Quote: "By integrating elements of digital media literacy into their instruction, teachers can influence how well students critically assess content, both online and offline." (David, 2009)
It is important as educator's to not only teach the information but also teach our students how to think and analyze information in order to make intelligent decisions based on the information to which they gain access. More and more students rely on the internet for their information and too many believe: "if its on the net it must be true". Teaching students to analyze information, verify sources and critically study the information they have is important to the sucess of a democratic nation. People who do not think and rely only on information given to them run the risk of being fed misinformation, skewed or biased information that can change policy and societal norms for the worse.
An article in the same journal discusses the advantages to teaching critical thinking versus memorization and can be found at http://tinyurl.com/86rwowy.
References:
David, J. (2009). Teaching media literacy. Educational Leadership, 66 (6), 84-86.
Noddings, N. (2008). All our students thinking. Educational Leadership, 65(5), 8-13.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
DBE#6 - A Seven-Power Lens on 21st Century Literacy
Quote: "Citizens must understand that a news story is always constructed by choosing from the information given, shaped by the "lens" of a particular writer or photographer, written for a particular audience, and told from a particular setting"
Reflection: It is important to develop a sense of "media-literacy" in this digital age. Information is available from many sources and can be difficult to verify and justify. If people learn to "consider the source" and study information on the same subject from various sources then a more informed opinion can be formulated. Often the media controls societal norms through this process. One can see that certain behaviors and attitudes once considered taboo are becoming more mainstream as the media changes its attitude and how it presents topics to the audience. It is really dangerous to limit ourselves and "jump on the bandwagon" so to speak without first educating ourselves through ALL information available to us. Democracy can only function properly if voters are fully aware of the full scope of issues and not just the biased information from one source
“Whoever controls the media controls reality.” (Peter Jennings about Tiananmen Square)
**A reflection on Debbie Abilock's article "A Seven-Power Lens on 21st-Century Literacy" found at http://www.infotoday.com/mmschools
Reflection: It is important to develop a sense of "media-literacy" in this digital age. Information is available from many sources and can be difficult to verify and justify. If people learn to "consider the source" and study information on the same subject from various sources then a more informed opinion can be formulated. Often the media controls societal norms through this process. One can see that certain behaviors and attitudes once considered taboo are becoming more mainstream as the media changes its attitude and how it presents topics to the audience. It is really dangerous to limit ourselves and "jump on the bandwagon" so to speak without first educating ourselves through ALL information available to us. Democracy can only function properly if voters are fully aware of the full scope of issues and not just the biased information from one source
“Whoever controls the media controls reality.” (Peter Jennings about Tiananmen Square)
**A reflection on Debbie Abilock's article "A Seven-Power Lens on 21st-Century Literacy" found at http://www.infotoday.com/mmschools
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Deconstruction Article 1
People Objects Activities
Ferry worker Sky, flag watching
Ship personnel Ship tower, binoculars observing
2 men Concrete barriers, walkway Walking, smiling
Obama, Ship Walking,looking at
govt officials
1.3 things I would infer from photo only: Obama is confident, he has local support and everybody is happy about the situation.
2. Article raises the question is that really what Obama has planned or just speculation as he prepares to make a national speech.
Ferry worker Sky, flag watching
Ship personnel Ship tower, binoculars observing
2 men Concrete barriers, walkway Walking, smiling
Obama, Ship Walking,looking at
govt officials
1.3 things I would infer from photo only: Obama is confident, he has local support and everybody is happy about the situation.
2. Article raises the question is that really what Obama has planned or just speculation as he prepares to make a national speech.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Media Literacy is very important in this age of digital information. Information is available from every aspect of society and it is important to be able to research, analyze and intrepret information prooperly. The following standards from ISTS-Nets T standards reflect my feelings on media literacy:
1. "Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning
and Creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter,
teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate
experiences that advance student learning,
creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face
and virtual environments.
b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues
and solving authentic problems using digital tools
and resources."
and
4. "Promote and Model Digital Citizenship
and Responsibility
Teachers understand local and global societal
issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital
culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in
their professional practices.
ethical
d. Develop and model cultural understanding and
global awareness by engaging with colleagues
and students of other cultures using digital age
communication and collaboration tools"
(2008). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS-T_Standards.sflb.ashx
It is important as a educator to instruct students on various digital media outlets and make sure they understand the importance of seeking out multiple sources and forming opinions based on all the facts. Modeling behavior goes hand in hand with this so it is important as a teacher to not only seek out information from all sources but to show students that it is important.
1. "Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning
and Creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter,
teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate
experiences that advance student learning,
creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face
and virtual environments.
b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues
and solving authentic problems using digital tools
and resources."
and
4. "Promote and Model Digital Citizenship
and Responsibility
Teachers understand local and global societal
issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital
culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in
their professional practices.
ethical
d. Develop and model cultural understanding and
global awareness by engaging with colleagues
and students of other cultures using digital age
communication and collaboration tools"
(2008). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS-T_Standards.sflb.ashx
It is important as a educator to instruct students on various digital media outlets and make sure they understand the importance of seeking out multiple sources and forming opinions based on all the facts. Modeling behavior goes hand in hand with this so it is important as a teacher to not only seek out information from all sources but to show students that it is important.
Friday, February 17, 2012
DBE #5 - Fair Use Policy
I think the digital story I created should fall under the Fair Use Guidelines. The original media has not be altered but the intent is to encourage people to see me as an individual and not a stereotype. Fair use is considered when 2 basic questions are answered with Yes: 1.Did the unlicensed use “transform” the material taken from the copyrighted work
by using it for a different purpose than that of the original, or did it just repeat the work for the same intent and value as the original?
and 2. Was the material taken appropriate in kind and amount, considering the nature of the copyrighted work and of the use? When both questions can be answered yes then fair use is considered.
by using it for a different purpose than that of the original, or did it just repeat the work for the same intent and value as the original?
and 2. Was the material taken appropriate in kind and amount, considering the nature of the copyrighted work and of the use? When both questions can be answered yes then fair use is considered.
IPad Review
The assignment was: check out an IPad. Download 2 APPS and review. I chose 2 applications under the sub-heading "Education". I chose one from Teacher Tools and one from Learning category.
Play123 by CJ Educations - is an learning app for children. This app could be used a home or in the classroom setting. It is an amusing, entertaining app that teaches shapes, colors and numbers. At first glance, I thought this would be best for the younger set, Pre-K to first grade, but second and third graders who need reinforcement in basic areas would probably find it entertaining as well. Kids learn to recognize shapes, colors and numbers through various games, drawing and matching. The music is whimiscal and the voices are animated in such a way to encourage and motivate children to do well. I would recommend this app to parents for working with young children at home and to teachers as a reinforcement in the classroom.
Educreations Interactive Whiteboard by Educreations, Inc. - a teacher's tool that I really liked. As I played with it so many ideas came to mind. It would be very beneficial in a digital enhanced classroom. Questions that students asked could be illustrated and posted for every one to see. Students who needed visual aids would have it. Also if a student was absent, notes and illustrations could be posted so they didn't fall too far behind. If it became apparent that more detailed graphics were needed for increased understanding, the teacher could attach pictures, graphics and additional text. The ability to post so the entire class had access was a great plus. This would enable parents to acess notes to help children at home. I would recommend this app at any level.
Play123 by CJ Educations - is an learning app for children. This app could be used a home or in the classroom setting. It is an amusing, entertaining app that teaches shapes, colors and numbers. At first glance, I thought this would be best for the younger set, Pre-K to first grade, but second and third graders who need reinforcement in basic areas would probably find it entertaining as well. Kids learn to recognize shapes, colors and numbers through various games, drawing and matching. The music is whimiscal and the voices are animated in such a way to encourage and motivate children to do well. I would recommend this app to parents for working with young children at home and to teachers as a reinforcement in the classroom.
Educreations Interactive Whiteboard by Educreations, Inc. - a teacher's tool that I really liked. As I played with it so many ideas came to mind. It would be very beneficial in a digital enhanced classroom. Questions that students asked could be illustrated and posted for every one to see. Students who needed visual aids would have it. Also if a student was absent, notes and illustrations could be posted so they didn't fall too far behind. If it became apparent that more detailed graphics were needed for increased understanding, the teacher could attach pictures, graphics and additional text. The ability to post so the entire class had access was a great plus. This would enable parents to acess notes to help children at home. I would recommend this app at any level.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Code of Best Practice in Fair Use
1. Media Education does not transfor the media material from its original purpose of instructing or entertaining.
2. The bargain is this: creators get limited property to encourage cultural productions and other creators have the chance to use the copyrighted material for certain things without payment.
3. Works are protected for longer periods of time and permission to use is difficult to obtain and costly making fair use more important today.
4.• Is the work used for a different purpose or have the same intent as the original
• What amount and kind of material was copied based on the intent of the use of the copywritten material.
5. A teacher using the Lion King to teach racial sterotypes would be covered under fair use. It transforms from the original intent to entertain and uses the whole film. The meeting the criteria stated in the two questions above.
6. Which principle most applies to our digital story: PRINCIPLE FOUR: this pertains to students using copyrighted material in their academic work. To develop our photo story, we needed to use copyrighted material.
7. Yes there are limitations. Requring acknowledgements, limiting where and how work can be used.
8. I do not need to request permission from the copyright holder as long as I am making the original material educational.
9. Educators should try to to change the school system's fair use policy if it interferes with the ability to teach well.
10. MYTH: FAIR USE IS TOO UNCLEAR AND COMPLICATED FOR ME; IT’S
BETTER LEFT TO LAWYERS AND ADMINISTRATORS. It is nice to know that the guidelines are pretty broad and easy to define, plus no paperwork.
**Answers found in "MYTH: FAIR USE IS TOO UNCLEAR AND COMPLICATED FOR ME; IT’S BETTER LEFT TO LAWYERS AND ADMINISTRATORS."
2. The bargain is this: creators get limited property to encourage cultural productions and other creators have the chance to use the copyrighted material for certain things without payment.
3. Works are protected for longer periods of time and permission to use is difficult to obtain and costly making fair use more important today.
4.• Is the work used for a different purpose or have the same intent as the original
• What amount and kind of material was copied based on the intent of the use of the copywritten material.
5. A teacher using the Lion King to teach racial sterotypes would be covered under fair use. It transforms from the original intent to entertain and uses the whole film. The meeting the criteria stated in the two questions above.
6. Which principle most applies to our digital story: PRINCIPLE FOUR: this pertains to students using copyrighted material in their academic work. To develop our photo story, we needed to use copyrighted material.
7. Yes there are limitations. Requring acknowledgements, limiting where and how work can be used.
8. I do not need to request permission from the copyright holder as long as I am making the original material educational.
9. Educators should try to to change the school system's fair use policy if it interferes with the ability to teach well.
10. MYTH: FAIR USE IS TOO UNCLEAR AND COMPLICATED FOR ME; IT’S
BETTER LEFT TO LAWYERS AND ADMINISTRATORS. It is nice to know that the guidelines are pretty broad and easy to define, plus no paperwork.
**Answers found in "MYTH: FAIR USE IS TOO UNCLEAR AND COMPLICATED FOR ME; IT’S BETTER LEFT TO LAWYERS AND ADMINISTRATORS."
Thursday, February 9, 2012
DBE#4 - The Fine Line Between ADHD and Kinesthetic Learners
Quote: "An ounce of prevention, in the form of instruction matched to learning style, is worth years of remediation or special programs using inappropriate techniques."
Reflection: I think it is important for teachers to evaluate all possibilities when dealing with disruptive behaviors in the classroom. Sometimes medicating students is a form of discipline helpful to the teacher but not in the best interest of the child. I have worked in a primary care physician's office where children were routinely evaluated for ADHD. This evaluation usually consisted of a note from the teacher about unruly behavior and the parent's confirming frustration. I have seen inquisitive, bubbly children become virtual zombies from the effects of the medication.While a teacher has to look out for the benefit of the classroom as a whole, individuals should not be overlooked in the process. Classroom and lesson plan modification to accomodate unique learning styles, while maybe daunting to the teacher for the moment, can be extremely beneficial to the child for a lifetime. I think its best to treat individuals as individuals, evaluate each child's needs and accomodate to the best of our ability BEFORE resorting to medication.
The Fine Line Between ADHD and Kinesthetic Learners.
Solving Your Child’s Reading Problems by Ricki Linksman; Fine Communications, March 1998.
Cartoon from uvm.edu
Reflection: I think it is important for teachers to evaluate all possibilities when dealing with disruptive behaviors in the classroom. Sometimes medicating students is a form of discipline helpful to the teacher but not in the best interest of the child. I have worked in a primary care physician's office where children were routinely evaluated for ADHD. This evaluation usually consisted of a note from the teacher about unruly behavior and the parent's confirming frustration. I have seen inquisitive, bubbly children become virtual zombies from the effects of the medication.While a teacher has to look out for the benefit of the classroom as a whole, individuals should not be overlooked in the process. Classroom and lesson plan modification to accomodate unique learning styles, while maybe daunting to the teacher for the moment, can be extremely beneficial to the child for a lifetime. I think its best to treat individuals as individuals, evaluate each child's needs and accomodate to the best of our ability BEFORE resorting to medication.
The Fine Line Between ADHD and Kinesthetic Learners.
Solving Your Child’s Reading Problems by Ricki Linksman; Fine Communications, March 1998.
Cartoon from uvm.edu
Thursday, February 2, 2012
DBE #3 - The Keypad Solution
Quote: Naomi Baron, a professor of linguistics at American University and author of “Always On: Language in an Online and Mobile World,” shares Crystal’s view. She predicts that the number of “textisms” will stop growing as people continue to develop more proficiency in using handheld devices and as the devices continue to grow more sophisticated than simple telephone touch pads. She adds that part of the appeal of texting shorthands is their novelty, and that that will fade.
Reflection:Spelling reform is nothing new. Complaints have been made for centuries that our alphabet is poorly formatted and impossible to make spelling logical. It seems that there has always been some form of spelling deviation that attracts attention for each generation: shorthand, phonetic and now text. I wonder if some of the attempts are not attempts at privacy whether than simplification. Communication within a generation is often coded to confound older generation. Young people frequently get annoyed at parents, teachers, etc. looking over their shoulders "spying" so to speak on their communications. Once popular and mainstream, these codes will lose their effectiveness at maintaining privacy. While not the primary reason for development of these reforms, simplification cannot always be touted as a reason to switch as often the reforms are just as difficult to comprehend. My primary concern is the written word is often a criteria for judging the writer. A simplified English that is primitive and oversimplified could give a bad reflection on the education of our nation as a whole. So while I am not opposed to kids developing their own text speak or language modification for their generation, I do agree with Naomi Baron, that once the novelty wears off the popularity will wane.
Reference:
Shea, A. (2010, January 22). The keypad solution. New York Times, p. MM22.
Related Link: I was interested in this study that agrees with the professor we saw in class who said you have to understand the rules of the language to bend them. I dont think text speak is harmful for kids to use I just dont think modification to the English language based on fad and novelty is wise.
http://www.infoniac.com/science/students-proficient-in-grammar-are-better-at-text-messaging.html
Reflection:Spelling reform is nothing new. Complaints have been made for centuries that our alphabet is poorly formatted and impossible to make spelling logical. It seems that there has always been some form of spelling deviation that attracts attention for each generation: shorthand, phonetic and now text. I wonder if some of the attempts are not attempts at privacy whether than simplification. Communication within a generation is often coded to confound older generation. Young people frequently get annoyed at parents, teachers, etc. looking over their shoulders "spying" so to speak on their communications. Once popular and mainstream, these codes will lose their effectiveness at maintaining privacy. While not the primary reason for development of these reforms, simplification cannot always be touted as a reason to switch as often the reforms are just as difficult to comprehend. My primary concern is the written word is often a criteria for judging the writer. A simplified English that is primitive and oversimplified could give a bad reflection on the education of our nation as a whole. So while I am not opposed to kids developing their own text speak or language modification for their generation, I do agree with Naomi Baron, that once the novelty wears off the popularity will wane.
Reference:
Shea, A. (2010, January 22). The keypad solution. New York Times, p. MM22.
Related Link: I was interested in this study that agrees with the professor we saw in class who said you have to understand the rules of the language to bend them. I dont think text speak is harmful for kids to use I just dont think modification to the English language based on fad and novelty is wise.
http://www.infoniac.com/science/students-proficient-in-grammar-are-better-at-text-messaging.html
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