Social Media in Education

Social media websites continue to become more and more significant within our society, and along with our society the educational purposes of social networking becomes important as well. Regardless of social medias' growing popularity, there are many concerns from educators about implementing such a powerful tool within their classrooms. I have experienced the beginnings of most social media websites, and because of this I have had doubts of the importance of websites like Facebook or Twitter. It wasn't until college that I began to witness social media websites move away from trivial updates and begin providing useful information for groups willing to share and communicate. Today, websites such as Google+ and college specific Facebook pages provide substantial and beneficial information for students.

As a future educator, I have worries though: will my students use these tools appropriately? How can I ensure the materials and information that they find and post to the website, or page pertain to the subject or concept I am trying to teach? How safe my students in such a open and accessible website such as Twitter? How private are the private settings available and does that infringe or break the rules my school/district have in place? And ultimately, I know how unproductive the Internet can be! Despite all its usefulness and all the benefits the Internet has bestowed on me; I am fully aware of how easy it is to become distracted by the World Wide Web.

 Even though I am fearful of short attention-spans while using the Internet; I fully embrace the concept and need in using such a tool inside and out of our classrooms. The ability to share resources, connect instantly with other students, collaborate with peers around the world, is extremely valuable for students and teachers alike. Regardless of my fears, I intend to fully utilize the tools made possible by social media; as a way to teach and learn. Social media outlets, as make it possible for parents to become involved and see what the students are learning about. This creates a community for the classroom, keeping everyone up-to-date on the activities .

Digital Accessibility for All Students

The article, "AIM for Digital Equality" by Garyl Bowser and Joy Smiley Zabala approaches equality in the classroom in a different aspect than what I had previously thought about. Having spent 4 semester in American Sign Language classrooms at community college, I have studied and learned different methods of inclusion for those that are hearing-impaired. Accompany that with the time I have spent in different special education classrooms, I have seen and used various tools like screen readers and alternative communication devices like the DynaVox (I have to be honest, I did not know the name of the device and had to look it up). Having had seen these tools utilized in classrooms before I was aware of the existence and need to implement such methods of equality inside and out of the classroom; it was extremely useful to learn of organizations like AIM Center (National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials) and the NIMAC (National Instructional Materials Access Center).

As technology grows and matures along with our society, it is paramount that we continue to provide equal and accessible materials to all students. Having had spent time working for San Diego Unified's special education program, and also by observing different integrated classrooms, I have seen the importance of digital equality; be it from screen readers, to alternative mouses for those who are physically handicapped, I intend make my classroom accessible for all.

Flipped Classrooms

First and foremost, I apologize for the late post!

Now Flipped Classrooms: is the practice of changing the order of the elements a project or lesson is rearranged in order to promote students' free thinking and critical analysis.  The website educause.edu  states that the term Flipped Classroom is a broad term used to any type of lesson or classroom that provides a pre-recorded lecture and time for in-class exercises. What stood out most to me was how similar this structure resembles how we are taught at the college level; in fact most of the honors/AP classes in high school had a structure similar to what was described in the article.

Educause.edu goes on to say that the downsides of such a structure is that it can be done wrong easily! Teachers must have adequate amount of time to produce enthralling and educated videos that engage the students in order to keep them focused on the subjects being taught. Because of new technologies and standards that are asked of teachers, some may have to learn new skills in order to produce a lesson under this structure. Another downside could arise by students being unable to access materials outside of classrooms (Like poor internet connections or not having access to computers); students may also find it hard focusing on lectures outside of the classroom, especially while using an Internet enabled device. Because attention is hard to monitor on computer-based lectures teachers will have to work towards keeping their students' entertained and educated to compete with the Internet's distractions.

Depending on the subject and concepts that are being taught, I think a flipped classroom method can be an extremely beneficial and useful tool. That being said, I believe that using this tool should be something considered on a case by case scenario. Some classrooms, and some students may need the attention and the pace that a traditional type of lecture offers compared to that of a flipped classroom structure. Personally, I would embrace the flipped classroom style of lecturing on subjects that fit such a methods, if and only if I knew that all students would/could benefit from such a method of teaching.

Should Students Use the Internet While Taking Tests?

After having read the ISTE article about using the Internet during test taking, I have been left with mixed feelings. The types of test available or asked of our students, even at the college level, would become unchallenging. If teachers and educators are skeptical of allowing open book tests, why would it be okay to unleash the entire to the student during the time of a test?

I understand the allure that the Internet brings, maybe ushering in an era of critical thinkers that can use data and information that the Internet offers, parse fiction from fact, and emerge the analytical beings we strive every student to be. Maybe I am a pessimist, but I fear that the Internet would be a distraction during educational practices like test taking. WIthout a proper ability to monitor each and every students actions while taking the test, I think most would quickly search for an answer rather than explore and think critically while using the Internet.

Some positives posted in the article; I would agree that tests geared or paired with the Internet in mind, could/would change our methods of teaching. No longer would we be able to test assess memory skills like dates and events, rather we would ask students to think critically. I think that is positive but a hard goal to obtain, and would not happen overnight.

Pessimism or not, I would love to see technology become less of a shortcut to an answer and more of a tool used to ask students to think. I believe that as time goes on and the Internet matures then we will be able to achieve this.

Digital Citizenship

I believe having a positive digital tattoo or footprint is an integral part of our society now. It is almost like in informal resume that businesses or company can and will use to better understand who they are hiring. I think that there are both positive and negatives to this practice. Positively businesses/employers are able to get a better understanding of the applicant. They are able to digitally look up in unlawful or unsavory details about those willing and wanting to apply for the jobs or services. What I find unsettling or disappointing is that many children and even some adults do not realize the negative impact their online habits or personas can have on their future. With all the information I gain from this class or outsides readings, I think I would put forth a lot of energy promoting positive online personas. I would try, as an educator, to set students on the path towards positive digital footprints, in order to help them succeed with their futures.

Technology Integration Article Response

Suzie Boss’ article about the history of technology inside the classroom was extremely interesting. Having spent all my years inside a classroom, I have experienced most of the things Boss wrote about in her article. It’s an article designed to reinforce the fact that technology is an integral part of the classroom environment. Suzie Boss’ article address the new generation having grown with technology and the almost inherent ability to understand and work with technology.

To me, the article expressed the importance that I as a future educator will need to place upon the myriad different technological device utilized in the classroom.

About Me

My name is Bryan Dale, I am 24 years old, and currently a student at Cal State San Marcos. I have been a student all my life so far and I would like to think that I will continue being a student for the rest of my life as well. I attended Hillcreek Elementary (K-8) and went on to Santana High School. Growing up I wasn’t that interested in school work, I enjoyed sports and riding my skateboard; by sophomore year of high school I had my first job and the allure of making money was far more interesting than classrooms and homework. This is a horrible introduction, but I promise I turn it around and begin loving learning in a classroom setting! I enrolled at Grossmont Community college because my parents and grandparents insisted on it. I spent the first few semesters there in a state of moratorium, unaware of what I wanted to become or wanted to study. At this time I began to look towards my family at what I should pursue. My father having worked a physically straining job, avenues like that did not interest me and seemed stressful; so I looked towards his father and found myself extremely interested in Special Education work and the idea of teaching. I begun working for San Diego Unified School Districts as a Special Education Tech while I completed my studies for an associates degree then transferred to the University. Flash forward to today and I am two semesters away from graduating/applying for the credentialing program and I still completely enchanted with the idea of teaching.

I have grown up around technology and have spent many years learning the ins and outs of computers. Other than my laptop, I have built all the desktop computers used in my household. I have never written code or programs; but I am comfortable using most productivity tools like word, power and excel. I am always happy using and learning a new application to better express myself or perform a task; I am sure I will be able to apply the same enthusiasm I have for technologies in my personal life to that of my educational paths. With all these advancements in technology and personal computing, its wonderful to witness the education systems fully embrace these marvelous advancements.

The open door concepts and our ability to share different methods and experiences is a huge draw for me. I think that the times we live in, so much is available for us to learn and participate in; that it is a phenomenal to think that we as educators can contribute to each others classrooms. I look forward to broadening my horizons in terms of ways to communicate and share my educational experiences, and it thrills me to think that while I am learning so much from my peers and teachers (and ultimately my students in the future), others will be learning from me too!