Z's Page

Blog #6 - Professional Development

zpinoy — Sun, 27 Nov 2005 04:26:01 +0000

I plan to continue using technology into my future career. I would develope a page through the school website so my students can access their homework if they missed class. I could possibly have an online art history class, if possible. I’d also like to teach graphic design, which incorporates lots of technology information and use that my students will need to learn. I’ll teach my students to use technology with art, and help them do research papers through the internet.
I’ll continually learn about technology though constant use. Exploration of new technology is something I’ll definitely take part in. I could possibly join an organization like the International Society for Technology in Education. That way I could keep updated on the intergration of technology and learning from around the world. And I could read journals like Interactive Multimedia Electronic Journal of Computer Enhanced Learning. I’ve looked at the site, and like the wide variety of subjects it covers, including my own teaching major. Also, my own interest in technology will help my with honing my skills. I’ll be sure to practice with technology, read and keep my eyes and ears open for any news.
I’ll also have to work on programs I’m not quite skilled at, like exel or other unfamiliar programs. I’ll need to know these things to better teach my students. I know it’s important for me as a teacher to stay a step ahead, so my students can benifit from my knowledge and experience.

Blog #5 - Website Evaluation

zpinoy — Sun, 20 Nov 2005 22:25:51 +0000

1. URL: http://www.martinlutherking.org/library.html
It has .org but the content seemed more opinion driven than fact driven. I have no idea who published it, and there’s no proof of who did.

2. Vincent Breeding is the Webmaster and there are various authors to the articles on the page. There where no dates on any of the article that I could find. As for credentials on the subject; they don’t offer much solid resources. Either I couldn’t find the URL, or the sources relation was unreliable or unrelated like the link http://www.unl.edu/philosop/gradplag.html.

3. There where a few sources mentioned but not actually documented. Information is presented that’s supposed to be from a source, but the source is not given. I would have to say that the much of the information is altered, by taking bits of certain information, and reinterpreting them to their use.

4. The only other links to that website are all stormfont.org. Obviously this is an illegitimate site. Only one link is found.

5. The factual legitimacy of the website doesn’t add up because of the lack of real supported information. The only thing that adds up is that it was created with support of stormfront, and under no true structure.

6. The page was put on the web to inform the “truth” about Martin Luther King Jr to the public, and to “teach” that all we know now is not fact. I don’t believe that this was a satire or parody. This group of people believe they’re doing what’s right. They’re white supremacists that want to get their message across, considering they’re sponsored by Stormfront.
This is definitely not a site I’d allow to be used as a source of information in school. The organization is not one I’d trust for accurate accounts of history. I think that allowing students to see the site is ok, but with the acknowledgment that it’s not reliable.

Blog #4 - Constructivism

zpinoy — Fri, 04 Nov 2005 19:27:34 +0000

I would support constructivism in my future classroom. Constructivism is a “view of learning in which learners use their own experiences to construct understandings that make sense to them, rather than having understanding delivered to them in already organized form…” (http://digitalliteracy.mwg.org/constructivisim.html) I plan on involving conceptual thinking, and observation in my art class.. My stundents could use their personal experiences to understand concepts, and use them in their work. From personal experience, there are many things that I had a hard time grasping. Until I truly related to the subject by either past experiences, learning of other’s experiences, or taking part in something new, the concept finally bacame more clear. My subject matter has to do with a lot of constructive criticism, personal opinions, and experiences. I believe that contructivism will help my students in those areas of study. Perhaps constructivism is controversial for other subject or to the teacher’s method of teaching. It is exploritory, and some teachers might want more learn straight from the information kind of learning. (exploritory -http://tip.psychology.org/bruner.html) But for my classroom, I encourage exploring my students’ ideas. As a teacher, I would guide them through the process of relating their experiences and ideas to the learning matter. That way, we construct a reasonable answer or hypothesis from our information. It could also be thought to be controversial because of using such open thinking. Thinking I say thats based on facts and true experiences. Using contructivism in my class, my students will have learned to problem solve, reflect, and do much more. (what is constructivism-http://hagar.up.ac.za/catts/learner/lindavr/lindapg1.htm)

Blog #3 - online learning

zpinoy — Sat, 22 Oct 2005 17:08:57 +0000

So far in my online learning experience, I’d have to say that I do like it. I enjoy the fact that I can do my work from any space at any time, as long as the work gets done. Having an online class allows me to work more often, without having to schedule around my class. Time is more flexible. The disadvantage of online class for me is that because I am so busy with other activities, that I put work off until last minute. Not a good habit! And any technical difficulties are harder to solve when there is no intructor to talk to face to face. But that is what I signed up for, so I’ll have to deal with it. I’d much prefer face to face contact when I’m learning, but this experience has gone well. The work is independant enough to get done without a lot of personal contact. This is my first online class. I’d take another given the opportunity. The difference is that I’d take more responsibility to make more time to do my work, rather than percrastinating.

Blog #2 — Software

zpinoy — Sun, 09 Oct 2005 19:22:19 +0000

I believe every student should learn the basic skills of Photoshop, Word, Exel, and Power Point. There is also a program I remember learning in the 8th grade. The name was something like, type pro. I wish I could find the program. Anyways, students should start learning to type in the sixth grade. Students need to learn how to type properly and efficiently. The program invites students to compete against themselves, in order to get into the next level of the typing game. At the end of each lesson, is a game in which you eliminate space junk by typing speedily and correctly. Then students should learn word and exel programs. That could stard in eighth or ninth grade. They’ll need skills in writing papers throughout their life, whether it be reports or resumes. Exel will give students knowledge on organization and display of information. Both good programs to know if an office job comes along. Power Point is a great way to present reports and other information. Students can be creative and informative through visuals and even sound. It’s also a great tool for showing your vacation photos. Then there is Adobe Photo Shop. It may not have to be a required program to learn, but it would be supplementary to know. In the age of digital photos, this program will allow people to resolve and alter their own images. Students would benifit from having quality pictures with their presentations, or even for their own personal use. It adds a professional touch. Highschool would be the appropriate age group for the advanced programs. The information will be more fresh in their minds, and ready to use after school. I hope you agree with my theory, because I know it worked for me.

Blog #1 — Tragedy

zpinoy — Sun, 25 Sep 2005 21:21:44 +0000

As teachers, I believe it’s our responsiblity learn from a tragedy, and make it into a learning moment. Though it may be a sensitive issue, students need guidence in how to deal with the difficult situation. It’s a teachers job to give children the realization that the outside world is very real, but inform in a way not to scare them. Some students may become very worried. They need to know that it is ok to have some fear, but taught how to handle it.
There are many variables that apply to childrens reactions, as well as adults. Educators should know how to present information that will give students a better understanding for coping with tagedies. Shielding information will only be harmful in the long run. They need the truth, in order to construct a well informed and thoughtful opinion. We as teachers must also make sure our own opinions don’t interfere with learning. I think its ok to let students know your own opinion, but give them the tools to make up their own minds.
As a final thought; Teaching is not only for your specific subject matter. Teachers should teach whatever will have an impact in the world; 911 or any other tragedy.

Hello world!

zpinoy — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 18:46:51 +0000

Welcome to zpinoy at Blogsome. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

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Hello world!

zpinoy — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 18:46:44 +0000

Welcome to zpinoy at Blogsome. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!