Ways to use blogs as teachers

Besides implementing blogs into the curriculum for students I think that blogging would be a good way to communicate with other teachers as well as parents. Posting a question and letting others comment on it could make for good data collection. I think as a teacher you could write about what is going on in the classroom and if you see difficulties where you think you should improve upon. My worry is that it is great to have these opportunities, but I'm afraid that many schools (or families) will not be able to afford computers or other technology for that matter.

More about the Megan Meier story

Here is the story from another view point.

Continuing on with my research I have found that a lot of school systems are taking this matter very seriously and have announced to students that they can be charged and possibly brought to court. People do not seem to think that writing things on the internet will come back to haunt them, but it does. Parents must educate their children about internet safety as well as how to conduct yourself properly on the internet. Slander is considered a severe matter and students should learn the meaning. Teachers and others are banning together to make PSA announces about cyber bullying because the problem is so progressive.

Research Continues

As I have continued my research on cyber bullying I have found it to be astonishing how many suicides have occurred due to cyber bullying. I feel that this is atrocious and needs to stop. There is no reason why I 13-year old should feel the need to end their life due to harsh words put on the internet. That is not to belittle the issue at hand--in fact that is why I feel it needs to be addressed. I am sickened by the story of a mother who antagonized another adolescent with her daughter. Parents need to monitor their child's internet activity not add to the problem.

Cyber Bullying

I really think that with the vast amount of students entering the "cyber community" it is reasonable to research cyber bullying. As of August 2006, there were over 100 milliion users on Myspace. That number continues to grow and can be added to the users who already have Twitter and Facebook accounts. Parents who once feared cyber stalkers and pedophiles are now afraid of the kid next door, who is furiously typing malicious words and posting it into cyber space. I want to learn how many kids are really being affected by cyber bullying and tips for teachers how to prevent it.

Blogs in the classroom

I think blogging for students could be a very effective tool. I know growing up teachers would want us to journal about topics and I think blogging is something that students would find enjoyable as well as functional. Children use the internet continuously, so why not incorporate education into the picture? I think the privacy limitations is a good tool because some students do not want to share everything with their classmates and that way it is a private communication between student and teacher. I think blogging could be used at lower levels. I wish to teach kindergarten and I think typing will improve upon children's writing skills and inspire them to write. However, I do feel that language development can not all be based on technology. The traditional pen and paper method has benefits and we must teach children how to print, write, and communicate.

Engaging In Education

The past few weeks I have learned through this class how much I enjoy learning when using technological tools. I am inspired to use technology when I have my own classroom. Teachers are always looking for new ideas and new ways to challenge students and I think by using the computers, cameras, phones, etc. it gives them a challenge that they will enjoy. By incorporating technology into the classroom we are opening doors for children and gives them the opportunity to collaborate and problem solve. I am excited to learn more tricks of technology so that I will be able to give that gift to my future students.

Reflection One

During this class I have learned that we are technological rich society and we must incorporate it into education rather than shun it. Technology is ever-changing and so as educators we must adapt to it. I know that it is hard for many teachers to step away from worksheets and lecture because it is how teaching has been done for years, but education has gone beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic. We are teaching 21st Century learners who are inquisitive and have the world at their fingertips (through technology). Education is about learning the basics and then expanding on it. By using the great technology we have we can truly expand on the foundation of our knowledge.