Literature Connection (Reading Rainbow Style)

My peers and I created an educational video to introduce Mesoamerican and Andean content related books to students. Teaching content through literature offers students an opportunity to develop their literacy skills. This also encourages and engages students in the topics.

iMovie PSA CSUSM

NETS-T I-III

I created a public service announcement (PSA) about California State University, San Marcos using the software iMovie. 

Cyber Safety Website (NETS-T III & IV)

In collaboration with my student peers, we created a Cyber Safety website that advocates and teaches safe, legal, and ethical use of the Internet; while also promoting and modeling digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.

Inspiration (NETS-T I-V)

I used the digital tool Inspiration 9.0 to structure and outline the artifacts that I have created that support the NETS Standards for Teachers. Inspiration 9.0 is great tool for mapping, outlining, writing, and brainstorming ideas and concepts. It effectively communicates ideas clearly and demonstrates understanding and knowledge.

Journal #9: “Point/Counterpoint Wikipedia: Friend or Foe?” (NETS-T I-V)

Hammond, T. & Farhie, D. (2009). Point/counterpoint Wikipedia: friend or foe?. Learning and Leading with Technology, 36(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Wikipedia_Friend_or_Foe.aspx

Summary:  Authors Thomas Hammond and David Farhie discuss the positive and negative contributions that Wikipedia has on society. Hammond believes that Wikipedia can be a very useful tool, in that it can help your students become critical thinkers and understand the uses of knowledge construction. He also state that Wikipedia should not be used primarily as an information source, but more as a structure source, as this is its best asset. Hammond suggests that students should navigate through Wikipedia and construct their own opinions and learn how to check resources for more accuracy. This is a great learning tool and should be incorporated into the curriculum.

David Farhie, on the other hand, believes that students should not be allowed to rely on Wikipedia as the “be-all, end-all authority” of information resources. Farhie proposes that teachers should be weary of allowing students to use Wikipedia as an information resource, that is, until it can be certified as factually correct information. He encourages teachers to focus not only on content, but also on truthful and factual content.

Question #1: Will I allow my future students to use Wikipedia as an information resource?

As a future educator, I believe that students should be molded into critical thinkers, and they should learn the skills necessary to question sources and information. I will allow my students to use Wikipedia, but not as the only, or main, source of information, but more as a supporting source.

Question #2: Have you personally used Wikipedia as an information resource?

To be honest, when performing school or work assignments, I have used Wikipedia as an information resource, but never as the primary source of information.  More so, I use Wikipedia for day to day questions and concerns. I believe that Wikipedia is a useful tool and I believe in Wikipedia’s message that information should be free to the world. I appreciate that they provide information to the public at no cost.

Journal #8: “Point/Counterpoint: Should Schools Be Held Responsible for Cyberbullying?" (NETS-T III-V)

Bogacz, R, & Gómez-Gordillo, M. (2011). Point/counterpoint: should schools be held responsible for cyberbullying?. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Should_Schools_Be_Held_Responsible_for_Cyberbullying.aspx

Summary:  Author Renee Bogacz believes that schools should be held responsible for cyberbullying, and that they should take action to stop and prevent it from happening. She places the responsibility on the school administrators, teachers, parents and even the students themselves. Bogacz advises teachers to educate themselves about cyberbullying, and the laws and resources that are in place to help victims. Most importantly, she encourages teachers to listen to their students who come to them reporting any cyberbullying activity. Bogacz persuades school administrators to establish clear and enforceable consequences to cyberbullying and to contact law enforcement immediately after any report of such violation. To prevent cyberbullying, parents should always be involved and know what their children are doing online and with their cell phones, Bogacz cautions.  Students too often are unwilling or afraid to stand up for those who are being bullied, so Bogacz urges students to take responsibility and to report any signs of cyberbullying.  

Miguel Gómez Gordillo argues that schools are not responsible for the actions of children with serious behavioral problems. He claims that is it a societal problem and that parents are at the root of this problem. He recommends that schools should establish a close connection with the families of the students.  He believes that supporting families will allow for a collaborative and complementary education that will lead to a better society. His final say is that healthy families will lead to a healthy society and that schools should support that role.

Question #1: As a future educator, how can I protect all my students from cyberbullying?

I have begun educating myself about what cyberbullying is, how to prevent it, and what to do about it. I also plan to be an active listener and will encourage two-way communication with my students. I plan on establish a trusting classroom environment and have an open-door policy. I believe that these are the first and necessary steps to protecting my students.

Question #2: Do you agree, or disagree, with Miguel Gómez Gordillo, in that the family unit is to blame for many societal problems?

I agree with Gordillo, that the family unit influences and plays a major role in one’s life. However, as a future educator I want to do everything I can to protect and educate my students. Pointing the finger at families and not getting involved is just as bad, or perhaps even worse, than doing the actual bullying. Yes, it is important to collaborate and work together with families, but as educators we must also take personal responsibility and do our part to prevent and stop cyberbullying.