Field Experience

Michelle Clancy, Reading specialist in Burlington, Mass school district for the last 14 years.  She is in the process of creating a blog and has not done so yet.  For my undergraduate degree, I was able to job shadow her and thought she would be a great candidate for this interview.   She was gracious enough to meet me face to face to answer my questions. 

• What would you suggest as the best assistive technologies for students with learning disabilities?
• As a reading specialist, Michelle utilizes a lot of audio books using IBooks but also because there are some students that have dyslexia she also uses Learning Ally to help work with those students. (Clancy, 2014)
• What are some of your testing guidelines before implementing a type of technology into the classroom?
• Before bringing in a new form of technology into the classroom Michelle likes to do some research about the tool.  What the benefits are, what the challenges have been, how expensive it is, what other teachers have said about it as well as other students that may have used the tool.  She says its mostly trial and error working with the student to find out what works best for the child. (Clancy, 2014)
   
• At what age or grade do you feel technology should be introduced?  Why?
  As soon as possible.  We discussed how readily available technology is to students, parents and teachers and how the benefits to using technology have helped to gain confidence.  When a student is facing a challenge to begin with utilizing a tool that helps to make their life a little easier helps to encourage their all-around learning process. (Clancy, 2014)
   
• Do you find that students are more engaged because of technology or is there less “original” thoughts and ideas?
• For the students that Michelle sees on a daily basis, she has found that it has very much increased originality.  By providing a “voice” to those students that have been silent because they did not know how to overcome their frustration has been “inspirational” and motivates her to come to work each day. (Clancy, 2014)
• I love the idea of global interaction, have you utilized this tool and if so, what kind of advice do you have for implementation in the classroom?
• Although she agreed that it is a fantastic concept she has not been able to personally encounter it as of yet.  She is planning to work with her team to see if it will be a possibility this school year.  (Clancy, 2014)

 

 

The conversation that we had was very beneficial to me.  As an avid reader, I empathized with students that have the desire to read but also face struggles in doing so.  It was great to hear that there are tools available in technology to assist not only the educator but the student and parent as well.   (Clancy, 2014)

 

After our conversation I was curious as to what other tools or resources are out there to help students that face learning challenges in reading.  I found this particular quote to be interesting “Teaching and learning with technology can be both challenging and engaging for instructors and students. While technologies make it easier for instructors to create learning opportunities, provide prompt feedback, and improve student engagement with content materials, they also pose challenges. Following are some practical guidelines for using technology in teaching. They may help you manage technology-supported teaching more effectively, avoiding some of the common pitfalls.” (The Regents of the University of Michigan, 2014)

 

 

References

Clancy, M. (2014, 08 09). Reading Specialist. (J. Schuman, Interviewer)

The Regents of the University of Michigan. (2014, 08 10). Center for Research on Learning and Teaching. Retrieved from Practical Guidelines for Using Technology Tools in Classroom Teaching: http://www.crlt.umich.edu/gsis/p4_3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 6 Diigo

Here is my diigo account for future reference

Jill's Diigo

Week 5 Midterm Review

Here is my version of a midterm review.  Hope you enjoy (children in the background and all)

Midterm Review

Week 7 Animoto

Link the finished animoto to your blog -
Hero

 

Find 2 Common Core Standards that are met through the creation of your digital story

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.7
Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.2
Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.

Reflect on the process about creating a digital story (1 paragraph)

 

The assignment was to create a digital story based upon a lesson plan.  The lesson plan I utilized was What makes a hero?.  The reason I choose this lesson is because I was intrigued about what children today might consider a hero.  I think it is always important to be your own individual but to find the qualities in others that you want to emulate is a significant part of that process.  While I was creating the digital story I found myself becoming very particular in the pictures I choose to represent this person I feel as a hero.  It was quite humbling to have the honor to represent this great person with music, pictures and very few words.  I enjoyed working with Animoto and can see how using this tool would be effective.

Find digital storytelling resources and discuss some supporting documentation in a paragraph about why digital storytelling is beneficial (1 paragraph)

The students in todays world are very much immersed in technology.  It is something that is easily relatable and has great potential to inspire creativity.  Researcher and digital culture consultant, John Seely Brown described digital storytelling this way,"I’m particularly interested in Digital Storytelling, in new ways to use multiple media to tell stories and in the ability of kids, who are now growing up in a digital world, to figure out new ways to tell stories. They have the ability to build interpretive movies very simply and to lay sound tracks around the content. They condition or “sculpture” the context around the content. The serious interplay between context and content is key to what film—and rich media in general—are about" Source  Since there is already and active interest and a wealth of knowledge what a great mash of resources.

Find at least 2 other tools that can be used for digital storytelling other than Animoto and discuss each one, explain them. (links please)

 

Digital Storyteller  is a tool that allows you to make movies using words, pictures, letters and video clips.  You can choose from already provided art or provide your own.  You have some capability in editing the movie but it is limited.  This tool seems to be continuously developing as there is a section on idea mapping that is yet to be complete.

 

Storybird is another tool that allows the student to actually write a book and bring it to life. This tool can be utilized solely online or printed out. The tool can be used for the students to create a book or for the teacher. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources

 

http://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/what-makes-hero#sect-introduction

 

 

Week 5 Documentary Review

This week’s assignment was to watch the following two documentary’s and answer the following questions.  Here are my replies.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/digitalnation/view/

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/generation-like/

 

         1.  Compare and Contrast each documentary.  What was similar or different from the first one Digital Nation filmed in 2010 to Generation Like filmed in 2014 ? 

·         The first video, Digital Nation, gives a good overview of what we are actually doing online.  There is a segment of multitasking, video game playing, how the military is “recruiting” based on use.  The second video Generation Like is a very current representation of the world today.  Today’s company’s have very successfully “trained” society to “like” and follow their business to become the consumer is the marketer.  Society is “craving” being a part of the next big thing. 

2.  Your thoughts on multitasking.  Do you agree?  Can you multitask?  Do you disagree with the video on the topic of multitasking? What do you think our students think about multitasking today?

·         I find that I multitask all the time.  There are not enough hours in the day to solely concentrate on one task at a time.  As far as efficiency, I am quite sure if I slowed down and took my time with one thing at a time I might do them each a little better.  The research that was shown in the Digital Nation video was very telling.  I can see where the level of distractions can help interrupt a thought process and the organization of your memory.  

3.  Is there an addiction happening in society today with technology or is it just a new way of living?   Should we be concerned?

·         There is very much an addiction happening.  Every store, restaurant, has their own wifi connection so that you are literally connected every step you make.  You are moving from one connection to another.  Personally, I wake up in the morning and one of the first things that I do is reach for my phone to check my email, facebook, texts, bank account.  It is very much a part of my daily routine.  If I go for more than a few hours without having access to my phone I do not know what to do.  The students in the video Generation Like, speak about their facebook accounts and how long it takes just to select a profile and cover photo that adequately represent who they are as a person.  That seems like a lot of pressure for two photos.

4.  Do video games serve a purpose in education or are they a waste of time?

·         If video games are used accurately I think they can be academically successful.  Everything in moderation can help to learn.  The students in video, from Korea depicts the way a video game can siphon social interaction and dependency to connect to the games.  The child and mother that have a problem even having a basic meal together because the son is not able to carry a conversation.  “A childhood lost to the computer” I remember being so immersed in a book that I could not put it down to eat, or sleep until it was completed. 

·         The connection in the video Digital Life to the Army about enticing recruits by using the gaming world.  I personally find that shocking, that our military would encourage the real world interaction and virtual reality. Although, they say that “it’s a video game” I wonder if there is a subconscious connection.   The reference of the actual school that is using video games successfully by integrating the engagement utilized by playing into actual learning.

5.  How did what you watched in the two videos support your feelings about technology or how did it change your views?

·         I think the second video has shown me that if you work together your life can change for the better.  I think it’s a great way to look at the possibilities are endless.  You have an opportunity to make a difference in the world just by expressing your own individuality. 

6.  Are kids and adults today ruining their digital footprints by sharing too much information online without realizing that it may be detrimental to their future? Should they care?  Are they focused on too much of what others think?

·         Technology is not going anywhere and honestly I do not think I would want it to.  Sure, there are good and bad associated with it but you can say that about most things.  Being able to have your own car to get from point a to point b is fantastic but if you add drinking and driving things can end catastrophically.  I realize that is a severe comparison but the choices you make on line can be as detrimental to your life long term.  If you chose to share every detail of every moment of you life, you have to realize there are opportunists that are going to misuse that information for their own personal gain.  Just as the film showed the You tube personalities utilizing each other’s fame to grow their own. 

7.  What do you feel are the dangers of technology use?  Are there any?

Sure, there are dangers to using technology but if you utilize the internet responsibly the positive far outweigh the negative.  Teaching children as early as possible that there is a danger and the importance of safety just as you would in a real life interaction.  I tell my children that having your eyes wide open is all you can do. 

I found this video on my facebook feed and thought it was pretty relevant to this discussion.

Baby

 

 

Week 4 All about Digital Citizenship

Figure 1 https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYX2OCue0d9KXCfYqHKOwIVcPvHewLbZChXvYm-DywGoAHPLu0qH4TCts99DpCVor_kzcS2gd_C6C5ISq6cPOb9PCtaczdjxECoMB_KgoGHv6g3PvUOalV1raEyGyTkv60NwUpejEdV142/s1600/digital+citizenship.jpg

 

·         What did you learn that you did not know before about digital citizenship?  

·         Digital citizenship is with you the rest of your life.  Where you go, how you represent yourself is tracked for everyone to see.  What I did not realize was that there were so many components of digital citizenship. 

·         What did you find interesting, important, unimportant?  

 

Figure 2 http://www.prn.bc.ca/ss/k5DL/?p=206

 http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Digital+Citizenship+&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid=15B9AB3049AE8F7D3A0D15B9AB3049AE8F7D3A0D

 

 

·         Was there anything you read, heard, watched that you disagreed with?  

·         I think it is fascinating that there is so much “data" on the average joe.  Who knew that you might be that interesting. When the internet became an integral part of my life was while living overseas.  It was a great way to stay “connected” to the life back in the states and to of course shop.  I can’t say I disagreed with any of the knowledge I gained.

·         Do you think it is important to teach digital citizenship skills to students even if you are just working on the computers in your class for a quick lesson?

·         Yes, I think at any opportunity a good reminder of the rules is necessary.  To me, it’s like part of the rules of the classroom. If there is going to be exposure you have to know what the expectations are.

·         Were you surprised at your own personal digital footprint?

·         No, I actually learned a while ago to google myself frequently just to see what might come up.  I am heavily reliant on the technology available to me, and at times wish I could step away and not have to be as dependent on the instant gratification it allows.

·         Who's job is it to teach digital citizenship skills and when should they be taught?

·         Personally, I think its everyone’s job to express digital citizenship and it’s importance.  I think back to when I was in high school and all of the “Girls Gone Wild” videos were coming out.  People were looking to expose individuals and were making a lot of money doing so.  Now, we have to remember that we have some control over how we want to be conveyed to the world. It only takes a reminder from all aspects of your life to be a good digital citizen!

 

Week 3 Blog Reviews

·         Provide a link to each blog you read over.

·         http://www.freetech4teachers.com/

·         Describe one post you read and what about it you liked.

·         I read the post regarding Padlet and it’s newest feature that includes a bookmarking tool with an organizer.  The post was short and sweet and gave all the necessary information.  I always like to learn about the newest features of technology. 

·         Explain something you learned from their post.

·         A great tool to use in the classroom for sharing knowledge on information found on the web.  A quick way to have all of the information in one place accessible to others.

·         Reflect on your overall impressions of the blog itself.  (pos and neg)

·         I like how the blogger gives the education use in his entry.  While sometimes it might be obvious how the tool or information could be used, having the extra section is a great resource that allows for quick access.

·         How does the blogger help you to better understand technology and education?

·         The blogger sort of assumes you really do not know any of the information shared.  It’s a great overall resource.

 

 

·         Provide a link to each blog you read over.

·         http://www.coolcatteacher.com/

·         Describe one post you read and what about it you liked.

·         I read a post regarding Toddlers and Tablets and how much is too much.  This entry struck me as something I know I have been guilty of.  Entertaining my child with a source of technology.  While I wanted to “brag” about the fact that my then three year old could navigate her way through my smart phone better than I could, I had to wonder if I was doing her a disservice. 

·         Explain something you learned from their post.

·         The post makes a few good points about the limitation of the use of technology at that age.  I personally have mixed emotions about this.  We know that the child’s future will be strongly influenced by their use of technology but are the missing out on the “small stuff” in the process?

·         Reflect on your overall impressions of the blog itself.  (pos and neg)

·         Most of the entries are short and to the point.  The one thing I’m not crazy about is there isn’t much from the author.  It seems to be a great collection of what others are saying on the topics.  I think this is great to have as a resource but I wouldn’t mind reading more of a personal experience as well.

·         How does the blogger help you to better understand technology and education?

·         A great resource to bookmark and search through as there are a wide variety of topics.  I will say the name of the blog is what led me to read it.

·         http://edtechsandyk.blogspot.com/

·         Describe one post you read and what about it you liked.

·         I read the post about a digital citizenship twitter chat.  I was intrigued about the discussion since this is something we have been discussing in class.

·         Explain something you learned from their post.

·         The questions for the chat were listed and gave a chance for reflection on how you would answer during the actual chat.  This was a great way to get my mind working in all the ways digital citizenship could affect you as a person.

·         Reflect on your overall impressions of the blog itself.  (pos and neg)

·         A lot of information.  It is nicely broken down into sections and is easily skimmed thru.

·         How does the blogger help you to better understand technology and education?

·         The blogger gives information in different formats which is very helpful to navigate and find the way you best learn.