It was difficult for me to read this article and think that Prensky has any real involvement with children today. In "Listen to the Natives," he constantly urges us to ask our students what they want and incorporate that into technology in our schools, I think he forgets the maturity level and baggage that many of today's students bring to school. The opening quote, "School didn't teach me to read—I learned from my games. —A student" is an excellent example of the arrogance of some of our students. I also argue that it isn't solely up to America's educators to teach or train our students. Part of the reason our education system is failing lies with the adults who don't prepare their children.
Aside from that little soapbox, I found the theme that we must catch up to the technological abilities of our students to be beneficial. We cannot continue to teach according to old methods and think that our students will be engaged and retain all that we share in our classrooms. Prensky argues that "our young people generally have a much better idea of what the future is bringing than we do." I can't help but reflect on the Disney movie Wall-E. Let me share in case you haven't seen it. Earth is completely covered in our trash and while these Waste Allocation Load Lifters - Earth class (WALL-E) clean it up, humans live on huge space type boats for thousands of years. They are so reliant on technology that they no longer walk. Their movement is done through space chairs that have computer monitors attached. There is little thought or room to challenge. There is even a struggle between the Captain and the autopilot when he wants to do something against the computer's orders. We already have major concerns with childhood obesity and the lack of exercise they get. Most reports I have read or listened to attribute this not only to poor meals but their intense interest of computers and video games. Prensky may be on to something when he tells us to relate the students' out of school digital experiences to classroom work. But are we truly helping or only enabling potentially harmful behavior?
This generation of "digital natives" often feel entitled to everything they want and expect all adults to comply. We would have to assume that our students posses the same discipline as those in Europe, Japan or other countries listed in the article in order to implement the use of cell phones into curriculum. Not to mention that not all of our children have these items. I asked several of my Second and Third graders in Zion if they had a computer at home and the majority answered no. Some of them still can't grasp the concept of money. Yes a computer game could help with this, but we can't ignore that not all students are equal in technology.
Finally, as one who is learning to embrace technology, I hope to be the kind that uses it as best as possible in the classroom. I am neither a "digital native" nor a "digital immigrant." I prefer to only fall under the label of the "empathetic" teacher he says shouldn't be overlooked. Maybe when the day comes for me to lobby for equipment at my school, I will request Mr. Prensky make a donation and include this article as an attachment. Actions speak louder than words.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Death by Powerpoint- blog #3
Jamie Mckenzie describes powerpointlessness by referring to a Dilbert cartoon (August 16). He said it "portrayed a member of the audience collapsing from "PowerPoint poisoning." Too many bullets. Too much crummy clip art. Simple thoughts. One liners. Mind bytes. Mind candy. Death by power pointing!" Essentially, it is a poorly designed and overcrowded presentation. According to him, "the goal is the creation of a strong and charismatic relationship with the audience." If we fail to achieve this goal then we ourselves have just subjected our audience to death by PowerPoint.
I thought that "death by PowerPoint" was a term only used in the Navy. Anytime we had training we knew it was going to have a PowerPoint and drag on forever. Eventually leaders and trainers learned to simplify the slide presentation and use additional visual aids. An in depth review and lesson on creating proper PowerPoints can be found at http://www.fno.org/sept00/powerpoints.html. It is at this site that the author explains how we can teach students to learn to think and communicate thoughtfully with PowerPoint. Although he provides an extensive review I believe three of principles, if followed, will make anyone successful.
He writes that "students must master strategies to develop and maintain contact, engagement, credibility and trust." Therefore, students must maintain eye contact, know their audience and keep slides short. I agree with Mr. Mckenzie "that if the speaker is reaching the audience there are likely to be signs of approval coming from the eyes of the listener along with body language such as nods of approval, agreement or excitement." I often look to the cohort to see if what I am saying is making sense and then I continue or adjust as necessary. The same applies to my students during tutoring. If they aren't getting the lesson I stop and rephrase or give another example hoping it will make a difference to them. Not only does maintaining eye contact make that possible, but it also shows sincerity or interest on my part.
As an audience member I focus on the speaker. So if you ever want to use me as a guide; go for it. Occasionally when a speaker connects with me I wonder whether or not I am sending constructive signals. By knowing your audience and connecting with them it should be easier to use the PowerPoint slides as talking points and not mini novels. If I see a PowerPoint and the speaker just reads the slides, I get frustrated and end up missing the point or lesson.
If students master the points above they should be able to check off one last recommendation from McKenzie and that is to speak with conviction. I'd like to think I follow these guidelines, but look forward to the next project to see if I am right. I know there is always room for improvement.
I thought that "death by PowerPoint" was a term only used in the Navy. Anytime we had training we knew it was going to have a PowerPoint and drag on forever. Eventually leaders and trainers learned to simplify the slide presentation and use additional visual aids. An in depth review and lesson on creating proper PowerPoints can be found at http://www.fno.org/sept00/powerpoints.html. It is at this site that the author explains how we can teach students to learn to think and communicate thoughtfully with PowerPoint. Although he provides an extensive review I believe three of principles, if followed, will make anyone successful.
He writes that "students must master strategies to develop and maintain contact, engagement, credibility and trust." Therefore, students must maintain eye contact, know their audience and keep slides short. I agree with Mr. Mckenzie "that if the speaker is reaching the audience there are likely to be signs of approval coming from the eyes of the listener along with body language such as nods of approval, agreement or excitement." I often look to the cohort to see if what I am saying is making sense and then I continue or adjust as necessary. The same applies to my students during tutoring. If they aren't getting the lesson I stop and rephrase or give another example hoping it will make a difference to them. Not only does maintaining eye contact make that possible, but it also shows sincerity or interest on my part.
As an audience member I focus on the speaker. So if you ever want to use me as a guide; go for it. Occasionally when a speaker connects with me I wonder whether or not I am sending constructive signals. By knowing your audience and connecting with them it should be easier to use the PowerPoint slides as talking points and not mini novels. If I see a PowerPoint and the speaker just reads the slides, I get frustrated and end up missing the point or lesson.
If students master the points above they should be able to check off one last recommendation from McKenzie and that is to speak with conviction. I'd like to think I follow these guidelines, but look forward to the next project to see if I am right. I know there is always room for improvement.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
HOTS and Technology- blog #2
How can technology help develop higher order thinking and problem solving skills? According to the CARET article technology develops this higher order of thinking and problem solving when students are not only taught how but are also allowed to apply what they have learned to actual issues and come up with their own solutions. I definitely agree with this idea. So often we will teach ideas and facts, put out the rules, tell students why they have to do something or how to do it. Then we fail to set them free to discover for themselves just how that ball of information can be applied to current problems. Hands on learning rarely fails to yield better results than just reading on the topic. If we apply that principle to problem solving then why wouldn't we want our students to check it out for themselves?
While in the military I saw a shift in how leadership and junior sailors interacted. In the old days if an order was given the sailor followed with an "aye-aye" and carried it out no questions asked. The new Navy as we like to call it, has a generation of sailors that want to know more. I never felt the question why was disrespectful. Instead I took the opportunity to share the big picture and how our work impacted the ship's mission. There is value in explaining to someone the difference they can make. I also allowed my sailors the freedom to tackle a repair with new and creative ideas as long as they were following safety guidelines. I think Benjamin Bloom who came up with the six levels of intellectual behavior in learning would have supported my actions.
He went beyond our knowledge, comprehension and application. He also included analysis, synthesis and evaluation. I believe all students are capable of learning anything we present them if done so in a manner they understand. I believe they can master the first three levels rather easily, but if we really want them to have higher order thinking skills we must give them the tools to practice the remaining levels of intellectual learning.
The use of technology provides access to so many learning tools and other cultures around the world. I looked at the various links provided in the tutorial. I am a reader and do it for my own enjoyment. The idea that my students could read their stories and then go to the Book adventure site (http://www.bookadventure.com/ki/index.asp) to do reports, quizzes or find other books excites me! If we don't have literate individuals in our society the technology won't matter. The access at our students' fingertips will enhance their skills.
In the CARET article we are told that having computers at home or in the school allow the students greater problem-solving and critical thinking skills as well as greater self-confidence and self-esteem. Math and Science are used more and more in our everyday lives. The use of technology makes learning about these subjects more interesting and you can see how people in professions of those fields use technology to carry out their work. Because Math and Science are prevalent throughout our years and experiences, we have got to ensure our youth has the ability to think critically and solve whatever comes their way. If using a computer and following software that draws them into education is what it takes to develop higher order thinking and problem solving skills then I am all for it.
References
http://caret.iste.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=evidence&answerID=7
http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/techtorial/techtorial011.shtml
http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic69.htm
While in the military I saw a shift in how leadership and junior sailors interacted. In the old days if an order was given the sailor followed with an "aye-aye" and carried it out no questions asked. The new Navy as we like to call it, has a generation of sailors that want to know more. I never felt the question why was disrespectful. Instead I took the opportunity to share the big picture and how our work impacted the ship's mission. There is value in explaining to someone the difference they can make. I also allowed my sailors the freedom to tackle a repair with new and creative ideas as long as they were following safety guidelines. I think Benjamin Bloom who came up with the six levels of intellectual behavior in learning would have supported my actions.
He went beyond our knowledge, comprehension and application. He also included analysis, synthesis and evaluation. I believe all students are capable of learning anything we present them if done so in a manner they understand. I believe they can master the first three levels rather easily, but if we really want them to have higher order thinking skills we must give them the tools to practice the remaining levels of intellectual learning.
The use of technology provides access to so many learning tools and other cultures around the world. I looked at the various links provided in the tutorial. I am a reader and do it for my own enjoyment. The idea that my students could read their stories and then go to the Book adventure site (http://www.bookadventure.com/ki/index.asp) to do reports, quizzes or find other books excites me! If we don't have literate individuals in our society the technology won't matter. The access at our students' fingertips will enhance their skills.
In the CARET article we are told that having computers at home or in the school allow the students greater problem-solving and critical thinking skills as well as greater self-confidence and self-esteem. Math and Science are used more and more in our everyday lives. The use of technology makes learning about these subjects more interesting and you can see how people in professions of those fields use technology to carry out their work. Because Math and Science are prevalent throughout our years and experiences, we have got to ensure our youth has the ability to think critically and solve whatever comes their way. If using a computer and following software that draws them into education is what it takes to develop higher order thinking and problem solving skills then I am all for it.
References
http://caret.iste.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=evidence&answerID=7
http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/techtorial/techtorial011.shtml
http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic69.htm
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Weekend Where did you go? Just my refelction.
Oh how the weekend fades so quickly when you have nothing --I mean everything to do! Have you ever been confined to a period of time and challenged yourself to see just how much you could accomplish? That is how I feel half of the time.
This weekend was another excellent moment of parenthood. Friday, after cleaning with a friend who works construction, I picked up Jack and we just lounged on the couch the rest of the evening. Saturday morning it started. I was blessed to have gotten Nicole and Chase (John's oldest kids) so easily and executed the plans!
We did a little shopping, church and then met Ben and Kerry for dinner at Buffo's Pizza in Highwood. I loved watching the kids bow their heads as Ben blessed our meal. Even sweeter was when Jack didn't hear him say "amen" and was still sitting in prayer moments after we finished. I leaned over and whispered, "amen" and he opened his eyes. This little guy is wonderful. It excites me that he repeats bible stories and prayers anywhere and everywhere. I look forward to watching his growth in and through Christ. It was a late night for us at the pizza place and bedtime followed a short Skype visit with their dad.
Today I woke to the boys playing Wii. Like full time brothers they love and encourage each other one minute and yell at each other the next. We spent the next part of our morning at The Little Gym in Gurnee where Chase and Jack got some of that energy out! Lunch went well with no spills, whining or other chaos. I had closed down the Wii and we all played Candyland and a game of Slap Jack afterward. Nicole and I even played a few games of Spit while the boys ran around the house with Superman and Batman. They have great imaginations!
As our visit nears the end; we sit in the dark house listening to the thunder outside. Nicole has created a mysterious atmosphere for the three of them to explore. So, I took a moment to read Cohort 16 blogs and do a little blog journaling myself. Those kids don't know it yet, but the minutes are ticking away and I am switching over to clean up mode as I type. If you hear some wailing, it is probably just my kids transitioning from fun to serious.
If you aren't parents yet this may seem boring or even crazy. For me, this is normal; a house that is spotless at 3pm is often a warzone by 3:05!
May your Sunday evening be as peaceful as I dream mine to be.
Ciao,
Dena
This weekend was another excellent moment of parenthood. Friday, after cleaning with a friend who works construction, I picked up Jack and we just lounged on the couch the rest of the evening. Saturday morning it started. I was blessed to have gotten Nicole and Chase (John's oldest kids) so easily and executed the plans!
We did a little shopping, church and then met Ben and Kerry for dinner at Buffo's Pizza in Highwood. I loved watching the kids bow their heads as Ben blessed our meal. Even sweeter was when Jack didn't hear him say "amen" and was still sitting in prayer moments after we finished. I leaned over and whispered, "amen" and he opened his eyes. This little guy is wonderful. It excites me that he repeats bible stories and prayers anywhere and everywhere. I look forward to watching his growth in and through Christ. It was a late night for us at the pizza place and bedtime followed a short Skype visit with their dad.
Today I woke to the boys playing Wii. Like full time brothers they love and encourage each other one minute and yell at each other the next. We spent the next part of our morning at The Little Gym in Gurnee where Chase and Jack got some of that energy out! Lunch went well with no spills, whining or other chaos. I had closed down the Wii and we all played Candyland and a game of Slap Jack afterward. Nicole and I even played a few games of Spit while the boys ran around the house with Superman and Batman. They have great imaginations!
As our visit nears the end; we sit in the dark house listening to the thunder outside. Nicole has created a mysterious atmosphere for the three of them to explore. So, I took a moment to read Cohort 16 blogs and do a little blog journaling myself. Those kids don't know it yet, but the minutes are ticking away and I am switching over to clean up mode as I type. If you hear some wailing, it is probably just my kids transitioning from fun to serious.
If you aren't parents yet this may seem boring or even crazy. For me, this is normal; a house that is spotless at 3pm is often a warzone by 3:05!
May your Sunday evening be as peaceful as I dream mine to be.
Ciao,
Dena
Sunday, March 13, 2011
For my Educational Technology Course
Greetings!
Well I sit here once again writing on a blog. I really didn't expect to find my old one here after two years of inactivity. However, it comforts me that I can actually do this technology thing. If I started it then, surely I can keep it alive now. See, I am not a fan of computers. I still remember the day in 10th grade when we went into the library to see the computer lab. I was overwhelmed then and told myself I hope I don't have to use these much. Go ahead laugh now, but if I would have known then what I know now I would have told that girl to hush and pay attention.
Throughout the years I've enjoyed using computers for writing documents, exchanging emails and dabbling in a little internet activity. I cannot tell you about my gigs, rams or any other creatures living in my system. As a matter of fact, when my computer died over the holidays I just went crazy. Luckily we had a warranty and the customer service I received was outstanding and compassionate. I started every call with, "I am not the tech savvy one in my family." We received a completely new system. It is beautiful and has a touch screen. My boyfriend asks me about this or that and I have no clue what to tell him other than to wait until he returns from Guam to see it for himself. I still use the computer for documents, email and internet browsing. Seems I haven't changed much over the years. I do enjoy creating power points though there is much room for growth. Just last weekend my boyfriend's 10 year old daughter showed me how to make a graph out of excel. She is learning this in the fourth grade.
She is not the only child; I have a 16yr old son, my boyfriend has his daughter and a 6yr old son and together we have a 3 1/2 year old son. This is our family and we don't speak of the kids any other way. We've had ups and downs but have persevered and finally recognized that we have done so only by the grace of God. It's a long story (you can see some of it in my blog from 2009) but it is getting better.
We do it all for our family. We can take over 200 pictures at Christmas and I don't print a quarter of them. I enjoy taking pictures and editing or cropping them and then printing and placing into scrapbooks. Aside from that my scanner usage is limited to work. I think I have burned a CD once or twice and am sure that my teenager could do it with his eyes closed!
I'm not going to let my fears of technology hold me back. I always had people who would "take care of" me and do that which I couldn't. It was good to be the boss or only girl in a male environment; but I don't want to fake it anymore. I didn't know what a computer peripheral was and wouldn't if you didn't list them in paranthesis. Okay, I would have googled it. I am praying this course will gently educate me about today's technology. I am not currently confident enough to buy a laptop because I don't really know what I need. I hope to become comfortable with whatever we cover in the course as well as exploring on my own once the course is over.
I joined the Navy in 1996, but before that I was a substitute teacher for about two years. I taught any subject and grade level from Kindergarten through 1oth grade. Throughout my Navy career I often volunteered for various reading programs. I just felt fortunate to give to others and help children become confident and succeed. My parents often told me I would make a good teacher someday; probably because I made my brothers sit through "class" as I wrote on my chalkboard. Last August I lost my job and decided to tutor for extra money. I have fallen in love with my elementary kids! They are 2nd through 5th graders in two different school districts. We follow my company's curriculum in Reading and Math. I realized it was now or never--I had to get back to school and become a teacher. I am not sure I will always be in Illinois as I am also praying my boyfriend accepts Christ as his savior and proposes so we can do this right. That being said, I would like to teach in Department of Defense schools overseas, but will be just as happy planting roots here and boating every summer on the Chain of Lakes!
Now that this blog is active again I plan to keep it current. I look forward to our first class.
Ciao,
Dena
Well I sit here once again writing on a blog. I really didn't expect to find my old one here after two years of inactivity. However, it comforts me that I can actually do this technology thing. If I started it then, surely I can keep it alive now. See, I am not a fan of computers. I still remember the day in 10th grade when we went into the library to see the computer lab. I was overwhelmed then and told myself I hope I don't have to use these much. Go ahead laugh now, but if I would have known then what I know now I would have told that girl to hush and pay attention.
Throughout the years I've enjoyed using computers for writing documents, exchanging emails and dabbling in a little internet activity. I cannot tell you about my gigs, rams or any other creatures living in my system. As a matter of fact, when my computer died over the holidays I just went crazy. Luckily we had a warranty and the customer service I received was outstanding and compassionate. I started every call with, "I am not the tech savvy one in my family." We received a completely new system. It is beautiful and has a touch screen. My boyfriend asks me about this or that and I have no clue what to tell him other than to wait until he returns from Guam to see it for himself. I still use the computer for documents, email and internet browsing. Seems I haven't changed much over the years. I do enjoy creating power points though there is much room for growth. Just last weekend my boyfriend's 10 year old daughter showed me how to make a graph out of excel. She is learning this in the fourth grade.
She is not the only child; I have a 16yr old son, my boyfriend has his daughter and a 6yr old son and together we have a 3 1/2 year old son. This is our family and we don't speak of the kids any other way. We've had ups and downs but have persevered and finally recognized that we have done so only by the grace of God. It's a long story (you can see some of it in my blog from 2009) but it is getting better.
We do it all for our family. We can take over 200 pictures at Christmas and I don't print a quarter of them. I enjoy taking pictures and editing or cropping them and then printing and placing into scrapbooks. Aside from that my scanner usage is limited to work. I think I have burned a CD once or twice and am sure that my teenager could do it with his eyes closed!
I'm not going to let my fears of technology hold me back. I always had people who would "take care of" me and do that which I couldn't. It was good to be the boss or only girl in a male environment; but I don't want to fake it anymore. I didn't know what a computer peripheral was and wouldn't if you didn't list them in paranthesis. Okay, I would have googled it. I am praying this course will gently educate me about today's technology. I am not currently confident enough to buy a laptop because I don't really know what I need. I hope to become comfortable with whatever we cover in the course as well as exploring on my own once the course is over.
I joined the Navy in 1996, but before that I was a substitute teacher for about two years. I taught any subject and grade level from Kindergarten through 1oth grade. Throughout my Navy career I often volunteered for various reading programs. I just felt fortunate to give to others and help children become confident and succeed. My parents often told me I would make a good teacher someday; probably because I made my brothers sit through "class" as I wrote on my chalkboard. Last August I lost my job and decided to tutor for extra money. I have fallen in love with my elementary kids! They are 2nd through 5th graders in two different school districts. We follow my company's curriculum in Reading and Math. I realized it was now or never--I had to get back to school and become a teacher. I am not sure I will always be in Illinois as I am also praying my boyfriend accepts Christ as his savior and proposes so we can do this right. That being said, I would like to teach in Department of Defense schools overseas, but will be just as happy planting roots here and boating every summer on the Chain of Lakes!
Now that this blog is active again I plan to keep it current. I look forward to our first class.
Ciao,
Dena
Friday, January 2, 2009
What is a girl to do?
As I wrap up my 6th month of unemployment I find myself slipping into the "poor me" category. My friends and family try to give me strength w/ words of encouragement- "you are smart, you are a go getter, hang in there the economy is tough right now." I know all these things, but it doesn't get any easier.
I read an article about unemployment benefits the other day and agree with part of it. The benefits are good enough to keep me on it while looking for the 'RIGHT" job.
Twelve years I spent in the Navy. Started out a single mom on welfare, enlisted as a Personnelman PN (now called a PS). I applied for and got accepted into the Enlisted Commissioning Program and become an officer in December 2002.
Due to family dynamics- I was forced to make a decision- stay in the Navy and probably head to Iraq or Afghanistan or be home with my family. Well here I am, the SAHM who can't believe this is her life. Don't get me wrong, I treasure the extra time and attention I am able to give my two boys (age 14 and 18 months), but I long for the hustle and bustle of being a career woman.
I hate technology, but am going to embrace it now and use it as my outlet.
Thanks for reading and I look forward to your questions and feedback.
My blog will host a wide variety of topics in the future: don't read it if you blush easily or fall ill over stories of baby goo.
Ciao,
D
I read an article about unemployment benefits the other day and agree with part of it. The benefits are good enough to keep me on it while looking for the 'RIGHT" job.
Twelve years I spent in the Navy. Started out a single mom on welfare, enlisted as a Personnelman PN (now called a PS). I applied for and got accepted into the Enlisted Commissioning Program and become an officer in December 2002.
Due to family dynamics- I was forced to make a decision- stay in the Navy and probably head to Iraq or Afghanistan or be home with my family. Well here I am, the SAHM who can't believe this is her life. Don't get me wrong, I treasure the extra time and attention I am able to give my two boys (age 14 and 18 months), but I long for the hustle and bustle of being a career woman.
I hate technology, but am going to embrace it now and use it as my outlet.
Thanks for reading and I look forward to your questions and feedback.
My blog will host a wide variety of topics in the future: don't read it if you blush easily or fall ill over stories of baby goo.
Ciao,
D
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