Should There Be Limits on a Students Screen Time?

I found this article very interesting, and a common question I often wonder. With all of our technology advancements I find it difficult to imagine that it is all meant to enhance our society to make “in replace of”, not “in addition to”.

Throughout my schooling I sometimes feel that having computer and internet access twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, there literally becomes no time off. I am constantly reminded of work, school, and personal matters all hours of the day, and given day of the week. Emails, cell phones, and online web pages (i.e. Moodle, teacher web pages) are some means of technology that allows for opportunities of additional communication.

What about the use of technology in a classroom? I feel that educators are provided with an abundance tools that allow for online collaboration, communication, and presentations. This new way and transition into our school curriculum is very similar to the question I possess, are these really new means to “enhance” our curriculum to replace, or to given in addition to the existing?

How do we really calculate our children’s “screen time”, like mentioned in the article, it is literally impossible. Our advance and progressive society has made technology capabilities everywhere, and possible for everyone. We carry them in our pockets, have them in our cars, and surround ourselves around them in our homes. We are fully connected. With these possibilities and the idea that it is still expansive, the need for a healthy balance is crucial. I feel very strongly that traditional methods of teaching and paper creativity are important fundamentals to growth. Disregarding these areas, I think will lead to sad loss. Technology capabilities and options are of great need and of importance, but in moderation, such as, “It is critical to use class time to its fullest and to use computers for only the highest levels of cognitive thought and learning”. Our children’s education should be and become well-rounded and diverse, giving opportunities and lessons with a balance, and not become technology engulfed. For example, as also suggested within the text, “That means we should use computers only to enhance the curriculum and not just because we need a break from classroom management or because grades are due the next day.”

Works Cited

Weinberg, R., & Stager, G. (2010, September/ October). Should there be Limits on a Students Screen Time? Retrieved October 18, 2010, from Iste: http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Should_There_Be_Limits_on_a_Students_Screen_Time.aspx

Article 9: Learning Connections Telling Stories with Video

How effective is video learning? I would agree that it is definitely a tool that adds to the defined term that examines what English language arts is. This article lists English language arts as being conceived of reading, writing, speaking, listening, performing, and thinking. No including video collaboration adds more complexity and creativity.

Video teaching, learning, and collaborating give multiple purposes in classrooms. It is ways to have a student learn while having the capabilities of stopping, rewinding, etc. As well as being able to visually see what is being instructed. In addition, a classroom can upload and download videos through different online databases that can allow comments, feedback, and more participation worldwide. This type of collaboration will give students a new perspective on learning with more hands on and their personal creativity.

Article 8: Total Technology Immersion

Students are definitely adapting and becoming more visual and kinesthetic learners. With the new technology advantages and integration within our schools we allow this to be more adaptive to their learning preference.

I feel that there is such a strong importance for teachers to be properly trained and educated, in addition to the students, to be able to transmit the knowledge needed to utilize technology advances. Classroom observations and different assessments are also handy when creating a new learning environment for this innovation.

Being able to fully facilitate all the many options via computers, the web, and other technological devices allows students, especially this generation to become creative, collaborative, and fully independent of their work. As mentioned in the article students now feel a sense of pride and value to their work.

VoiceThreads

I would agree with Bill Ferriter and also suggest using VoiceThreads in classrooms. I think that this would be a very beneficial use of incorporate technology in classrooms. As mentioned in the article, students would have fun interacting with their peers by creating new threads, and commenting on others. The multiple ways to participate and editing functions, like the article also mentioned gives the students a chance to think before they speak and to speak confidently.

Moving outside of the classroom this innovation provides students, teachers, and schools in general the ability to collaborate with the world. They can hold discussions, lessons, and projects with other students, and educators. I think that this would provide more opportunities to connect with each child individually, which in turn can create higher levels of retained information, and enlighten a child to want more! Not only would this an interactive, fun, and engaging during class, but I think that this is something that can also be practiced on their own for personal use, or additional assignments. VoiceThread has many opportunities for benefits in schools.

Works Cited

Weir, L. (2008, April 16). VoiceThread Extends the Classroom with Interactive Multimedia Albums. Retrieved October 9, 2010, from Edutopia: http://www.edutopia.org/voicethread-interactive-multimedia-albums

Digital Libraries...

My article is on the issue of digital libraries and more specifically electronic books. I think that this newer discovery makes transportation and accessibility much more convenient. For example, while working on this particular assignment I was able to use my laptop and download the article without having to go into a library or bookstore. The handiness to this ability makes it capable to work on the go! Electronic books and resources are also more practical for travelers and business people who need resources while possible in unaccommodating areas. There are no longer issues of hours of operation, because the internet is twenty-four hours!

Electronic books in schools will slowly transition less use of paper. No more photo copies, multiple book purchases, and the transportation back and forth from home to school. This will also eliminate forgotten handouts and books at school or home, because again the internet is always available.  

Problems I can see in this progression of all electronic books, are the costs, and soon demand for “kindle-like” devices. As mentioned in the article the review and “jumping around” the electronic pages are not as easy as a real book. However, the benefits to this resource seem greater with the development in younger readers, with the capability of the built-in-text-to-speech. This function can help new readers understand and develop new words.

I think that this new feature will broaden the competence of both the users, and the efficiency of unnecessary printing and portability.

Citations:

Bull, G., & Sites, M. (2009, August). Digital Libraries: Shifting the Landscape.  Learning and Leading with Technology. Retrieved from: http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=August_No_1_2&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4363&ContentID=23913&DirectListComboInd=D

Virtual Field Trips...

My article provided information about Virtual Field Trips (VFT). The main idea and concept for providing field trips virtually is to provide students the opportunity to explore distant destinations and to make their resources accessible. I think that this opportunity is an excellent way for students to gain additional knowledge, as well as making the experience more entertaining for out of reach destinations. However, will this give reasoning to never leave the classroom? Having the convenience to explore museums, historical locations, and other educational experiences all while never leaving the classroom might possess the possibility to continue exploring online rather than physically stepping onto sites. I hope that future learning will only use this resource when the destinations are out of reach. I agree that students gain so much more when they have their full concentration because of physically participating, if given the opportunity.

In addition, I find it fascinating how our technology capabilities have advance to allow video conferencing and exploration online through Interactive VFTs and Asynchronous VFTs. I think that this will open many doors in our future classrooms and curriculum. There are some concerns with costs and technological resources, but over time I think it can gradually be incorporated throughout schools worldwide. With that in mind, you can only imagine school to school conferencing around the world… oh the possibilities!

Citations:

Zanetis, J. (2010, March/April). The beginner's guide to interactive virtual field trips. Learning and Leading with Technology,37 (6). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25443&DirectListComboInd=D

ISTE National Educational Technology Standards. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007_Standards.pdf

Profile for Technology Literate Students, Grades 9-12 (Ages 14-18). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS-S_2007_Student_Profiles.pdf

"Speak Up" Comparison...

As an educator I plan on teaching grade levels PK-2nd grade. After reading the Project Tomorrow article and now comparing that with the Technology Standards for students, I can see many similarities that will aid to my teaching. Many students PK-2, even though low grade level, are already having access to many electronic devices, which a main bullet in the profile is engaging with learners through email and other electronic means. I believe that this significant increase in technology will create much more advance learning and communication starting young and will continue to spread throughout all grade levels, by promoting the suggested creativity and innovation. Having a better understanding and comprehension of multiple technology usages will prepare the learner to not only communicate with the instructor, but also advance their learning levels and skills much quicker.

I agree with technology advancements.