Wikipedia: Ban It or Boost It?
Karen Craig
EDU 533W Micaela Boesche
My Digital Immigrant status is confirmed with this assignment. I didn’t know what Wikipedia was or how it worked so I am glad to be learning about it now. In the past it seemed that whatever I was looking for on the internet, I started by searching key words in google, and I was often taken to Wikipedia. I would read it, and ignored, actually didn’t even notice, any warnings about the reliability of the page. I used it most recently while studying for the ORELA, and found that it was more accurate for my purposes than the $60 ORELA study guide I purchased at Barnes and Noble.
Doug Johnson says “The voice of the common man, vox populi, is being heard and heeded as a source of authentic, reliable information.” He goes on to explain that when selecting a hotel, he chooses based on this vox populi concept. This is great for choosing hotels, airlines, or buying a car. I also like the point Johnson makes about how up-to-date the information is on Wikipedia. It is being updated and edited constantly, and “Wikipedia may be one’s only reference source on recent technologies and events.” However for a research project with factual statements, a reliable resource is needed. If a student finds information on the site he or she would like to use for a project, then the information should be crossed checked.
As a Health Teacher I would not accept Wikipedia as the only reference for a research project. It is a good starting point, and may be a quick way for students to gather their thoughts and data. However, there are so many other great resources and websites out there, it should not be difficult to verify the information they find on Wikipedia. I believe that for a research paper a student should know who he or she is getting the facts from.
The article by Doug Johnson supports my view in one aspect as he says; “Basic references sources-whether Wikipedia or World Book-should b used to get a general overview of a topic or put a topic in context, not be used as a sole and final authoritative source.” I would base my policy on internet research on this statement. The information needs to be referenced to creditable sources that I would be able to easily check myself.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Cell Phones in the Classroom
Should Cell Phones Be Banned In The Classroom?
Karen Craig
EDU 533W Micaela Boesche
Before reading the assignment, my opinion on this topic was yes, cell phones should be banned in the classroom. I saw points on both sides of the argument I hadn’t thought of. One point mentioned by Liz Kolb in the Point/Counterpoint article is that “students are unaware of cell phone etiquette. Allowing cell phones to become learning tools will give teachers the opportunity to introduce appropriate cell phone etiquette to students…” I agree that students need to learn etiquette. When my 13 year old niece stayed with us for the weekend, it was hard to maintain eye contact with her when we spoke because she could not stop looking at her phone. However I think etiquette can be taught without having to implement the phone as a learning tool. Liz brings up some good points on how cell phones could be used in the classroom; including “knowledge construction, data collection, and collaborative communication…”and her arguments have swayed me just slightly in that I think “banned” may be too strong a word. A school-wide ban I believe would be asking too much, especially in a High School. Perhaps it could be left up to each individual teacher. If a teacher has a project which has a need for this technology, and the parents and students are on board, then he or she should be able to allow it.
Although Kolb makes some good arguments, I agree more with Josh Allen. He mentions “…the fact that students would use them for purposes other than educational…” What is to keep them from reading and replying to texts while using the phone for an “educational tool” during class? Also, as Allen mentions, “the goal of an educational setting should be to give students the proper tools to succeed once they step into society...employers are much more concerned about a student’s computing and critical thinking skills than their phone skills.” Students do not need to be taught how to use their phones. I am pretty sure they have that mastered.
If I become a Health teacher in Middle School or High School, cell phones would not be allowed. They use their phones constantly before school, between classes, at lunch, on the bus, at home, all weekend. They are a distraction, phone use is disrespectful to the teacher, and students should be able to exercise some self discipline and put their phones away during class. I realize I will be in for an awakening when I become a teacher, so I may need to be flexible. One idea would be to have some sort of phone or “texting fix” at some point during class. Perhaps at the beginning of class when I am taking roll. Let them get it out of their system, take care of any last minute messages, then the phones need to be put away. If I see the phones out again during class, they will be taken, and can be picked up at the end of the day. In a Physical Education setting, cell phones shouldn’t be an issue and they wouldn’t be allowed in my class.
References
Kolb, L. (2006, November). From Toy to Tool. Learning & Leading with Technology,
Allen, J., & Kolb, L. (2007-08, December). Should Cell Phones Be Banned From Classrooms? Learning & Leading with Technology,
Karen Craig
EDU 533W Micaela Boesche
Before reading the assignment, my opinion on this topic was yes, cell phones should be banned in the classroom. I saw points on both sides of the argument I hadn’t thought of. One point mentioned by Liz Kolb in the Point/Counterpoint article is that “students are unaware of cell phone etiquette. Allowing cell phones to become learning tools will give teachers the opportunity to introduce appropriate cell phone etiquette to students…” I agree that students need to learn etiquette. When my 13 year old niece stayed with us for the weekend, it was hard to maintain eye contact with her when we spoke because she could not stop looking at her phone. However I think etiquette can be taught without having to implement the phone as a learning tool. Liz brings up some good points on how cell phones could be used in the classroom; including “knowledge construction, data collection, and collaborative communication…”and her arguments have swayed me just slightly in that I think “banned” may be too strong a word. A school-wide ban I believe would be asking too much, especially in a High School. Perhaps it could be left up to each individual teacher. If a teacher has a project which has a need for this technology, and the parents and students are on board, then he or she should be able to allow it.
Although Kolb makes some good arguments, I agree more with Josh Allen. He mentions “…the fact that students would use them for purposes other than educational…” What is to keep them from reading and replying to texts while using the phone for an “educational tool” during class? Also, as Allen mentions, “the goal of an educational setting should be to give students the proper tools to succeed once they step into society...employers are much more concerned about a student’s computing and critical thinking skills than their phone skills.” Students do not need to be taught how to use their phones. I am pretty sure they have that mastered.
If I become a Health teacher in Middle School or High School, cell phones would not be allowed. They use their phones constantly before school, between classes, at lunch, on the bus, at home, all weekend. They are a distraction, phone use is disrespectful to the teacher, and students should be able to exercise some self discipline and put their phones away during class. I realize I will be in for an awakening when I become a teacher, so I may need to be flexible. One idea would be to have some sort of phone or “texting fix” at some point during class. Perhaps at the beginning of class when I am taking roll. Let them get it out of their system, take care of any last minute messages, then the phones need to be put away. If I see the phones out again during class, they will be taken, and can be picked up at the end of the day. In a Physical Education setting, cell phones shouldn’t be an issue and they wouldn’t be allowed in my class.
References
Kolb, L. (2006, November). From Toy to Tool. Learning & Leading with Technology,
Allen, J., & Kolb, L. (2007-08, December). Should Cell Phones Be Banned From Classrooms? Learning & Leading with Technology,
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Karen Craig
EDU 533W Micaela Boesche
According to Kelley R. Taylor, “cyberbullying is the use of Internet technology to inflict emotional harm through repeated and deliberate harassment, threats, and intimidation.” I have not had experience with cyberbullying. I have seen what I would consider cyberbullying on a website here in Vancouver geared toward the wrestling community. Sadly, these were parents harassing wrestlers and coaches. As I learned from Joe Navarro’s Brochure Presentation, this would be considered cyber-harassment because of adult involvement.
I think a big problem in dealing with cyberbullies is being able to motivate the victims to come forward. They are afraid of retaliation, being embarrassed, and even being ashamed. Although I have not been a victim of cyberbullying, I remember being bullied in elementary school. There is no way I would have told a teacher. In my mind, it would have only gotten worse. So it needs to be caught early, before it escalates. Teach victims how to deal with it and avoid fueling the fire. I really like what Julie Norrander states in her power point presentation about the the 3 D’s: Don’t Respond, Don’t Interact, Don’t Engage.
Another problem schools face is legal issues. Kelley R. Taylor states; “…..the websites and emails that are involved are usually accessed and generated by students off-campus. In those instances, school officials are limited in what, if anything, they can do to punish such behavior.” The only way the school can get involved is when the abuse carries over to the school and causes a disturbance.
After reading Should Schools Regulate Offsite Online Behavior, I found myself agreeing more with Lynn Wietecha. She says that while it is reasonable for the school to provide as much information as possible to families to help bring awareness, and to monitor use of the home computer, “Schools have no control over what students do at home and on privately owned computers.” Wietecha adds that schools have so many other responsibilities that seem to grow in number with an “ever-shrinking budget”, can we realistically add “cyber patrol” to that list.
As far as tackling cyberbullying in my classroom, I will try to offer a safe opportunity for victims to come forward. I really liked Aika’s presentation in Dr. Lichau’s class, which had an example of a classroom mailbox where students could express their thoughts. Even if it is anonymous, it might help to tell someone. I could then discuss issues submitted (cyberbullying and other issues that may come up) with the whole class, perhaps we can come up with possible solutions together. Another idea could be having students sign contracts. This would be more effective as a school-wide program, with strength in numbers. It worked when I was in high school when administrators were trying to deal with drinking and smoking. Students surprisingly came together and I think the contracts really helped to curb some of the behavior. Suddenly, it wasn’t so cool anymore.
References
Willard, N. E., & Wietecha, L. (2007, March). Should Schools Regulate Offsite Online Behavior? Learning & Leading with Technology,
Taylor, Esq., K. R. (2008, May). Cyberbullying: Is There Anything Schools Can Do? Principal Leadership,
Karen Craig
EDU 533W Micaela Boesche
According to Kelley R. Taylor, “cyberbullying is the use of Internet technology to inflict emotional harm through repeated and deliberate harassment, threats, and intimidation.” I have not had experience with cyberbullying. I have seen what I would consider cyberbullying on a website here in Vancouver geared toward the wrestling community. Sadly, these were parents harassing wrestlers and coaches. As I learned from Joe Navarro’s Brochure Presentation, this would be considered cyber-harassment because of adult involvement.
I think a big problem in dealing with cyberbullies is being able to motivate the victims to come forward. They are afraid of retaliation, being embarrassed, and even being ashamed. Although I have not been a victim of cyberbullying, I remember being bullied in elementary school. There is no way I would have told a teacher. In my mind, it would have only gotten worse. So it needs to be caught early, before it escalates. Teach victims how to deal with it and avoid fueling the fire. I really like what Julie Norrander states in her power point presentation about the the 3 D’s: Don’t Respond, Don’t Interact, Don’t Engage.
Another problem schools face is legal issues. Kelley R. Taylor states; “…..the websites and emails that are involved are usually accessed and generated by students off-campus. In those instances, school officials are limited in what, if anything, they can do to punish such behavior.” The only way the school can get involved is when the abuse carries over to the school and causes a disturbance.
After reading Should Schools Regulate Offsite Online Behavior, I found myself agreeing more with Lynn Wietecha. She says that while it is reasonable for the school to provide as much information as possible to families to help bring awareness, and to monitor use of the home computer, “Schools have no control over what students do at home and on privately owned computers.” Wietecha adds that schools have so many other responsibilities that seem to grow in number with an “ever-shrinking budget”, can we realistically add “cyber patrol” to that list.
As far as tackling cyberbullying in my classroom, I will try to offer a safe opportunity for victims to come forward. I really liked Aika’s presentation in Dr. Lichau’s class, which had an example of a classroom mailbox where students could express their thoughts. Even if it is anonymous, it might help to tell someone. I could then discuss issues submitted (cyberbullying and other issues that may come up) with the whole class, perhaps we can come up with possible solutions together. Another idea could be having students sign contracts. This would be more effective as a school-wide program, with strength in numbers. It worked when I was in high school when administrators were trying to deal with drinking and smoking. Students surprisingly came together and I think the contracts really helped to curb some of the behavior. Suddenly, it wasn’t so cool anymore.
References
Willard, N. E., & Wietecha, L. (2007, March). Should Schools Regulate Offsite Online Behavior? Learning & Leading with Technology,
Taylor, Esq., K. R. (2008, May). Cyberbullying: Is There Anything Schools Can Do? Principal Leadership,
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