Technology Users

It's great that the Department of Education is trying to get the public schools updated with technology. There are students out there that know more about using the computer than their teachers. There is still a problem with really getting technology fully implemented. At my school, for instance, we know that there is internet connection, but only in the first grade wing and the office. The teachers who need to go through the internet go to the office to use the "available" computer or bring their personal laptops down to get connected. There's a power school program that's being used, but only certain people know how to use it. The students are not allowed to bring in any electronic devices to school, in fear that it may get lost or stolen. The computers that our school is donated are either outdated, not internet-ready or just can't be used in the classroom except to collect dust. Let's get real-----technology is great, but there is a need to get the systems of operation up and working properly and keeping it fully maintained so that everyone in the school system has access to it.

Interactive sites

I like to use technology as a way to get my students interested or motivated about whatever we’re doing. I look for age appropriate interactive sites that the children can work on independently. Some of my favorites are BBC and Owl & Mouse. Do you know of any others that are appropriate for first grade?

Changing Students' Perceptions

Being one that belongs to the game console generation, I myself had a certain perception of what a home computer was good for when they were first sold for home use. For me, one of the first types of commercially sold computers when I was younger were game consoles. As a young boy, I was fortunate enough to have played if not owned just about every game console sold on the market. So when the first home computers were being sold, all I was thinking about was getting one to play video games on. But now, after taking several technology courses, I know that there are so much more benefits to owning or having access to a computer and the Internet. This has really changed my perception on what one can do with a computer and the Internet. I think that I can use my experiences to help empathise with my students and hopefully change their perceptions on using computers and the Internet. Hopefully our schools will be given the resources to help carry this out. Only time will tell.

Technology

Technology is useful in the classroom. This class has given me the opportunity to have increased my knowledge with computer programs/files and networking. I have been using it to prepare my lessons, presentations, reports, grades, communication, social networking, to name a few. It makes difficult tasks easier. Technology has more to offer. more to learn and apply.

How I use Technology...

I use technology in different ways. 5 years ago, I have this old computer that I was going to give away ... to anyone that wants it. Instead, I bought it into my classroom for students use. I installed programs for them. I even trained the students to use the computer for other purposes. Then one year, I had a student with limitations but he loves computer. I as much as I want him to use or play with the computer, I didn't know how. A specialist showed me ways to adapt to his needs. I installed a "special mouse" where he could just hit once and it would do all the work. 5 years later, another student of mine, who also love computer, but was too small for her to reach the computer desk. Again, the specialist helped the little girl by hooking up a special keyboard for her. This keyboard can sit on her personal tray and still be used as a regular keyboard. And with her little hands on this wide board, she can surf the web all by herself. I still use the same computer for my students and I still find ways for all students to use it...

Technology in My Classroom

To be honest, there was time when I only used a computer to get my college work done, and did not use it much in the classroom. When teaching in Hawaii, there were at least 2 to 4 computers in each classroom, technology was incorporated into different types classwork. The students were able to work on their own researches and projects with computers and software the school provided. As a teacher working there, we were issued a laptop, a video camera, and a multi-media projector that we used in our everyday teaching. I brought that experience home to Guam with me, and use an imaging platform, a video camera, and projector to teach my students. As it is something new to the students, and like all children, they have questions and are awed about the equipment on hand, so I enjoy taking time out to explaining and teaching them the uses and proper handling of the equipment. I found that my students are always very attentive during my lessons. When they finally get the ball rolling, I know the students will be willing, ready, and able to continue learning using technology in this ever changing world.

Changing Perceptions

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

When it comes to learning new technologies, sometimes it's the adults that need to learn more than it is the children.  But what students don't know is how to use technology for something other than fun.  When they see new computers in their classrooms, most likely the first question will be "Does it have games?"  Children don't use technology in the workplace because they don't have jobs!  What they use technology for is entertainment.  Makes sense if you're a kid.  They don't normally use technology for learning because it hasn't been presented to them in that way.  That's the challenge you are facing now.  How will you change your students' perceptions of what technology is used for?

Related articles

• Creative Ways to Use Technology in the Classroom (timesoftexas.com)
• How People Learn (and What Technology Might Have to Do With It) (education.com)

I remember

The first time I bought a computer for my children was 15 years ago. I didn't want to touch it for I was scared that I could damage it. I never had interest at all until the time all my kids moved to Washington. I told them to bring the computer with them. When I enrolled in a class that I had to do some research, I was advised to buy a new computer. I went to Computer 2000 to buy one. The dealer set it up for me and asked him to teach me how to turn on and off. I practiced typing and emailing until I learned basic skills. I become motivated to use the computer to communicate with my children. I also learned how to download Skype and often talk and see my family through skype.

High Tech!

Dear Sir,

Thank you for all the wisdom you share. I appreciate all I can manage to absorb. I will use more tech daily to be able to share with my students too.

Gateway to Technology

The Gateway to Technology class provided at UOG this summer is a great way for teachers, counselors, administrators, and other school personnel to become educated in the great uses of different technological tools, from how to use Word, Excel, Video Conference, create Websites, use Google Docs, Digital Publishing, starting up your own Blogs... Wow!!! That's a lot for only 15 hours! We went from Text Processing to learning ways to create your own website!  This is just what I wanted and needed to at least step into the doorway of the techno-savvy elite out there!  Check out Tom and Joan's class if you can!  It was a great experience... The class is FREE, but you can also obtain 1 graduate credit for $20!  Check out the Gateway to Technology website for more information on this Professional Development course!

Blogging

Well, with some difficulty in class on getting a blog post started, and then coming home to work on it with another computer, I can say that I actually like it--not a huge fan, but at least I can now say, "I blog."  There are many uses for blogs that can be used from an educational standpoint.  You can blog with your students, colleagues, and other school personnel on assignments and in-class activities and common issues at the school site that can be addressed as a school unit (textbooks, classroom improvements and concerns, upcoming meetings and events, etc.).   It's a very useful tool.  Great job, instructors!

Free Website for Educator Websites

This is a simple free website for educators to create a page for their classroom. http://www.educatorpages.com/Home.aspx

Sure it's stupid, but...

Kudos to you if you made it past the 2 minute mark; it's not that hilarious or entertaining.  Sure it's stupid, but think about what the kids are trying to do: use a computer to order a pizza.  They know the sequence of questions typical in a pizza order: where do you live, what is your phone number, what would you like, etc.  I'm assuming they've set up some of these text-to-speech phrases in advance and are playing them at times in the appropriate moment.  How stupid would they be if they set up an actual working system where people can use a computer to order a pizza in a city?

Well guess what; it's already been done.  In some cities there already exists online ordering systems for restaurants, grocery stores, movie tickets, and yes, pizza.  So what's my point?  Mark Zuckerberg started off by creating a online beauty ranking program.  His social network site, Facebook, now is estimated to be worth $50 billion.  The ability to "think outside of the box" is considered to be a great asset in today's rapidly changing world.  So don't be so quick to dismiss students' ideas on how to use technology.  Of course there are boundaries of decency and what not, but we should encourage creative thinking and not be so particular on one true solution.

The trick would be trying to harness the kid's prank into something productive.  He's halfway there already.  He has the idea.  He knows the questions used in pizza ordering.  So how does he put it in a usable format?  What if the order is from outside of the delivery area?  What are the pathways the system uses when there are different options?  Can he draw a diagram of this system?  Can he express it in a spreadsheet?  Do you see where I'm going here?  Teachers also need to think outside the box and devise thoughtful lessons that stimulate young minds.  The prankster of today could be tomorrow's billionaire.

I consider myself to be tech savy. I'm familiar with the basics of the Microsoft Programs. I can create things through exploration and trial and error. I am looking forward to what else this class has in store. I really didn't know how many educational programs and sites there are out there for parents, students, and teachers. I would feel overwhelmed if my students had access to technology.

Thank you, Tom & Joanna, for all the help in teaching the basic parts of working with computer and sharing your knowledge & expertise. It sure has ease my stress level very much. I am definitely learning so much information. Learning the text processing sure gave me a better understanding in working with technology. I feel that using the spreadsheet will be beneficial in communicating with parents on their child's grades throughout the quarter. Wow, today! Its amazing to know so many types of communications available. I sure do enjoy Edmondo very much. Now, blogging? There is so much out there to integrate with in my classroom.

The Things I Have Learned From Gateway To Technology

Being a beginner in Technology, it was so exciting in the first day of classes. I am very eager to learn. Ms. Payumo gave us the website, where we can see the objectives and goals of Gateway To Technology. The first module was Text Processing. I learned to type something that I can use in Microsoft Word. She taught us the different cases of letters and different colors to be use in texting. Ms. Payumo and Mr. Tom Petra told us to read the article about Gateway To Technology and it was so interesting when Mr. Tom shared us his blog. Mr. Tom told us to create a g-mail account so that we can copy and add in our text. They showed us a template to be use in parent teacher conference and to create a project to be send to our students. They taught us the project based learning. Module 2 was spreadsheets. Mr. Tom taught us how to organize data. He showed us how to use Microsoft Excel Tutorial 2010. He told us to check g-mail account, insert chart, customize colors and how to evaluate and reflect. He showed us how to use spreadsheets to our students, to use professionally, and to know the obstacles.

Mr. Tom Petra sent us his blog about Here We Go and Five Tech Verbs. Yes, I agree that learning is a continuous process. He said that Educational Technology is a progressive pedagogy that covers ball subject areas and grade levels and spreading rapidly. According to Mr. Tom, the International Society for Technology in Education currently boost over 20,000 members who are made up of teachers, administrators and developers from all areas of education. Gateway To Technology is a very important subject to me because last school year, we started The Power School in checking attendance and grading our students. Thank you very much to both of you MR. TOM and MS. PAYUMO for sharing us your knowledge in Technology. A great Job well done. Have a good day and more power to both of you.

Technology Bonanza

If I came into my classroom in Aug. with my students and found a classroom filled with laptops, I too would be overjoyed and overwhelmed. Where do we begin? I am grateful for this opportunity to bring my students into the 21st century. Some of them would probably be way ahead of me, and they know it. My 6th graders already know more on how to navigate on their phones than I do. They are surprised that I know how to text-- something so basic to them.Then there will be those who don't even know what a cursor is.

I have been at LPUMS in Barrigada for over 20 years. We have had many attempts in trying to infuse technology into our classrooms from computer labs, one computer per class, to internet installations, and currently the powerschool grade book. What we need is the support to maintain the hardware and to continually train and upgrade our teacher skills in technology. Dust will gather again on these machines if the district does not provide the support that schools need. The new teacher graduates and the technology savvy teachers will be the teachers who will run with these new tools. Their students will benefit greatly from their expertise. But, for the rest of us who are partially literate or not at all, we will need a lot of help in getting up to speed to bring our students into the 21 century.

Reflection

I'm new to this and I'm learning a lot.It's fun, interesting and I'm learning the tools that I could use in my personal and professional life.

Official Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy GEB

Here is the official version of the policy limiting use of cell phones and electronic devices. We need to teach the students acceptable use of the equipment. We should be able to use the equipment in classes or in the school. We need to take steps to teach the students how to use the cell phones as a classroom tool. Let us work together to make changes to the policy to match the Gateway to Technology.

Reflection on GTT

The GTT is a great opportunity for educators to jump into the digital world. Because today's students are typically digital natives, educators need to stop being "digital immigrants" and acculturate into this new era of technology in the classroom! I am grateful for this opportunity and the wealth of information and resources being shared. Networking between professionals is also enhanced as a result of this class (Edmodo, Classroom 2.0, etc.). I hope the networks created will continue and future collaboration will ensue.

Facing the Future of Technology in Education

As I am taking a course in the "Gateway to Technology" course, I realize that today's teachers must embrace technology to teach our students. The old ways of teaching must adapt to the new change or better yet technology can enhance our old way of teaching.

Many of our students are already technological savy. They know how to engage the internet. Most students carry power full computers in their pocket which is their cell phones or smart phones. Other students already carry mp3, ipod, or itouch musical devices.

As teachers we could resist the technological future or embrace. I say we must embrace it. I learn that students would be more engage with the class subject by using the computer, smart phones or even an ipod or mp3 player. Use today's technology that is already available to help make the class learning more relevant to our students.

Teachers can utilize the cell phones to text homework or quiz. Students could then text back their answers. Ipods, itouch or mp3 players could be utilize for students to listen and learn certain subjects such as the famous "I have a Dream" Speech by Martin Luther King.

As for the internet, I am amazed to see so many websites applications at our disposal to be use as tools for teaching. Best part is that most of these applications are free. One website I think would be useful is edmodo website for secure social learning network for teachers and students. This website is useful for teachers and students to communicate to each other on educations issues.

To wrap up teachers need to embrace the future of technology not only to better engage with our students, but to prepare our students to face the new technology real world.

Contributed by William Sevillo

What about all the other necessities?

We live in a very modern world today. There are so many forms of technology out there designed to make everything happen at just a push of a button, sometimes even at a voice command. So when we talk about computers in the classroom, my question really is, "what about all the other necessities?".

I would not be surprised at all to find out I would be having computers in my classroom. This is only because I have been fortunate to have them in my classroom for the past two years. Although a lot of my students are accustomed to having personal computers at home, at a friends', at a relatives', or they use them at the mall, they are usually excited about being see them in class.

Some of the thoughts that would probably arise among my students include whether there would be internet provided, if they would be able to print, how often they would be able to use them, and maybe even how to use them, at least for some. Computers in the classroom would definitely spark up an interest in technology in almost all of them, but I think that is what is so ironic about having computers in the classroom.

For the past two years I have had computers in my classroom, and that is really all I've had. We would be able to use them to print -at least for awhile, use them to teach some basic skills such as text formatting, and that is basically it. Once the ink has run out, it will take a long while before the system will provide anymore. It could be costly to buy ink as well, since not just one student would be using the printer. In addition, there aren't many programs included in the personal computers provided. So we'll be stuck using them for short tutorials on how to use Microsoft Word or Power-point. Although these are great to learn and we should really all just be grateful, it is quite sad and ironic. It is sad that we have been provided with this technology but not all the other necessities to really use them to a great extent.

Now, when I mention the word necessities, I am referring to everything else necessary to have to really use personal computers. We should not just be provided with computers, we should have internet, ink, burners, projectors, and all the other "necessities" of technology in the classroom. Although it is quite obvious that the reason these are not provided are mainly financial, I think it will be difficult for students to really appreciate what technology can do for their lives if we just simply provide them with computers.

It may seem pretty far-fetched to think that we will be provided with all the "necessities" for technology in the classroom one day, but I guess having computers in the class is a great start. The Gateway to Technology class is also a great starting point. We all need to make sure our educators are up to par or even ahead of the new generation when it comes to technology in the classroom. We need to make sure it all does not stop here as well! We need to make sure we ask the question, "what about all the other necessities?".

High School English Ideas

There seems to be a never-ending list of creative resources for the elementary classroom (workbooks, posters, handouts, songs, rhymes, you name it). It's not so easy to find good stuff for the high school level. Here's a site called "Outta Ray's Head" http://home.cogeco.ca/~rayser3/. It has lessons, handouts and other ideas available for the high school English level for free! All the authors ask is that you send them a message to explain how you used their ideas in your classroom. And since we encourage our students not to plagiarize, it's a great way to lead by example and give credit where it's due. I'm a firm believer in NOT reinventing the wheel, so please post any other ideas or links for high school English.

GATEWAY TO TECHNOLOGY CLASS

The title says it all. This class helps teachers open their views and clears whatever fears they have of computer technology. It is a step by step instructional course that is open to all teachers interested in learning how to implement education through the usage of the world wide web. The class is only 3 hours long and takes only 5 days to complete. The lessons will start off with the basic TEXT PROCESSING which teaches all about how to use Microsoft Word. The second day will go on to teaching how to create a SPREADSHEET that would help collect, average, and organize any information you would like to share. The third day is focused on COMMUNICATIONS, where the class is right now, which is basically learning how to interact with other educational sharing sites. So if you are reading this right now, it shows that this class is successfully guiding its teachers to THE GATEWAY TO TECHNOLOGY. Wish us luck on tomorrow's DIGITAL PUBLISHING!!! It's sounding like its going to be a challenge.

Gateway Tech Classes...SKYPE 4 Middle School students, Oh Yeah!!!!

Gateway classes have inspired many teachers to spend hours in front of the computer. There is so much to learn, it's been FUN and exciting, especially getting back into blogging. I can spend hours, especially on Facebook, but don't really have the time. Yes, we can make the time....but it's addicting. Really enjoyed the classes thus far. I'll be using the Edmondo site as a resource and discovered two other teachers have been. Really liked the info. on sending a student to SKYPE with their parent in the corner of the room. That would really be great for middle school students...! Thank you all for sharing.

As for policies, the guiding policy for using computers in the Guam DOE schools for educational purposes only is the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) that states and specifies the acceptable and unacceptable uses and consequences for violations of the policy. Especially because a lot of misuse, cyberbullying, plagiarism, etc. it's an important policy that all teachers become knowledgeable. REALLY ENJOYING THE CLASS!

I would be very excited to see how my students would react. They would most likely ask if they could use them. Also, I would be anxious for them to start using them. That would truly be a blessing if it ever happened.

Free Webinar on "Boosting Literacy" and Newsletter

Here is an ad for a free webinar on literacy and reading comprehension. It is scheduled for the 15th in the Mainland. Check out the link to see if you are interested.

Here is another newsletter for technology to help teachers read about new methods and issues dealing with the classroom. It is a free site.
http://www.smartbrief.com/edtech/index.jsp

Roberta

Outdated Policies on Technology

It would be good if the school and department policies would keep up with the new technologies. Telling us to demand the students not use the technologies, instead of teaching us how to utilize the technologies in our classrooms, is providing a disservice to all of us. We need to learn how to use the technology with the students, not how to monitor and ban the technology use.

Still Have a lot to Learn

Wow! Gateway to Technology is a great crash course for anyone who is not tech savvy. I can navigate through text processing and I enjoying creating spreadsheets. Today's lesson on Communication was interesting since it's out of my comfort zone. I was able to up an account on Edmodo and now I can Blog! I find these communication tools useful but I'm not sure how I'll incorporate it into an already full day in kindergarten.

My thoughts on technology

As I continue to take more classes at UOG, listen to teachers share, and watch more video clips of technology in the 21st century, I am learning to embrace technology as a way of life.

I used to think technology was and should be taught as a vocational skill, that it is isolated to a course students take at school. I am growing to see how technology is used everyday; to help organize, share, collaborate, relax, entertain, communicate, etc.

Teaching in today's world, we should use all the technology available to assist us in our delivery and expose our students to as much technology as well.

Welcome Home Islanders!

Excitement fills the air as the new school year approaches for the John F. Kennedy High School Islanders. The We Are You Student Government is now diligently planning for a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome us back home. This will be a historic day for all Islanders! More information will be forthcoming ... stay tuned!


Hip Hip Hooray! Biba Islanders!

Technology Today

Technology in today's world just keeps booming. Booming in capabilities, models, and resources. But, do we need to spend all that money to upgrade? Can we ever just settle for the basic model or must we always upgrade to improve our status with our peers? Will we ever be content with the technology that we currently have today?

So many things we can do...

There are so many things we can look up using the internet and apply in our classrooms to work for our students. I love using the computer, even though I am not a pro yet; I love to find new tools or sites that give classroom tools, lesson plans, and teaching ideas. This class has allowed us to browse through so many sites and it was really great to see how many places there are for teachers to collaborate and just have fun!

Technology is a learning tool and our diverse classrooms have to be able to relate and educate in a variety of modes. Even though my students do not have a computer and I do not own a laptop; our classroom comes with a computer for the teacher and I let my students get on it..every chance I can!

This class reminded me that I have to make time to learn more about what is out there and what I can bring into my classroom to expose my learners to technology and all that it has to offer.

I know that although I'm an educator, I started as and will always be a life-long learner.

Gateway to Technology, blogging

So here I sit trying to get caught up on technology. Some of the things I already knew but some are things that were new to me. I still hate spreadsheets but I love all of the communication options. Many of these are things that I wish I could do with my students but of course there are no computers in the class. The kids cannot bring in their electronics (laptops, phones...) and it becomes so frustrating for them as well as for me. Tom made a good point that the administration is so worried about break ins so they are holding back on providing the needed technology. The only thing that this is doing is denying access to technology to those who need it the most, those who cannot afford to have internet, computers or other technology at home.
I hope that we are provided with the laptops for our use but more than anything I hope that the kids are provided with the tools that they need to succeed. We must catch up!!!

No more crying on the first day of school!

Is your student having separation anxiety? Ask parents to sign up with Skype or Tinychat! Your students can have access to their parents during the school day! On another note...having discipline problems with a child...send him/her to the corner where the computer is set up to skype with the P A R E N T!

photo from dcf.wi.gov

Thoughts on this class

This is an interesting class...learned lots of new resources from the Web. As a graduate student, this will make help with research and writing papers. As an educator, I can share my experiences with my fellow colleagues. On the topic of communications, this course has made me more aware of the issue of communicating responsibly. There are challenges in this class, but this is what learning is all about. We need to meet and rise with these new challenges, and these experiences only serve to make us more effective teachers. Technology is a mode of communication that is ever changing and evolving. As educators, we need to keep up with these changes, including the ever changing times.

Overwhelmed...

Having computers in the classroom and using computers are two completely different things...along with that comes responsibilities, liabilities, and security issues!
I teach kindergarten...and would feel more competent if GDOE assisted a kindergarten teacher in understanding how to incorporate computers into their kinder classroom. Along with that how to deal with viruses, spikes, surges, hacking, backups, lack of connectivity, etc
Don't get me wrong it is good information what we are learning in our GATEWAY TO TECHNOLOGY CLASS...kudos to our instructors! Ideally, computers in the classroom are a great idea...but I have this sinking premonition... there's more to come; on top of EVERYTHING ELSE WE HAVE TO DO.

yours truly

-Overwhelmed

Gateway To Technology

It's been an interesting crash course in computer technology, so far. I was especially intrigued by learning how to do a basic spread sheet, since I had never done one so far. Beginning SY 2011-2012, I intend to work with spread sheets in my classroom from now on . So, I ask myself, "Why didn't I learn this skill long time ago?" Yes, it really does make a big difference in that it alleviates the stress and time involved in manually averaging grades of students. Honestly, though, I'm just so happy to learn something new about computers, everyday.

As for blogging, I picked up this skill from one of last semester's courses here at UOG, so I'm pretty much familiar with it. Also, my professor was a stickler for including quotes and images, and although tedious at times, I rather enjoyed doing them.

I'm really appreciative of this opportunity to learn basic computer skills inorder that I may integrate computer technology in my classroom. At the present time, exposure to computer technology is through the use of my laptop that I bring to class when I want to use it for my lessons or presentations. The fact that we'll be receiving a free laptop for our use is really appealing, and I'm sure that everyone taking this course shares the same sentiment.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are- Theodore Roosevelt

Class so Far.

Overall the Technology class has been very informative. I am definitely learning new ways to incorporate technology into the classroom. I really hope that with all the money the school system was awarded that we will be able to take what we have learned this week and actually apply it. I would live to be able to do text to speech videos for example in my classroom, but with the proper equipment it will not happen. Tom, thank you for sharing the things that you have so far. I am especially thankful for the website that you have created so I do not have to take very many notes in class. =)

Jodie Barnhouse

I like this video I found.

First day of school

Imagine it is the first day of the next school year.   Students enter your classroom and see a table of computers or a cart full of laptops.  How will you feel?