Chapter
four focuses on the professional growth of a teacher’s engagement for using
technology effectively. On the first page of chapter 4, it states that teachers
required to be experts in technology is a myth and the reality is that teachers
with relatively little technological skills can provide useful instruction. It
seems teachers are supposed to think about how to use technology first than be
an expert for successful learning. I strongly believe that teachers should continuously
contemplate about using technology in their classroom. They also need to be
trained properly to meet the advances of technology.
The
Internet is in the middle of the technological advancements. I learned how to
manage my educational information and learned what educational websites are
available through the textbook. I think the educational website tables show six
major types of internet contents which are very useful. Until now to search for
educational resources, I usually use web contents in my native language. Now I
can find many new useful English websites resources through the Internet. There
is a saying that goes, “a native language makes a road we can walk in but a
foreign language will create a window to the road. Maybe I am seeing the attractive educational materials through that window on my road.
It is
quite interesting for me to be informed about the 50 free education apps. I
have used some of them usefully and frequently. When I knew about ITunes U for
the first time, I was so amazed that I could access lectures overseas. Nowadays,
I am using Blackboard Mobile for my education. Also, I have tried to use the Socrative
app. There are two Socrative apps: One is called the Student Clicker and the another
is called the Teacher Clicker. Teachers need to ask some questions in their
virtual room and then the students are supposed to enter the room and answer
the questions.
We know
there are a variety of educational apps in other app store categories like the
news, photo and book categories. My favorite educational app is Google Earth.
It is in the travel category. I am sure teachers can plan lessons through this
app. It enables a student to not only search for information but can use video
clips, data or photos and also experience a 3D virtual world. Finally, I’d like
to mention Google image search. I think the visual materials are the key
elements in website resources. I would use the search engine to find images or
videos rather than through text information for my lesson plans.
Q1) Young
children can easily learn to be digital citizens in their school. But think
about the adults who misuse their digital devices because they didn't get the
chance to use technology and learn to be digital citizens. I feel the need to
learn to be a better digital citizen because I sometimes misuse my digital
devices. Do you think you have an adequate knowledge of technology to be a
proficient digital citizen? If not, what do you want to learn more about to
become a better digital citizen for your virtual life?
Q2) Have
you used the websites that are recommend on our textbook (table6.2~6.7). Can
you share your reflection using the sites?
To address your first questions, I feel that my high school and undergraduate education have given me a solid understanding of plagiarism and copyright policies when researching and reporting. I also feel that I'm well aware of the privacy and safety issues of digital citizenship - I know what information is safe to share online and what to look for on a particular site before sharing that information. Other areas of digital citizenship I'm a bit more uncertain of. For example, downloading music or streaming a TV show that I've missed watching. Just because it's available online doesn't always mean it's legitimate to use.
ReplyDeleteJean, in regards to your first question, I believe I have become a better digital citizenship through my educational and professional fields. I do understand certain concepts, such as plagiarism. It is always important to give credit to the sources. I still continue to have difficulty finding secure and reliable web sites. Some web sites look professional and have a reputable URL, but are not trustworthy. I am always skeptical when it comes to reviewing web sites, especially for this WebQuest project. I wish I was a little more advanced in knowing what sites to use as opposed to just taking a risk.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your first question, I believe I have enough knowledge to call myself a proficient digital citizen. My high school was big on technology, so it was used very frequently in almost all of my classes. I remember learning early on about internet saftey and other topics like the plagerism. Growing up I was always taught not to use websites like wikipedia and to use sites like nytimes but never given a full explanation on why I shouldnt use certain sites and why I should. I think that when it comes to reviewing websites and knowing if they are good enough I always stick to the same websites becasue im to afraid to risk choosing unreliable ones.
ReplyDeletehi Jean, for your first question I began learning more about technology when I was in junior high school but I observed my father use it and then i learned on my own before i entered junior high. I believe i have adequate knowledge of digital devices. I am a quick learner with technology. I'm not sure if it has something to do with playing video games at such a young age or learning to program other devices. I do wish my typing skills were better. since, i learned it beforehand i didn't pay attention to having my fingers a certain position. i do know that now there are various software programs for keyboarding instruction. I observed it during my student observations and they are great. the program provides a plastic keyboard that you attach to the keys so the letters on the keyboard are not displayed. with all the technology courses i am more aware of plagiarism and how to know if websites are valid and safe.
ReplyDelete