Journal #3

Speaking Math by using chat by Janet Graham and Ted Hodgson is an article that explores the use of electronic discussion tools in math classes that helps accommodates multicultural students. The basis for using this technology is through forums and online discussions. Students are assigned different parts of each chapter and are then to express the segment to the class in how it made sense to them. They will then teach the class and themselves as an online community. By using this strategy it allows an additional avenue of participation for non native speakers and others who struggle with language terms in mathematics. Besides ESL students, some benefits of the approach is the ability of teachers to formulate effective small groups which in turn alleviates confusion.

Questions:

As I read the article I was agreeing with the use of discussion boards and the ability to add personality to the answer. Also, by having the security of a computer in front of you, it alleviates the fear of speaking in front of people or asking questions. What I was wondering was a way to incorporate having lessons like this more frequently in the classroom without having to use the computer lab all the time. How can we make this everyday without going to the lab when students don’t have computers at home? I was also wondering, how can we incorporate these lessons to students who are much younger, say in the K-1 setting?
I would like to say in a perfect world, every student will have access to the internet at home and this wouldn’t be a problem, but in most cases it is not. So what I would try and do would be to have fund raisers to buy a bulk set of laptops for my classroom for the students to use. By having a fundraiser which all my classes raise, and the addition of some of my own pocket money, I could buy a class set of laptops to make these assignments an everyday occurrence. For the K-1 setting, it would be limited, but I would use websites like kidpicks to build their motor skills and computer ability and then hopefully get to the area of guided instruction in a simple discussion board.

Journal #2

Journal #2
In Jim Klein's "social networking for the K 12 set" Mr. Klein discusses the ideas for making technology more assessable to instructors by creating a technology rich environment. He wants to establish a tech supportive tech community, and create opportunities to discuss social, ethical, and legal issues. By instilling these ideals, educators will create the best learning environment for students. Some examples of how he can portray these ideals is through the creation of student community sites. These sites give ways to assist students and instructors to communicate in a better way. They also allow for students and teachers to help each other and learn and grow together. The sites are meant to be easy to read and guide through as to alleviate complications. The sites could also lead to community building and provide current technological advances in the field.

Questions:
1. What are some ways I would use these types of websites? I think I would create a community classroom website in which everyone has the ability to add to it. A good example would be to have a wiki. I think wikis create a great forum for students and teachers to build and learn from each other. It also gives students the power to create articles on the web that are published.
2. Why is technology in the classroom so important? The future of mankind is going to be hand in hand with computers and the technology we establish. There have been so many new jobs created because of the computer and technology, so I think it is the most vital aspect we will teach to our students. As time progresses and we become even more technologically advanced, I think the importance of technology will only increase.

Journal #1

Hej Hej, jag heter Robbie Cobbs and I am finishing my credentialing program here at San Marcos. I am originally from a town called Crest in the east county of San Diego. I went to elementary school at Crest elementary, then was off to Greenfield, and finally graduated from Granite Hills High school in 2000. I then went off to Hawaii for my undergraduate to study in sports journalism. When I found teaching I came back to California and graduated with a bachelors from San Diego State in Liberal Studies. I then moved to Sweden for two years bartending and living the dream. After traveling for two years I came back to San Marcos where I am finishing up my advanced student teaching.
Computers have been a part of my daily life since I was playing Oregon trail on the green screen. I built my first PC when I was in eighth grade and am pretty nerdy when it comes to tech stuff. I can solve most problems soft and hardware problems. I’ve even soldered my AC jack back on. I have pet peeves when I go onto other people’s computers because they are too slow from them having an unorganized computer. I am definitely a PC guy, Mac has many more perks and is great, I can maneuver with it, but I just feel more comfortable with PC. I have the latest version of Office on my home computer.
Last but not least on the COE mission statement it says the program stresses “shared governances”. I am a firm believer in this practice because having a community is the most vital ingredient in a healthy classroom. When students feel like they are part of the system and their voices are heard, it builds a much tighter group. It encourages a much more vibrant classroom and better learning enviroment.