Just Beachy

It's Time to Reflect

2007-04-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

When I started this class, I was quite nervous because I really felt out of the loop with regards to technology. When the questionaire was handed out for us to complete, I had knots in my stomach because I had no idea what some of the things on the survey were.
When I watched cable news shows such as CNNor MSNBC, I wondered what they meant when they talked about blogs. What in the world was a blog? I didn't take the time to look into it though. When we created our own blogs, I finally realized what they were and how easy it was to use to post entries on. I also did my project and paper on this to find out more about how blogs could be utilized in the classroom. In my research, I found out that teachers are using them to extend students learning from within the classroom to outside the classroom. Students have someone other than the teacher to write to and teachers have found this to be a great experience.
I still do feel that I am so behind with technology overall. It was funny the other day when one of my students(who is now in fourth grade) from three years ago came to stop in to read a book that she had written and dedicated to me (I read it the next day to my current students). Well, her mom was telling me how her daughter is using powerpoint for school presentations and I told her that she could teach me how to use powerpoint. My colleague (that same week) told me how her daughter, who is in 6th grade, uses powerpoint as well and how comfortable she is using it. We then talked about how uncomfortable we are with it because we don't know how to use it and how students nowadays have just grown up with this at their fingertips.
Another funny thing was when I went over to my parents house the other day to help them with the water from the flood. That wasn't funny but seeing our old computer in the basement was. It made me think about what we have talked about in class in terms of Web 2.0. This old computer sitting in the basement was used just to find information for reports. Attached to it was this old printer that used the paper with the holes on the sides to feed the paper through as it was printing. Now, I go on to e-mail, blog and make comics. Computers have indeed become any extension of us allowing us to communicate with an audience so much greater than I could have imagined with just the touch of a button.
With regards to Myspace, I really don't have any interest in it for myself but I can see how it is of interest to so many including students in the schools today. It's very interesting how now when the news media needs to find information out about a person, they go to Myspace and refer to the postings that are made on their sites. This was done with the recent Virginia Tech shootings where they looked up both the victims and the shooter to find out more personal information. It's also apparently being used by employers so that they can do an unofficial background check on a potential new hire. Is this right? I don't know but I think people really need to think about what they put out there because once it's out ... it's out for all to see.
During the summer, I plan to play around with the computer and my new digital camera to learn some more things than I do now. I keep telling my husband that we need to upgrade our phone to one that has a camera. His students that he works with at his church tease him about his 'dinosaur' of a phone. Maybe that will get him going. I may also go ahead and take a course or two related to powerpoint and other tech material so that I can learn more for my own sake. I should probably ask my niece or nephew to teach me. They would probably love it. Well, that's it. Thanks for the experience!

What A Week!

2007-04-18T22:27:00.000-07:00

What a week ... a flood and the shootings at Virginia Tech.
On Sunday, I was saying that this was just another rainstorm and that the weather forcasters were just overdoing the weather as they have in the past. I was out shopping in the morning on Sunday and then doing things around the house when I got the frantic call from my parents about all the water in their basement. They knew that we had a wet/dry vac so they called to have us bring it over. Unfortunately, my husband didn't know where all the pieces were to it. OK ... there went the relaxing Sunday afternoon. So my husband and I headed to home depot to get my parents a wet/dry vac and we got the last two (very small ones). I swear, we could have sold them for three times the price. People were staring us down as we were checking out. I was very tempted to do just this (just think of a great shopping spree at J.Crew). But of course, that was just fun thinking, not something I would do unless the price was right. Ha-ha! So off we went and we realized that these two little things were not of any use (I returned them the next day). So back home we went to search for the missing pieces to our wet/dry vac. After some searching .... victory. A 20 gallon one that pumps out the water as it goes into the vac. So off we went again. Dad was very happy needless to say. So was I. I didn't want to see them so stressed out over this. Eventually, everything worked out ... as they usually do. So once again we were off to our house to get the dog out and check on our house when we noticed that ther river by us was rising. Once again ... hopeful thoughts that all would be fine. In the end they were for me but unfortunately for neighbors closer to the river, they were not so fortunate. It looks as though they will have a busy week ahead. Here's to happy thoughts being sent their way.
Now all that is being discussed is the shooting at Virginia Tech. It is just so horrible and senseless. What is our world coming to? Hopefully something positive can come out of all of this. I don't know what but hopefully something will.

Buddy Up?

2007-04-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

Hi! As requested by Dr. Dana, I'm (as you are too) looking for a partner to buddy up with for the project and paper. Please let me know. Thanks! Have a great holiday weekend!

YouTube

2007-03-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

You tube is quite interesting and vulgar for some of the outrageous videos that are posted as well as just being too cute for the pet videos that are listed (where I usually go). The site has the videos listed by most viewed this month and week as well as viewer ratings. I think it is a good way to get exposure for directors in the director's cut section. I remember the one about the bride from hell; the one who cut her hair on her wedding day and then I found out that it was just a bunch of actresses. It defintely got lots of exposure. You can definitely put so many different types of material out there and get it to so many people in just the click of a button. That is what makes everything about the internet so amazing ... it connects you to millions just by clicking onto a website. With regards to what we read in Michele Knoble's paper in terms of memes, YouTube extends through such a diverse audience that such memes as catch phrases, fashion, and popular music can be exposed to anyone with a computer. .... Just mazing how far away we all are from each other but yet how connected we are.

Hopkin Green Frog

2007-03-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

I Googled Hopkin Green Frog and found it to be about a 'lost frog' flier that was posted in Seattle from who was origianlly thought to be a little boy (because of the handwriting and mispellings). The little 'stuffed frog' from a McDonald's happy meal giveaway turned out to belong to a 15 year old who has autism. It seems as though this took a life of its own as websites and t-shirts have appeared with 'lost frog' logos. As I was clicking into several different links from my first one on Wikipedia I came across one that was written by a local writer who was going to do a story about this as well as give a frog (the same type that was lost and that he bought from e-bay) to the boy. When he contacted the dad, the dad talked to him but didn't want to have the boy's picture shown or name identified and also didn't want the frog sent to him. The dad was concerned about a his son having a meltdown and having bad memories being brought back about this incident. What followed on the link was lots of blogs; some about how people liked thinking that the frog belonged to a little boy rather than an autistic teen whose dad didn't want to have anyone send a frog as a replacement because of what could happen. Then came one by 'Love Monkey' who was doing some research on the internet and came across this link. They posted their own blog because they too had an adolescent teen with autism. This blogger wrote about how they could truly understand the dad's perspective and overall wrote a fantastic blog related to autism and their child. Bloggers after this one commented on this blog and how it touched them to mean something more than just a cool thing. There were even blogs of starting a fundraising activity to sell green "I lost my frog' bracelets like those of Lance Armstrong. Other people gave links to other ways to do fundraising for autism. There were still the silly blogs but it was very interesting to see what people were writing about on this site and how far reaching this was (there was even a blog from Poland). It is also quite interesting how something that happened in 2004 is still creating this type of discussion and hype and how many sites are related to just this one topic. I think because I work with students who are have different levels of autism / on the autistic spectrum, that I found it moving. I also noted a book that one blogger referred to titled The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. It is supposively about an autistic boy who goes on a search to find who killed the neighbors dog. Maybe I'll look it up the next time I'm at Barnes and Noble. This was an interesting assignment ....Thanks Dr. Dana.

A Book a Day Allows Imaginations to Play

2007-03-10T08:31:00.000-08:00

I would consider myself a casual reader. I enjoy reading novels from my favorite authors as well as magazine articles from various magazines. I will sometimes go online to read from news websites as well as for teacher resource materials. I will always have a book with me when I'm headed to the beach so I can sit and read on the beach. One thing that does effect me is my inability at times to just sit and read because either my eyes will get tired or I will lose my focus and feel the urge to do something else because I'm tired of sitting. If it's a book that I am really into, I can sit and read for hours and finish the book in a few sittings (ex. Marley and Me and Lovely Bones). I think this is why I bring a mindset of casual reading to my first grade classroom. During D.E.A.R. time, students may find any space in the classroom to sit (as long as it isn't under and tables). I have carpet squares, seats that look like ants, mats to lie down on, stools at our 'Learning Cafe', as well as the students desks. I want the students to be comfortable when they're reading because I know I have to be. I have also organized my reading materials in a way that makes it very easy for students to find books at their level. We have so many different reading times throughout our day because reading is found within all areas of the curriculum. I love to read with and to my students. It allows students to learn about different genres as well as allow their imagination to blossom. For my specific 'Language Arts' lessons, I have Guided Reading groups (in which students wear 'closed' signs so that they aren't disturbed by friends), readings from big books and anthologies, our basal reading book and various workbook material. Students also enjoy time on Friday when a parent comes in to read a favorite book chosen by thier child. I teach most of my reading lessons at the rug but also use student desks for other reading activites. This is such a great time of the year for first grade teachers becasue this is the time that we see students who may have been struggling with reading ... become so much more comfortable and confident with reading and writing. I had such a wonderful moment in my classroom two weeks ago when one of my students sat down and started reading by the rug area. Other students who were busy with other activities around the classroom left their seats and surrounded this student to listen to her read. It was such a great moment and one that I shared with the parent. Talk about a confidence builder!
I use technology to gather teaching material from various websites and students use the computers (3)within the classroom to reinforce both math and reading skills. We will use it as a class to look on various websites when a special idea or comment sparks a moment to go and look something up (ex. going to the Bronx Zoo website).

My Space

2007-03-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

I just thought of someting that related to what Dr. Dana had talked about on the first day of class. On CNN they were talking about the bus that was carrying the college students and the bus crash that killed 6 of the passengers and injured so many others. They had one of the CNN reporters on that had looked on My Space to find out more about the players who had died and reporting who this person was by his pictures and posts. It made me think of the student that Dr. Dana had referred to and how this site may now be a way for others to share their thoughts about those who were lost and those who were hurt.
Another My Space related blurb that I heard about during a newscast was quite interesting because apparently some employers are screening potential employees by seeing what they're like on their My Space page. Another sign of the times .... you do really need to watch what pictures are posted unless your going to be on American Idol. Then maybe it works to your advantage.

Technology Issues

2007-03-03T11:06:00.000-08:00

Ok, I was watching the morning show as I was getting ready for work the other day and the subject they were talking about was related to people being addicted to all of their gadgets thus taking away from their family/leisure time. One item specifically was e-mail. I guess it's the sign of the times and probably relates to the matrix movie as well .... that some people just need to feel connected at every moment.
On another note related to technology, I had received me NEA magazine and in it they had an article about a podcast and how a fourth grade class is utilizing this technology within their curriculum. The article was quite interesting and is a thought for my paper as well as my project. Just thinking aloud. It's kind of funny because I had soooo much trouble getting to listen to the first podcast and with a little assistance was able to listen to it. So it may be interesting myself trying to utilize and find out more about this.
Another news blurb I heard during the week discussed a survey about how teens feel about school and one item mentioned in the discussion was that students are bored with their classes. They want the curriculum taught in different ways including those using technology.
So, this class has opened up my eyes and ears to looking out for and being more interested in the technology out there and how it effects both myself as well as others.
Finally .... we bought a digital camera! Yeah! Enjoy the weekend!

Shore To Please

2007-03-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

Yeah! We finally found a shore house, actually two, to rent for the summer that accept pets. Both are very nice and the one of our rentals is a few houses to the beach and by a surf area so the husband can just go and attempt to surf with one of his four surfboards. So, I'm happy, the husband's happy and so is Petey (my dog). I'm so looking ahead to the spring and summer for capris and flip flops and no shoveling! Enjoy!

A 'Shore' Thing

2007-02-23T17:58:00.000-08:00

Well my husband and I took a drive down the shore to see a rental that accepts pets because we believe that our dog is part of the family ... he needs a little relaxing time too (it's stressful watching out the window and munching on all of the yummies around the house). We have rented the same beautiful pet friendly house for several years but unfortunately my husband can't get that week off and that house wasn't open the week we needed so we were off to find another. I know from past experience that when you call and say I need a rental ... that accepts pets .. you get that dreadfull pause . So we went to see a house that our realtor 'located' through her search and yes it was a house at the beach. But unfortunately it was just that. It was an UGHH moment. My husband said 'that it will do' and I was calm. After we left we said that we would think it over and get back since things are limited. The next day I called a few other realtors to see if there was anything else because I just can't see spending all of this money for something I wouldn't be living in if it wasn't at the beach. A beach house should be bright and airy and beachy.... not this one! Well I called and what did you know... three others that looked pretty good. Then ... this is where the web is fantastic. I went to several realty websites and typed in what I needed as well as included my need for bringing my furry friend and out popped up over 20 houses9 (not all where I really wanted but at least people are opeing up to our furry friends). I was just mad at myself for not doing this before we drove down but I just thought that the realtor would have researched it as much as I did. So I think we may be taking another trip to see some of these other houses. We already called and had someonce send us a contract for one of the houses but we have a second week to fill up. It was wonderful to have this 'power' of finding items on my own and calling up and asking about these houses rather than just having someone say I have this one. I have known my realtor for quite a long time and I'm giving the benefit of the doubt that she didn't have all of these listings in her listings at the office. Whatever ... I just know that we'll find something and that our furry kid will enjoy his beach vacation as much as we will. Here's to thinking of sunny skies and a nice surf.

Facing Facebook

2007-02-23T17:48:00.000-08:00

Ok. Today I registered for facebook and I set up my profile. I got a bit confused with weather or not I should or shouldn't sign up to a network. I browsed some of the network categories and some seemed ok but others made me a bit nervous. Who was I signing up to be my 'friends'. Well, I took my first step into facebook and what I found interesting was the part that said status ... you could let people know where you were at the time. I had looked at MySpace and some sites were quite interesting and somewhat provacative too if I may add (I guess I'm feeling a bit old although I'm not ... really.. just old fashioned I guess). Oh well, I'll check in to see what's happening with it. Have a great one!

A Week Off .. Full of Appointments

2007-02-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

So, my district has this week off for winter break. My students shared their plans with me for their vacation. So many of them are going with their families on great winter retreats to go skiing, go to a sunny and warm destination or just visiting family. Some of them will be staying at home having playdates with friends.
My husband took this week off so we can spend some quality time together with our 'furry' kids. So what are our fantastic plans .....get my car fixed, go to our yearly eye doctor appointment, do our taxes, visit the dentist, and take a day trip down the shore. What's up? Don't you just wish you could become Flat Stanley and slip into someone else's suitcase to enjoy a special vacation?
Well, no matter what, we'll have a fun time. We won't be sitting on a beach anywhere (unless I buy a bag of playsand from home depot and put my beach towel down on it) or any skiing vacation but we will enjoy our week sleeping in ... not having to hit snooze. So for anyone else that is off this week ... enjoy whatever it is that you plan to do.

Where's my will power?

2007-02-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

Today was a day not to count calories! First, my husband and I went out to breakfast with another couple. I knew I shouldn't have ordered the pancakes but I did anyhow. Afterwards, my husband had to hear me say "why did I eat that?"After that, we came home and I got my work done for class. Then I got the call from my brother asking me if I wanted to join him for dinner down the shore. After I declined, I was asked if I could walk his dog while he stayed at the shore with his wife and friends. So off I went to see Rufus. Finally, dinner with the parents. I did good ordering the ceasar salad with salmon but then came the dreaded question... would anyone like dessert? Sure... the brownie sundae please with three spoons. So much for will power. Well, tomorrow is another day. I actually will be busy cooking pancakes (regular, chocolate chip and banana walnut) for a breakfast for my husband's church fundraiser. I am already telling myself .... no pancakes, eggs only. We'll see what happens.

Yes I am a Newcomer ... Reaction to Chapters

2007-02-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

One focal point of the chapters is that reading and writing are not the basis for being literate. Literacy encompasses so many more notions than being able to decode and encode. It has to do with being able to use and process information for both yourself and the world around you including both social and cultural aspects. The 'three-dimensional,' model discussed in chapter one touched upon literacy as being (1) operational (2)cultural and (3)critical. First you must be able to understand the material. Second you must be able to find the meaning behind it. Lastly, you must be able to understand how and when to use the information in different situations. The second chapter was both interesting and concerning to me for I realized that I am an 'newcomer' looking in on all of these 'insiders' saying what in the world is 'Googlewhacking'? I am definitely one who feels so much more comfortable with a pen and paper or book in hand rather than my laptop. I find myself feeling as though I'd like to get a pass into the 'insider' world but I constantly feel as though I am playing a game of catch-up. The world of 'literacy' is ever expanding as noted by the author into different areas including most importantly technology. We are now having to be literate in different ways which are not in the comfort zone that we are used to. The author's discussion of how 'mindset 1' individuals are used to using information that comes from specific sources that are knowledgeable in their field whereas 'mindset 2' individuals both gather and use information but also become part of it. The comparisons noted in the reading related the 'old' ideals' to that of the 'new' by enabling participants to give their input into such sites as Amazon, Wikipedia and Flickr.
With regards to 'new literacies/tecnology' and schools, the author discusses how educators use technology to create technology to perform tasks that they have done in different ways in the past including such things as creating classroom websites or using the internet to find information on topics being studied. The author does note that educators on the most part don't allow students to use technology in other ways across the curriculum moslty because educators are 'newcomers' themselves and that schools have safety concerns put limitations on what material students should use.
Technology is going to be increasingly important and evolving. It is going to be easier for those who have grown up with technology to continue to advance with what comes up in the next few months and years. I do feel that my first grade students know how to get on the computer and go web surfing to find websites to play on and to find information on. They have indeed grown up with a computer as just another item in their house. Besides computers, they have seen laptops and ipods as being another fun item to use. I myself still need an ipod and a camera phone.

2007-02-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone
Maybe someone can help.....I was able to do all of the readings but I can't get the podcast to work and everytime I try to leave a message on Dr. Dana's blog I get a Warning message. Any suggestions?

Thanks so much

Week 2 Article Responses

2007-02-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

This week's reading was quite interesting because it enabled me to realize the impact that technology has had on the youngest population. The first article that I read, Children Online: Learning in a virtual communtiy of practice by Angela Thomas, was discussing how important it is for students to have opportunities to learn from and with each other rather than from an 'expert'. As Thomas mentioned in his article, "a social theory of learning, then, is connected with learning and knowing within social particiapatory experiences". 1 Within the article, the author discusses how the students didn't even think about what they sere doing was learning but rather just a fun experience. The students took the iniative to gain insight into what they were doing on their own. Nobody hovered over them to say how to do this task, rather it was done for their own fun and enjoyment as well as the learning (secondary reward to them). The first thought that came to my mind with regards to this was my student teaching experience. Students sat at desks and the teacher 'taught'. Needless to say I learned from that experience what I did not want my classroom to be like. I then thought about how this model fits into my classroom in the way that I, the 'expert' instills ideas and then with guidance allows students to experience learning through interaction with each other. Everyday in my classroom, I feel that students do not only learn from me, through the modeling of skills and strategies, but through work with one another. I feel that students at a younger age, as are in my class, do need that 'expert' to teach them how and why. It is also our job to allow students to then take this 'how and why' and try to internalize it for themselves. Curriculum in our schools relate to both of the thetheories discussed, Wenger's and Vygotskian. First, we as teachers, need to tap students prior knowledge of what we are going to work on and then actually discuss and show examples related to these tasks. Then, after students have a grasp of the material, we can allow students to explore and see what they can do with it. Students may get it wrong but that's ok. That is part of the learning process and sometimes is the most important because it allows the student to try to problem solve what he/she did wrong. Maybe they can figure it out on their own or maybe they can work together to problem solve. As a teacher, it is your call of when to step in. Sometimes, educators feel the need to have it 'their way'. Some problems don't have just one answer. In terms of literacy, enabling students to think of their own characters and to create their own story is not only empowering to them but to you because you are able to see that spark ignite in them. Thier confidence blossoms along the way as they are able to see that they can do it. Students who are struggling may need more guidance, but that to is fine. When that day comes when they make the smallest stride on their own and they feel a sense of accomplishment, that is a great reward. The students discussed in this study allowed themselves to experience this endeavor and when they needed someone's guidance they got it.

The second article that I read, What Next? Toddler Netizens, Playstation Thumb, Techno-literacies written by Carmen Luke, discussed (1)how much is out there for children , parents and educators to utilize as well as process both (2) how the marketing of technological material to families is a big business but the learning aspects of the material can be misleading because of all of the choices (3) how technology throughout the years have been looked at as being downfalls because of the effects they would have on the poulation at the time as well as in the future (4) the article detailed the differences in access to techonology and how schools have an impact on bridging this gap. I do agree with the author that there is so much out there that it gets confusing as to what is good material to use within the classroom and/or at home for parents to use with their children. Children want to get their favorite characters game or get what their friends have but these may not be the best choice. With regards to access of technology, it is important for schools to provide the opportunity for everyone to get experience with technology. Technology seems to improve each day and there is always a new 'toy' to use, whether it's a digital camera or new program. For those who can afford it and can learn how to use it will be more prepared for further technology in the years to come. For those who got into using technology later (myself for example) it always feels like a catch-up game. I get an idea how to use one new piece of tecnology and here's a new one to replace it.

The third and final article, the study done by Rideout, Vandwater and Wartella titled ZERO to SiIX Electronic Media in the Lives of Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers, looked at how and what forms of technology impacts the lives of youngsters in this age group. The key issue at hand in this article is as technology is utilized more what other activites get used less and what is the impact of this. The results were intersting and also somewhat expected because we as adults are exposed to so much so we can expect children to be too. The article noted that "the academy of pediatrics recommended that children under two not watch any tv and that all children over two be limited to one to two hours of educational screen media a day". 2 WOW! How often has this recommendation been broken? What do they consider educational? After talking to my friend about this who has two small children, she had followed this guideline the best she could but after the second child came ... in went the Barney videos. With parents having so much to do in so little time it is understandable that the television is used to keep children occupied. It was good that the data showed someone around when the television was on but in many cases as the children get older, this may not be the case. The blockers that parents can now put on their television viewing is quite comforting though. Different types of media do have an impact on students and they don't even know what it means. An example was my niece who is 9 who said "this is my favorite song" and was singing all of the lyrics to Permiscuos Girl. As educators, we can utilize different mediums as writing ideas (favorite tv character) or write about our experiences using a computer or watching a movie (give a review of why you liked or didn't like it and why). I feel that as technology continues to advance, students will spend more time with it but will also continue to have their playdates and soccer team practices. Childhood has changed but it also did as we were growing up just not as quickly. Our generation is also having fun with the new toys out there; we just need to learn how to use them.

References
Rideout, V., Vandewater, E. and Wartella, E. (2005) ZERO to SIX Electronic Media in the Lives of Toddlers and Preschoolers, p13
Thomas, A. (2005) Children Online: Learning in a Virtual Community of Practice, p 28

2007-01-25T18:02:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! First of all, I am very thankful that I was able to sign in and log into my blog and make this first posting. Yeah! So this leads me to what my hopes and concerns are for this class. I hope that I can learn about 'new' techology (to me) and actually utilize it for both myself and for my classroom. My concerns are based on my response above... I find technology somewhat intimidating. By working within a class such as this one, I hope that I feel much more comfortable and confident with technology. As I continue to work on my Master's, I know that the more I know with regards to technology and it's role in literacy development and reinforcement the better I will be as an educator. I hope to learn as much as I can! I have to say that although I was having some difficulty during the last class with getting started with my blog, my classmates and yourself were very helpful. So with this support ... I think I'll be OK.