Although the site appears to be a "work in progress" initiative [did encounter some flaws], after navigating through some of the features, using some creativity, Secret Builder can be a pretty useful educational tool for students, parents and teachers alike. I particularly like the fact that the idea was a collaborative effort between parents and teachers.
The [free] site has various links and interactive activities which caters to the different age groups. It also has safety features that should put parents at ease. The contest feature offered is a definite "hook" for younger children, which will only serve to keep them intrigued to explore the site's features further.
I must admit I spent a good amount of time playing an old-time favorite: "hang man". Overall, a solid site, and it is free! I urge you to check it out.
Friday, January 30, 2009
NJCCCS
Coming from the corporate arena [Financial Services], without fail, we constantly lived by the motto: "If you can not measure it, you definitely can not manage it." As I continue to become acclimated with the education field, I find it more and more, this motto is applicable to teaching/learning as well.
You get no argument from me, succinctly, the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Technological Literacy are a must! The ability to assure our leaders of tomorrow are thoroughly prepared to compete globally, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the standards appear to be well drafted to address such. At the risk of dating myself, times have really changed/advanced since I attended high school - Computers and other technological apparatuses were NEVER utilized. It is good to see that technology now plays a huge part in the teaching/learning process.
In teaching, I guess the real challenge is in incorporating the standards into the lesson plans. I would imagine there has to be a delicate balance between a tendency to focus solely on the standards and making certain one does not lose connection with the students.
As it relates to Special Education broadly, which is the area of education I wish to pursue, there appears to be a separate set of standards [New Jersey Department of Education Special Education Self-Assessment]. Because I truly want no student disadvantaged when they ultimately enter the marketplace, so that these students can also realize their full potential, at what point do we look to integrate students with learning disabilities into the main stream? Or as adults, will they face the "sink or swim" mentality that definitely exist?
You get no argument from me, succinctly, the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Technological Literacy are a must! The ability to assure our leaders of tomorrow are thoroughly prepared to compete globally, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the standards appear to be well drafted to address such. At the risk of dating myself, times have really changed/advanced since I attended high school - Computers and other technological apparatuses were NEVER utilized. It is good to see that technology now plays a huge part in the teaching/learning process.
In teaching, I guess the real challenge is in incorporating the standards into the lesson plans. I would imagine there has to be a delicate balance between a tendency to focus solely on the standards and making certain one does not lose connection with the students.
As it relates to Special Education broadly, which is the area of education I wish to pursue, there appears to be a separate set of standards [New Jersey Department of Education Special Education Self-Assessment]. Because I truly want no student disadvantaged when they ultimately enter the marketplace, so that these students can also realize their full potential, at what point do we look to integrate students with learning disabilities into the main stream? Or as adults, will they face the "sink or swim" mentality that definitely exist?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
PODCASTING, ANYONE?
In perusing the articles, I'm convinced, quite simply, classroom podcasting is just an exceptional concept! Just imagine the healthy and competitive environment it would foster.
However, realistically, in this current and awful economic down-turn, how many of our schools have the necessary funding to support such an initiative?
However, realistically, in this current and awful economic down-turn, how many of our schools have the necessary funding to support such an initiative?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
NETS
Being a huge and rabid basketball fan, and also someone transitioning into the education area, when I first viewed this blog topic in the course syllabus, I thought, great, we are actually going to discuss sports in the course - JUST KIDDING!
Actually, from my perspective, ISTE's National Educational Technology Standards [NETS] is a wonderful "digital age" initiative for both teachers and students, which serves as a catalyst for fostering continued learning.
When I first accessed the site, what comes to mind is there is just a wealth of information here - So much so that is seemed overwhelming to digest. Taking the time to delve into the various links, the site appears to cover every aspect of educational technology in order for teachers and students to stay competitive in this ever growing global environment. Particularly as teachers, I can not imagine anyone not fully appreciating the advantages of the standards set. The standards established should serve as solid metrics for gauging/generating positive measurable results.
Conversely, however, as standards are continually added/changed/modified, should we be concerned with running the risk of creating too much bureaucracy in the learning process?
Actually, from my perspective, ISTE's National Educational Technology Standards [NETS] is a wonderful "digital age" initiative for both teachers and students, which serves as a catalyst for fostering continued learning.
When I first accessed the site, what comes to mind is there is just a wealth of information here - So much so that is seemed overwhelming to digest. Taking the time to delve into the various links, the site appears to cover every aspect of educational technology in order for teachers and students to stay competitive in this ever growing global environment. Particularly as teachers, I can not imagine anyone not fully appreciating the advantages of the standards set. The standards established should serve as solid metrics for gauging/generating positive measurable results.
Conversely, however, as standards are continually added/changed/modified, should we be concerned with running the risk of creating too much bureaucracy in the learning process?
Sunday, January 25, 2009
INTERNET SAFETY
After watching and re-watching the various videos, my first response was wow! There are a vast array of precautions one must adhere to in order to remain safe. With the numerous and almost unlimited educational benefits the Internet has to offer, it is just a shame that, in reference to our children, they are treated like little sheep only waiting to be preyed upon by hungry wolves.
I guess in an ideal world there would be no need for all the do's and don'ts. But we don't live in an ideal world do we. Taking a more positive perspective, I found the videos to be extremely entertaining, while at the same time provided some very informative and indispensable guidelines to follow. Being the father of two curious minors, living in a "hip hop" generation, I particularly found the [Internet Safety II and Know the Rules] videos to be spot on in delivering a memorable message to their targeted audience [minors]. I actually invited my sons to watch the videos with me.
Kudos goes out to the [Internet Safety] video as well, which appears to be tailored more towards teens. The plain/straight talk guidelines and the various help links presented delivered a loud and clear message: If you feel threatened, take appropriate actionable steps -Tell a family member, teacher, counselor...
In closing, enjoy the Internet. The pros far out weigh the cons. To borrow the title from one of the videos with a little addition, "Know and Follow the Rules".
I guess in an ideal world there would be no need for all the do's and don'ts. But we don't live in an ideal world do we. Taking a more positive perspective, I found the videos to be extremely entertaining, while at the same time provided some very informative and indispensable guidelines to follow. Being the father of two curious minors, living in a "hip hop" generation, I particularly found the [Internet Safety II and Know the Rules] videos to be spot on in delivering a memorable message to their targeted audience [minors]. I actually invited my sons to watch the videos with me.
Kudos goes out to the [Internet Safety] video as well, which appears to be tailored more towards teens. The plain/straight talk guidelines and the various help links presented delivered a loud and clear message: If you feel threatened, take appropriate actionable steps -Tell a family member, teacher, counselor...
In closing, enjoy the Internet. The pros far out weigh the cons. To borrow the title from one of the videos with a little addition, "Know and Follow the Rules".
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