Blogging in Education

This has been my first experience with blogging. At first, I was a little unsure about it because there are so many people on the Internet that I wasn't sure I wanted them reading my reflections and thoughts. After I became familiar with blogging, I began to feel more comfortable about it because I found that there are ways to only let certain people see my blog.
Blogging in education has both positive and negative points. There is always a risk every time a student logs onto the Internet, especially into programs such as blogging, messaging, and chat rooms. I do however see a great benefit in blogging because students can post about their thoughts, questions, etc about issues that they are researching or just interested in knowing more about and other people can respond to their post. The student can gain a deeper understanding of their topic or issue because they are getting responses from people from around the world.
I also find that blogging might be beneficial when students have to deal with the many pressures of life such as drugs, parents, depression. Teachers can give them blogs that are appropriate to help them through life's hard times and they can read how others deal with different issues and get advice. This can be a dangerous area but if the teacher give appropriate blog sites and also educates the students in how to be safe on the Internet, it should be very beneficial.

Teaching Knowledge

Ways to use technology in the classroom:
Conceptual Learning:Ideas, theories, principles of information systems, bodies of knowledge
Problem Solving:Deductive powers, inferential reasoning, testing assumptions, decision making
Object and Document Analysis:Contextualization and interpretation using texts, documents, pictures, objects
Data Gathering and Synthesis:Research skills, methodology, evaluation and reporting, quantification
Case Studies:Evaluation of systems by observing and analyzing simulated situations or processes
Virtual Labs and Field Trips:Testing and evaluating information through experiments and in site examination
Presentations by Teachers:Demonstrations, overviews, framing, setting forth of key information or salient points
Presentations by Students:Production or performance of representative knowledge by students
Collaborative Learning:Sharing knowledge, collective decision making, forming learning communities
Authentic Inquiry:Learner as practitioner, connecting theory to practice, taking responsibility for knowledge
All of these ways of using technology in the classroom really add to the students learning. Collaborative learning through technology is something that we use all the time in the masters program. Though it sometimes is nice to meet with people face to face, it is nice for those who may not like to share in class a chance to share their ideas and respond to what others are saying.
Virtual Labs and Field trips through technology seems like a great learning tool for students. Many times it is too expensive to actually go to different places that may pertain to the topic of study but technology offers a chance to get a tour of a place without every leaving the classroom. Of course, it would be much more fun to actually go to these places but a virtual tool is better then nothing.

Emotional Intelligence

The Emotional Basis of Learning, talked about how important emotional support is to a child's development. It is so important as teachers to try to help met the emotional needs of our students, especially if they are not receiving any at home. One person letting the child know that they care about them and that they care about their feelings will make all the difference.
Something that I have never thought about before was supporting emotional intelligence through technology. Through this reading, it sounds like they have a lot of software available that help teachers teach emotional intelligence to students. It is important to remember that software cannot replace a teacher but by using both technology and a teacher, I think the students will understand more about their emotions.

The Seven Principles

1. Encourages contact between students and faculty.
2. Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students.
3. Encourages active learning,
4. Gives prompt feedback.
5. Emphasizes time on task.
6. Communicates high expectations.
7. Respects diverse talents and ways of learning.

All of these seven principles are so important for teachers to remember everyday as they step into their classroom. This list is made for professors of college students but it really can be applied to teachers of any ages. If these principles are followed, students will be able to gain the most from their educational experience, which should be the teacher's goal.

Technology in the Classroom

Technology is becoming a very popular tool in classrooms. They are used for many things such as research, creating websites, and online assessments. I think the most beneficial part of technology for students is being able to research. Back in the day when research needed to be done, you had to truck down to the library and hope that you could find books on the topic that you needed. Because of technology, you can get on your computer and type in any word in Google and have a billion different items pop up that have to do with your topic. Technology is a great tool but it is also important to teach students how to use it appropriately and the dangers that can come along with using the Internet.
Technology in the classroom is not only a great tool but it has been shown to help students achievement in school. Teachers can use technology to help students in specific areas that they need help in. Technology in the classroom is only effective when it is paired with personal instruction. Technology should never take a teachers job. Students still need that personal connection and attention that technology cannot give.