One to One Computing

New technologies in today's society can enhance learning environments by providing students with new and exciting ways to create. collaborate, communicate and think critically. This was made quite clear during the panel discussion on one-to-one computing with technology experts from Rolling River School Division, St. James - Assiniboia School Division, and Louis Riel School Division. Each set of speakers brought their own approaches and insights into the variety of ways one-to-one computing is happening throughout this province. When speaking of one-to-one computing, educators are referring to a computer device (laptop, iPad, tablet, etc) at a one to one ratio. Each student and teacher is provided with (or brings their own) device to use throughout the school day.

 As educators, we need to be aware of, and believe that technology is empowering our students not hindering them. For students born in the last 15 or so years, technology is a staple of their lives; they have never known a world without it. It is important that schools capitalize on students affinity for technology or we are failing them for future endeavors in a technology-driven world. Although the presenters did not go into great detail, they explained that the focus is not directly on technology, rather it is the pedagogy of how instruction is delivered and the spark that is created within students to provide enthusiasm toward, and ownership for their own learning.

I must admit that I was quite skeptical of one-to-one computing when I first heard about it. I believe that students still need to be provided with the opportunity to write using a pen and paper. While listening to the presentations and viewing the pictures, I realized that students use the devices to aid their learning rather than taking over. As a prospective early years teacher, there are so many wonderful ways to use technology in the classroom, and I am excited to have the opportunity to explore them.

Web Based Learning

Last week we had a presentation in class from Sophia Palahicky on web-based courses in Manitoba schools. I have never taken an online course before and was intrigued by the information she provided us. I was not aware that there were so many advances in this direction, or how prevalent it is in the schools already. Personally, I am quite apprehensive about web-based courses, and hesitant toward trying them. This probably stems from the difficulties I have had in the past with technology, as well as negative experiences that have been expressed by my peers who have received instruction in this manner. When looking at the overall idea of web-based learning my feelings are quite mixed. Although I do not think I would enjoy or benefit from web-based courses, I do see some potential gains for others. I have thought long and hard about if I would use them in my classroom, and I have decided that they would not be as beneficial in an early years setting as they might be in high school. I think the benefits of using web-based learning in early years, would be to supplement a lecture or provide the information to students who have been absent from class. A major factor of education is accommodating all types of learners, and recognizing that all students learn in different ways, with different tools and at different rates. By providing web-based learning students who may struggle in a classroom, might very well succeed and excel using an online system. That being said, I do not believe that they should completely replace the classroom setting or the physical presence of an educator. I think web-based learning should be used in conjunction with the physical presence of an educator. These courses would be beneficial for traveling athletes, absent students, or those who would like to review the information from the lecture.

Before I post all of my entries, I read over them to make sure I have said all I want to about a topic. Although I currently have a negative feeling toward web-based learning, I feel there is much more I can learn about these courses and I am looking forward to hearing the positives regarding this initiative in the Manitoba school system.


During her presentation, Sophia shared this video with our class. It is quite powerful at explaining the difference between the previous education system (when I was in school) and how educators teach in today's classrooms. 

Online Organization

I like to think I am a pretty organized, on-the-ball type person. Then I take a look around at my room, my desk, my calendar, etc and I remember that I am actually all over the place. Sometimes I wonder how I get things done on time. I am very good about writing everything down, but I fall short with my procrastination tendencies. I have an agenda book, a calendar hanging on my wall and one in my phone to keep me organized. I set alarms constantly throughout the day. It is shocking to many people, but I always complete a task given, or hand in an assignment on time.

Organizing myself online was really quite simple. I have been using Pinterest since I first heard about it and I believe it has really helped me keep tabs on some great educational resources, ideas and activities. The only other online organizer I use is Symbaloo. Last year (March 3, 2013) I wrote a post about how great the site was and all of the things I thought it could be used for. As I am not the type of person to be redundant, I will spare you from reading the same post twice. If you would like to learn about some benefits, feel free to check out the previous post on this site. Better yet, go to www.symbaloo.com and start organizing your life today!

Digital Footprints

Digital identity refers to the on-line presence a user establishes through cyberspace and are often referred to as on-line profiles. Digital footprints are based on social data and determine the areas of interest of on-line users. Digital footprints also help determine who people are, why the behave the way they do, and what causes them to act and/or react. Through my research I learned that there are two types of digital footprints; active and passive. An active digital footprint is created by the release of personal data that is deliberate and for the purpose of sharing information about themselves. A passive digital footprint is created when data is collected in regards to an action without any client activation (Wikipedia).

My digital identity consists of a multitude of social media sites as well as organization boards and favourite websites. I like to think that my digital identity is quite similar to my physical identity. I do not feel as though I live a separate online life in comparison to the one I am living in the real world. When I am posting photos, status updates or tweets online, I make sure I am posting them exactly how I would in the physical world. To me having two different identities is a lie. I don't believe that you can be two different people (other than Schizophrenic's) so I try and stay true to who I am as a real person. I think that additional online identities are the reason networks are unsafe. Sometimes, you just never know who you are talking to. That being said, on all sites I belong to, my privacy settings are on. I don't think people I am not friends with or don't know need to be following all of the things I do. I protect my identity by updating my settings often and doing online searches of myself to ensure that I can't be found by just anyone.



I am a big country music fan, so I thought this video about being online would be perfect to share. Basically, it goes against everything I believe in, but is so common in today's society.

Online - Brad Paisley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE6iAjEv9dQ&feature=kp

Twitter

Twitter is an on-line social networking tool that allows users to send or read 'tweets' which are basically text messages written publicly. Twitter revolves around its users and updates them on interesting new links, music recommendation, the future of education and news. I think Twitter is a great idea for educators and students alike. As a Phys Ed teacher, using Twitter was one of the first technology ideas I had. Since then I have expanded my ideas and tool kit, but I believe it is a great starting place. Whether I am in the gymnasium or the classroom, I plan on using Twitter. Below is a list of the different ways I would use Twitter in the classroom. I believe there are many additional ways I could use Twitter in my education career, but these are just a few starter ideas.

Tweet out assignments and due dates

Coordinate a hash tag

Build and connect with a community 

Follow issues

Tweet when students are absent to keep them informed

Follow and chat with professionals 

Facilitate discussions

Write reviews

Network with others

My Twitter Account: @MsEtkin

Life Online

I recently read the article Life Online: Canadian Students are More Connected, More Mobile and More Social than Ever by Matthew Johnson, director and Education for Media Smarts. I was not surprised by the fact that youth today are an online generation, but some of the information he presented were shocking to me. The entire time I was reading this article, all I could think about were the things I was doing as a youth, and none of them involved technology. Something I have always been interested in was what are our youth doing online, and how do they spend so many hours connected? I can't sit down with my computer long enough to write a blog post, but these youth can do it for hours. To me, it's surprising and concerning. 

I like that this article has a general overview of many different aspects of being online. Johnson discusses areas of interest which include but are not limited to sports, news, relationship advice and health issues, he presents statistics for gamers and the types of games played as well as which gender chooses certain games, and he provides information on social media such as Facebook. What bothered me while reading this article is the fact that people (youth and adults alike) seldom shut down or go offline. Many people sleep with their cell phones beside them at night in case they receive a call, text or message. This drives me crazy! A sufficient amount of undisturbed sleep is extremely important, and leaving your phone on is unhealthy. How does a brain recharge? How can people effectively function without sleep? I just don't get it. My phone is on silent and I use an old school alarm clock to wake up. I have seen the negative effects first hand of not powering down. When eating dinner with friends or family, strangers always have their phones beside them on the table. I have seen two people out for a meal both texting on their phones, not conversing. My thoughts - why bother going out?  I could vent about this for hours, but it would not be conducive to this post. Continuing on, youth are reporting less parental supervision when online. I don't believe that an adult needs to be standing over their child on a computer, but I am a firm believer that parents need to know what their children are posting and researching. It's about building a relationship with your children to ensure they are safe and responsible. As stated in the article, if parents aren't teaching their children about the dangers of the internet and they aren't learning it in school, then those children are more likely to get in trouble online. As Johnson states in his article "more than half of the students in grades 4-6 have not learned any strategies for authenticating online information with at home or at school". This concerns me as an educator. It is crucial that children, young and old, know the risks of being online. They need to be taught what is appropriate to post and share, and what is not. As an educator, I believe it is my duty to provide students with the information regarding online safety. When using devices in my classroom, I will be sure to talk with my students about the hazards of posting anything, as well as proper use of devices. I believe that we are doing a disservice to these students if we are not ensuring their safety. As an early years teacher, it is my job to make sure rules are explained and implemented for the future and safety of my students. 

All in all, I think that this article does a great job of raising awareness for online living. I think there are many studies that could follow from this information and I would be interested in reading up on them. If you are interested in reading the article, I have attached the link below. 

To read the article Life Online: Canadian Students are More Connected, More Mobile and More Social than Ever by Matthew Johnson, click on the link below.

http://mediasmarts.ca/blog/life-online-canadian-students-are-more-connected-more-mobile-and-more-social-ever

Just a bit of ecard humour for those who didn't have a cell phone as a kid. 

Technology in Schools

It shocked me today when I found out there are only 20 days of school left, it is flying by way to quickly. I didn't realize how soon March was sneaking up on me until career fair last week. What a stressful, busy, exciting time, to be so close to graduating and starting to apply for jobs. The opportunity to visit and speak with many school divisions is something I am grateful for. Not only was it a great way to network with a lot of people and learn about a multitude of divisions, but I was able to gain an understanding of just how important technology is in the schools. Each table I visited was eager to explain all about the technology in their divisions and schools; what their budget looks like, how many iPads or laptops they have, the wifi, etc. As per usual, I was overwhelmed in the technology department, but quickly realized that many of them are still learning too.

During the career fair I had the opportunity to interview with Sunrise School Division, and I found that to be extremely useful. Not only was it great experience to participate in an interview, but I also received helpful feedback. The interviewer gave me some tips for some of his questions, and then we just continued to chat about school related topics. Something that he mentioned was the amount of technology he uses for his Physical Education classes. I have been able to use technology such as smartboards in the classroom, but I have not yet used technology in Phys. Ed. He explained that something as easy as a school twitter account with updates on practices, games and intramurals is useful for players, students and parents. As we talked more in depth about using technology in the gymnasium, he explained that there are many apps teachers can use that record the students performing a skill and can be played in slow motion to analyze each student's movements.

Whether I am working in a classroom or in a gymnasium, I am excited and scared to use technology. I think it is such a great tool and is beneficial to students when used correctly, I just need to continue practicing. Staying on top of the newest apps, and trends is a good way to ensure I am up-to-date with technology.