Poll of the Week

Does skipping a grade help gifted students, or harm them? It's interesting that only yesterday morning we had this same discussion in one of my education classes. One girl in class had been placed a grade ahead and said that except for some teasing early on, she really didn't suffer and wasn't irreperably damaged. I don't think that it should hurt the student and the idea that they can't fit in socially doesn't seem to fly in the face of reality. I think it's worse simply because it isn't done on a more regular basis. If it was, then the social stigma would disappear. Parents with gifted children are generally more aware and eager to help their student adapt to their new environment. Sensitivity among the teachers would also help. As some of the people mentioned anyway, it is not as if everyone is exactly the same age in the same grade; some can be up to eleven months apart. As technology becomes more integrated into curriculums this may become easier to do.

Learning as an antidote to violence

A short article on the effects of one woman's progress in changing student's actions from violent to engaged, through the use of technology. I was initially interested because the woman is located in Colombia, SA and I have relatives there, though not in Medillin where she is. I was interested in reading the interview to find out more only to discover upon clicking the link that it is in Spanish. Relatives that speak Spanish does not mean that I do. It does seem, however, from the article, that by incorporating technology into the learning process the students were more engaged and active in their education. That has to lead to less activity elsewhere. It probably also raised the moral and self worth of the students making them less prone to acting out their frustrations because they could think them out. This educator has gone on to form a coalition of 16 nations which are building a common library of Latin American curriculum, and lowering costs by sharing technological development. My thought: sharing is good.

Can technologies replace teachers?

This was a recent poll question on the Edutopia home page that I just couldn't help going to because I wanted to see the reactions. Most were similar to what I would have answered, that we'll always need real people, someone has to teach you how to turn on and run the technology, etc. I know that technology is becoming more and more sophisticated, but until it reaches the point of those robots in AI, I seriously doubt that humans can be replaced. Even then, we hope there needs to be someone there to make the robots. I say hope, because I've read R.U.R., one of the very first robot stories ever published. They actually coined the word robot. Anyway, I believe that as long as there are people like me, we will always need teachers like Prof. Zoom. Your job is safe!

Friend or Foe? Tech Staff and Teachers don't Always Get Along

My first impression upon reading the title was a slightly sarcastic, Really? I guess that goes to show that I've had some problems in the past and have been privy to the griping of teachers about tech support also. I've read the initial post and then the follow up ones. It appears that either you're in a school that is supportive or you're in a school where the decisions are being made out of fear, lack of time, lack of concern, or lack of knowledge. I can't say that I personally would want the job of a tech support person, (and no one would offer it, since I know next to nothing anyway), but it doesn't keep me from having my opinions.
My first opinion is that there needs to be more communication. Teachers need to communicate to the board or administation or whoever makes the rules and also to the tech support. Everyone needs to know why these things that are being blocked would be helpful in the classroom.
One post said that their tech support people are former teachers. That isn't such a bad idea. The old walk a mile in my shoes always helps. At least they would feel a little less like they were speaking two different languages and the teachers, though not getting all they want, may be more inclined to be a little less harsh on someone who knows what they are up against.
I doubt there is a one size fits all answer. There are too many issues being dealt with at too many different levels. Trying to protect children from internet sites that may not be appropriate (thanks COPA), while at the same time allowing access to those items that are educational is a tricky situation.

why?

Why am I not showing any new blogs from class? Can't find links or any posts. Something wrong?

Using Technology to Support LEP Student's Learning

This is a rather lengthy critical article pertaining to the positive effects that using technology in the classroom can provide for the LEP (Limited-English-Proficient) student. It reiterates what many other articles have said about the use of technology in the classroom, namely that technology in and of itself is not the primary goal, that students have greater access to more information, cognitive skills are enhanced, students can work at their own pace and within their own realms of interest. " Through technology, LEP students can learn in a rich linguistic environment and find opportunities to interact with the multicultural world, extend their language skills, and not be embarrassed for not knowing answers"(Padrón & Waxman, 1996, p. 344; Lee, 2000). In other words, it greatly helps build on their confidence.
The article lists TESOL standards, explains what is expected of LEP students, and lists differing reasons and support from different accounts on the benefits of technology to these students.
My interest in this stems from my interest in LEP students and my hope to work with them in the future.

Palm Pilots Help Kids Cope

This article about using hand held devices to help autistic children seems like a plus to me. I've known some autistics and this sort of help does appear as if it could lower their barriers making not only education but socialization more within their grasp. It could also help other low functioning kids through the use of homework reminders and alarms. Having information about how to behave in different social settings could be beneficial to more than just autistics.