Reflection 2: CDK's Education Technology Place

There are an incredible amount of links on this website. Just the site alone has so much to offer. The videos are definitely cool. I haven’t run into the problem of teachers being really behind on the technology of the day, but the video “I Need My Teachers to Learn” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCrhbgzf4Ys) is a great way to get the attention of those who aren’t taking technology as seriously. “Gotta Keep Reading” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6D9jiEYxzs) is a really cool message to students out there that may think reading can’t be fun. This video gets people’s attention focused on the importance of reading.

            I think these websites are going to move us forward in the way of sharing information. The speed with which you can share information via the websites is also not something to be overlooked. Now all this information can be put into one place for convenience of use. I can surely say I haven’t had a class function at this level of Internet usage. Most professors prefer KSOL to anything many, although, don’t even use that. So, I’m excited to see how this works out.

                                                             - Joseph Turner

Reflection 1: Technology Bits, Bytes & Nibbles

            I’ve always been a proponent of eBooks and, in fact, have done persuasive essays over why more public schools should push for eReaders in place of using traditional text books. The possibilities extend to a wider range of books available for students without the burden of over-weight backpacks or bags. However, after reading over “Can eBooks help bridge achievement gaps?” (Can eBooks help bridge achievement gaps?) by Nora Carr I was stunned at how just the sheer number of books in a household made available to children benefits them more than the level of education their parents have completed or even the father’s occupation in most cases. This makes eReaders all the more necessary because they allow for users to stockpile literature and have it all at their finger tips; I think this shows incredible potential for English and history programs in schools.

            However, a full-blown iPad for students, being given to them in as early as the 4^th grade like Webb school in Knoxville, TN (Tennessee school requires iPad for class) is attempting to do by August of this year, seems a little excessive. I agree that the rise of technology in schools is only going to be beneficial as far as quickness in communication and document sharing go, but giving out that many iPads seems unnecessary. The expense alone has to be overwhelming. With any new piece of technology, too, people must take time out of their normal routine to learn the device’s functions. As a teacher I think taking full advantage of the equipment will be crucial. It will just be nice to know what we are working with.

            I definitely went through and connected my Facebook profile with the Picscatter app. That is a cool and fun way to refresh your profile while making a real cool impression with people. It has got to be the easiest way I’ve seen so far to make your profile do that also. 3+ Ways to Customise Your Facebook Profile Picture
                                                                   - Joseph Turner