Image editing can be a fun thing but, at the same time it can be damaging if left in the wrong hands. With programs like photoshop, it can ruin someones career or reputation. With photshop you can literally place someone in a photo that was not originally in the photo. So, if they place you in an incriminating photo...it's safe to assume that can cause a lot of trouble. You can see all of the evils with photoshop in ads. Celebrities can appear shades lighter or darker, they can appear like they have the smallest waist in the world, or they can even have one leg or arm! How can anyone miss something like or think it is believable?!! But...I am not trying to bash image editing totally. It can be fun and it can be very helpful when you are trying to print out pictures. For instance, you can remove blemishes, red eyes, people for that matter. You can enhance the photos and add make-up to people in the pictures. I would like to believe that most people use image editing for the great good...like me! lol! We all know that we always have our "Dr. Evil" out there causing ruckus though. To conclude, I love image editing and I use it often. I have a lot of fun with it and I think you will too.
Here is a great site that has a lot of image editing tools for free...you can choose to upgrade with a small price, but the free version works wonders...www.picnik.com
Team teaching can be defined as two or more teachers working together to perform the necessary duties and activities in the classroom.There can be two different types of team teaching: two or more teachers are in the same classroom and teaching the students at the same time, or the teachers work together in the same classroom but do not necessarily teach at the same time or work with the same students. Team teaching can also be referred to as a group of teachers that work in the same "pod" but, teach their own perspective subjects to the same group of students.
Working with a team would definitely provide some advantages.It gives the involved team teachers a supportive environment and allows for development of new teaching approaches.This combined teaching plan will allow the teachers to observe each other and enhance skills such as organization, communication, and even planning skills.They will be able to learn new methods of teaching from each other.With team teaching, discipline may also be controlled easier.Communication with other colleagues may also be enhanced because with team teaching you can work on that everyday, others may not be able to get that much practice.For the students, team teaching can allow them to develop cooperation skills.Students can be exposed to different methods of getting one thing done.This will allow them to understand that there is more than one way to get things done effectively, rather than only one way.Additionally, this can be helpful because every student is not the same and one method could be perfect for one and awful for another.Lastly, students will be able to observe the teachers cooperating and behaving positively together, and then the students will exhibit those same behaviors with their peers.
With every advantage, there are disadvantages.With team teaching, the teachers could disagree so much that it could cause problems.The teachers could disagree on things such as assignments, methods of teaching, and even disciplinary methods. This could lead to the loss of time needed for instruction and time spent with the students.The teachers might undermine each other which could cause a negative vibe in the classroom.The students may be able to pick up on the teachers’ negative vibes and they too will become negative. Team teaching can also cause confusion with the students.Too many methods and ideas can be confusion with students that need some kind of organization and order in the classroom.Finally, students might try to get over on the teachers.They might try to get one teacher to do one thing that they know the other will not let them do, such as turning in assignments late or changing a grade.
In conclusion, team teaching can be a positive thing if the teachers involved are willing to work together and all have a common goal.Things will only go array if the teachers do not communicate and are not willing to get along.I think team teaching is a method that should be given ample opportunity to thrive.
My philosophy of education is every student should have an equal opportunity to learn, no matter their situation or what their disabilities are. I don’t think anyone should be stiffened when it comes to getting an education. I want to be a teacher because I like to help people and helping students to learn exudes that notion. Helping students achieve their goals and making students want to know more will be very gratifying. Special needs students have goals they want to meet also and they should be given the same opportunities as “regular” students. I know that every child is unique and that every child has their own way to learn. I think every student should be given all the information needed to learn the tasks at hand. I don’t believe people should use stereotypes when it comes to teaching children. If someone says that a particular student can’t do a certain task, I will make it my duty to help that student learn that task. I think every child is capable of learning when given the right materials and the right guidance. As a teacher, I will make it my duty to make sure every student learns and is given that opportunity to learn. It would be a blessing to be a part of the students’ lives and it would be great to help them change their lives. Every student deserves a fair chance and equal education.
What makes a successful middle school teacher?Well...in my opinion, in order to be a successful middle school teacher, you will have to possess many traits and incorporate them all together.Just having one trait will not do, all of them have to be combined together.
First, the teacher has to have a love for teaching, educating students, and the well-being of the students.If the teacher only took this job for a pay check or because they thought it was easy, this job will not work for them.The teacher has to be enthused and be able to motivate and get the students to be enthusiastic as well.The students will be able to detect if the teacher really does not care for them and the students will not want to perform as well.I feel the teacher should come in everyday excited about the lesson at hand.Additionally, the teachers should want the students leaving their class excited and informed on what they learned that day.
Next, I think a teacher should possess cooperation.The teacher should be able to cooperate with other teachers and their students.If the teacher is working on a team, I think it is very important to have cooperation skills especially, if collaboration is involved.The teachers should also know how to cooperate with their students.I think if the teachers does not let their students take part in rule making processes or grading rubrics, they are headed toward disaster. I think students are more inclined to meet goals if they helped to make them. Of course, this is my opinion and a number of people will disagree but, I feel this is necessary.
A teacher will also have to provide variety.The teacher will have to provide variety as far as teaching methods.All students do not learn the same and a varied instructional method would take care of this. A varied instructional method will allow each student to be accommodated and no student will be left out on the educational train. On the other hand, if students did all learn the same way, a varied instruction would still be useful. It will prevent boredom and give students something to look forward to each day.A teacher with variety will help students learn in the best way possible.
Finally, a teacher must have a level of professionalism.Professionalism will permit the teacher from crossing any lines that could jeopardize their job.The teacher must be professional with students and other faculty members.A teacher must also dress professional and not wear anything provocative.When a teacher possesses professionalism, it does not mean that they cannot be nice or likable teachers, it just means that the teacher-student relationship is just that, a teacher-student relationship.A teacher can be professional and still genuinely care for the students’ education and well-being.
In order to be a successful teacher, one must posses all of these attributes. In my opinion, having all of these characteristics will allow for the best student achievement rate.To conclude, it will allow for the best teachers all around.
In today’s society, students have to deal with many things. There are many dangers in our schools today, many more than in previous years. Students have to deal with things such as peer pressure, drugs, and violence. Along with these issues, students have to worry about maintaining good grades.
Peer pressure is something that is having a major effect on our students today. There are so many pressures they have to deal with, on top of everyday stresses. Children can be controlling and vindictive. Some students pressure other students to do what they want to do. Some students feel obligated, just to fit in or be popular. Some students are ridiculed for not giving in to the pressures and they sometimes can become an outcast. Peer pressure can have a dangerous effect on a child. Some children can even go as far as suicide. We should help students know that it is okay to be themselves and, do what they want to do and not succumb to the pressures.
Drugs are more commonly used among students today. This is a major social problem in our schools today. Most students even get the drugs from another student at school. Students may feel cool when they use particular drugs, so they continue to use them. Some students smoke or use drugs just because their friends do it. They can even find products at home that they can use to vandalize their bodies. Huffing is becoming more frequent and causing too many early deaths. Parents and students need to be aware of the harmful effects and what products are at fault. These items include but, are not limited to spray dusters for keyboards or any aerosol can.
Violence is another prevalent issue in our schools today. Students have resorted to violence to solve problems. Students feel like they need to defend themselves when someone may be making fun of them. On the other hand, some students use force or violence to get what they want. Violence in schools makes it dangerous for everyone, not just the ones involved in the violent acts. Students need to resort to other ways to solve problems and issues they may have. It is possible they are mimicking what they see at home or t.v. but, that is no excuse for the cycle to continue.
These are some social problems some schools have to face...just to name a few. They are serious problems for our schools and students. Parents, guardians, teachers, and counselors need to talk to students and be available to talk about issues they may have. Hopefully, being available and these talks with help students resort to different solutions that aren’t harmful. Additionally, students will be confident in themselves and will not give in to peer pressures.
I read an excerpt from the book Made to Stick by Chip & Dan Heath.It was a very interesting read and it drew me right in from the beginning. It started out with the urban legend of the kidney theft.It’s about a man who is bought a drink at bar by an attractive lady and the next then he knows is he is in a bathtub of ice with a tube protruding from his back. I’m sure many of you have heard some version of this story and like me, when I began to read it, I had a feeling I knew what was going to happen to that poor man.The question at hand is: What makes us remember this story?What makes us remember any urban legend or old wives tale?The book Made to Stick explores these questions and comes up with a solution for people to apply to every story or idea.
As a teacher it is important to get the material to “stick” with the students.As a boss it is important to get ideas to “stick” with employees.What can be done to make sure that any idea “stick” with the audience at hand?The Heath brothers have come up with a “formula” for this and it can be displayed in the acronym S.U.C.C.E.S.s…simplicity, unexpectedness, concreteness, credibility, emotions, and stories.They believe if you apply all of these principles to any point you are trying to get across then, the idea will “stick”.
I agree with the Heath brothers and I was very enlightened after I read the small excerpt.They explained simplicity by using the golden rule.Everyone can remember that so, if we could sum our point in a simpler form, the more it will stay with our audience. To explain unexpectedness they then go in to say “we need to violate people’s expectations.”I think that means we need to do or create things that will surprise readers, and allow that idea or fact to remain in their memory because it was so unexpected.Our ideas have to be concrete; they have to be something that we can actually see or believe…which runs into the credibility of the idea.One of the most important principles, in my opinion, is to evoke emotion.Emotion is one of the strongest things that can connect someone to an idea and I truly believe it can leave a lasting impression.And lastly, stories are described as a “mental flight simulator, preparing us to respond more quickly and effectively.”
I think Made to Stick was a great read and it definitely made a lasting impression on me.I will also, without doubt, try the “formula” that Chip and Dan Heath have described in their book.I think it will be very successful and the ideas will “stick” with the audience.
Living in the world today, we are living with all different races and ethnicities. There are all kinds of people in the workplace and especially in our schools. Therefore, it is important to be informed and aware of all of these other cultures. In school we are introduced to different worlds through literature, so it is only natural that we can learn about other cultures through books.
I think it is important to let students learn about their peers. Multicultural education helps students to identify with their own culture, exposes students to other cultures, and brings about discussions on different cultures. I think enlightening students about different cultures will create a more comfortable environment in the classroom. For instance, if there are certain rituals a student must perform during the day, like praying, other students will know what is going on because they have read and learned about the culture. Additionally, the other student will feel more comfort without the worries of questions and taunting. I think exposing children to different cultures through literature is very effective because they are learning through a story rather than a lecture. Lastly, multicultural education about a certain ethnic group benefits that culture or ethnic group as well. Reading stories or having lessons about their own culture, students will be able to see how others go through experiences similar to theirs, come up with strategies to deal with issues in their life, and identify themselves with their innate culture.
Some of the best ways of informing students about other cultures is through literature with other additions to the readings. I think students should read fictional and non-fictional stories. After the readings, the students can watch related movies or videos. Additionally, students could act out particular scenes in the story. Students could be asked to write about feelings after reading the story. If there are museums or exhibits that relate to reading, visiting could be most helpful and give a most in depth look. Finally, I think research should be done when selecting books to make sure they are authentic, portray accurate information, and do not provide any stereotypes. Some of the worst ways spreading multicultural education would be putting books and information out carelessly. Meaning, giving books to students without screening them first. All books are not appropriate for students to read and all books are not accurate, as I stated earlier. Additionally, when conducting lessons and the teacher is not accurate on the information given, there a problem arises. Some books could cause students to develop negative or stereotypical views about particular cultures because the book was written in that a particular format. I think it is also a bad idea to give selections to students and not have any kind of follow up discussion or activity. I think students get more depth and understanding from follow up. Multicultural education is something I think students need to understand, so it wouldn’t be good if the teacher did not make sure that they understood it themselves.
I remember watching a movie some time ago…when I watched the Disney channel.It was about a girl that lived in space and she went to school like she would on Earth.Except, in her class, her teacher was a hologram and everyone sat behind a computer screen.The hologram was interactive and could see and react with everything the students did in class, just as if he was there with the students.How amazing it would be if we had this same situation in our everyday classrooms, I thought.
It’s great to think how far technology has really come especially, in the classroom.I remember thinking if you used an overhead projector in your class, that was really cool.Now, those projectors are somewhat extinct in some cases.I remember getting excited to get on the computer to play Oregon Trail or Super Munchers…games I’m sure students today know nothing about.There are so many opportunities and advances in the classroom today that allow for ample opportunities to learn.
Today, most school systems are lucky enough to have classrooms that come equip with a projectors connected to a computer.I love this little piece of technology.You can simply project your PowerPoint lessons on the screen.You can embed videos and show them also with just the click of the mouse.And if someone has a question about something you can go to Google and pull a picture, map, or whatever you need to answer the student’s question.It allows for great convenience.Additionally, you can even do tests or quizzes on the screen, and it makes it “fun” for the students.The projectors also allow for mobile “clickers” and you can change the screen anywhere in the room, as long as you are in range.Therefore, you don’t have to be stuck behind the computer, and you can walk through and monitor the students.Thus, allowing for greater classroom management.The projector opens many doors for learning in the classroom.Some school systems are even luckier and have smart boards. Smart boards are very sophisticated pieces of technology and work with touch-screen capabilities.
When I think about global learning I get excited about how far technology has really come.For instance, in our class we use the Blackboard and Wimba.This allows for people to obtain their education in “unconventional” ways.Everyone does not have the time to go to a campus and go to class there.So, educational programs like these allow people to get that education they desire, but in a matter that accommodates their schedule.Technology has come a long way and continues onto many advances today.
My professor posted a link to a video on YouTube. It’s called Joe’s Non-Notebook. A boy is reading a traditional book and trying to use the same tools he would use on the internet. Things like drag-and-drop, copy and paste, and clicking on highlighted words or pictures to get further information on the particular item. Now, Joe’s Non-Notebook is a funny piece, but I think it also brings out many truths. I think many kids or people in general rely on technology. Many would prefer to read something on the internet rather than to read it from a traditional book. Growing up, reading out of traditional books was the only option until the computer-age started to grow. Yet, the computer was a reward rather than a choice for education. The video of Joe’s Non-Notebook is what many student experience today. They enjoy the many luxuries of the computer and internet, and when it comes to traditional means they don’t know what to do. Moreover, they don’t want to do anything. When I was student teaching, I assigned a multitude of different activities. I did this to make sure that every kind of learner would get that kind of attention they needed. I found that when I assigned reading assignments in their text books, many of them would not read, but just stare into space or do other things to occupy their time. Some students enjoyed reading and did what was asked of them. So many students are spoiled by technological advances that when it comes to doing the work themselves, they simply don’t want any part of it. Consequently, to help with students who did not follow instructions and read the assigned readings in class, I played the “read-aloud” c.d. that came with the book. That would make it easier for the students to follow along, wouldn’t it? Well, in some cases it did and some it didn’t. Some of the students followed along with the reading in their books as it was read aloud. Others still would not pay attention and would quickly turn the page as they heard everyone turn theirs. With all of that being said, I think it is very important that there is a good mixture traditional means of education and those that involve technology. Therefore, students will possess both skills they need that are, in my opinion, equally important. Then maybe we can get rid of some those excuses, “my computer wasn’t working,” or “my internet was down,” when the encyclopedia was still intact on the bookshelf…dusty, but intact. Lol! I’m not saying get rid of technology because I think it is desperately needed, I don’t think it is good to solely rely on it. Some students rely on it too much and have been spoiled. When it come to doing traditional things…reading and writing…they don’t want to do it when the can basically copy and paste on the computer. Joe’s Non-Notebook is funny and a clever piece but what is the underlying message?
I was reading an article about the new Google Wave. It is a program that will allow maximum interaction between students and teachers on the Internet. Dennis Carter, Assistant Editor of eSchool News, says,
“Combining text, audio, and video chat with features like drag-and-drop documents and interactive polls, Google Wave is a free web program that could add unprecedented depth to student interaction, many educators say.”
In my opinion, I think Google Wave will be a great feature to utilize in the classroom. Just like with any other piece of technology, I think students will be very excited and more inclined to participate if a program like Google Wave is involved. The article talks about group projects and the age-old question: “How do you know that everyone is participating?” With this program, you will be able to monitor the students’ work and who are participating. I think that is great! Students will have no choice but to do what they are supposed to do. Students that would normally slack and let all the other group members do the work will run into some difficulties, and feel that it is necessary for them to do their part. The teacher will be able to see exactly what is going on and will be able to grade group work fairly and accordingly. This feature alone should peak teachers and school systems interests.
Additionally, I think this a great program because it’s FREE! Therefore, the program should be accessible to many. There won’t be any problems with school systems that are not as financially stable as other system, and everyone will be able to enjoy and benefit from the perks of Google Wave. Another feature that caught my eye was the spell checker. The spell checker is not like the ordinary spell check. It not only corrects spelling, but it also corrects words used inaccurately or out of context. Dennis Carter says, “Wave’s spell checker doesn’t match words against their dictionary spelling, but rather accounts for the word’s context using a complex language model spawned from billions of web pages. Even if a word is spelled correctly, Wave will underline the word in red if it is used incorrectly or out of context.” At the same time, this feature could hinder users because the user can become dependent and expect every wrong to be corrected. This will truly hurt them if the long run if the user does not know the reason for the correction. As a result, I think this feature should come with some moderation, but I think it is a good feature.
My overall reaction to Google Wave is WONDERFUL! I want to try it out myself to really get a feel for the program, and be a witness to all of the great things described about it. I truly think Google Wave will be a positive and effective thing for the education world, but there are a few questions I would like to propose:
1. Will teachers and students be able to use Google Wave at home? 2. Will Google Wave serve as an after-school connection for students and teachers for additional help? 3. Will there be some kind of filter in determining who can and cannot use Google Wave?
There are many outlets to consider when it comes to web-based media and resources in education. One can choose from scholarly journals online or educational videos from a variety of websites such as CNN or A&E. Nevertheless, there are some websites that are not as creditable as others, and one should be cautious when crediting certain websites as a resource. For example, Wikipedia should not be considered one of the most lucrative websites when writing a research paper or for creditable source. Wikipedia is described as “a multilingual, web-based, free-content encyclopedia project based on an openly-editable model,” (Wikipedia, 2010). Wikipedia is written collaboratively by a group of international “volunteers,” (Wikipedia, 2010). Volunteers being anyone who feels inclined to enter a new article or edit previously entered information. This can lead one to believe that some information entered can be biased or very opinionated instead of actual facts. Furthermore, the information provided could just be incorrect! I do not doubt the fact that some of the information is correct and factual, but it is an uneasy feeling knowing that any 'John Doe' can enter information compared to an expert in the perspective fields.
Stephen Colbert’s piece “Wikiality” proves the lack of dependability of Wikipedia. Colbert jokes on how Wikipedia quotes him on one of his jokes that he made on “The Colbert Report” as if it was an actual fact that is profound enough to be included in an encyclopedia. "Any user can change any entry, and if enough other users agree with them it becomes true," (Colbert, 2006). With that statement he then decides to change the entry himself during the show, and the previously quoted statement is now a different statement without much effort. Moreover, if I wanted to go change his entry, I could by simply logging in Wikipedia and typing it. This could definitely cause confusion or misinformation if someone were to use this for reference purposes. Colbert goes on to say if he disagrees with something that is considered a universal fact, he can change that also. He uses the example of George Washington owing slaves. "Who is Britannica to tell me that George Washington had slaves. If I want to say he didn't that's my right. And now, thanks to Wikipedia, it's also a fact," (Colbert,2006). Wikipedia states they are aware of some the cons that can arise by letting anyone enter information. The encyclopedia says that most of the older articles will be more concrete and complete, “while newer articles more frequently contain significant misinformation, unencyclopedic content, or vandalism. Users need to be aware of this to obtain valid information and avoid misinformation that has been recently added and not yet removed,” (Wikipedia, 2010). Wikipedia claims to have control over the vandalism or nonsense entered into the encyclopedia. Wikipedia defines vandalism as “any addition, removal, or change of content made in a deliberate attempt to compromise the integrity of Wikipedia. Vandalism cannot and will not be tolerated,” (Wikipedia, 2010). They then go on to say, “Any good-faith effort to improve the encyclopedia, even if misguided or ill-considered, is not vandalism. Even harmful edits that are not explicitly made in bad faith are not vandalism,” (Wikipedia, 2010). Basically, they believe most of entries are made with intentions to improve the encyclopedia rather than hurt it. Where will the line be drawn if administrators of Wikipedia believe that all entries have the intentions of positivity and effectiveness?
Overall, Wikipedia should not be used as a creditable source for reference or research. There will be some factual information found on Wikipedia, but there will also be some misconstrued information also. Therefore, I do not think Wikipedia should be the main source for concrete research or education.
