Double Entry Journal #2: Web 2.0 and Emerging Learning Technologies/Learning Styles

Quote:
"According to many researchers, children can learn more effectively when they play video games than when they read books." (Web 2.0 2011)

Response:
This quote angered me in a way. I've always enjoyed and valued reading even when I was younger. For me, there was and is nothing better than to crack open a new book to learn about and travel to world different from my own. For example, I learned about everything from the Revolutionary War to Titanic just by reading the Dear America book series. Reading is how I learn. I understand that times are changing and different people learn different ways. However, I am failing to see how learning from reading a book can become outdated. I am all for mixing it up a little bit when it comes to learning. Since this is the digital age, I can understand and even agree with mixing technology into education. What I don't agree with is the idea that books are becoming obsolete and how video games are becoming the way to learn. Teaming up education and technology together is a good thing, until people try to use technology to make education easier and less challenging. In my opinion, learning via video games all the time is taking the easy way out. Students should be challenged and pushed to do above and beyond what is required. In this day and age, what is more challenging that reading a book to learn? Apparently nothing.

Reference:
Web 2.0 and Emerging Learning Technologies/Learning Styles. (2011, May 19). In WikiBooks. Retrieved January 27, 2012, from http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Web_2.0_and_Emerging_Learning_Technologies/Learning_Styles  

Resource:

This cartoon is basically stating that children today don't read anything longer than a text message or read hardly anything at all. Other cartoons that go along with my opinion are at http://www.glasbergen.com/cartoons-about-reading/

Glasbergen, R. (Artist). (2011). Cartoons about reading. [Web Drawing]. Retrieved  on January 27, 2012 from http://www.glasbergen.com/cartoons-about-reading/ 

What Kind of Learner Are You?

• Visual: 3  Aural: 4  Read/Write: 3 Kinesthetic: 7

I found out that I was a Kinesthetic learner which means I learn best by doing. In order to show that, I made my hands larger and a brighter color so they would stand out. Some strategies I can employ as a learner is to go ahead and try something out. If I don't succeed, then I know what not to do for the next time. Another strategy I can employ is to go ahead and attempt something instead of waiting and watching someone else go first. Personally, I always thought I was more of a visual learner because I feel as if I learn best by following an example. Technology can be used to support my learning style in a couple of different ways. Such as:

1. By using ISTE-NETS Standard 1d (Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity) I can use a virtual world which I can make up in order to connect & share ideas with others by modeling our ideas.
2. By having my class use online simulations of things such as space travel, they can know how it feels to go into space without actually going. (Standard 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments)
3. If the class was learning about current issues around the globe, by having them watch videos they can gain an understanding of what is happening. Once they gain that understanding, by using tools such as Skype, they can discuss the issues and their ideas for a solution with other students so they see and respect another point of view. (4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility)

Activity #2 Wordle

This is the type of teacher that I want to be one day.

Poll Wordle

Reponses to my poll question: "What is your favorite food?

Poll Everywhere

This is my Poll
 My number is 187083 to answer at PollEv.com :)

DEJ #1: Education Needs a Digital Upgrade

Quote:
"Fully 65 percent of today's grade-school kids may end up doing work that hasn't been invented yet." (Heffernan 2011)

Response:
   The previous statistic I find absolutely mind boggling. Things I were taught in grade school, approximately ten years ago, will be irrelevant soon, if they aren't already. At the moment, it looks like nearly two thirds of the next generation will be unprepared for their future jobs. I believe it is through schooling that a person prepares, learns, and starts training for their chosen profession. That preparation starts in grade school. As a future elementary school teacher, I can already feel the pressure and stress of starting to prepare my students for a job that doesn't exist yet. That is why America's education needs a boost. Education needs to change as times change. Otherwise, students will be held back and limited. The article says that currently many teachers do not "possess the digital prowess" and that can hurt the students in the long run. As a teacher, it will be my job to keep up with the changes in order to start preparing the students for their future.

Reference:
Heffernan, V. (2011, August 7). Education needs a digital upgrade. Retrieved from http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/education-needs-a-digital-age-upgrade/

Related Resource:
This article gives eight ways that technology is improving the classroom. This article is nearly two years old. Therefore I'm sure more ways have been found that technology improves the classroom.
Kessler, S. (2010, November 22). 8 ways technology is improving education. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2010/11/22/technology-in-education/  

Intoductory Post

My name is Jennifer Hanlin. I come from the small town of Petersburg, WV. I'm a freshman at Fairmont State University majoring in elementary education and specializing in mathematics. I have the option of teaching from K up to middle school math. Right now I am torn between teaching grades K-2 or teach middle school math. Fortunately I have some time to make up my mind. Anything else, just get ahold of me :)