Open Source Education

Open source education offers students the option of taking their classes online versus the classroom.  After viewing the video I do see the benefits of open source education.  One student mentioned that he competes in different states so that works for him.  A parent commented that her daughter is working at an orphanage in China and she is able to still do her classes with open source. I think that it's wonderful that students are able to have these experiences while finishing high school.

When I first read about it I felt as if it wouldn't be as interactive.  After listening to the teachers who are using this method I no longer have that concern. The teachers stated they feel that it is more interactive, they are able to adjust the information based on the students’ level and they have the option of more one on one interaction with students who need additional help.  This for most teachers can be almost impossible in a traditional classroom.

The one thing that I wasn't convinced about was the socialization.  Although I do like the idea and would consider open source for my own children I don't really see how students will improve their social skills.  Now, speaking as a mother I worry about the influences and peer pressure that my children may encounter.  So, for me open source sounds like something I would be interested in.  But the truth is I also know my children have to experience life and they do need to have interactions with their peers in order to learn and grow. 

Top 10 Reason's to Use a Blog in the Classroom

Using Blogs to Integrate Technology in the Classroom

Hey All!! 

I decided to make this post about how blogs can be used in the classroom.  This was my first blog but it won't be my last.  The article pointed out a lot of what I've already learned by just creating my blog.  A blog is a great way for teachers to communicate information and a great way to introduce students to technology. 
Although teachers have their individual web page on their school websites; a blog will be a way the entire class can work together.

The article points out the Educational Benefits of Blogs as:

* Highly motivating to students, especially those who otherwise might not become participants in classrooms.
* Excellent opportunities for students to read and write.
* Effective forums for collaboration and discussion.
* Powerful tools to enable scaffold learning or mentoring to occur.

All of these are important to our students but the one that really stuck out to me was that blogs are "an excellent opportunity for students to read and write".  Text and instant messaging have become so popular amongst this generation.  The one requirement I will have for my students is that they don't use the short codes they use in text and instant messaging.  Writing is extremely important yet teachers are not given enough time to teach the subject.  Using a Blog with our students can help develop writers in our classroom.

Think of how rewarding this will be!!

'Email has become the new snail mail'

In this article she states that the shift from email to IM is creeping into the workplace communication.  I can completely agree with her on that. I've been with my current employer for 10years and I can remember when email was our main source of communication. Although we still use email we have a new application on our systems called QLink. This is an Instant Messenger system that is now our main form of communication.  I admit it's easier and a lot faster than email. I doubt we will ever stop using email because like the article mentions it's an excellent way to keep records and send mass emails.  But I must admit I'm excited to see what happens in the next 10years.

Introduction

WOW!  This was my first time creating a blog and it was a lot easier that I thought it would be.  I'm excited about making my blog as interesting and appealing as possible.  See I'm on a new career path. After several years out of school I've decided to go back to pursue my masters in elementary education. I'm hoping this blog will help me connect with other students and educators as I continue on this journey.  Feel free to provide tips, your own experiences, thoughts and questions. It's our journey, let's go!