Panda Ponderings

Social networking sites such as facebook and twitter are very popular in society today and their use is increasing.  Primary Students are even beginning to use social networking sites such as these.  As a result I believe students should be taught at school about internet safety, internet courtesy,  and how to navigate these sites appropriately.  Students are using and accessing technology from a young age and are therefore exposed to lots of programs and social networking sites.  I believe the inclusion of twitter and other programs noted by The Fantastic Blog Experiment (2009) should be incorporated into the UK primary school curriculum and other school curriculums.

It is also noted that social networking sites are considered interesting to students and thus, using social networking would facilitate authentic and engaging learning for students.

Reference:

The Fantastic Blog Experiment.  (2009).  What Are They Learning About? Retrieved November 12, 2009, from: http://angelaevanelearning.edublogs.org/

Bauman (2009) introduces how computers can foster creativity in students and provide an outlet for creative minds.  During Practicum experience kindergarten students were seen experimenting using touch paint in a computer lesson.  It was noticed that first of all the students were developing their motor skills by using the mouse and understanding how to move the mouse then click on an icon.  Also students were engaged, totally focused on their activity as they created a picture using colors, stamps and other tools.  The students were enjoying being creative and putting solid effort into their creation on their computer.  Technologies such as touch paint allow students to express, experiment, and explore in exciting ways using their imagination and creativity and are considered a valuable resource in both Computer education and visual arts.

Reference:

Bauman, S.  (2009).  Post on August 16 2009. Retrieved November 12, 2009, from:  https://online.uts.edu.au/webapps/lobj-journal-bb_bb60/blog/021310/_460163_1/

Stevenson (2009) introduces the idea of moving towards a technological age.  I agree with his statement that “classrooms will become more and more technologically minded” as this is already currently happening with interactive whiteboards, school websites, school emails, student computers and other technologies and he is correct in stating that this can change assessment strategies as with computer processed assignments the quality of the work is not only being processed but also proficiency in the program.

I also believe that as society becomes more advanced in its technology the education in these technologies will increase.  For, when students leave school they may be using technology in the workplace, and they will have needed to been taught the skills at school to use these programs and technologies.  Current and  future teachers will need to be kept informed of recent technological developments and advancements so that they are able to teach their students the important skills they need for the workplace.   The more knowledge students have the greater opportunities they have for employment in the workplace.  The school system needs to keep up with the rest of society.

Reference:

Stevenson, M. (2009).  Integrating Technology into the Classroom. Retrieved November 12, 2009, from: https://online.uts.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_5611_1%26url%3d

eLearning – missLJ shows an image of an older style computer with the heading ‘What Computers Looked Like When I Was At School.’  Looking back through time the appearance of computers have changed a great deal and even today computer models or notebooks are being introduced.  Technology never stops changing but is developing constantly and that is why teachers need to keep up-to-date with current computer technologies and programs.

Reference:

eLearning – missLJ.  (2009). What Computers Looked Like When I Was In School. Retrieved November 12, 2009, from: http://misslj.edublogs.org/

“Digital books will be available over the counter at bookstores from next year using new technology designed for Australian book publishers” (Farr, 2009).  I believe this is a tremendous achievement in education and technology as students will now be able to purchase digital textbooks, novels or other educational resources.  The article broadcasts the upcoming release for ebooks with much excitement and promotes it as allowing Australians to download digital books quickly and simply.

Reference:

Farr, M. (2009).  Ebooks for stores.  Daily Telegraph, p.11.

Kelly, K. (2007).  Five Good ebooks.  Retrieved November, 11, 2009, from: http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/media_tools.php

This study was to “examine the effects of computer use both at home and school on children’s social skills in kindergarten” (Kumpete and Alper, 2006).  Research was used from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Class of 1998-99 and in total data from 2,929 kindergarten students was used.  Results indicated that positive effects of computers on children’s social skills in kindergarten depend on the level of proficiency in using one.  Children who use computers more frequently and at a more proficient level demonstrated more social skills gains and less problem behaviors gains in the kindergarten year.  Therefore, although computer use and duration needs to be monitored computers are proven to be very advantageous to children’s social skills.

References:

Kumtepe and Alper. (2006).  The Effects of Computers on Kindergarten Children’s Social Skills.  Retrieved November, 11, 2009, from http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED501360&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED501360

Sutherland City Council. (2009).  Education and Learning.   Retrieved November, 11, 2009, from http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/Public/Editable/Themes/childrens-services/default.asp?Item_Idx=342&PId_Idx=0

“Gifted students are benefiting from increased use of computers because their special needs are being met through informed use of technology” (Bainbridge, 2009). This statement is an insight into the ideas of Bainbride (2009) of how the gifts and talents of students can be nurtured and supported through using technology, although more specifically computers.  Learning with a computer can teach higher thinking skills of research, problem solving, and data analysis.  There are also opportunities for applications and programming which are valuable in student learning.  I agree that computers are a useful tool in creating fun and challenging learning for all students, although also for supporting students with particular gifts and talents.

References:

Bainbridge, C. (2009).  Personal Computers Help Gifted Students Work Smart.  Retrieved November, 11, 2009, from: http://giftedkids.about.com/od/educationoptions/a/pc_worksmart.htm

Madartists. (2009).  Funny Cartoon Computer Smiling.  Retrieved November, 11, 2009, from: http://www.dreamstime.com/funny-cartoon-computer-smiling-image2776079

This article challenges the belief that video games are bad for students but instead points out that they have many advantages.  Video games such as story games like The Legend of Zelda or Halo 2 or so-called ‘god games’ such as The Sims or RollerCoaster Tycoon put students in situations where they have to think and make decisions.  Although parents and teachers may need to monitor the amount of time spent playing video games on the computer, play station, xbox or other game consoles students learn motor skills and experience decision-making skills when participating in this past time.  The article makes some valid points about the advantages and I think this view can be used in the classroom.  It is believed that students can be given computer time in the classroom, a few minutes of computer time can be used as a reward,  computer games can be played during a computer lesson or encouragement of using the computers in the library during lunchtime.

References:

Maney, K. (2005).  Video games not necessarily turning kids’ brains to mush.  Retrieved November, 11, 2009, from: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/kevinmaney/2005-07-12-video-games_x.htm

Enaksa.  (2007).  Roller Coaster Tycoon Game.  Retrieved November, 11, 2009, from http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/forums/cgi/forum2.cgi?read=29129

Computers can be used as an effective language learning tool to benefit ESL (English as a second language) students as is suggested by Beare (2009).  The computer is seen as providing advantages over more traditional approaches in ESL as for listening exercises students are provided with sound as well as visual giving more contextual clues to the task.  Students are also using motor skills while having control over their own learning process as they make the decisions on when to repeat activities based on their own progress.  This self-pacing can be particularly useful in pronunciation as students can use a computer to record themselves then compare it with the target pronunciation.  Common tools such as spell check are also considered useful as the student can use self-analysis.

In addition, through resources such as the internet and CD-ROM materials teachers can address documents quickly that fulfill students individual needs and benefit their learning experiences.  Teachers through the use of the computer have a vast amount of resources available to utilize when working with ESL students.  I am excited at the opportunities computers can bring for enriching the learning experiences of ESL students through recording, CD-ROM activities, spell-check, and the internet.

References:

Beare, K. (2009).  Computer Use In The ESL Classroom.  Retrieved November, 11, 2009 from: http://esl.about.com/od/esleflteachingtechnique/a/t_compclass.htm

Pharos Systems International. (2006).  Public Library Computer Management.  Retrieved November, 11, 2009 from: http://www.pharos.com/Public_Library/index.html

I have worked casually in a pre-school this year and during this time I was able to be present when a second-hand computer was given to the centre for the children to use.  The previous user had already placed children’s games and programs on the computer that enabled students to develop skills in operating the mouse.  The students were given an opportunity during free play to use the computer which was supervised by a teacher.

I am interested by the way technology is being introduced at such a young age.  This means by the time children come to school they can already be familiar with the computer and a basic knowledge of how to operate it.  The data by Kidsource Online (2001) indicates how the computer is a valuable learning tool for children even as young as four and five years old and how it familiarizes them with the technology that they will be using later in their education.

References:

Kidsource OnLine, (2001).  Computers and Young Children.  Computers and Preschoolers.  Retrieved October 12, 2009 from: http://www.kidsource.com/education/computers.children.html#when

Image retrieved from:  http://www.turbophoto.com/Free-Stock-Images/People.htm