Cyber bullying

http://www.edutopia.org/cyberbullying

This is a journal article from the website edutopia. It talks about the harmful effects that cyber bullying can have on children. It was written to bring about awareness of the increasing issues of cyber bullying. The article is centered around adolescent girls and how children aren't taught at a young age to be kind and to feel empathy for others. It talks about how these young girls have to power to ruin other girls lives just with the power of a keystroke.

This article is written by a woman named Kaley Noonan, she is the program manager of Zoey's Room, which is an online education community for girls ages 10-14 designed to encourage their interest in science, technology, engineering, and math. She is also gives workshops to adolescent girls about such topics as cyber bullying. This article was written in 2007 which still makes it a credible relevant source.

I agree with everything that Kaley said in her article, every child needs to be taught at a young age about how to be empathetic to others and the way to be kind. Its a shame that kids have to cyber bully each other and so many kids are victim to it. Its sad enough that kids have to deal with it in person, but then they have to go home and see hurtful things on the internet about them is terrible. I think there should be school policies and laws against cyber bullying because its wrong and should be stopped.


http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=26038&title=Cyber_Bullying_PSA_video

This is a video about cyber bullying from the teachertube website, which was uploaded in April of 2008. It is a video describing the harmful effects of cyber bullying and shows statistics and graphics about cyber bullying. It also says great things about how victims of cyber bullying are not alone and that they should not be afraid to speak out and ask for help from the cyber bullies.

This video was made by a student named Elizabeth Amann which i think makes her a great expert about this topic figuring students are the main group of people who are effected by cyber bullying. It is a accurate video and is very up to date even with the current times being two years old. Some statistics might have changed in two years but the message is still the same and the video still has a great effect.

I like this video alot because i think it would be a great video to show to kids, its not long and it will keep their attention immensely. Cyber bullying is one of those things that is hard to prevent and unfortunately many kids fall victim to it everyday. I like in the video how it shows that kids shouldn't be afraid to come out and ask for help and speak up about falling victim to the cyber bullying.

Online Predators

Collier, Anne. "A Better Safety Net." School Library Journal 55.11 (2009): 36-38. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 13 May 2010.

This article is about creating a better online saefty for our students. The author calls it "Online Safety 3.0." The article talks about the facts of predartos online and some of the issues surrounding them. According to this article physical predadation rarely happens. This article was written to bring awarness to growing saftely issues on the internet and how we need to improve safely aweness to fit individules.

The author, Anne Collier is editor of NetFamilyNews.org. She is also "cochair of the Ohama administration's Online Safety & Technology Working Group." This information is according to my findings very accurate and up to date.

Online predadation is a very real risk and safelt issues. I agreed 100% with the articles "Online Safety 3.0." Students need awerness to relate to them in order to avoid potential predators and other online safety issues.


Tedeschi, Bob. "5 Mistakes (Even Smart) Kids Make Online." Good Housekeeping 249.2 (2009): 107-112. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 13 May 2010.

This article focuses on 5 stakes made by students online. It gives statistics and advice on how to avoid falling prey to these 5 mistakes including online predators. this article is to help protect children online and to halp make parents and teachers aware of the threats.
The article is written by Bob Tedeschi who writes for Good Houskeeping Mazine. The Tips he gave were very informative and accurate. They were also current and easily understood.
I found this article to be extremely helpful! At one time or another I have to admit that I've committed almost all of those mistakes. Mr. Tedeschi's article was very easy to comprehend and extremely well writen for parents and teachers alike.

Handheld Technology in Schools...Yes or No?

"Advantages and Concerns of Handheld Technologies for School Use." LEARN NC. Web. 13 May 2010. .

The article that I have decided to write on is about having some advantages and disadvantages to having handheld devices with internet access in schools. A few of the advantages that were discussed in this article were the cost, the availability, media storage, and the simplicity of it all. With the availability to the students to have this piece of technology at their finger tips it allows students to be able to interact more quickly with each other and more conveniently. However with every advantage come disadvantages. A few of those were listed as being the screen sizes, distractions, tech support, safety and replacement issues with data, identity and basic theft.
Personally, I think when it comes to using handheld technology in computers it’s something that I’ve thought about but not to the fullest extent. It does seem like a pricy option to equip every student with this piece of equipment. I truly believe until computers or phones can be bought in full with all anti-virus protection, and the necessary available software that the students will use, for a very cheap price the use of having every student have one of these will not be in effect. One thing that can be brought up, is that the students can pay for these and it’s theirs to keep, but not all parents will be able to afford this equipment. Until they are really at a cheaper price, I don’t see this happening with all students in schools.



Curtis, Diane. "Handhelds Go to Class: Using PDAs in Many Ways | Edutopia." K-12 Education & Learning Innovations with Proven Strategies That Work | Edutopia. 12 Mar. 2002. Web. 13 May 2010. .

This article discussed the use of technology and personal digital assistants into the classrooms with students. The article pointed out many different advantages to this PDA by its wide range of different uses in the school building. For example, it can be able to determine the fit of a student in gym class, or art classes you are able to make animated drawings, and easy look up information for your social studies report. It also eliminates the wait of students to use a computer lab and can have this access at their fingertips 24/7. With the use of PDA’s in the classroom, students find it the “cool” way to learn. It’s a lot more interesting and hands on rather then sitting there and reading from a book, or writing down notes on a piece of paper.
Personally, I think technology is good to an extent in the classroom. As for PDA’s I probably need to do a little more research about it before committing on a final answer. I understand how much technology has began dropping in price over the years, however, I still believe that for each student to possess one that it is still a little too expensive. The idea is good and if schools supply these for their students in a way that they are shared, or if students like we do in college, had their own jump drives that would be a good idea and cheaper. Technology is ALWAYS changing to keep up with it in full is almost impossible, especially schools where sometimes it is hard to get funding for these grants.

I found this video on youtube. I hope you guys check it out. The end of it is really mind blowing!

Characteristics of Successful Online Students

The University of Illinois, Illinois Online Network and the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois ;
Retrieved May 10, from: http://www.ion.uillinois.edu/resources/tutorials/pedagogy/studentprofile.asp


Being that I am an online student, I decided to research what it takes to be a successful student, for its relevance, and to see what I could potentially add to my skill set. I feel that the better I am at being an online student, the better I will eventually become at being an online teacher, should that be the career path I go down. At the very least, I will end up a better, more informed online student. I reviewed the website from The University of Illinois. In general, the online student should possess the following qualities:
• Be open minded about sharing life, work, and educational experiences as part of the learning process.
• Be able to communicate through writing.
• Be Self-motivated and self-disciplined.
• Be willing to "speak up" if problems arise.
• Be willing and able to commit to 4 to 15 hours per week per course.
• Be able to meet the minimum requirements for the program.
• Accept critical thinking and decision making as part of the learning process.
• Have practically unlimited access to a computer and Internet Service.
• Be able to think ideas through before responding.
• Feel that high quality learning can take place without going to a traditional classroom.

Characteristics of successful online students Part 2

Characteristics of successful online students Part 2
Thursday, May 06, 2010 9:29 PM
Characteristics of successful online students.

The information I located on characteristics of successful online students was located at: http://www.mesastate.edu/online/characteristics.html . I found this site using the Yahoo Search Engine.

"Characteristics of a Successful Online Student". http://www.mesastate.edu/online/characteristics.html Web 5 May 2010.

This information was set out in outline form with four heading in bold. The article pointed out the characteristics, with certain ones standing out. A successful online student will be an "active participant", have access to a computer and internet, be comfortable with written communication, lets the instructor know when they encounter a problem, have critical and decision making skills, check e-mail regularly, interact with classmates, keep up with assignments in a timely manner and like any successful student, ask questions. Most importantly, they should enjoy the process.

Characteristics of successful online students

Characteristics of successful online students
Thursday, May 06, 2010 9:53 PM
Sage Advice: Students Teach Tech

"Sage Advice: Students Teach Tech l Edutopia". Creative Commons BY-NC-ND License. http://www.edutopia.org/sage-advice-students-teaching-teachnology Web 5 May 2010.

* The gist of this article is that the characteristics of a successful online student are closely intertwined with a student being a successful online teacher, even to the teacher, at times. It reflects what we learned in our technology class, that often it is the teacher learning from the students, and this is a prime characteristic of a successful online learner. Students challenge themselves as well as others , if they are successful online learners. These students have powerful group and social skills. Successful online students coach each other. What an uplifting message, much like what I have experienced with my classmates and group partners in our LCCC Education Technology Course.

Future of Learning

Markus, David, Up Front: Dive into the Future of Learning. Retrived May 10, 2010 from: http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-overview

Parents live with it. Teachers see it daily. You can't observe young people and not notice how smoothly and seamlessly they dive into new Web 2.0 communication technologies. With a flick of the cell phone, they share more texts, photos, music, and video than any other demographic group on Earth.
A decade ago, kids led the charge to Napster and IM and then to MySpace, Facebook, and Flickr. Now, they're on to Flip, Twitter, and Wii. Youth are encamped at the farthest outpost of digital technology -- and you can be sure they'll be on to the next cool thing quicker than you can say "Guitar Hero World Tour."
Where does that leave us not-quite-young folks? Some of us grouse about the bewildering circus of gadgets, games, and groups intruding on our social circles. Others long to join in the fun -- if only someone would show us how. Either way, the teachers, moms, and dads among us find ourselves on the outside peering into a world we neither know nor understand. Too often, we draw conclusions that miss the point -- and the promise -- of what these new communication tools offer.
Sound familiar? Perhaps it's time for all of us to explore the Web 2.0 frontier. Throughout this site, you'll meet unique kids who will show you how they've mastered digital tools. They'll show you how they create, collaborate, and teach in ways that kids before them could scarcely imagine.
As you watch and listen, you'll learn, too. If you're an educator, you'll understand how digital tools are changing the classroom. You'll find practical ideas on how to leverage the unique skills of this generation. If you're a parent, you'll access ideas and resources about how to support, protect, and better guide our children as we all continue to explore the digital age.
Have fun, and don't forget to email, text, or tweet (@EdutopiaDG). We're all on this journey together.

Annotation:
Before taking this class I found myself just doing what I needed to, to get by in the realm of technology. By taking this class I have found myself diving more and more into the world of technology finding out as much as I can about how things work and what I will be able to use to hlep myself out. I think it is our job a future educators to know and understand everything we can about how to utilize technology in the education field, if not now but maybe even as we are in the process of teaching. We need to stay up on the times and technology to better educate ourselves as well as the students we are educating. Technology is the future and if we embrace it and utilize it we will not only teach ourselves but continue the to educate the students, their parents, friends, and whomever they come in contact with. This article and video clips gives us ideas and ways to continue our technological educational push towards the future, we don't all need to be digital immigrants anymore.

Digital Divide

Levin,D. and Arafeh, S, "The Digital Disconnect." 2002
American Institute for Research. Retrieved May 7,2010, from:
http://caret.iste.org/index.cfm

This article summarized information received from a study conducted by the American Institute for Research about the attitudes of Internet-using public middle and high school students in relation to schoolwork and learning that can take place online. The information was gathered from 200 essays submitted by students from diverse focus groups in DC, Detroit and San Diego.
The study indicated that students relied on the internet for virtual textbooks, reference, tutoring,study groups, a virtual guidance counselor and virtual locker, backpack, and notebook.
The report also states that students believe limited access to internet integration is a result of the following:
School Adminstrators who set the tone, wide variation of teacher policies and training, lack of home access to computers.
Although I am not familiar with the authors or the Institute specifically, I did retrieve the information from Caret - a credible source. The authors took into account the need for a racial and gender diverse focus group. I would have liked more specific information about the locations - DC and Detroit could be very similar whereas San Diego is not. The article is also dated. I would have preferred an article in the last 2 years.
I did not find this information profound. Perhaps because it is dated the information seemed obvious.


Ellis, Ken. "Trading Books for Bytes: Union City Public Schools." January 24, 2003
The George Lucas Educational Foundation. 2003
http://www.edutopia.org/union-city-public-schools

Annotation:
This short video features a group of Chicago teachers visiting a school district in New Jersey for the purpose of seeing first hand how a school district can quickly reverse failing test scores and student achievement to become one of the most successful districts in New Jersey. It features testimony from teachers, students and parents to illustrate how using technology immediately improved performance. It justified crossing the digital divide with amazing success stories.

Filmed in 2003, this video is a objective, documentary style feature. The author compiles independent accounts and collects the test scores from school administrators. I believe it is still relevant and although the technology itself would be outdated the point made about the Digital Divide is still purposeful.

I found the clip inspirational because it connects all people needed for student success with technology. It includes teachers who admit to being the immigrants who had been direct teaching for years and are loving the changes. This story is not just about students happy about achieving but teachers are happy about achieving. I love what the interviews say about student and web based projects vs. traditional teacher centered textbook learning.

Trading Books for Bytes:Union City Public School/ Union City ,New Jersey

Free running

Web 2.0 Tools

Web 2.0 Tools

Cyber Bullying and Harassment

Frontline "Growing Up Online" Online Video Clip, Teacher Tube. http://www.teachertube.com/members/viewVideo.php?video_id=153398. Accessed on 6 May 2010

• This video is from a documentary on Frontline titled "Growing Up Online." The video talks about a boy, Ryan Halligan who committed suicide because he was cyber bullied so many times, and could not take the harassment any more. This video is for students, to learn the consequences of cyber bullying and how they can be dire. It was written as awareness for other parents and students, and I feel that it was also written for Ryan's parents, to tell their side of the story.

• This video is based on a true story, so the video source is completely accurate. Also it is based off of a documentary, so the information has to be accurate for it to be true. The video is also pretty new, since Ryan committed suicide within the past five years.

• My impression of this topic is that cyber bullying is a terrible problem, the kids that cyber bully feel invincible, that they cannot get in trouble for words, and this video shows the effects that can happen with cyber bullying, and the dire consequences

Noonan, Kayley "She Used to be Pretty, School Harassment Goes Online"http://www.edutopia.org/cyberbullying, July 2007.

• This article is about the effects of bullying, especially with young girls. This article talks about the actual bullying itself, and it's example is with a girl, who's friend changed her "Myspace" account to say mean things about her. Also, it talked about the impulses of girls, and how they are quick to judge. This pertains to my topic, because it shows the affects of bullying, with girls particularity, and the offenses they can do. It also proved that girls are quick to judge, after the teacher showed them a picture of a celebrity, not looking her best, and the reactions they had.

• This article was written by a teacher, who also runs an online community for girls, so she has much expertise in the subject. Also, the teacher has much experience with dealing with girls, and even runs classes for cyberbullying.
  

• I can see where this teacher is coming from. From being a girl, I can see how girls are, online and in real life, so I can see this happening. Also, from being in middle school, I actually saw bullying like this happen, so I suppose that I am grateful for Kayley Noonan to write an article like this.

Virtual Schooling

Clark, Tom. “Virtual Schools: Trends and Issues.” Distance Learning Resource Network (2001). Web. May 7, 2010. http://www.wested.org/online_pubs/virtualschools.pdf

Although a bit dated, this site does a wonderful job giving a large overview of what virtual schooling is all about. It has graphs and in depth looks on various online academies all over the country. With online K-12 programs increasing all over the country it is fun to read serious research from 10 years ago along with their predictions of what online schooling will look like in the future (or our present). Dr. Clark is accurate in his prediction that online schools are growing in popularity. He is also accurate when he says online K-12 will continue to grow but at a slow rate. His concerns reflect most people's concerns that children will miss out on the social aspect of learning when they do all of their class room work behind a CPU.

My feelings on virtual classrooms are good. I think it gives many children an opportunity to receive quality education from places where there is none. Many people forget how poor and devastated certain areas of Ohio are. I have a friend who teaches an online 3rd grade class and it sounds wonderful. The teacher is there the whole time, they have assignments, activities and homework. Most of her students come from rural poor areas where the facilities at the public school is less then accurate. Other children come from places where school safety is an issue and parents feel more comfortable having their students take the class from home.


The Ohio Virtual Academy. Web. May, 5, 2010. http://zsem.k12.com/cpages/ohio/overview.html

This is the main website for the virtual academy here in Ohio. It offers K through 12 studies and is a public school. You can enroll your child for free and they will even give you a loaner computer and printer. Classes are held in the morning like a traditional school but your classmates will be from all over Ohio. The students still take the standardized tests that all other public schools take and the teachers are certified under Ohio laws.

Like I said before this is a great development in education. If parents do not want to send their kids to their district for whatever reason they can choose to keep their child home and the child will still get a degree. This is excellent for children in poor areas or unsafe areas of Ohio. From personal experience I can vouch for this program and its integrity.

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Cyberbullying

Stop Cyber bullying Website

Aftab, Tarry. "Stop Cyber bullying: What is it, How it Works, and How to Understand and Deal with it." Stop Cyber bullying. Web. 6 May 2010. http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/

• This website was very informative and interactive. Different links directed you to lots of information. The exact definition and different ways of cyber bullying were included, as well as the law on cyber bullying and ways to prevent it. The thing I thought was most helpful were the links at the bottom of the screen. They were divided into different age groups: 7-10, 11-13, 14-17, and information directed towards teachers and parents. Things this website talks about are:
• Internet etiquette ("Netiquette"), and how easily misconstrued information sent over the web can get.
• Making sure you check that you're sending the correct information to the correct person.
• Watching what you say and how you say it, especially online. Simply the way you phrase a certain sentence or a word choice could easily be taken the wrong way.
• The importance of privacy, and making sure you don't share too much information about yourself, or information about someone else without their permission. Make sure not to forward anything without the original sender's agreement.
• Making sure you take five minutes to cool down after an argument or upsetting conversation. You are more likely to cyber bully when angry, so try to step back from the computer and calm down before you post anything you could regret.

This site was so informative and helpful. There are so many links to different sites, and so many articles. Definitely a source kids, teachers, and parents should know about.

Cyber bullying PSA Video

Amann, Elizabeth. "Cyber Bullying PSA Video." TeacherTube. 1 April 2008. Web. 6 May 2010. http://http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=26038&title=Cyber_Bullying_PSA_video

This video was done as a student assignment, and I think it turned out very well. It demonstrates cyber bullying at the beginning by displaying an example of an online chat between two kids. This video also supplies the exact definition of what cyber bullying is. Elizabeth also includes some statistics about the number of kids in her school alone who are cyber bullied, or admit to cyber bullying others, and the numbers are shocking. This video also includes tips on what a person should do if someone is cyber bullying them. Tips include:

• Talking to a trusted adult.
• Save the proof of bullying to be used as evidence.
• Ignore the bully and try to block all forms of communication he or she may have with you.
• Do not retaliate or encourage the bullying in any way.
• Ask for help.

I think this was a very good source, especially for kids to view. It felt very relatable, and I think many students would respond to this. The tips were helpful, and I like how at the beginning, it showed the viewer a simulation of cyber bullying. On a side note, I also liked the song that was played!

Test Post

Hey everyone, this is my test post. I've never blogged before, so I'm new to this too. So far, it doesn't seem too difficult. Hopefully it stays that way!

online bullying

The information I found dealing with online bullying was located at:



The information was an actual video made by students and teachers giving their own descriptions of what bullying is. The video would be an excellent example for a classroom of middle school aged children to learn from. The information was helpful advise for students if they are being bullied or also how to prevent other students from being bullied. The best information was how the teachers can also stay involved in preventing some of the bullying. The information was not long but it gave informaiton which was useful and understandable for children.

Cyberbullying

Holmberg, Bobbi, and R. Kowalski. Cyberbullying: The Silent Abuse. Bobbi Holmberg. 

     TeacherTube. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), n.d. Web. 6 May 2010. 

     members/viewVideo.php?video_id=100633&title=Cyberbullying>. 

Cyberbullying

Upon receiving the topic list for this assignment and finding cyberbullying, I was rather delighted as our family has had a dose of reality when it comes to this topic with having a teenage daughter. Families need to become more aware of this dangerous issue, because unlike other issues, there are no signs until it is to late. This video is a well conscious collection of information for children as well as adults. The music and artwork within the video are based on a teenager’s point of view. There is a large amount of information loaded into this three minute video, and is well worth watching.

Love Our Children USA. "Love Our Children USA." Love Our Children USA. Solid Space, 1999. Web. 6 May

2010. .

Love Our Children USA is a nonprofit organization founded on a promise to America’s children to keep them safe. This organization based out of New York is committed to breaking the cycle of violence against children.

Mission Statement

Since 1999, Love Our Children USA has paved the way in child violence prevention. As the national nonprofit leader it works to break the cycle of violence against children. It has become 'the go-to prevention' organization for all forms of violence and neglect against children in the U.S.

Love Our Children USA works to eliminate behaviors that keep children from reaching their potential. It redefines parenting and creates kid success by promoting prevention strategies and positive changes in parenting and family attitudes and behaviors through public education. Love Our Children USA honors and respects children and works to empower and support children, teens, parents and families through information, resources, advocacy, and online youth mentoring. Its goal is to keep children safe and strengthen families -- Its message is positive ... one of prevention, empowerment and hope.

Love Our Children USA relies mostly on donations and their supporters. Along with corporate supporters this organization has many celebrity supporters as well. Some of these supporters are Nancy Kerrigan, JoJo, Melissa Etheridge, Mario Batali and many more. The website for this organization is full of helpful information and is a great source for parents to check out.

When it comes to cyberbullying, this topic needs to be made aware of more in family households. Cyberbullying is a dangerous situation, and children need to be informed of what to do if this situation happens with them. Well over half American households do not even know what cyberbullying is, and without the schools help, it can be to late before some find out what cyberbullying truly is.

online harrassement

CFK Connect For Kids

http://www.connectforkids.org/

This article was one of the most informative articles. It had some actually issues and cases of children that were convicted of online harrassement. This article would be benifically for children to read and also parents. The article also lists some action steps for parents and children to prevent and help harrassement not become an issue. This site also lists other useful sites on harrassement.

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Online harassment

Hitcock, Jayne A. Online Cyberstalking: What it is and what to do if it happens to you. Fairfax, 2006.

This is informational article written for students explaining the basics facts of online harassment, what it is specifically, and what to do if they feel that they are victims. The information is straightforward and presented by a stalking expert. The document is very concise, clear and gives a wealth of information including contact numbers and web-sites for reporting abuse.

Internet Solutions for Kids. cyberbully411. 2010. 5 May 2010 .

This is a website/discussion forum aimed at kids. It contains many useful articles and suggestions for kids—how to tell an adult, what to do if you think you are being bullied—all presented in an accessible way for the target audience. This web-site seemed to be very current. The discussion forum set up for kids to talk to peers about their issues and personal experiences seemed like a great idea. If a child was having issues and wasn’t sure how to proceed, this web-site offers some sound advice.

Socialization (communication) in an internet (technology) society

My parents, (and my grandmother) are constantly commenting about how things were different back in "their day" and many times not to long ago I would laugh at them and roll my eyes. It was not the easiest thing I have ever admitted but they are entirely right! There has been a significant change from what computer and internet usage I had when I was twelve like my little brother is now. He is currently a 6th grader and comes home every day toting a brand new MAC book the school supplied to each student grades 6-12. Although at first glance it sounds ideal putting each student on even playing ground with similar resources, and will help them become more prepared for college life as they say by teaching the students to turn work in via an online format I am not sure they understand or have truly thought about the socializing issues they are causing. Although my brother is a mild exception to the generalization that school age children are becoming sedentary and not moving around like they used to, he is only mildly. When my parents were younger and myself even we used to go outside the majority of day light hours rain or shine. My uncle used to send my cousins and myself out to the farm and say have fun, grandma will have lunch ready when you want it. For hours we used to climb hay bales, go pond swimming make forts in the woods and play hide and seek in the corn field when it got tall enough, I can remember having a blast and many days missing that prepared lunch only to appear for dinner because we were starving and thirsty but not because we were done playing. My little brothers entertainment is looking up youtube videos with his friend and texting. Not exactly the same in my book. Many days they are not physically together they will instant message in place of actually going to each others houses and making physical contact. He is not alone, recently I realized I am very guilty of being to technology based in my own life. My long time boyfriend and I work different shifts, by the time I get off each evening he is already working, it limits most importantly our physical time spent together, but it also makes it hard to speak on the phone, lunch break is so rushed and cut short for both of us it is not even worth trying anymore and so we communicate more often than not via text message which is so impersonal. On the rare occasions we get to see each other, it is horrible to say but there is always this awkward moment where we find talking to each other in a long meaningful ways difficult. I love Ryan and I know communicating is not his strong point to begin with , but it hurts me every single time these moments arise and I feel awkward with someone who knows me so well. Often I find myself discouraged and thinking if I can not communicate effectively with someone so important to me, will I be able to teach my students anything?

Through this assignment I came across some articles that were applicable to the situation at hand. One of these articles was The Real Impact of virtual worlds, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=34646503&site=ehost-live.

The article speaks about 5 main "issues" that arise from the use of the internet so frequently one of which is virtual socialization as a complement to live community. It mentions that there is a concern about communication between two people in the typical verbal way and it being hindered by the over use of the internet. The author of the article understates the issue in my opinion but goes on to give some good examples of how helpful the internet can be which support the idea that technology is not all bad it just needs to be used in the correct manner and in a correct amount. I fully agree, if we could find a happy balance I feel there would be more positivity for a happy, healthy and entertained society of young people. The article appears to be up to date with a publish date of 2008 and is done by a professor of communications at a university.

The second thing I came across shows how helpful technology can be in socialization. The video can be found at http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=174403&title=Using_snack_time_to_build_communication. In this video the instructor uses snack time to help the students communicate verbally, with sign language, pictures and with the help of technology. Each student is pushed to communicate in one way or another based on their ability at the moment. One student was learning to sign for more, one to form full sentences, one to simple identify what he wanted and one was being conditioned to use a machine that verbally spoke the words yes or no when he pushed the button to communicate his agreement or disagreement to what was said to him and in this case his decision in snack choice. I really enjoyed this video because I think it shows how helpful even the simplest technology can be in the class room, while also showing how important verbal communication can be as appose to text messaging and emailing constantly. The video does not seem to be done by an expert but does seem to be up to date with today's tactics for working on communication with special needs students.

Test Blog

Don't laugh...I just signed up for Oprah's blog and it is the only reason I may have figured this out. Even worse ...the only blog experience I had prior related to my interest in the Twilight Saga books and the movies.

Toby, I wish I read your blog earlier; I had choir practice and drove past Savannah on my way home. I hope the storm didn't stop the music.

Justin, thanks for noticing I left my flash drive - I'll just pick it up Saturday. You saved me!

See everyone Saturday,
Deneen

Blogging

It is interesting to go back a few years and look at old posts you may have left on someone's blog. Nice to see how some of your principles and points of view may, or may not have changed...

Happy Wednesday!

As I noted in my reply to the origanl post, I will be performing tonight with members of my band, and many other great musicians performing my original music tonight at Savannah Bar and Grill in Westlake from 8PM-Midnight. It will be a great jam, if you get a chance, please stop out. I hope everyone is well, and I will see you saturday. I would like to also invite anyone and everyone to visit my website, at www.myspace.com/cwjam and feel free to listen to music I have recorded, both live and in the studio, start a blog, post a bulletin, or just read some interesting facts about my musical journey over the last 15 years. See you Saturday!

Test post

I'm not too sure how I feel about blogging. All the blogs I've ever encounter on the the internet were gossip blogs or people complaining about something (but I guess the internet is good place to complain, because I'm sure somebody out there cares about the smallest issues like not finding the right pink nail polish at the store.) I'm familiar with the whole ordeal and everything, but I'm sure there's something that I don't know. Personally, though, I don't think I'll ever use it.

My turn to test.....

I have never been on a blog for any reason what so ever, so I hope I am able to do this ok and don't make a complete tool out of myself. I am rather looking forward to it though, it seems like it would be rather interesting.

Test Post *Warning, this is only a test, so relax and don't head for your tornado shelters just yet*

My experience using a blog is a bit limited, though I do currently have my own blog on another blog site. I just don't use it very often. I want to learn more about the format of blogs to make them more user friendly to those reading.

I think that blogs are excellent educational tools! They allow a student in the most desolate places to connect to the world and to learn through that experience.

- This test is now over, but be prepared for the real one at any moment :)

Practice

1, 2, 3 this is a test. Most of the blog experience I have is through class and researching things. I see the merit in blogging. It's a great way to start a discussion or share insights and information.
I guess this concludes my test.

K

Getting Started

Hi Everyone, welcome to the class Blog.

To get started, create a new post and title it "test post."

Then, tell us what experiences you have using a Blog, if any.
What do you want to learn?I will eventually delete the test postings, but this gives you some practice.
Have fun
-Mrs. Macek