With technology growing in use in the classrooms, teachers must be aware of things that they will encounter. Every teacher must evaluate programs and decide what works for them. One of these such programs is virtual schools. There are many pros and cons of having virtual schools.
Virtual schools have many perks. First of all, the classes are flexible. Students can do things on their own time as long as they are turned in by a specified deadline. Second, the environment is very comfortable for students. They can work at home, at their own desk or on the couch. Wherever they feel the most comfortable is where they can work and this can help them do well on their assignments. Third, the online courses are accredited by the states and are very valid. They are similar to regular classes. Fourth, there are mentors and tutors available for help online pretty much all the time. Students are never left in the dark. Finally, virtual schools offer an alternative to regular schools for those students that just don't enjoy school life. It gives them an opportunity to succeed in their own way.
However, not every aspect of virtual schools are good. First of all, virtual schools provide no opportunity for student socialization or making friends. Students will not have much to do if they don't know anybody. Secondly, there is no one on one time with teachers. This means that students are really missing out on a strong relationship that could be very useful for them. Third, virtual schools cost money that some people may not be able to afford. This puts some students who need a school alternative at a very big disadvantage. Fourth, along with this point, some students will not have computer or internet access, meaning that they cannot enroll in virtual schools, as not all of the schools provide equipment. Finally, virtual schools might not look as good for prospective jobs and other future engagements.
Students readiness can be determined by many things. It will be obvious if a student is not doing well in a regular school. This would be a time to explore other options for that student to ensure that they will be able to succeed as well. To teach at a virtual school, you would need the resources available and you would need to have time to respond to questions that your online students might have. They are depending on you around the clock, as they are working on their own time, not yours.
Virtual schools can be seen as a good thing for some students, but not all. There are many things to think about as a teacher, parent, or a student when it comes to how you get your education.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Emerging Technologies
The way that we see teaching is changing with the times. Technology is becoming something that is more and more commonly used in the classroom as computers and internet access are becoming available to more schools. There are many different things that are emerging and I will discuss a few of them that I thought were interesting.
The first of which is meant to teach students about using the internet. The Global Virtual Classroom is a collection of online activities and resources for students all around the world. It helps to bring technology into the classroom while connecting students to people that they might not be able to talk with. This teaches students to use the internet and is a safe zone for them. More information about this can be found at www.virtualclassroom.org.
I feel as though networks like this will have a great effect on my teaching. I will be able to teach in new ways and allow students to find their own information about things while connecting with other students. I will change lessons to incorporate technology and be able to feel comfortable with the fact that my students are safe on the internet. The students themselves will gain a sense of independence from being able to go online and find information. They will build confidence in themselves as well as learn to navigate on the internet.
A second emerging technology that I found to be interesting is e-books. There are many online at www.ebooks.com as well as other sites. E-books are online books that can be downloaded or viewed on a computer. There are many different types, from fiction to nonfiction, from textbooks to books for fun.
As a teacher, being able to quickly access books that may help my students will be very useful. I will need to be able to find information for them without searching a library. It will be a good chance to find what I am looking for right from my own classroom. Also, using e-books means that there is less hassle with paper books and e-books are available right away. Students will be able to access their texts with just a click of a few buttons. There will be no more struggling to remember heavy textbooks.
A final technology, and the one that I found the most interesting is iLife, from the Apple company. The information about it can be found at www.apple.com/education/products/ipod. This is a program that is run from an ipod. It contains many different types of curriculum and is fun for students. They can create and share knowledge with other students. There are quizzes and preparation activities that you can use with students.
As a teacher, it is always fun to be able to find new and fun ways for students to learn. I enjoyed finding this because I had no idea it existed. I would love to bring something like this into my classroom and I feel as though students would enjoy it. Ipods are growing in popularity and something like this program just makes sense. Students would be able to use technologies that they have for fun in an educational sense. They would enjoy activities on an ipod.
Emerging technologies are changing our classrooms, in a good way. There are many different types of technologies today that I have not discussed. Every teacher and future teacher should take the time to find out what is truly out there at their fingertips.
The first of which is meant to teach students about using the internet. The Global Virtual Classroom is a collection of online activities and resources for students all around the world. It helps to bring technology into the classroom while connecting students to people that they might not be able to talk with. This teaches students to use the internet and is a safe zone for them. More information about this can be found at www.virtualclassroom.org.
I feel as though networks like this will have a great effect on my teaching. I will be able to teach in new ways and allow students to find their own information about things while connecting with other students. I will change lessons to incorporate technology and be able to feel comfortable with the fact that my students are safe on the internet. The students themselves will gain a sense of independence from being able to go online and find information. They will build confidence in themselves as well as learn to navigate on the internet.
A second emerging technology that I found to be interesting is e-books. There are many online at www.ebooks.com as well as other sites. E-books are online books that can be downloaded or viewed on a computer. There are many different types, from fiction to nonfiction, from textbooks to books for fun.
As a teacher, being able to quickly access books that may help my students will be very useful. I will need to be able to find information for them without searching a library. It will be a good chance to find what I am looking for right from my own classroom. Also, using e-books means that there is less hassle with paper books and e-books are available right away. Students will be able to access their texts with just a click of a few buttons. There will be no more struggling to remember heavy textbooks.
A final technology, and the one that I found the most interesting is iLife, from the Apple company. The information about it can be found at www.apple.com/education/products/ipod. This is a program that is run from an ipod. It contains many different types of curriculum and is fun for students. They can create and share knowledge with other students. There are quizzes and preparation activities that you can use with students.
As a teacher, it is always fun to be able to find new and fun ways for students to learn. I enjoyed finding this because I had no idea it existed. I would love to bring something like this into my classroom and I feel as though students would enjoy it. Ipods are growing in popularity and something like this program just makes sense. Students would be able to use technologies that they have for fun in an educational sense. They would enjoy activities on an ipod.
Emerging technologies are changing our classrooms, in a good way. There are many different types of technologies today that I have not discussed. Every teacher and future teacher should take the time to find out what is truly out there at their fingertips.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
WebQuest Discussion
After discussing the research on WebQuests, this is what my group talked about:
We all pretty much agreed that WebQuests provided a good opportunity for students to work together or alone in order to come to a self discovery about the topic. It allows a wide variety of lessons and topics and is easy to use.
One thought that my group opened my eyes to was the fact that the WebQuests provide a nice way to introduce the internet as a research tool to students.
Something that I thought about and shared with the group was the idea that lessons like this can give the students a chance to be independent and work towards a goal that can leave them feeling accomplished and confident. The teacher can provide as much or as little help as needed, however the WebQuests are very easy to follow.
Something that I would like to find out about the WebQuests is whether or not they are sorted by age well enough that it will work. I mean, I would think that it depends on the school, and the area, and such. That would make it harder to find a good lesson for students.
We all pretty much agreed that WebQuests provided a good opportunity for students to work together or alone in order to come to a self discovery about the topic. It allows a wide variety of lessons and topics and is easy to use.
One thought that my group opened my eyes to was the fact that the WebQuests provide a nice way to introduce the internet as a research tool to students.
Something that I thought about and shared with the group was the idea that lessons like this can give the students a chance to be independent and work towards a goal that can leave them feeling accomplished and confident. The teacher can provide as much or as little help as needed, however the WebQuests are very easy to follow.
Something that I would like to find out about the WebQuests is whether or not they are sorted by age well enough that it will work. I mean, I would think that it depends on the school, and the area, and such. That would make it harder to find a good lesson for students.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
About Me
My name is Kanyon Thomsen but I go by Kandi and I have always wanted to teach, ever since falling in love with my kindergarten teacher. I grew up in Montana and came to Washington my high school years. I love children and have been working in daycares for over two years. I am the middle of three girls in my family and am excited to have a brand new nephew that I love dearly. I look forward to finishing up my schooling at WSU, a place that I adore.
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