Bringing Back Cell Phones

Bringing Back Cell Phones 

Talking about cell phones was very intriguing today. I came into this class with my mind already made up about cell phone use in class. After today my philosophy on cell phones has changed. My original thought was to have a charging station (http://www.thebyodclassroom.com/blogfeed/chargingstationforclass). Having a charging station would give student’s an incentive to not have the temptation of their phone around. Most importantly, the student’s phone will be charged later in the day and after school activities. After class today I realized that technology is not such a bad idea in the classroom and it should be embraced. Technology in a classroom can be beneficial in many ways. For example, today we used google docs to take notes and only two people took notes, while one person added pictures. This technique accommodated all different types of learners. While the class collaborated utilizing each other’s strengths. Technology can also be used as a classroom management skill. What do some parents do to get their child under control when they don’t want to deal with them? Hand them some sort of device, whether that is an iPhone, tablet, iPad, ect. Therefore, working with devices in a classroom could a good tool for classroom management. Students can also use technology to create a project and do research. I like the idea of having students make videos or podcasts to show what they have learned. I think this is an entertaining and engaging way to learn. Then once everyone is done with their project we would share. Students would work in groups so the classroom would not have to be a 1:1. Most likely there will be enough smartphones in the room to create videos. Other ideas I liked about technology in education is having an extra chrome book in the back for standouts to go ask questions when needed. I don't know if I would do that in my high school classroom, but I thought it was a good idea for the elementary teachers. This allows students to practice researching and being independent. Having chrome books in the classroom can be a great resource if a student gets done with work early. They could play educational games or work on an independent project. The student can still learn even though they finished their work early, but it provides the stunted with opportunities to how the will continue to learn outside of the content supplied in class that day.  

Free Wikipedia

When I was growing up every teacher told me that Wikipedia is not a reliable source because people can go in and change information whenever they want. My teachers would tell me that Wikipedia can be by edited by anyone at any time, making the information just plain wrong. I was just mind blow when I was told today that Wikipedia is a reliable resource (https://smoblogger.com/wikipedia-doesnt-suck/). Wikipedia is reliable because it is a first-hand source. At the bottom of the page is a source list and the one we looked at in class had up to 289 sources, where you can check your information. That is why Wikipedia pops up at the first website every time you google something. Wikipedia is another great source to find resources to research topics. Anyone can contribute to a Wikipedia page. This is as long as you cite your sources. This ensures that the site is reputable. The world is continually changing and so is Wikipedia and its information. Wikipedia stays revenant and is constantly getting its information updated by its users. Lastly, users can create a page about anything. Wikipedia can be used to create a business page, it’s just a great resource to get the word out. 

It was interesting to talk about the generation gap today. It was interesting to me because I am right on the cusp of being a Generation Z kid and a Millennial. Personally, I relate more to the Millennial. I grew up playing outside and would come home when the street lights came on. I didn't have a smartphone until I was 18 and in college. On the other hand, we did have Wii and Play Station, but I don't ever remember plaything them because we were outside or at sports. What I liked about our conversation today was when we talked through the generations and how they would like to be contacted by a teacher. For instance, Boomers would most likely liked to be called, Generation X would liked to be emailed, and Millennials would liked to be texted. Seeing the distinct ways that the different generations grew up and being able to compare and contrast those differences will make me a better teacher. Even just today in class I have a better understanding of Generation Z. As a teacher, I can fault Generation Z for how they grew up just because it was different from my upbringing, but I can serve them the best I can. Due to this understanding, I will have more sympathy for my future students and try to understand where they are coming from.