Blog Post 5

Growing Up

Did your perspective and/or position about your topic change as a result of your research findings? Why or why not? My perspectives haven't changed while researching into my topic. I think this is because I already had a basic understanding about how kids use the internet because not long ago I remember asking my mom if I could have time playing my favorite games on the internet. Even if the internet was different and a lot slower back then, there are still very common issues today regarding the internet. I've also grown up in a place where my parents kept the family computer in the living room and would monitor and check in with my sister and I about what were we doing. My research included many things I have been warned about before and wasn't surprised at my findings. And also many of the prevention techniques, since I grew up knowing not to open suspicious emails, pop ups, get a Myspace until I was 13 and all the other things my parents instilled upon me early on. Research has become more extensive and the problem has become more prominent in our country nowadays. Understanding how kids use the Internet is important to know and I'm glad I had the chance to research into it more and realize the implications of what could happen. Researching is important and necessary as teachers to stay informed on new issues that arise with new technologies.

Computers in Classroom

How will your newly-acquired knowledge about your topic affect your future teaching endeavors? I believe that knowing these things about the Internet and its advantages and disadvantages for children and teachers as well, will be beneficial to know and pass on. I think it's a great to know how to use knowledge and pass it on to my colleagues and have confidence in letting children use the Internet in and out of my classroom safely. While researching I have also thought about if I have computers in my classroom where they will be set up and how I will keep an eye on the students while working with other kids. I want to give my students the tools for success and also make sure they are safe from all the dangers. These dangers are intimidating and since researching I've realized it's probably easier to prevent the problems from occurring rather than dealing with the consequences, parents and children. Educating is key to being safe on the Internet, especially since most kids don't receive any sort of tools to use the Internet. Most times they are sent off on their own to browse and find what they need, it can an overwhelming place if they don't understand or know how to use it. As a teacher I will make sure they use it wisely and effectively. If they cannot learn how to adapt to these ways so they can stay safe, they shouldn't be allowed the chance to be on the Internet at such a young age.

Blog Post 4

Teaching without technology

If educational technology was phased out of the classroom, I think cyber bullying would still be prominent. Since technology has such a large impact on our and children's social lives. Although if after a few years of technology phasing out, the younger children would have less exposure to technology, thus not as prone to use technology until they need to and are older. I think children would gain an understanding of more material without relying on technology in the classroom to get quick and easy access to information. Children would learn how to use a dictionary, the Dewey decimal system, cursive, math facts (without calculators) and several other skills most generations before them have learned. But on the other hand they would also lose valuable information and resources that the integrate their learning style to benefit specific students. Also children would have less time mastering keyboarding by practice, learning how to use programs and researching/using the internet to benefit them in an educational manner. I think if we phased technology out of schools, children with a lot of exposure to technology will be shocked into learning the "old school" way of doing things and could possibly cause some to rebel in the classroom because they can't adapt to classrooms without technology.

Blog Post 3

Blog Post 2

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I think accessibility with cyber-bullying definitely has a negative effect on children. I think this could put those who are at-risk for bullying even more at risk because they won't be able to see what other kids are posting about them or see whats happening and they would be "out of the loop" which could hurt them in the long run. Access to the internet is becoming more and more important in this day and age because of our reliance on easy information and resources.

Topic Choice

I choose Netiquette & Cyber-Bullying as my topic for my final project. One of the reasons why I choose this topic is because technology has advanced so quickly these past few years and the amount of children who have access to technology and internet is growing daily. In my elementary school days bullying happened, to everyone, but I can't imagine going home, where it should be safe and comfortable, to an environment where bullying could still occur. Once the children are home and still exposed to bullying via the internet could have a tremendous impact on their growth academically and emotionally. I believe it's important to educate myself and other teachers about how this can happen anytime and anywhere. It is something if we can spread this information between all of us we can also educate children and parents about what can happen on the internet. Whether it's good or bad behaviors, we should still be aware of what happens and what should be restricted to students. I would rather educate myself on the topic rather than later underestimating the childrens' abilities online and suffer consequences later.
  Source: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?ex=2&qu=child%20computer#ai:MP900426562|mt:0|

EDST 220 Fall Term Driving Questions

1. How can technology tools improve communications between teachers and students, parents, or peers?
2. How can these tools hinder communication efforts?
3. Why do issues surrounding the use of technology in education endure?