Journal 3:Assessment Made Easy

Citation: Zucker, A (2009).Assessment Made Easy. Learning and Leading with Technology, (June/July2009). 18-21.

Summary:
This article was about the Denver School for Science and Technology. This school is the first Denver Charter school to have a one to one laptop to student ratio. This ratio has enabled the school to become very successful in a very short time. The school has seen its first two graduating classes have a 100% acceptance rate into 4 year universities. The laptops have increased the capapbilities of the teachers and have also increased the learning ability of the students. It has allowed almost instantaneous feedback on assignments, tests, essays, and lab work. This has allowed the students to learn their mistakes and to show the teachers what areas the students are weak in. It has been a tremedous success, due to having "thoughtful administrators, high-quality teachers, an effective curriculum, and all the other components that make a school excellent."

Is this a feasible option for many school?
Unfortunately, this was an option for this school due to a generous donation from Hewlett Packard, who donated $1 million to the school. However, due to the success of this school, it should be something that many school districts try to do. It will only be beneficial for all involved to have more hands on experience with technology. I know that this type of program happening across the country is very unlikely. But it should be something that all districts strive to bring about in the next few years.

Does a laptop for each student automatically mean that that student will be successful?
Obviously not. The laptop is a tool that will enhance the learning capability of the students. It is still reliant on the ability of the student to learn, and the students' hunger for knowledge. If the student just isnt interested in school, then no matter how many tools are at his/her disposal, that student will not be successful. Also, the quality of the teacher will play a big part in this type of program. If the teacher is not up to the task, then the students will have no advantage in this type of program.

Journal 2: How Teenagers Consume Media

Citation:
Robson, M (2009, July 13). How Teenagers Consume Media: the Study that Shook the City. Retrieved July 19, 2009, from Gardian.co.uk Web site: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jul/13/teenage-media-habits-morgan-stanley

Summary:
This article, written by a 15 year old, talks about the various types of media out there, and amount that teenagers will use it. It covers everything from television to radio to internet to billboards. It talks about the popularity of various forms of media and the reasons why they are popular, or not, with teenagers. The overwhelming factor of popularity appears to be cost. The article is saying that the cheaper the forms cost, the more likely they will be used. Even going so far as to say that teenagers will be more apt to use illegal avenues of entertainment (ie illegal downloads, pirated movies, etc...) than they would legal, pay forms.

What are some ways to incorporate free forms of media in the classroom?

After taking Education 422, it has opened my eyes to the variety of free programs out there that can have applications in the classroom. Programs such as google docs can have wide ranging applications for group work, rough drafts of work, etc... Also, online exhibits at various museums can be an important medium for explaining lessons or exploring subjects.

What does this article tell me about teens media use?

This article, though released by a reputable company and published by a legitimate media, should be taken with a grain of salt. This means that the author does not cite any concrete numbers, and it appears that he compiled his results through informal polls or observations. But it does tell me that teens do use many different types of media, and they must be taught hpw tp use them responsibly. Illegal downloads, or pirated movies are wrong, even if they dont get caught. They must realize that they must still act as if they were doing things in a traditional face to face manner.

Social Bookmarking NETS-T (I, III, IV, V)

National Archives:

I looked at the exihibit, A People at War. It was a very interesting exhibit that dealt with the United States during War II. It showed many pictures, letters, and descriptions from many important events during the war. I can see how using a resource such as this can be very beneficial for students. It shows first hand accounts of many historic events during this war, and would provide a fantastic resource for students writing reports or who are just interested in learning more.

NEA:

There are many student groups that are facing achievement gaps. Some of these are racial and ethnic minorities, English Language Learners, sudents with disabilites, boys/girls, and students from low income families.

1) Engage school staff in discussions and activities that offer an opportunity to explore attitudes, beliefs, and values related to cultural diversity and cultural competence.

-I chose this area because I feel that the best way to learn is to talk about and discuss those issues. One can learn a lot just by talking and listening to what others have to say.

2) Build and use a network of "natural helpers" at school and in the community as well as "experts" who have knowledge of the culturally, linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse groups served by your school.
-This is a great way to be exposed to other cultures. It goes hand in hand with the first area that I chose. It is easier to learn about other cultures by listening and talking with members of those groups. Being able to use the resources available to you, students, parents, other faculty members, makes it easier to learn and appreciate what those groups have to offer.

3) Network with other schools that are developing and implementing culturally competent systems. Adapt the processes and information that are consistent with your school's needs and interests.
- I picked this one because being able to network with others is a great way to be exposed to different lines of thought and ideas. It is a great way to see what your shortcomings are and also what your strengths are as well.

Stop Cyber Bullying:

I took the quiz and I ended up as Cyber Risky. I learned a lot from taking the quiz as I realized what constitutes cyber bullying, and the things I used to do that were risky or rude. I never realized how easy it is to fall into the category of being a cyber bully. I can imagine how many kids today do things that they think is funny, but in reality are harmful or mean to others.

Before looking at this site, I had never heard of the Teenangels. I think that this group would be very beneficial to students and parents as it would show them how to be responsible on the internet and how to be safe. I like how the advanced training they have enables them to predict and identify new risks as they come about.

Kathy Schrock:

Subject Access: I chose to look at History and Social Studies. In this area, I chose to look at Eyewitness to History. I think that this site could be really useful in teaching history. It would help to make the information more real for the students because it would enable them to see the information from the perspective of someone that was there, and not just what they would see in a book.

Teacher Helpers: I chose to look at Kathy Schrock's blog. I found a lot of interesting information there as well as numerous sites to look at. It is interesting to see what she finds interesting and to look at the topics that interest her.

Multiple Intelligences:

Verbal-Linguistic = 75%

Logical-Mathematical = 69%

Bodily-Kinesthetic = 67%

Video:

I watched the video, Kids and Adults Design New Tech Tools. I learned how kids have great ideas in designing technological tools for other kids to use. They are able to streamline things and make them much easier to use. Its interesting how many large corporations use this group to help them design new tools or to create better websites.

Teaching Tolerance:

Grade: Middle Grades

Subject: Social Studies

Topic: Social Activism and Change

The lesson I chose was "Our Faith Seems to Be Vindicated." This lesson plan has to do with the legacy of Rosa Parks and the role Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. played. The lesson basically says to hand out to the class a copy of Dr. King's statement and to discuss it with them. The students are to choose a topic they feel strongly about and to write a paragragh about it using persuasive language. I would use this lesson plan to have the students learn about the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement and to reflect upon something that they feel strongly about. They are to attempt to persuade their fellow students to see their point of view and to change their minds about it.

Equity Awareness Quiz:

I found it interesting to find that the United States and the United Kingdom, two of the most advanced and wealthiest of countries have the lowest scores for the treatment of children. This is shocking, as they are lower than countries that historically treat daughters poorly and generally dont have great reputations for treatment of citizens.

Another question that I found interesting was concerning the possession amount of the different types of cocaine needed in order to be convicted to a 5 year prison sentence. It is shocking that powder and crack cocaine contain roughly the same amount of the drug per gram, but the conviction amount of powder cocaine, used by the wealthy, is so much higher than that of crack cocaine, which is used by the poor. It shows how things are skewed to favor the wealthy.

Netiquette:

90% on the Netiquette quiz.
Students should be taught the proper Netiquette before they are allowed to use the internet for many reasons. First of all, it will teach them the proper way to interact and participate in conversations and forums. It will also show them that you still need to be courteous even though you do not have any face to face interactions. It will create people that are able to be a part of various groups in different areas, regions, interests, etc... 8-D

Journal 1: Do Teachers Need a Personal Trainer?

Citation:
Owens, Aileen M (June/July 2009). Do your teachers need a personal trainer? Learning & Leading with Technology, Retrieved 07-13-09, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/Current_Issue/L_L_June_July.htm

Summary:
This article talks about the difficulties faced by school districts in learning how to integrate technology into the classrooms. It shows how traditional ways of instructing teachers in the use of computers, though highly effective, was too time consuming, too labor intensive, and was too difficult to maintain with a school or district worth of teachers. The innovative solution to this problem was the creation of a program called the Student Internship Program for Instructional Technology. This program used student teachers that were already proficient in the use of technology in education and matched them with teachers who were lacking in those skills. The program, so far, has been a success for both teachers and interns. The teachers were able to get the help and instruction they needed, and the interns were able to get hands on teaching experience and also valuable material to include in their portfolios.

Why is this type of program necessary?
This program is necessary as the use of technology has increased and become a major component of education. It is necessary to ensure that teachers are able to fully understand the use of technology and are able to implement it in their lesson plans. This ensures that the children of tomorrow are exposed to the types of technology and resources available to them and are able to use them successfully.

Is this a program that many teachers would participate in?
I feel that this type of program would be very beneficial to all teachers, regardless of their level of proficiency in educational technology tools. It would serve as a vital tool in helping those teachers that are lacking in technology skills, and it would also act a refresher course for those that are already proficient. There are many new tools being developed daily, and it would be useful to have someone show you how to use them. I believe most, if not all, teachers would participate in this type of program.

Everything about me

My name is Brian Mariano. I grew up in San Jose. From k-8 grade I went to private, catholic schools. I went to high school at an all boys catholic school called Bellarmine College Preparatory. It was a great school, run by the Jesuits, and helped to shape me into the man I am today. For college, I went to UCR. I did that partly to get away from home and have some independence, and partly because I didnt know any better. I started off as a business major, but halfway through the pre-reqs, I realized that I dont like math and accounting. From there I switched to history, which I loved. While I was in college, my family moved to a town outside of Sacramento called Elk Grove. Its an ok place, but I have a hard time considering it home. I worked for a few years after graduation in Orange County in the mortgage field. After the whole industry blew up, I got laid off and moved back home to figure out what I wanted to do with my life.

Technology wise, I think I am ok. Not too good, but not totally deficient either. I started off learning how to use a computer with an old Macintosh that my family bought. It was a great computer to learn on. Easy to use. But I didnt like how there was not a whole lot of support for it at the time. Afterwards, I moved on to PCs, and have been on it since. I use the computer everyday. Though I dont do anything too complicated. Its mostly checking email, messing around with my Facebook or my fantasy sports teams, or just random web surfing.

Honestly, I never even looked at the mission statement when I applied to San Marcos. But looking at it now, I like how it makes an emphasis on diversity and equity and social justice. I applied here because I knew that I wanted to come back south. I also figured that its about time for me to get myself in gear and get serious about my future.