This week in our grad school class we are talking about "virtual schools." We watched a video on one such program and were asked to comment on our thoughts.
I think that Virtual Schools provide an amazing opportunity for parents who would choose that route over brick and mortar schools. I appreciate how the introduction of new technologies allows more interaction (virtually) between students and teachers or each other, but I am not convinced that this route is more beneficial than a brick and mortar classroom.
I think the idea of supplementing the traditional education with virtual learning opportunities combines the best of both worlds and keeps students from being at a disadvantage from any of their peers.
I also like the idea of using virtual schools as a way for students to take advanced courses that may not otherwise be available.
So, those are my thoughts. I am not sold on Virtual as the only way, but do see the benefits of combining it with the tradtional.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
10 Technologies Teachers Should Know
Educators are entering a world of 21st century learners and need to be prepared to tech these students whose brains are wired for technology. As a result there are various technologies that I believe a essential to know. Here's my list:
1) Word processors- how to create documents, modify, save and print them
2) Spreadsheets- how to input data, use formulas, sort and view data
3) Web browsers- how to open the internet, navigate to an address and save sites to favorites
4) Search engines- how to search effectively for a topic with filters and sort by result type
5) E-mail services- how to send e-mails to mass audiences, CC, BCC, attach documents
6) Blogs- know how to create one, post to one/comment and control privacy
7) Youtube- knowing the features of youtube and other video sites, how to search for videos and privacy features
8) Powerpoint/Flipcharts- how to create lessons/presentations and use them effectively in the clasroom
9) Google Maps/Mapquest- how to find maps, search locations and use the different types of maps to engage students
10) Photo taking/editting software- how to take photos and edit them
There tons of other more specific sites and technologies that teachers should know how to use, but these cover the basics!
1) Word processors- how to create documents, modify, save and print them
2) Spreadsheets- how to input data, use formulas, sort and view data
3) Web browsers- how to open the internet, navigate to an address and save sites to favorites
4) Search engines- how to search effectively for a topic with filters and sort by result type
5) E-mail services- how to send e-mails to mass audiences, CC, BCC, attach documents
6) Blogs- know how to create one, post to one/comment and control privacy
7) Youtube- knowing the features of youtube and other video sites, how to search for videos and privacy features
8) Powerpoint/Flipcharts- how to create lessons/presentations and use them effectively in the clasroom
9) Google Maps/Mapquest- how to find maps, search locations and use the different types of maps to engage students
10) Photo taking/editting software- how to take photos and edit them
There tons of other more specific sites and technologies that teachers should know how to use, but these cover the basics!
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