Imagine you are given a website to go to with tutorials for learning a new technology software/program. Say, it is Google Docs or wikidot. Whatever, the program, you have click on each mini video presentation that lasts anywhere from 1:44 to 2:35 minutes (estimates). You have to watch about 25 of these or so.. Then, you go and try to use the technology you used for real. And, you find out, that it isn't the same at all. What happened?
The fast pace of technology changes is rapid. Is it too fast? Once a company posts new information on the programs, it is almost obsolete because changes are occurring so fast. One may ask, why keep making changes? Who can keep up? If a person wants to be on technology savvy, and know the latest, what should they do? Well, I realize, that not everyone wants to know all the latest. I certainly don't, but
I want to know enough to keep me in the link.
Now, back to that website I mentioned, isn't there a better way? Taking a class with a teacher who can provide individual attention is more my style. I think that's why I am taking on-ground classes instead of
online. I need that person-to-person interaction and feedback. Ever try to read emotion in an email?
Without emoticons (and who is going to put those all through the email after every sentence?) words in text can't express what a person's voice can say.
You may wonder, how did I do with the new program I learned. Well, enough of what I could from the tutorials, then I learned much more on my own using the real program. It was Google Docs. I spent a lot of time learning how to use it, and I am very pleased to say that I created my Professional Portfolio presentation and another presentation for my Master's class.
Yes, technology is a wonderful thing. I love using technology, but when it kicks me, I'm down for a while, but I will always find a way to get back up. I'm that resourceful. I will find the answers, and I will work to find a solution. And not with a tutorial, but with a real person-me, a telephone call or a teacher.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Digital Citizenship
As an art teacher, and an educator, it is my responsibility to teach students in my class how to learn and use technology in a proper manner. The term digital citizenship is a new term to the education system. Teachers and administrators are learning that students need to be taught how to act appropriately when using technology. This means when they are not only on computers, but cell phones and other technological devices.
What is digital citizenship? My personal feeling is that digital citizenship occurs the minute you begin using a computer to send messages, emails, use Facebook, Twitter or when using other technology. Being a citizen means doing good things for the community or other people. It also means being respectful to others. Digital citizenship then means treating others the way you would want to be treated. Proper etiquette, like saying please and thank you, how to send emails, cell phone usage, and protecting their security while online are important tools students need to know now.
A concept called REP (Respect, Educate and Protect) is as simple as the Golden Rule. Like the Golden Rule, teaching students how to be respectful of themselves and others, how to educate themselves and connect with others, and how to protect themselves and others is the goal. Another important set of information for students to learn are the Nine Themes of Digital Citizenship. A short explanation of each is below. In regards to how everyone uses technology, the themes state that everyone should have access to:
1) electronic access to participate in society
2) Internet shopping and/or selling of goods
3) to send information electronically
4) learn how to use technology
5) learn how to use technology using proper etiquette
6) be responsible for their action (ethics) online
7) express freedom of speech
8) be taught the dangers of using technology
9) guarding their private and personal information
How does this affect my students, me, and the society we live in? Learning these nine themes can mean we can all live as the Golden Rule teaches: by my actions, I am demonstrating how I want to be known and respected as a person in society. If you do the same, we will get a long just fine. REP--three words that are very powerful; just like the Golden Rule.
What is digital citizenship? My personal feeling is that digital citizenship occurs the minute you begin using a computer to send messages, emails, use Facebook, Twitter or when using other technology. Being a citizen means doing good things for the community or other people. It also means being respectful to others. Digital citizenship then means treating others the way you would want to be treated. Proper etiquette, like saying please and thank you, how to send emails, cell phone usage, and protecting their security while online are important tools students need to know now.
A concept called REP (Respect, Educate and Protect) is as simple as the Golden Rule. Like the Golden Rule, teaching students how to be respectful of themselves and others, how to educate themselves and connect with others, and how to protect themselves and others is the goal. Another important set of information for students to learn are the Nine Themes of Digital Citizenship. A short explanation of each is below. In regards to how everyone uses technology, the themes state that everyone should have access to:
1) electronic access to participate in society
2) Internet shopping and/or selling of goods
3) to send information electronically
4) learn how to use technology
5) learn how to use technology using proper etiquette
6) be responsible for their action (ethics) online
7) express freedom of speech
8) be taught the dangers of using technology
9) guarding their private and personal information
How does this affect my students, me, and the society we live in? Learning these nine themes can mean we can all live as the Golden Rule teaches: by my actions, I am demonstrating how I want to be known and respected as a person in society. If you do the same, we will get a long just fine. REP--three words that are very powerful; just like the Golden Rule.
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