Reflection

Reflection on Blogging
Eleven or so weeks ago, I had heard of the word “blog” but didn’t actually know what the purpose of a blog was or why individuals wanted to be bloggers. I was anxious about initially setting up my blog site, but followed the directions precisely, and much to my delight-was able to get everything up and running in no time.
Expressing my thoughts, presenting information, and communicating with my classmates during the past 2 ½ months through the use of my blog (and theirs) was a motivating and enriching experience. I enjoyed the learning experience that the blog provided as well as the personal connections that were fostered through written communication.
I learned that participating in a blog can be intellectually stimulating and I looked forward to the discussions that would take place. I was disappointed at times though, when there was no response to my blog or nothing new to read elsewhere. I noticed the differences in style and presentation that our blogs had, each reflective of our individuality, however, I didn’t like the fact that comments wouldn’t appear on other blogs until they were released by the blog’s author.
I think that I would create a new blog on a topic of my own choosing and continue blogging to stay in touch with those who share my interests or passions in life. I feel “connected” to the activity now, it has become part of my daily routine, and I sincerely believe that I will miss blogging when this class concludes!
When I return to work (school) in late August, I will definitely expose my school community to blogging and survey my colleagues to see if there is an interest in establishing blog sites. I think it is a great tool for collaboration and see it as an invaluable resource especially for less experienced teachers who could use the extra support. I’m glad I’ve become a “bloggger”!


**Beatrice Laga**

Cybersecurity

I believe that this is a topic which needs to be addressed in our schools today. Teachers must receive professional development on this issue in order to instruct the children regarding their safety while using the internet. I agree with many of the points stated in the paper which we read on cybersecurity and ethics. Those which struck the loudest chord with me were:
--that we do, indeed, need a means to create a secure community
--that this topic requires additional national exposure
--that parents must be aware and help teach their children about these issues
--that children must protect their personal identities
--that children must engage in cyber ethics and interact appropriately when online

I think that if we all share this information with our school communities, then we will have touched and hopefully made an impact on a great number of lives. It's time to reach out.

**Beatrice**

Teachers using Technology with DyKnow Vision

On this particular site, the uses of DyKnow Vision in the classroom are explored and highlighted. One thing I learned that I hadn't picked up on previously was that students could form work groups and"can share notes and collaborate internally". This site also provided a blog for those of us who would like to communicate our thoughts and experiences regarding DyKnow Vision and a summary of the technology-which is said to be "collaborative note-taking, student response tools, content replay, and anywhere, anytime access."

The website where you can check out this information is: http://teachersusingtechnology.com/?p=77


Let me know what you think.
**Beatrice**

Update on DyKnow Vision

This information is relatively current and gives an update about DyKnow Vision, it is from April 2007. There is now DyKnow Monitor Software which can "allow instructors to block applications from running on students' computers and blank out student screens when the instructor doesn't want the student to be distracted. It displays a thumbnail of each student's screen on the instructor's monitor, providing control over the students' computers." The article doesn't say whether this new software was developed because of input from professors, but I'm wondering if it was. What do you think?

The website for the article is:
http://thejournal.com/articles/20458

**Beatrice**

Digital Literacy

I think that there are a wealth of online resources for educators out there on the web. For me, it's just a matter of finding the precise ones that you need at the time. I'm always happy to see suggestions from professors and colleagues about great sites because then I copy the URLs into a log book that I have under a certain category and I have it there when I'm looking for something. (I know I should bookmark it, but I still do things the old-fashioned way-but I am getting better!) I hope that libraries don't completely forget about books because I just LOVE books-they are one of life's treasures! I do use the ICDL in my library becuase it is a valuable, free resource and really helps out getting materials for populations that I have nothing else available for them.

Do you guys like the ICDL?

Web-based teaching and learning tools

For me, the biggest draw to web-based tools is that they are interactive. Students (and teachers) like to be stimulated when they're learning and it also makes the time go much faster. I find that the periods in the school day fly by when everyone is actively engaged. I learned a great deal about webquests this week already because I am the facilitator for my group's discussion. Although I have never created a webquest, the format seems similar to the lessons that we created in Dr. Small's class. I remember having fun with that, but also remember the huge amount of time put into the lesson. I was wondering if people get paid to just produce webquests for schools, or is it just a voluntary thing done by professionals who want to enhance learning? I've also utilized sites on the web to produce rubrics and worksheets-so I feel a little more connected to this topic than some of the others we've explored! How about you guys, have you created webquests?

**Beatrice**

How Much IS DyKnow Vision?

Apparently, there is a website that lists the benefits of DyKnow Vision for students, teachers, administrators as well as the IT staff. On this website you can also narrow down which group you belong to (education, in our case) and fill out a form to request a price quote. If you are interested the URL is http://www.swexpress.com/home.nsf/licensing/*DyKnow_Education_Licenses!OpenDocument&menu2


I also came across a teacher in a K-8 environment(I think it was Julie who made mention of DyKnow Vision and whether or not it was being used in elementary school) who wrote a glowing review about this technology in 2006. The URL to check that out is http://www.teachingk-8.com/archives/blue_ribbon_reviews_february_2006_by_linda_lindroth.html

I hope these sites answer some of your questions concerning this technology!

**Beatrice**