Virtual Fieldtrip response

Yes, it is terrific to have the technology that can take a science class in California, for example, to the super- collider in Switzerland to learn about atomic particle "smashing" and actually witness scientists conducting an experiment! With today's school budgets under attack and our economy not turning around as quickly as we had hoped, field trips are practically a remnant from our past. These virtual fieldtrips allow us to jump hurdles over travel expenses and museum entrance fees. As long as our schools have the technology, the world is ours.

Computing in the Clouds article

In Doug Johnson's article, "Computing in the Clouds," he offers budget strapped institutions (our schools) the option of using network based computing or cloud computing for their technology needs. This type of network computing saves money because all programs and files are not stored on the individual's computer, but in a network system located in a centralized location--the district's intranet, or as the author points out, the Internet itself! The school would not have to invest in expensive hardware or programs as they h can have access to the network by using less powerful computers such as netbooks and the programs would be free over the network. Since all files would be stored on the network, they could be accessed at home or at school--no need to save on flash drives. The author explains how he tried "living in the cloud" for a few months by using various web based programs and a 10-inch ASUS 1000HA netbook. He explained that except for writing long manuscripts, he could do just fine living on the network. He also mentioned that in many districts, gradebooks, reporting systems and other management systems are already web based. I agree with this author that once people consider and solve any privacy and security issues, Cloud Computing will be the wave of the future in our schools. It's practically a win-win situation: students can have access to lessons and research sources both at home and at school; teachers can collaborate freely with one another in one school as well as with teachers beyond our borders; and just about all programs and data space will the free. That is, if and when program providers start charging for their products. That's a possibility if their advertising fees don't sustain their profits. School districts have considerations too. Teachers will need to be trained in various applications and strategies to use this technological workhorse. Will they be willing to learn? Let's hope so. I am! Our school piloted a web based gradekeeping and attendance reporting program in the past year and it has really made those processes so much easier. No more filling out grade report cards by hand, no more "bubbling-in" daily attendance sheets. Another plus is the ability to input grades at home--not staying late to input or keeping a manual record to be keyed in later. As a science teacher, I would genuinely appreciate the ability to regularly use computers in the classroom for lab applications, data gathering and report writing (utilizing NETS and Performance Indicators #3,4 and 6) In addition, the possibility of using the system for cooperative learning projects with other schools (NETS #2). Using them in the classroom would also save time from having to move the students to a computer lab. I would encourage the use of web-based programs in our schools to save money and keep our teachers and students current in the advances in technology.

11:22 PM 

Speak Up 2009: Creating Our Future: Students Speak Up about their Vision for 21st Learning article

I found this article very interesting, because it reports evidence from the results of  the Speak Up 2009 surveys for K-12 students, teachers, and parents that in order to keep our nation from falling behind in the world, we must educate our students not from the familiar lecture, note-taking, paper test route, BUT by utilizing the vast innovations we possess.  Our nation's children have been exposed to and therefore, are adept at using "communication and collaboration tools",  These tools need to be used by teachers to create meaningful projects and assignments that students would be interested in doing.
What really jumped out at me was the image of a classroom where students could freely use the internet via classroom computers or their ipods that have internet capability.  Having students being able to use these devices is such a 180 degree turn around.  I like the idea of students learning by working cooperatively or independently on these devices as they are the "tools" of our world.  As long as students can focus on their work and not wander to unrelated topics or "unsafe" sites, this should be a most productive endeavor for our country.