Digital Citizenship is a broad topic with many different branches, yet it is part of the NETS standards that we include it in our curriculum. How can we ensure we are touching on all of the facets of digital citizenship prior to introducing a digital technology project in the classroom? What makes a good digital citizen?
Hopefully, students are learning about digital citizenship from the moment they first touch a computer. Ideally, we would only be doing a "refresher course" for our students when we introduce a digital technology project. However, with everything that we do, we do a diagnostic assessment to find out where our students are at. I suggest doing that here as well. We can quickly fill in any gaps they have and then proceed. Most students have computer as part of their "specials" rotation throughout elementary school. In this time they learn to word process and navigate on a computer. Can DC be incorporated into this as well? If the students are hearing this information at every level, it will become second nature to them-like the english language, or addition.
I wanted to also bring something kind of fun to the class. A UK company called Think You Know created a cartoon series about digital citizenship aimed at elementary school students. Its a relateable way to talk to young students about how to behave online.
Hector's World
In addition to the cartoon videos, the site has lots of stuff for lesson plans or activities and is designed as a sort of "One stop shop" for introducing digital citizenship. Another part of the Think You Know website has resources for teachers, including actitives on DC for ages 4-16.
DC Resources
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Week 3- #1 Intellectual Property and Creative Rights
Why is intellectual property and creative rights an important topic for students?
One of the things that we have talked about in my classes is the hidden curriculum in our classrooms. If we do a lot of competitive activities, we are sending the message that winning is good. If we do a lot of collaborative or team supportive work, we send the message that teamwork is good. Other activities like dividing teams up as "girls vs boys" also sends hidden messages. One of the most important pieces of hidden curriculum in our classroom is social etiquette. We have classroom rules for reasons like safety and fairness, but one of our jobs is also to teach our students to have behavior that is socially acceptable. This includes that they should not swear in public, or wear clothing that is revealing. We are in a sense conditioning them or grooming them for the workforce. While everyone has a different comfort level with this practice, we all do it to some extent. We also teach our students not to steal, and to respect others. In my opinion, intellectual property and creative rights are just the next extension of teaching respect and honesty. We are applying the same concepts to a new arena: the digital world.
Online, there is this anonymity that often gets people into trouble. People can be whoever they want to be because the internet is anonymous, no one can see you. In mild cases students post things online they would not say in real life. Most of our students will not steal and do not mean to be dishonest. However online, they may not apply the same moral code. It is our job to teach them to do that. They need to understand that just because they can "right click, save as..." doesn't mean that they don't need to say who really created that picture/video. "Give credit where credit is due," is something that we have long taught and should continue to teach. While we teach the students that once something is on the internet it can never be taken back, we need to also teach them that just because it is on the internet doesn't mean that no one owns it.
As you were discussing this week with making a cd of a song, students need to understand that just because they can, doesn't mean they should.
One of the things that we have talked about in my classes is the hidden curriculum in our classrooms. If we do a lot of competitive activities, we are sending the message that winning is good. If we do a lot of collaborative or team supportive work, we send the message that teamwork is good. Other activities like dividing teams up as "girls vs boys" also sends hidden messages. One of the most important pieces of hidden curriculum in our classroom is social etiquette. We have classroom rules for reasons like safety and fairness, but one of our jobs is also to teach our students to have behavior that is socially acceptable. This includes that they should not swear in public, or wear clothing that is revealing. We are in a sense conditioning them or grooming them for the workforce. While everyone has a different comfort level with this practice, we all do it to some extent. We also teach our students not to steal, and to respect others. In my opinion, intellectual property and creative rights are just the next extension of teaching respect and honesty. We are applying the same concepts to a new arena: the digital world.
Online, there is this anonymity that often gets people into trouble. People can be whoever they want to be because the internet is anonymous, no one can see you. In mild cases students post things online they would not say in real life. Most of our students will not steal and do not mean to be dishonest. However online, they may not apply the same moral code. It is our job to teach them to do that. They need to understand that just because they can "right click, save as..." doesn't mean that they don't need to say who really created that picture/video. "Give credit where credit is due," is something that we have long taught and should continue to teach. While we teach the students that once something is on the internet it can never be taken back, we need to also teach them that just because it is on the internet doesn't mean that no one owns it.
As you were discussing this week with making a cd of a song, students need to understand that just because they can, doesn't mean they should.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Week 2- #2
Return to Sender
In my opinion, we need to use technology in smart, effective ways. For instance, actually have the students compose Memos and E-mails to one another. Teach them netiquette and digital citizenship and then have them go do it. Teach them to use technology for a purpose other than talking to their friends. We also need to revamp our classrooms. Students need to be seated at tables (not desks) that encourage collaboration. They need opportunities to practice using technology and writing daily. By the time they leave high school, these things should be as natural as breathing to them.
We also need to give them room to self discover. Technology is changing so quickly that something we teach them to use may be obsolete in a couple of years. While teaching them to use technology we need to teach them to explore technology so that they feel comfortable picking up a new program or tool and playing with it until they learn to use it. They need to be empowered while they are educated.
- "Schools were barely using technology, much less developing the tech skills needed of those entering the workforce"
- "Even if all students mastered core academic subjects, they would still be woefully under prepared"
- "Labor force are woefully devoid of the skills that companies need"
- "Schools need to fuse the three R's with the four C's: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity while also making room for problem solving and innovation."
- "The future workforce is here and it is ill-prepared"
- Teamwork, Critical Thinking, Communication
- 70% of participants cite deficiencies in professionalism and work ethic
- 72% of HS graduates are viewed as deficient in basic English writing skills
- HS graduates are strong in: information technology, team work, and diversity
In my opinion, we need to use technology in smart, effective ways. For instance, actually have the students compose Memos and E-mails to one another. Teach them netiquette and digital citizenship and then have them go do it. Teach them to use technology for a purpose other than talking to their friends. We also need to revamp our classrooms. Students need to be seated at tables (not desks) that encourage collaboration. They need opportunities to practice using technology and writing daily. By the time they leave high school, these things should be as natural as breathing to them.
We also need to give them room to self discover. Technology is changing so quickly that something we teach them to use may be obsolete in a couple of years. While teaching them to use technology we need to teach them to explore technology so that they feel comfortable picking up a new program or tool and playing with it until they learn to use it. They need to be empowered while they are educated.
Week 2- #1 Investing in Technology
I have the opportunity to interact with teachers every day and this is the most common thing that I hear from them. I think that there is a "Sabertooth Curriculum" issue. I don't know if anyone has every read it(link is below) but basically it is a satire on education. It is about a "caveman" era school where they teach fish grabbing with bare hands, horse-clubbing, sabertooth tiger scaring with fire. Then the water gets muddy so they can't see the fish, and the horses and tigers migrate because of the ice age.A man suggested that they start learning to fish with nets and to hunt with spears, etc. The school tells him there isn't time to teach that and the original 3 lessons. Even though the 3 original lessons are useless now, they continue to teach them and assert that there isn't enough time to teach everything.
While that is an exaggeration of our schools today, it definitely applies. We need to look at what we are doing just because "we've always done it" and also start to see what parts of our classes and curriculum we can make more efficient. In my past, efficiency has frequently meant incorporating technology. I think instead of having the focus of what is being added, we need to focus on what is going to benefit our kids the most, and teach that. After all, we stopped teaching the slide rule because the calculator was invented.
I do think that technology is an investment in both time and money, but it is an investment that has great returns. It may take you a while to design new lesson plans, or get trained on technology, but it saves you so much time in the long run that it is worth it. And it does cost a lot of money, but I can't show you a teacher that would rather have new textbooks than more technology. Yet, that is what we are given many times. Technology is a worthwhile investment that we can't afford not to make. The article below, Tech's Greatest Potential, discusses how the UK is embracing technology in the fullest way. I only wish we had this approach.
Sabertooth Curriculum
Tech's "Greatest Potential"
While that is an exaggeration of our schools today, it definitely applies. We need to look at what we are doing just because "we've always done it" and also start to see what parts of our classes and curriculum we can make more efficient. In my past, efficiency has frequently meant incorporating technology. I think instead of having the focus of what is being added, we need to focus on what is going to benefit our kids the most, and teach that. After all, we stopped teaching the slide rule because the calculator was invented.
I do think that technology is an investment in both time and money, but it is an investment that has great returns. It may take you a while to design new lesson plans, or get trained on technology, but it saves you so much time in the long run that it is worth it. And it does cost a lot of money, but I can't show you a teacher that would rather have new textbooks than more technology. Yet, that is what we are given many times. Technology is a worthwhile investment that we can't afford not to make. The article below, Tech's Greatest Potential, discusses how the UK is embracing technology in the fullest way. I only wish we had this approach.
Sabertooth Curriculum
Tech's "Greatest Potential"
Friday, June 17, 2011
Week 1- #2 Reasoning for Technological Incorporation
What is the general purpose and reasoning behind incorporating global projects, education, and collaboration into the classroom?
In my opinion, we do this because it adds to our classroom. It makes us more efficient teachers, and helps our students to be better prepared for the real world. Technology enhances our instruction by taking the focus of our instruction from theory to practice. Instead of my students reading a book about balance sheets and income statements, they get a computer and make their own. They get the opportunity to practice things they will do in the real world in a safe environment.
Global projects also allow us to bring up to date information into the classroom. If you think about the lag time between events and when they are in our textbooks (research papers take years, and then are selected for the book, then it is edited, published, distributed, and often multiple editions of the book are bought, schools use the books or years, etc.), the information isn't relevant when we present it to the students. There are global education initiatives happening where student use real relevant info and data to learn. And collaborating through technology allows them to start practicing what is actually occurring in the workforce.
In my opinion, we do this because it adds to our classroom. It makes us more efficient teachers, and helps our students to be better prepared for the real world. Technology enhances our instruction by taking the focus of our instruction from theory to practice. Instead of my students reading a book about balance sheets and income statements, they get a computer and make their own. They get the opportunity to practice things they will do in the real world in a safe environment.
Global projects also allow us to bring up to date information into the classroom. If you think about the lag time between events and when they are in our textbooks (research papers take years, and then are selected for the book, then it is edited, published, distributed, and often multiple editions of the book are bought, schools use the books or years, etc.), the information isn't relevant when we present it to the students. There are global education initiatives happening where student use real relevant info and data to learn. And collaborating through technology allows them to start practicing what is actually occurring in the workforce.
Week 1- #1 The 10 Flatteners
http://mitworld.mit.edu/video/266/
Flatteners:
1. 11-9-89 The berlin wall coming down/Windows coming up(windows 3.0)- End to separate Eastern and Western policies. Single Flat Plane
2. 8-9-95 Netscape goes public, internet comes alive, dotcom bubble starts
3. Workflow All the software/standards that let work happen (Microsoft Office, etc.) people are able to work together on more things than ever before. Genesis moment of flattening- increased collaboration
4. Y2K Outsourcing- global collaboration
5. China Join WTO- Off shoring (move factories off shore)
6. Open sourcing, new collaboration, Linux operating system, Firefox( produced by a kid at Stanford and a kid in New Zealand)
7. Supply Chaining- what Walmart does- having a global supply chain
8. In sourcing- what UPS does- UPS does all of the work for companies like Nike and Toshiba. They transport the product but also do the work when the product gets to where its going (Papa Johns Delivery)
9. Informing- Google.
10. Steroids- File sharing, VOIP. Turbo charging the forms of collaboration, can do them anywhere, anytime.
Three Convergences:
1. 2000- All 10 flatteners converge. The flat world created.
2. Horizontalizing Ourselves. We are all learning to adapt to the flat world.
3. China, India, and Former Soviet Empire. all open up. We add 3 billion people to global workforce.
Are we living in a flat world?
When I first opened the video link I was like "holy cow, an hour and fifteeen minutes, there is now way I'm watching this whole thing." And about 5 minutes into it I was enthralled and didn't even notice
how long it had been on until it was over. I was a business major in undergrad, and am a Business Education major now, so this was right up my ally. I knew that a lot of this was happening, but this was a really great to see globalization in a different light. I was always trained to look at how globalization will affect my business some day, but this video shows how it affects us as individuals.
I think that our world is flattening. It isn't necessarily flat yet, but it definitely isn't round. I think that the world becomes more flat each and every day, but that it really varies by person. I feel like in so many ways our schools are participating in the digital revolution that is happening. So while parts of the world are very flat, our schools are not connected to it. When I was in school if our teachers wanted to show us a video they had to go check the VHS out of the library, and wheel down the TV/VHS cart. Today, I can grab my iPad pull up the video and plug it in to my projector or SMARTboard. I can bring them a video that was made with the newest information (even made that day) so that their education involves the newest and best information out there.
Flatteners:
1. 11-9-89 The berlin wall coming down/Windows coming up(windows 3.0)- End to separate Eastern and Western policies. Single Flat Plane
2. 8-9-95 Netscape goes public, internet comes alive, dotcom bubble starts
3. Workflow All the software/standards that let work happen (Microsoft Office, etc.) people are able to work together on more things than ever before. Genesis moment of flattening- increased collaboration
4. Y2K Outsourcing- global collaboration
5. China Join WTO- Off shoring (move factories off shore)
6. Open sourcing, new collaboration, Linux operating system, Firefox( produced by a kid at Stanford and a kid in New Zealand)
7. Supply Chaining- what Walmart does- having a global supply chain
8. In sourcing- what UPS does- UPS does all of the work for companies like Nike and Toshiba. They transport the product but also do the work when the product gets to where its going (Papa Johns Delivery)
9. Informing- Google.
10. Steroids- File sharing, VOIP. Turbo charging the forms of collaboration, can do them anywhere, anytime.
Three Convergences:
1. 2000- All 10 flatteners converge. The flat world created.
2. Horizontalizing Ourselves. We are all learning to adapt to the flat world.
3. China, India, and Former Soviet Empire. all open up. We add 3 billion people to global workforce.
Are we living in a flat world?
When I first opened the video link I was like "holy cow, an hour and fifteeen minutes, there is now way I'm watching this whole thing." And about 5 minutes into it I was enthralled and didn't even notice
how long it had been on until it was over. I was a business major in undergrad, and am a Business Education major now, so this was right up my ally. I knew that a lot of this was happening, but this was a really great to see globalization in a different light. I was always trained to look at how globalization will affect my business some day, but this video shows how it affects us as individuals.
I think that our world is flattening. It isn't necessarily flat yet, but it definitely isn't round. I think that the world becomes more flat each and every day, but that it really varies by person. I feel like in so many ways our schools are participating in the digital revolution that is happening. So while parts of the world are very flat, our schools are not connected to it. When I was in school if our teachers wanted to show us a video they had to go check the VHS out of the library, and wheel down the TV/VHS cart. Today, I can grab my iPad pull up the video and plug it in to my projector or SMARTboard. I can bring them a video that was made with the newest information (even made that day) so that their education involves the newest and best information out there.
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