Week 7 Reading - Chapter 8 Collins and Halveson

After reviewing Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology (Collins and Halveson, 2009), it is evident schools will have a continual process incorporating technology into their classrooms. Schools not only have to focus on their budgets to purchase the technology, they also have to review best practices to incorporate technology into the classrooms.  With this, they will need newer curriculum that supports technology, teacher training how to use, implement, and understand the the technology, and allow for a transition period to make sure the technology is seamlessly integrated at all levels.
Newer curriculum (standards, plans, etc.) can allow for increased engagement, collaboration and immediate feedback for students. This can help students at all levels, especially in critical transition phases (ex: middle school to high school; high school to college). The future of coping with technology integration will be ever changing, schools should continue to focus on keeping a technology plan that is evolving, feasible and allow for critical feedback from teachers and students. In the end, this chapter helps teachers and administrators realize the important factors of coping with incorporating new technology.

Collins, A. & Halveson, R. (2009). Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology: The Digital Revolution and Schooling in America. New York: Teachers College Press.

Week 7 RSS Feed - Charter Schools pay rent in NY

Interesting article on the new New York mayor’s proposal to charge charter schools rent.  The article outlines the reason why charter schools should pay rent and also provides the public with the amount of saving the school would bring to the city as a whole. Additionally, there is some backstory to the Bronx Community Charter School, which is the focus of the article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/02/nyregion/for-new-york-citys-charter-schools-a-lesson-on-paying-rent.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

Week 7 RSS Feed - American School Performance

This article compares American education system to other education systems around the globe. Specifically the article focuses on Math, Science and Reading scores from various education systems. The article points out that “In mathematics, 29 nations and other jurisdictions outperformed the United States by a statistically significant margin” (Chappell, 2103). Additionally, “In reading, 19 other locales scored higher than U.S. students” (2013). I find this interesting because I have lived in other countries such as Italy and Japan, and while stationed in those areas I was able to learn a lot about their educational system. On average, I can see American students do not have the desire to learn like in Italy and Japan. Also in Japan teachers hold a prestigious job, similar ratings as with doctors. The education system in Japan is looked at as a cornerstone to the countries success, family success and personal success; unfortunately unlike in America it seems to be looked at more as a stepping-stone.

Within the article you can also have the chance to test your own abilities at taking a mock test if you want to see where you would stand among other countries.

Chappell, B. (December 3, 2013). U.S. Students Slide In Global Ranking On Math, Reading, Science. Retrieved December 5, 2013 from http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/12/03/248329823/u-s-high-school-students-slide-in-math-reading-science?ft=1&f=1013

Week 6 Reading - The Social Web

While reading chapter 6 of Richardson Book (2010), I could not help but think of all the social media websites today. He mentions twitter as one way to communicate with others and to share ideas. A more recent social media website that comes to mind for me is Pinterest. I know I have enjoyed a few meals my wife retrieved from Pinterest in the last year. As far as incorporating social media into the classroom, I feel the author was spot on when he said, “the collaborative construction of knowledge by those willing to contribute is redefining the way we think about teaching and learning at every level” (2010). Richardson also goes into explaining social bookmarking and how those sites can help in the classroom environment.  Personally, in the past I would just add the pages I like to my Bookmarks on my browser, but after a while those bookmarks add up. The new way of bookmarking is using a social bookmarking site, such as Delicious. Using these sights allows users the chance to categorizing the websites in to different pages. Also the users can retrieve the bookmarks no matter where they are, with or without their personal computers.

Overall the classroom is a great place to implement this technology. From tweeting what the homework is for the night, sharing great ideas on Pinterest, or bookmarking useful pages. Educators and students can use social media, and with popularity growing, and the multitude of sites, it can do nothing but help the effectiveness of using technology in the classroom.

Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Week 6 RSS Feed - Independent Thinking

This article gives great examples of how to students can learn through independent thinking. The examples provided allow for teachers to be creative with incorporating similar ideas in their own classrooms. One of the best examples provided was a math teacher, while reviewing he allowed students to share their mistakes while completing homework the previous night. He challenged the students in sharing mistakes, rather than successes. The independent thinking strategies shared can allow for flexibility into any classroom.

Regan, M. (November 22, 2013).  3 Strategies Promote Independent Thinking. Retrieved November 25, 2013 from

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/3-strategies-promote-independent-thinking-margaret-regan 

Week 6 RSS Feed- Quizzes and Computers

Utilizing technology in the classroom is a critical component in today’s 21^st century classroom. In this article, the author reviews how colleges are now focusing in on the technology trend.  I found this article interesting, because I too believe that if used and monitored, the use of computers in the classroom will help students learn and assist educators in delivery modalities. Because colleges could be taking the lead incorporating technology, it is possible that this will establish the norm, thus forcing the secondary education of high schools to follow suit.  So many high schools today still have strict technology policies (i.e. none on campus). Because today’s students are so comfortable with technology, the use and incorporation of it in a classroom will no longer be a distraction.  Colleges are now harnessing this idea and using computers for frequent quizzing, using the Internet, and customization of curriculum.  An example of how colleges would utilize student computers for quizzing is “They would be taking a short quiz in each subsequent class on their computer. The quizzes would be short and personalized — seven questions that the entire class would answer, and one tailored to each student, usually a question from another quiz that he or she got wrong”  (Carey, 2013). Overall I found this article a good resource for teachers on a positive way to implement technology in the classroom.

Carey, B. (November 13, 2013). Frequent Tests Can Enhance College Learning Study Finds. New York Times. Retrieved November 24, 2013 from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/education/frequent-tests-can-enhance-college-learning-study-finds.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0