Dear Doctor Watwood and colleagues,
Sashoi Hinds, Arlene Rose Wright and I worked diligently on the following Power Point Presentation with a clear goal, not only for our technology perception at schools in the U.S.A. but also with a wholesome intent of implementing and ameliorating the application of IT at schools worldwide. WE pursue an ideal of becoming skillful with the "Telecommunication" world through the Internet in the hands of Teachers, youngsters, and other members of the new global virtual community, immersed in advanced electronic devices, and their employment in the classroom as a great companion of the new learners.
Will we be able to apprehend and improve the technology plans in the field of education?
We do not know now. But, we have to keep seeking the best ways to educate our children.
Please enjoy this Technology Plan in a peaceful valley.
We want to thank you all for your invigorating comments.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Emerging Issues
Electronics has advanced way too much for better or worse. For instance the following IPhone can be used to communicate good ideas or to stalk someone due to the access to Google earth, address, documents to go on a test, regular classwork, or even the class you are at, television, videos or movies. Moreover, private information that can be downloaded while talking in the classroom in a simple atmosphere that is supposed to be conducive to learning, wholesome learning. However, you never know who is in the classroom attending your classes.
Therefore, we need to connect the classroom to the world. But to keep in mind the risks of doing it. So, it is at the same time very relevant to block sites because some students may not use these resources correctly or we may fall into encouraging youngsters in the world of Cyberbullying, slandering or misinforming ourselves,and others as well.
So my message is: Let's use as much technology as possible. Do not let negative minds hinder you of the wonderful world that awaits us. Let's become very interactive, motivating teachers who enjoy every class session we perform.
Look at the following video I found about: "Top ten tips for using technology in the classroom" Nevertheless, I am quite sure most of you have more and better techniques. And I am going to learn them as I visit your blog posts.
Have a great vacation folks.
Anyway, look at the following video, ask yourself as many questions as possible and post your conclusions. So I can learn more and become a better high tech teacher. Then I will feed you with my new experiences using all your comments. Thanks a bunch!
Therefore, we need to connect the classroom to the world. But to keep in mind the risks of doing it. So, it is at the same time very relevant to block sites because some students may not use these resources correctly or we may fall into encouraging youngsters in the world of Cyberbullying, slandering or misinforming ourselves,and others as well.
So my message is: Let's use as much technology as possible. Do not let negative minds hinder you of the wonderful world that awaits us. Let's become very interactive, motivating teachers who enjoy every class session we perform.
Look at the following video I found about: "Top ten tips for using technology in the classroom" Nevertheless, I am quite sure most of you have more and better techniques. And I am going to learn them as I visit your blog posts.
Have a great vacation folks.
Anyway, look at the following video, ask yourself as many questions as possible and post your conclusions. So I can learn more and become a better high tech teacher. Then I will feed you with my new experiences using all your comments. Thanks a bunch!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Whose Responsibility is it?
We all need to be responsible at school when performing any act. Moreover, when modeling conduct to students. One important component in our daily teaching life is the Internet. Who is responsible for its use?
Every School does have its own policies. As a matter of fact Charles B. Aycock in Wayne County does have its policies that are in harmony with the States requirements. Central Office controls these requirements and policies.In addition to this, at Charles B. Aycock, we ask every parent and student to sign a contract to perform excellent behavior when using the Internet at school. Teachers are required to do so. Please take a look at this video that presents some vital information about responsibility. But in the end the one who has the most responsibility when using the Internet in the classroom, computer lab or library, specially with the students, is the teacher.
On the other hand, we need to ask ourselves if using the Internet at school is safe, keeping in mind that the responsibility is ours because kids are always kids, beings who are being educated now. The adult one is the teacher and we will be expected to act accordingly in order to keep our positions at schools. Therefore, we need to be very careful what to research and where because our school has to be clean at all times. Immaculate! So, teachers are the ones that can be changed, not the school. It is the "Institution" and it has to prevail
Every School does have its own policies. As a matter of fact Charles B. Aycock in Wayne County does have its policies that are in harmony with the States requirements. Central Office controls these requirements and policies.In addition to this, at Charles B. Aycock, we ask every parent and student to sign a contract to perform excellent behavior when using the Internet at school. Teachers are required to do so. Please take a look at this video that presents some vital information about responsibility. But in the end the one who has the most responsibility when using the Internet in the classroom, computer lab or library, specially with the students, is the teacher.
On the other hand, we need to ask ourselves if using the Internet at school is safe, keeping in mind that the responsibility is ours because kids are always kids, beings who are being educated now. The adult one is the teacher and we will be expected to act accordingly in order to keep our positions at schools. Therefore, we need to be very careful what to research and where because our school has to be clean at all times. Immaculate! So, teachers are the ones that can be changed, not the school. It is the "Institution" and it has to prevail
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Teacher Development Courses and the Internet in the Classroom
Central Office team at Wayne County Public Schools is always trying to create new courses for teachers in order to help us learn more about technology in the classroom. Hence, we may take as many courses as soon as they are published on the Central Office Website. So, The first question is:
What is instructional Technology?
Then we are encouraged to take as many courses as possible either at the Technology Instruction Center or at School where a 10 or 30-hour course is offered periodically. In addition to these courses, we have to take technology courses at our school Media Center twice a month. Therefore, The following information is taken from Wayne County Website to show the process to get engaged in technology education that is going to be useful in the classroom in the long run.
What is instructional Technology?
Then we are encouraged to take as many courses as possible either at the Technology Instruction Center or at School where a 10 or 30-hour course is offered periodically. In addition to these courses, we have to take technology courses at our school Media Center twice a month. Therefore, The following information is taken from Wayne County Website to show the process to get engaged in technology education that is going to be useful in the classroom in the long run.
" What is Instructional Technology?
Instructional technology is the use of technology to solve educational challenges, both in the classroom and in the distance learning environment. The purpose of instructional technology is the promotion of learning through tools, environments and skills that can enhance the classroom curriculum. Technology plays an essential role in the 21st Century goals and objectives of the state curriculum as seen in the graphic below.
* photo from http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/route21/
There is also a link on the left that is called:
In this link we find information about requirements for staff to obtain credits in technology. Therefore, we are encouraged to visit:
and register in every course we want or need according to our school division. The following information is about the renewal credits and the link to see the calendar and select the corresponding courses as follows:
"Wayne County Public Schools still requires that all certified staff complete 30 contact hours or 3.0 technology renewal credits. Technology P
ofessional Development courses have to be led by a qualified instructor, who has obtained prior approval on the course, and must consist of one of the following to count towards renewal credits:
So, we can also see a calendar in which we register for the courses we are eager to take and the confirmation comes via e-mail. After taking every course, we are expected to use more technology in the classroom. Nevertheless, there are many "restrictions" in order to keep a safe syberspace at school. We cannot access any social network and most web pages have a denied access.
- Hands-on learning of technology tools (hardware or software) such as Microsoft Office, Scholastic Keys, Internet research or other types of software based products that can be integrated into the classroom curriculum or used for administration purposes. Also included would be scanners, digital cameras, camcorders, GPS systems, probeware and other technology based hardware.
- Courses that focus on the integration of technology tools into the core curriculum in order to enhance student learning and encourage use of 21st century skills.
- Anything not described in the first two instances must have prior approval for technology renewal credits before taking the course."
So, we can also see a calendar in which we register for the courses we are eager to take and the confirmation comes via e-mail. After taking every course, we are expected to use more technology in the classroom. Nevertheless, there are many "restrictions" in order to keep a safe syberspace at school. We cannot access any social network and most web pages have a denied access.
However, If we want to use any specific page for teaching purposes, we must apply a form in which explanation about teaching purposes are given and supported.
I do not know any teacher who has obtained a permission to use any of the block pages.
At the moment, all possible pages are under "The Media Center" link.
Google is permitted and Google Docs as well because that is the one we are using at school. Students are using Google docs at school and home. Now they are able to send homework at a convenient time.
I do not know any teacher who has obtained a permission to use any of the block pages.
At the moment, all possible pages are under "The Media Center" link.
Google is permitted and Google Docs as well because that is the one we are using at school. Students are using Google docs at school and home. Now they are able to send homework at a convenient time.
We research on the web, and create presentations using computers in the library, or in the classroom with a mobile laptop unit. All thumb drives are scanned before we use them at any school computer. The only inconvenience is that we cannot show any posts from any social network for safety reasons. So, look at a video about Google docs, a course I already took at the County Technology Center of Instruction.
Now I am using it at school and every student as well. This is a new way to use the Internet in the classroom without problems with the risks of the most common social networks.
Now I am using it at school and every student as well. This is a new way to use the Internet in the classroom without problems with the risks of the most common social networks.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Horizon Report
Horizon Report means Semantic Web, challenges, global audiences, and technologies to watch. Therefore, the following presentation will help us appreciate challenges that are before us.
The way students are prepared for their future lives is changing. For instance emerging technologies must be used by students to gain experience in research, problem-solving learning, and creative work with mental flexibility.
Technologies to Watch
There are six technologies in each Horizon Report
1. On the near-term horizon
2. Mid-term horizon
3. Mobile computing
4. Simple augmented reality
5. On the far-term horizon
6. Gesture-based computing
Horizon Project
Emerging technologies are to higher education. Therefore, A wide range of articles, are published and unpublished on small- to medium-sized businesses. Sometimes on the web sites as well.
Relevance for Teaching, Learning, or Creative Inquiry
Mobile devices and the Internet are great materials in communication and learning experience through:
a) voice
b) text
c) multimedia
All this takes place in real time and data analysis is held more effectively around University campus.
The most relevant aspects of 2009 Report
Information literacy, visual literacy, and technological literacy. The skills involved in writing and research have
changed from those required even a few years ago. Students need to be technologically adept, to be able to collaborate with peers all over the world, to understand basic content and media design, and to understand the relationship between apparent function and underlying code in the applications they use daily.
Horizon Report:
"The project uses qualitative research methods to identify the technologies selected for inclusion in each
annual report, beginning with a survey of the work of other organizations and a review of the literature with
an eye to spotting interesting emerging technologies." 2009 Horizon Report
The most important aspects of 2008 Report
Critical Challenges:
This challenge has evolved over the past year and is a crucial one for teaching and learning. As the gap grows
between new scholarship and old, leadership and innovation are needed at all levels of the academy.
Grassroots Video. Virtually anyone can capture, edit, and share short video clips, using inexpensive equipment (such as a cell phone) and free or nearly free software.
Horizon Project
"The project uses qualitative research methods to identify the technologies selected for inclusion in
each annual report, beginning with a survey of the work of other organizations and a review of the
literature with an eye to spotting interesting emerging technologies. When the cycle starts, little is known,
or even can be known, about the appropriateness or efficacy of many of the emerging technologies for
these purposes, as the Horizon Project expressly focuses on technologies not currently in widespread
use in academe. In a typical year, 75 or more of these technologies may be identified for further
investigation; for the 2008 Report, more than 80 were considered." 2008 Horizon Report.
Grassroots Video. Virtually anyone can capture, edit, and share short video clips, using inexpensive equipment (such as a cell phone) and free or nearly free software.
Horizion Report
Critical Challenge View more presentations from Edward Sargent.
On the other hand the following issues will help us understand some relevant aspects about the Horizon Report: 2010, 2009, 2008.
2010
On the other hand the following issues will help us understand some relevant aspects about the Horizon Report: 2010, 2009, 2008.
2010
The way students are prepared for their future lives is changing. For instance emerging technologies must be used by students to gain experience in research, problem-solving learning, and creative work with mental flexibility.
Technologies to Watch
There are six technologies in each Horizon Report
1. On the near-term horizon
2. Mid-term horizon
3. Mobile computing
4. Simple augmented reality
5. On the far-term horizon
6. Gesture-based computing
Horizon Project
Emerging technologies are to higher education. Therefore, A wide range of articles, are published and unpublished on small- to medium-sized businesses. Sometimes on the web sites as well.
Relevance for Teaching, Learning, or Creative Inquiry
Mobile devices and the Internet are great materials in communication and learning experience through:
a) voice
b) text
c) multimedia
All this takes place in real time and data analysis is held more effectively around University campus.
The most relevant aspects of 2009 Report
- Semantic-Aware Applications.
- Smart Objects
- Cloud Computing
- Geo-Everything
- The Personal Web
Information literacy, visual literacy, and technological literacy. The skills involved in writing and research have
changed from those required even a few years ago. Students need to be technologically adept, to be able to collaborate with peers all over the world, to understand basic content and media design, and to understand the relationship between apparent function and underlying code in the applications they use daily.
Horizon Report:
"The project uses qualitative research methods to identify the technologies selected for inclusion in each
annual report, beginning with a survey of the work of other organizations and a review of the literature with
an eye to spotting interesting emerging technologies." 2009 Horizon Report
The most important aspects of 2008 Report
- Two technologies placed on the first adoption horizon in this edition, grassroots video and collaboration webs.
Critical Challenges:
This challenge has evolved over the past year and is a crucial one for teaching and learning. As the gap grows
between new scholarship and old, leadership and innovation are needed at all levels of the academy.
Grassroots Video. Virtually anyone can capture, edit, and share short video clips, using inexpensive equipment (such as a cell phone) and free or nearly free software.
Horizon Project
"The project uses qualitative research methods to identify the technologies selected for inclusion in
each annual report, beginning with a survey of the work of other organizations and a review of the
literature with an eye to spotting interesting emerging technologies. When the cycle starts, little is known,
or even can be known, about the appropriateness or efficacy of many of the emerging technologies for
these purposes, as the Horizon Project expressly focuses on technologies not currently in widespread
use in academe. In a typical year, 75 or more of these technologies may be identified for further
investigation; for the 2008 Report, more than 80 were considered." 2008 Horizon Report.
Grassroots Video. Virtually anyone can capture, edit, and share short video clips, using inexpensive equipment (such as a cell phone) and free or nearly free software.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Comments on National Ed. Tech Plan
Collaboration is the key to succeed. If we want to compete globally, we need to innovate, that old educational system in which students did not even talk due to a complete quiet atmosphere with no interaction in the learning process. They were only objects in a great national investment.
Now it is necessary to create an opportunity for both students and teachers who are willing to improve and transform America and mankind at the same time. Therefore, The National Education Technology Plan is the key for a new "revolution". Perhaps this is one of the most important in human history because it transforms us, the only intelligent beings on Earth.
Success in the past, does not guarantee success in the present or even in the future. Therefore, a revolutionary teaching and learning method at all levels is needed now. Engaging and empowering learning focuses on the art of technology that has touched youngsters and adults in an electronic virtual era, not tangible for the previous generations who have been challenged by this new fast changing world, before our senses.
Technology learning motivates, and inspires students and teachers to share languages and different methods of acquiring knowledge in a continuous and lifelong learning as many live their lives with or for technology. Therefore, borders in the world have become virtual as well.
Now, the challenge we have in education is to leverage the learners and the new technology, personalizing students' education and the reality of their futures. However, it requires a flexible mind in order to empower them to take control of their own learning by providing flexibility on several dimensions. And for this, many teachers are not ready yet. Not because they do not want, but because what we learned in the past is considered the "only" correct way.
Anyway, it is significant to plan standard concepts and competencies for the nation and the global village(McLuhan)we are immersed in.
Therefore, School boards have to participate not only in designing plans but also in taking technology courses and to mentor several students in the area. They need to get involved in the process. Maybe small groups can benefit a lot more from the experience and knowledge board of educators may offer.
For instance, I belong to an Advisory Council at a school where one of my sons attends, different to the one I teach. Parents, and community members are also in this council and we meet once every two months to discuss and improve different plans at school. One of them is the "School Improvement Plan".
This plan shows that Principal, assistant principals, and teachers have been working conscientiously to improve everyday in this fast changing technological world.
Now it is necessary to create an opportunity for both students and teachers who are willing to improve and transform America and mankind at the same time. Therefore, The National Education Technology Plan is the key for a new "revolution". Perhaps this is one of the most important in human history because it transforms us, the only intelligent beings on Earth.
Success in the past, does not guarantee success in the present or even in the future. Therefore, a revolutionary teaching and learning method at all levels is needed now. Engaging and empowering learning focuses on the art of technology that has touched youngsters and adults in an electronic virtual era, not tangible for the previous generations who have been challenged by this new fast changing world, before our senses.
Technology learning motivates, and inspires students and teachers to share languages and different methods of acquiring knowledge in a continuous and lifelong learning as many live their lives with or for technology. Therefore, borders in the world have become virtual as well.
Now, the challenge we have in education is to leverage the learners and the new technology, personalizing students' education and the reality of their futures. However, it requires a flexible mind in order to empower them to take control of their own learning by providing flexibility on several dimensions. And for this, many teachers are not ready yet. Not because they do not want, but because what we learned in the past is considered the "only" correct way.
Anyway, it is significant to plan standard concepts and competencies for the nation and the global village(McLuhan)we are immersed in.
Therefore, School boards have to participate not only in designing plans but also in taking technology courses and to mentor several students in the area. They need to get involved in the process. Maybe small groups can benefit a lot more from the experience and knowledge board of educators may offer.
For instance, I belong to an Advisory Council at a school where one of my sons attends, different to the one I teach. Parents, and community members are also in this council and we meet once every two months to discuss and improve different plans at school. One of them is the "School Improvement Plan".
This plan shows that Principal, assistant principals, and teachers have been working conscientiously to improve everyday in this fast changing technological world.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Technology/Internet Acceptable Use Agreement.
"In Wayne County Public Schools, technological resources including computers, other electronic devices, programs, networks and the Internet, provide opportunities to enhance instruction, appeal to different learning styles and meet the educational goals of the board. Through the school system's technological resources, users can observe events as they occur around the world, interact with others on a variety of subjects, and acquire access to current and in-depth information" (taken from Policy code 3225)
Therefore at CBA, there is an agreement that has to be signed by students, teachers and parents in order to use the Internet and technology resources. So, please watch the following video:
Websites
It is the philosophy of the Wayne County Public Schools to provide accurate and current information to the public(board Policy 500)
The district website and the school websites are essential elements in providing timely, accurate and relevant information.
Policy 3226 outlines requirements for creating and maintaining the district web site and individual websites.
Purposes:
Therefore at CBA, there is an agreement that has to be signed by students, teachers and parents in order to use the Internet and technology resources. So, please watch the following video:
Websites
It is the philosophy of the Wayne County Public Schools to provide accurate and current information to the public(board Policy 500)
The district website and the school websites are essential elements in providing timely, accurate and relevant information.
Policy 3226 outlines requirements for creating and maintaining the district web site and individual websites.
Purposes:
- To serve as a public relations/information tool for Wayne County Public Schools
- To provide web-based information to employees, parents, students, and others.
- To provide for information access and accessibility.
- To support the mission of Wayne County Public Schools.
- To provide and support a 21st Century education.
The Superintendent will designate a person to serve as the district webmaster(site director) to be responsible for management of website operations, including user authentication, technical design, logistics, training and support.
Each principal will designate a person at his her school who will be responsible for management, production, and maintenance of the school's website .
Ethical Guidelines
All Wayne County Public Schools Board policies will be adhered to and all web pages hosted on our academic portal are the property of Wayne County Public Schools.
All copyright laws will be followed. Pages will not contain unauthorized content, no links, no links to social networking sites, chat rooms, illegal, pornographic, violent, obscene, objectionable, offensive material or offensive language.
Teachers and staff are prohibited from using web pages hosted by the district server to advertise personal or commercial business venture. (Board Policy 7730)
Security
Teachers, staff, and students need to be registered users.
The district webmaster has the right to make changes to web pages at any time.
Hyperlinks
All links must serve an educational or administrative purpose
Privacy
Web pages will not publish information that Wayne County Public Schools would not also publish in other formats
Photographs and images
Student photographs used on web pages will not include personally identifying information, unless authorized by a signed release.
Nonetheless, look what is happening with Internet Security:
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