Week 3 Facebook Summary-EDU 651

Facebook has become a world wide social journal.  With daily postings, updated status, uploading pictures, various links and applications, and keeping in contact with family and friends, it has become my favorite place to go online. When I was younger, a key locked away personal feelings and daily activities. Today with social bookmarking, the only key is joining and accepting friend invitations. I have found a major setback with this site. It often becomes a gripe session, pity outbursts, or "drama" queens.  On a personal note, I try to not be negative on my postings. There have been times I will make general comments about how others say inappropriate or negative remarks about an issue or status. I have always had a way about showing my feelings in unsarcastic tone. Another negative problem I feel is the allowance of young children to have accounts and be exposed to a number of adult applications not suitable for them. Without careful supervision, allowing your child on this site under the age of 13 is asking for major problems in the long run. Alas, in my opinion, no child under the age of 18 should be given full privileges to the internet for any reason without parental involvement.  I would not be saying this comment if I hadn't experienced the dangers of children on the internet.
This week we read an article about a teacher being in trouble for making a remark about her school. This type of incident touches a fine line of freedom of speech. In my opinion, a teacher needs to be careful what she says or writes when it comes to school related issues. However, Facebook is a site where you can voice anything that you want, whether good or bad, job related or personal matters. I believe that she could be reminded of this from her administrator, but I don't believe she should have been disciplined or even fired. Just about any teacher I have ever known one time or another has said something about school related issues or children.  I can't remember a time any of them were fired, but I do remember some being reprimanded for some severe instances.  While a teacher is at work, his/her job is to effectively instruct students to better prepare them for the 21st century. When he/she is at home, that is for the most part their private time.
On a positive note, Facebook can be very moving and encouraging for others. Prayer groups have seen great miracles of God. Looking at pictures of your family and friends that you haven't seen in many years allows you to keep up with the growth and changes in them.  Keeping up with the accomplishments and daily lives can make you feel like you are a part of their lives.
The wide variety of applications offered on Facebook is amazing. The beauty with these choices you are not obligated automatically to use them. I like the fact you can pick and choose what fits your personality and interests.
All in all, in every internet site, there will be pros and cons to the usage of them. It is up to the individual whether or not they feel it suits their needs or enjoyment.

Edu 651: Week 2 summary

What an amazing, busy week! I was stressed Sunday and Monday last week worrying I wouldn't be able to complete my assignment for week 1. Then I came home to my books and was able to do my assignment staying up to the last few minutes of the posting timeframe. On Tuesday night, I realized I had to read the entire book for week 2's discussions. As I read page to page, I saw the vast amount of information was getting me excited about setting up my wiki to be completed for week 4. The biggest concern I had besides actually creating the wiki was what the wiki was going to be about. I bounced from one idea to another. Then when I took my students into the lab Wednesday and had them to log on to coolmath-games, I knew what the wiki would be. One main thing the students always ask me about computer lab is, “Can we do a fun math site?” Often I will search online myself for a few days before computer lab for a site or sites that focuses on the needs of my students. What better ways to meet those needs than to have the students look for the sites themselves? Let’s face it! They are the ones who will be playing them. So I decided to create a workplace for the students to add online math sites to use based on their level.

When I read Using Wikis for Online Collaboration: The Power of the Read-Write Web by James and Margaret West, I found that wikis are great tools to allow students not only share information but describe it and collaborate with other classmates. After listing their math sites, the students can edit, add, or delete information pertinent to the assignment. While reading about wikis, I realized that there are pros and cons to using them. I believe the biggest concern of any online activity is the security and copyright issues. Also, a wiki needs to be created with careful planning and organization. Along with guidance of an instructor, balancing workload, and developing trust will produce an effective, engaging wiki.

Three of the chapters in this book, discussed three different projects that can be created as a workspace for wikis. They are Knowledge Construction, Critical Thinking, and Contextual Application. I have chosen to do the resource bank under knowledge construction with my math wiki for my students. I told my students today that I needed them to start searching the web to help me create a great resource site for us to use at school as well at home. At the present, our school TIS has created a portaportal site which is similar to a wiki resource workspace. Teachers have password access to add to this site. Check out the site when you get a chance to see some great online tools to use. http://guest.portaportal.com/newriverelementary

All in all, I have found that with any tool to use whether it’s textbooks or wikis, the only way to successful learning is to make sure it is user-friendly and relevant to the learner’s needs.

Reference:

West, J.A. and West, M.L. (2009). Using wikis for online collaboration: The power of the read-
write web. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

wiki confusion

Today I tried to do my wiki and I felt like I was getting no where.  It upsets me, but I can't let it defeat me.  I am going to get some rest tonight. Get up early to go to teach at summer school. Then I will come home and after supper get ready for some serious homework.  I really want to continue to keep my 4.0.  However, I must think rationally and know that as long as I do my best then I am doing 4.0 regardless.

Troubles

i learned something very important this morning..i need to praise the Lord for my troubles and not complain..Amen

new twitter account

Check out my twitter:  I am getting so tech savvy..lol..im lovin it..
http://twitter.com/fulloflovetogiv

pray for my friend

Sad day for a friend of the family..his son was killed the other day...only 19 years old..was hit head on by a coal truck driver..the driver said he was distracted when he went in justins lane..and now his parents and the rest of the family have to say goodbye to him..please pray for them..tough situation..

Summer school starting

Well through college classes, spending time with family and friends, and working on my home, time has flown by for me. Tomorrow starts summer school for two weeks. Then one week off the first of August. A content academy class from August 9-13th. Then back to work for the year on August 18th. Where has the summer gone?! I have to find some time to get away for some R&R with my man. Any suggestions?