difficult to come up with exciting programs.

Isn't the goal of schools to prepare the students for the future. If that is the case then aren't we suppose to model and teach them how to take care of themselves, think for themselves and problem solve. Schools should not just be a place where students are "given" knowledge. There is so much more a school could offer.

It is imperative for the school community to work together for a common goal. There should be ongoing collaborative assessments, school quality reviews, students input and ongoing dialogue. So teachers, stop complaining and get motivated. Motivation and enthusiasm is contagious...and isn't that what we want? Having students excited to learn.

What am I going to do? Well I would encourage my colleagues to try and do the following: Make learning fun, meaningful and authentic. In my Social Studies class last year I gave the assignment of "Learn Whatever You Want." The students were able to pick a topic and just learn about it. Then they gave a presentation or a lesson on the topic. Some students did PowerPoints, Reports, posters, cooked food...etc...The students were motivated about learning and excited to listen to their peers. If I could do this everyday then I would be on my way of reaching my goals as a teacher.

Digital Photograpy Project

project farryl, melissa and dennis

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project farryl, melissa and dennis

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The way it was

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