Week+2

Jan 18 2009

Picture found on Google images, labeled for reuse from Flickr- []
 * Student Response Systems**


 * The SRS is an interesting system, but the cost makes it an unrealistic tool for the classroom.** Although I can see how it would be a **useful tool for reviewing information**, $2000 is a lot of money for **something that can be done with pencils** and paper. The **SRS does make it more interactive and fun** (clicking buttons is always fun) but still a little expensive. Most schools don't even have a projector in the classroom which would be a much more useful tool.


 * Google Docs**

Picture found on Google images, labeled for reuse, from Flickr - []

The exercises on Google Docs, were a good practice. I have used google docs before for group assignments during the B Ed program and it was good to play around a little more with the programs available. It is a **welcome change from the Microsoft office**. I would have liked the exercises to be a little more open-ended to really explore all that is available in Google Docs. I realize, however, that I could do this on my own time, but somehow that never seems to happen.


 * The sharing of PowerPoints and other Google Docs makes it a lot easier for group activity and collaboration**. Also it is a **reliable** way to have the information and not worry about technology letting you down. The forms were a little confusing at first but generally are very easy to use. I really like how all the answers get emailed back directly in the Google Form. As the readings suggest, **children are getting information and communicating in very different ways**. They are constantly using **technology for communicating and accessing technology** and these various program available from Google can all be used to serve this purpose. These apps and programs available on **Google Docs are an easy way for the educator to adapt to the digital learners preferences.**


 * Ian Jukes article** **Understanding Digital Kids**


 * The article also outlines the way that education is changing**. I am still pretty conflicted by this. Although we need to **incorporate technology** in as many ways as possible, it is **still important that they develop certain specific literacy and other skills**. With too much technology integrated it can take away from students reading and writing which is still the most important of a post secondary education.

Another area where I agreed and disagreed slightly with the article is that it mentions that **educators should not give students the full story and that they should discover for themselves.** I agree completely with this. Anything that they researched themselves they will have a more positive grasp on. However, I still disagree with the suggestion that everything has to be related to technology. There is still **a lot of information available on the internet that is wrong and inappropriate**. Student's can also discover information from books. Basically I've been taught throughout my education to like books and don't want to see them become extinct...although I'm sure throughout my life they will disappear.

Finally **I think the skills they develop on their own time using stuff like social networking and other sites can be very transferable**. Also, for a **history teacher there are several possible uses for these sites** and they can be incorporated into classroom activities and assignments

The limerick was a neat idea but poorly organized and seemed to take forever.