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http://www.hft.org/HFT06/paper06/04_Helmersen.pdfI found this article on Google scholar, and it discussed third world countries' incomes and how they can finance the OLPC campaign. The article is called: Human Factors in Emerging Markets: First World Solutions Addressing Third World Needs by Per Helmersen. It also discuses how things such as OLPC can bring a wide range of business to these countries as well. About half way down the article, it shows a picture of the laptop used in the OLPC project. It then explains "Its highly laudable objective is to 'provide children around the world with new opportunities to explore, experiment, and express themselves' ”. I believe that this quote is true because children can do a lot of things on computers, and exploration will lead to self-determination as well as a familiarization with technology. They will be able to develop their own strengths and weaknesses and begin to understand why education is important to them. However, this article also asks the question that is this going to be the only learning tool for children? As a lot of us have said in our blogs, technology is not everything. It is a waste for people to spend billions of dollars on something that children will become dependant on. Children need to be able to use tie laptop as well as pencils, paper, etc. Children should not rely on the technology and that is should be used as a learning tool, not the main source of learning. The article indicates that it would be a shame if children become reliant on such a device, because it is not the main essential thing in their learning. This article gives a lot of insight to the positives and negative aspects to ringing the OLPC project to third world countries. It is interesting to see both sides in order to determine what people feel about the project on a personal level. WORD COUNT: 315
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http://www.u8development.com/default/components/com_fireboard/uploaded/files/Graeff___Substantive_1___2007_12_04.doc
I came across this article while I was searching information about the One Laptop per Child campaign. It was better than the other articles that I had researched to blog about, so I decided to post information about it. This article is entitled: Current Possibilities of Creating More Equality: One Laptop per Child and the Oversimplification of The (Global) Digital Divide, by Erhardt Graeff. The article starts off with a very interesting quote that says "Every single problem you can think of, poverty, peace, the environment, is solved with education or including education…. So when we make this available, it is an education project, not a laptop project. The digital divide is a learning divide—digital is the means through which children learn learning. This is, we believe, the way to do it" I agree that when it all comes down to, education is a main aspect in many scenarios and many people’s lives. The overall theme of the OLPC project is to bring children and people together through education as it seems to be a major priority. It is not about the computer, it is about educating people using new technologies to enhance people’s knowledge of everyday things. This article does touch on the fact that many children and people use the internet and computers for instant messaging, games, and browsing the internet. However, the big picture is that it is a learning tool. The article indicates that if computers and laptops are used effectively, then they will assist with language and learning. It does require discipline to motivate children to not play games or to IM their friends, but as their minds get trained to be effective and efficient with the laptop, then they will indeed succeed and produce meaningful work out of it. This article talks about bringing equality to human beings, and that the OLPC project is assisting with creating universal languages and bring people closer together through the use of technology. Overall, this was a very interesting article that had a lot of information on the OLPC project. I encourage everyone to read it to gain insight on how this project works. The article is almost 20 pages, but it is an easy read and there is a lot of information coming from the author’s thoughts.
WORD COUNT: 381
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http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/ehost/detail?vid=12&hid=109&sid=e9fde990-7ae8-4199-968a-b9219c874e14%40sessionmgr107 I found another article that relates to children and music called: In a Diverse Classroom, Understanding Comes First. This brief article discusses how Hispanic Children and other children from ethical groups have used music to communicate and express how their culture works. The article discusses how incorporating everyone's different backgrounds are becoming more and more difficult for teachers. However, I personally feel that it would not be that difficult because the children can bring in tapes of their music, CDs, videos and show on the internet the different costumes worn, the dance moves and any other information .The internet has grown so much that anything can become available to these teachers and children at their fingertips. This article says the first step to understand get children and to teach the music is to get to know the children they are teaching. This will then assure everyone that music is a universal language, just like some say math is another universal language. All cultures make different types of music and sounds and bringing it into the inclusive classroom will teach everyone something new daily. After reading this small article I realized that in many intercity schools there are so many different nations and it is true, they all have heard different cultural music. The article discusses the importance of still showing the music from the country they are in where it is America, Canada, etc. This way the children can learn about the country they are in but still feel proud of the country where them or their family have come from. It is important for us as educators to learn different ways to bring diversity into the classroom but not to forget that we are in Canada and have to teach about our country too. It is important for those diverse students to learn about where they are living now and be proud of what kind of music we make and what songs that we sing.
Exposing children to technology such as Garage Band, I-Tunes, and Skratch are ways of children interacting with music using electronics. Through Garage Band, children can hear the sounds of different instruments and make their own composition, through I-Tunes the children can hear many different songs that have been downloaded from the internet, and Skratch can allow children to incorporate music into a movie and have some fun with what music can do. It is important to expose children to technology and experiment with music because they can have fun and get a grasp on the two coming together. WORD COUNT: 424
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This chapter was about ways to assess people through using technological devices. It was a little weird because the only thing I have seen as a form of assessment was being able to do report cards now online. I personally feel that assessment should be done at the moment by carrying a pen and paper around at all times in the classroom. However, I think video taping and then watching is a good way to watch children at play because sometimes, you may miss something as a busy educator. Page 219 discusses computer based tests and quizzes. Obviously I would not give that to a younger bunch of children; however it can lead to problems. From last week’s experience with the test technology based assessment can sometimes go awry. There were numerous problems last week, and everyone tried to sort through them. I in fact lost my test after the last question, so I could not go back and look over my answers or answer the couple of questions that I had skipped. It just seems like too much, especially in the elementary school system. I would stick to running records or portfolios as a way of assessment. I think the most technology that I would use is to video the class at play, etc so that I could observe after each child and see how they interact with the classroom, the peers, and me as a teacher. I think that it would be very beneficial and a lot more effective than quizzing whether it is online or on paper. Electronic portfolios are also mentioned in this chapter. I think this is a great idea for someone who works with programs such as Skratch and AutoCAD, however, it is important to have and other portfolio with pages that can be flipped through. As a teacher, I have a portfolio filled with a few videos, some discs with articles, etc. but I also have worksheets I have made, lesson plans, samples of children’s work, etc. It is important to have a balance and E-portfolios are good, but are not everything, and I think that teachers cannot stress the point enough that there needs to be balance. I think the more variety, the better anyways. The clicker approach seems to be an interesting way of assessing, however I think that it is something that either works for a teacher, or it doesn’t. As it says, it is new and there still has a lot more research to go etc for it. However, I think that it could be beneficial for assessing specific subjects but it may or may not work for some teachers. Some students may not respond to this way of assessing, and may find it easier to simply write a test. It is up to the teacher’s discretion to use this assessment tool. WORD COUNT: 473
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I am a little behind, so here is my week to catch up!
After reading chapter one, I learned that there are numerous characteristics to meaningful learning: active, constructive, cooperative, authentic, and intentional. I never realized that importance of having many different ways of learning and making sure that there is a balance if each one to create a successful learner. This does not just apply to learning with technology, by learning in general. Just like the book says, good learning is meaningful. It is pretty self explanatory. However, this course is about technology, so making sure that educators facilitate learning through technology is indeed important. On page 7, there is a list of ideas on how to foster children’s learning through technology. I like the point that indicates that technology "are not conveyors or communicators of meaning. Nor should they prescribe and control all of the learner interactions". This is important for educators to know because as I mentioned earlier, there has to be a balance. There should be numerous experiences with technology, but there should also still be things such as pencil, paper, books, blocks, and other manipultives for children to learn. Technology is meant to support learning, not be the only thing and way to learn. As it says on page 10, meaningful learning through technology engages in “knowledge construction, not production, conversation, not reception, articulation, not repetition, collaboration, not competition, reflection, not prescription”. I personally have never seen too much of a reliance on technology. In fact, in some places I have been, I have not seen enough. As an educator, and as a placement student, I would give ideas to other teachers that there should be other forms of technology in the classroom. Not just a computer. There should be cassette players and tapes, cameras (even old broken ones for the children to explore and pretend with) and even cameras. There should not be too many computer enhanced learning games, etc. Learning should be available through technology yes, but teachers cannot rely on a computer to do their jobs. Teachers need to remember that some children do not learn through seeing on a screen, they learn through touching or through a teacher showing them how something is done. In regards to the online articles, I really enjoy how it’s main focus questions why children are so interested in things such as cameras. It indicates that most children have had experience taking a picture, and that they really enjoy it. I know even to this day, I love taking pictures, and I bring my camera everywhere! In fact, it is in my purse right now! I think children love being responsible for things. If you give them a job to take pictures, they feel more involved and show more of an interest in what is being taught. Children feel like grownups when they get to play with a fragile and expensive object. However, nowadays parents can purchase a fisher price digital camera that is not as fragile and has less buttons for the children to play with. This is a great idea and I think it is beneficial to expose children to these technologies as they will be around forever, even though they evolve into a new shape or form consistently. WORD COUNT: 545
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These two chapters were very interesting to read as they gave some insight on how people can use technology to create, work and make something even better than they have already done. Chapter 8 is about designing with technologies. On page 171, it discusses programs called CAD. I have experienced a program in high school called AUTOCAD in my design and technology class. This program enabled us to design houses, create office spaces and learn how to interior decorate without using pencil and paper. I really enjoyed this class because you were able to make blueprints, create something and then decorate it using many different materials. I was able to see what architects do and how perhaps even plumbers see where water lines run through a building as the program shows that as well. Page 175 gives an example of what the program may look like that I used. It can show in realistic 3D images or a 1D image so it is easier to make adjustments. Page 179 and 180 talk about a model car design program. I think that would be great for older students to use to learn about automobiles and how they work. Then they can also have fun with it and create their own car. Chapter 9 Discusses visualizing with technologies. I think visualizing one’s ideas on a computer screen, or recorded on tape help to get a clearer insight to one's work and progress. That is why a lot of musicians record themselves singing so that they can hear their own pitch and work on areas that need help. As I mentioned in other blogs, I think that is why mathematical graphing calculators are beneficial for students because they are able to see their work and understand what they have been doing. They may get the correct answers when writing with pencil and paper, but they have no idea exactly what they have done. So if they visualize it, then they will understand what their mathematical capabilities have progressed into. On Page 204, the chapter begins to discuss modern day devices that visualize for people. These included digital cameras and cellular phones. It discusses how these devices have enhanced over the years, and nowadays even cell phones can take pictures (I know mine does!) Now there are programs that allow people to upload their photos and play with their pictures by adding things, fixing blemishes, etc. This chapter continues to discuss visualizing with camcorders. However, most cell phones and digital cameras these days can also record video. There is so much technology in one small device. By enabling video, people are able to capture unforgettable moments, capture a thought, or even help practice with self esteem issues. This chapter reminded me of an episode of Friends where Ross uses a camcorder to help practice his ability to talk to women. So, by visualizing things with technologies, people can further better themselves and feel more confident about living in everyday life.
WORD COUNT: 496
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This week's chapter was all about how to experiment using all of the different technologies that are available to people. On page 47, it discusses what is called the "SimCalc". I think that this is an interesting tool for children to use during their mathematical learning. As a matter of fact, in high school, we used something very similar to this tool. It was a graphing calculator. We used it for many different things, but it was a useful tool to create graphs, bring our questions to life, and understand constancy, plateaus, etc in the numbering world. Any tool to help in mathematics is very important. I think that it helps with those learners who learn by seeing and doing, and it helps to create a better image in one's head when dealing with numbers.
Simulations are an interesting way of learning as well. I never thought by creating a simulation that it would really benefit others. It can help people see how things really work and get a basic understanding of the concepts that they are trying to learn. As far as I know, not a lot of elementary schools use simulations but I think that if it was accessible for everyone that learning would be that much better. However, when my sister was in elementary school, she did this thing with her class called "Racing Against Drugs". They went to this place and learned what drugs were about and they road in simulated vehicles to see what one's vision would be like if they were drinking and driving, or using unknown substances and driving or operating machinery, etc. I think that this was a great way to teach the kids how drugs and alcohol can affect someone's life. Simulations like that can be very effective. On page 51, it talks about the computer game called "the Sims". I personally love this game! It is so realistic in everyway! If your Sim doesn't go to the bathroom then he will go on the floor! They get hungry; they have relationships, make money and buy new things. It is an addicting game and a great simulation to control one's life and make them live a certain way. It may teach young children how to take care of themselves and how much work it takes to run a household.
Overall, I think that by experimenting with all of the different technologies that are available, it further extends one's knowledge of a subject and gives a hands on learning experience. It is still important to provide balance and have books, written work and the technology. If there is no balance, one will rely too much on one thing and not learn from the other tolls that are available. Technology is just one piece of effective learning. WORD COUNT: 464
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This chapter discusses technologies in the classroom and in the community. On page 105, it discusses how WIKIS are used in order to bring together students. I had never heard of a WIKI until last year, when we used it in my music class. I do agree that it is a great way for students to work together, share ideas and to create a resource that is useful for everyone. However, I don't think that I would introduce it to students until their senior year of high school or University simply because I think that some students are not as experienced with computers, it could get out of hand, and they can be a lot of work. I would wait until the students are older and they can handle more responsibility with making sure that they give their input, etc. WIKIs are a great way to provide information to other students that they may not have known before. on page 112, it discusses the educational use of a blog. Just like chapter 7, it discusses that blogs are a way of the community offering different ideas to create an outcome. Blogs are a good thing to have in a classroom (once again, for the older students) that can help those students who are shy in class and do not like to share their opinion verbally. The teacher can post a blog on a WIKI, and all of the students can then be expected to respond to it. This way the teacher is getting all of their student's ideas and everyone is participating. I was never shy to give my opinion in classes before, but i do know what it is like to see the shy students who look like they what to say something, but never do. By having a WIKI or a blog where a weekly question is posted, those students can give their input, share their ideas, and succeed in that specific class.
I like the section in the chapter that discusses an organization known as Global Schoolhouse. This project supports global learning communities and supports the students who want to communicate with one another. This organizations assists teachers and students, and helps them communicate, organize ideas and assist with their writing. This also helps students communicate with other students from other communities, schools and people around the world. They can express their ideas, share their cultural practices and learn about the world around them.
In order to create successful blogging and interactions online with the community, it is important for the school, community and the families to work together and support the idea. Collaboration is important and if this is how learning will be in the future, then it is important that students understand it and learn about how the World Wide Web can assist them in sharing ideas with everyone around the world.
WORD COUNT: 477
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After reading this blog, I was introduced to numerous methods on how people can communicate with one another online. A lot of them I was familiar with such as msn instant messenger, blogs on web pages, ad discussion boards. However, I did not really start to communicate online until my first year at Ryerson. I remember in high school everyone had ICQ, but my family did not own a computer that had the internet. The only computer we had included games, and a word program to do homework on. My sister is now in high school, and she cannot live without facebook, msn, myspace and her online games that she plays. I do admit, I am a facebook and msn junkie but in high school, I did not have aces to it, and students today can't live without it! It is amazing how much we depend on the internet and how it is a necessity for high school and elementary school students. When I entered Ryerson, I had to become familiar with Blackboard. I had to partake in discussion boards and I found it difficult to get used to. My dad ended up caving and getting a new computer that had internet access, which meant I didn't have to borrow anyone else’s computer to get my work done. however I did learn that discussion boards are a great way to organize your thoughts and see if your fellow classmates have the same ideas as you or vice versa. Last year I took Danny Bakan's music class. We had to partake in the WIKI, and I never thought that I would be able to understand how to edit and format this website. However, with time I became a natural and really enjoyed editing the web page and seeing what other people have given to it.
The book indicates that it is important to separate conferences and different discussion boards with topics. I understand the importance of this, because you want people having discussions with you who are on the same page and have the same interest. This keeps it organized and it filters out people who you do not want in your forum. The book also indicates that online blogging and discussion forums are a great place for self reflection and getting your thoughts out as they come. I have to agree with this, because from doing livejournal for two semesters in a row, it is a lot easier to reflect on people’s blogs and get my own ideas out instead of leaving it until later. It is right there in front of you and it can get done a lot faster. I have never done a video conference, but it seems that a lot of businesses nowadays have these video conferences to see people as they speak. This could be to understand what is being said through facial expressions, and for that matter, to make sure the person on the other end is paying attention! The book discusses that if video conferencing, a simple webcam will not be effective and that in order to have the best conference with clear picture, you need a good software and camera that has a built in microphone. This makes the conference clearer more simple and no freezes in between.
All in all, this chapter is able to give people ideas on how they can communicate with others when they are not sitting right there with you. It is a lot easier for group projects when all of your group members come from different areas. Online blogging and conferencing allows everyone to meet together in their own space and work on their work without having to travel, etc. I am concerned about the need for it in high schools and student's dependencies, but in University I find that online work is essential in maintaining an organized student. WORD COUNT: 643
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