3. I guess I just never realized how big of a problem cyber-bullying could be. In one of the videos rude MySpace comments turned into an all-out brawl at school where chairs were thrown and seven girls ended up suspended. In another video, a girl IM-ed a boy from school and led him to believe she liked him, then one day she told him it had all been a joke and that she didn't like him after all. This same boy was taunted incessantly online. He eventually hung himself. It was really sad. I just didn't realize how real that was. Everyone knows about internet predators and about the prevalence of pornography, but who would have thought such degrading exchanges could be going on?
4. For my "doing" experience, I called my 13-year-old brother to find out what he knows about internet safety. He had never heard of cyber-bullying, but he had heard of online predators. He said that you should never give out your real name or address or phone number and that if someone asked for information you should ignore them. When asked what he would do if something online made him feel uncomfortable, he said he would turn it off, and if it was bad enough he would tell an adult.
When I explained to him what cyber-bullying was and I told him about the videos I watched he didn't really react. But then again, he's kind of quiet and doesn't usually react visibly to things like that. I think it was good to make him more aware though.
I shared Elder Bednar's talk, "Things As They Really Are." I sent it to him and to my mom. I think there's probably a 50/50 chance that he'll read it--I'm hoping my mom will make him read it with her. But at the very least, I'm sure she'll read it, and that can only be good. It was a very good talk.
Technology can be as simple as using disposable cameras and websites. Even very young students can use a disposable camera. This teacher used the technology to tie in science (types), geography (where spiders are found), and literacy (communicating with other classes on the internet). Technology made her lesson exciting for the children and they learned a lot.
Use of technology required students to use a pattern (Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?). Students really enjoyed drawing on the computer and were able to improve over a couple of semesters. They like to experiment with computers in ways that adults usually don’t. Many don’t have computers at home so they are able to learn at school how to use one.
Teachers need to be aware of the resources available to them and how to use these resources. They also should be able to teach students how to access information for their research. Family and friends can take part in the use of technology as well.
I completed the informed consent and the midcourse evaluation.
There aren't enough computers for all students to use them, but the computers are used on a daily basis. I also thought it was interesting that students have a typing class. I didn't learn to type until I was in 7th grade. The TV in the classroom looks very nice, and so does the DVD player. Also, the teacher has her own computer so she has internet access and can save teaching documents and stuff. All in all it wasn't a super high-tech classroom but I didn't feel like it was really lacking either.
I really liked it when people integrated technology with other resources, like using two examples of technology, or like combining the use of technology with keeping a chart or reading a book. A lot of these projects seem like they wouldn't be too difficult to prepare and carry out in the classroom, but I think that it's important to be prepared for some troubleshooting or to explain the technology so that kids aren't frustrated by the technology. If we aren't well-prepared to use the technology it could actually hinder students' learning. But all in all I think technology is a very useful tool that can make learning more fun and meaningful.
I'm tall, indecisive, and have a hard time staying mad. Math and music are two of my favorite things ever, not to mention curling up with a good book. I've been labeled a "fruit fly," but that's just fine with me because I absolutely adore all of my friends. NorCal is home, but Provo is where my people are. Oh, and I'm really terrible at writing "About Me"'s.