Sarah Rambo STEM

STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  The ultimate goal STEM education wants to obtain is getting students to become interested in these subjects at an earlier age, to help with future career and college choices. In 2006, policymakers for the state and federal governments came up with a plan to help improve literacy of these subject areas, which developed the STEM program.  As a result of this program, there are many updates to the education system including implementing daily technology use, specially trained instructors, inquiry-based teaching methodologies, and a curriculum with sufficient knowledge assessment practices. According to the PISA (Program of International Student Assessment), high school students of the age 15 in the United States were ranked 18th in mathematics and 13th in science out of 34 participating countries.  Back in April of 2014, Ohio accepted applications for nine additional STEM schools.  Quite a few of the schools that had just began their STEM journey are designed for middle school students, because they are trying to help students find interests to help determine a college or career path for them. 

This video explains the STEM program.  This video states that STEM programs have something to offer all students. STEM also works to provide students with a higher level of thinking. Included in this video is a list of emphases the program has on student development.  

"What Is STEM Education." STEM SCHOOL. 9 Dec. 2012. Web. 30 Sept. 2014. <http://www.stemschool.com/articles/what-is-stem-education/>.


"Ohio Adds New STEM Schools!" Ohio Stem Learning Network. 11 Apr. 2014. Web. 30 Sept. 2014. <http://www.osln.org/2014/04/ohio-adds-new-stem-schools/>.

Jasmin Marshall

Jasmin Marshall

 

Graham, Edward. "Using Smartphones in the Classroom". National Education Association. Web.

      2014.

      In this article Edward uses examples of how teachers can include mobile devices, mainly cell

      phones in the classroom as a learning tool instead of arguing that their useless in the classroom. This article simply states that there are many ways to ensure that smartphones in the classroom are beneficial. One of the examples that he uses is to have the students downloading the app Reminder 101, which reminds and lets students know when and what assignments are due. He also recommends other educational apps that provide a ton of information for students to resource when doing work in the classroom. He also makes a point to acknowledge that the noise level within the classroom goes down because students are actually enjoying the work that they're doing. This article is for teachers who are against the use of mobile devices in the classroom.  I believe that this article is written by someone who has the expertise to author the information because he gives examples that he himself uses and how he uses them. This article is up-to-date. I  completely agree with this article. I believe, like the author, that teaches need to catch up.

http://www.nea.org/tools/56274.htm

 

 

Miriah Large Virtual K-12 Schools

Annotated Bibliography

Virtual K-12 Schools

Glass, Gene V. (2009). "The realities of K-12 virtual education". Boulder and Tempe: Education

and the Public Interest Center & Education Policy Research Unit. September 29, 2014

http://epicpolicy.org/publication/realities-K-12-virtual-education

  This publication tells readers all about Virtual Education. It tells readers what exactly virtual education is, the prevalence and research that has been done on virtual learning, the achievement outcomes of virtual learning, the cost and quality of virtual schooling, the recent developments that have been done on virtual schooling, and recommendations for virtual schooling. It was written to inform the reader on the realities of virtual education. It is written by someone who has the expertise to author the information. The information is accurate. The author uses several sources and she cites them all. The information is up to date for this topic.

Traditional or Virtual Schools

This video is basically a debate on traditional schools and virtual schools. The video is an audio of a man and a woman debating on which is better. The man and the woman both agree that a virtual school is good for a student who cannot attend a traditional school but it is better for students to attend a traditional school for social reasons. Socializing is important for students and they cannot socialize with other students face to face at virtual schools. The video was posted October 13th, 2013 so it is up to date. The video does not give the credentials of the man or woman speaking in the video but the information does sound accurate. I agree with the man and woman that students should go to traditional schools because I do believe that being able to socialize is important.

Internet Safety for Educational Professionals, Parents and Students

INTERNET SAFETY FOR EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONALS, PARENTS AND STUDENTS


 Forward, Catherine. "Information and Resources on Internet Safety for Children." British Journal of School Nursing 9.3 (2014): 147-51. CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Web. 1 Oct. 2014.

This article, "Information and Resources on Internet Safety for Children" from the British Journal of School Nursing, written by Catherine Forward, provides important information regarding internet safety. Designed for education professionals, this article comes complete with internet safety statistics, research links, what to do and what not to do in regards to internet safety, and key terms used in context with the internet. I think that this article would be a very valuable resource to not only educational professionals, but also to parents and students, especially if they are complete outsiders to internet safety. This article tackles many internet safety issues such as cyberbullying, adult predators, and exposure to obscene material and how to combat them. This article also stresses the importance of being involved in what your child or the students of your school have access to on the internet. I think that this article is also very reliable. None of the statistics seem to be made up and are properly cited, along with the rest of the factual information included in the article.





watchwellcast. "Safe Web Surfing: Top Tips for Kids and Teens Online." Online Video Clip. YouTube, 2 May 2013. Web. 5 October 2014.

This cute little video, posted by watchwellcast, is designed for teens and children on how to be safe on the internet. The video brings up 4 major points such as the permanence of what is posted on the internet, the importance of not posting personal information online, phone/text safety, and the dangers of being hacked. This video would be an important video to show students in the classroom because it brings up some good points and offers useful tips to help avoid some of these problems. I personally think that this video should be required viewing for children and teens in school because the information presented in the video is not only practical, but seemingly reliable. I could see myself using this in one of my class if I ever needed to teach this to my students.

Annotated Bibliography- Plagiarizing in School - Sonal Dhiman

Student plagiarism in schools using online sources

Bowman, Vibiana. The Plagiarism Plague: A Resource Guide and CD-ROM tutorial for Educators and Librarians. New York: Neal Schuman Publishers, 2004. Print.

In this book, Bowman and several authors describe the challenges of maintaining originality in a technologically advanced world. The essays on citing sources and describing their usefulness are especially useful for educators looking to teach their students lessons in proper annotation and the usefulness of an appropriately acknowledged resource. The book helps guide students towards becoming better researchers and becoming more resourceful – a practice that will help them in college as well as in their own academic pursuits.

Snyder, Tamar. “Cheating Goes Digital: New Tools, New Sites, Make Classroom Dishonesty Harder to Squash.” Edutopia. N.p., 13 April 2014. Web. 29 September 2014.

This article by Tamar Snyder describes the difficulties of catching instances or sources of cheating in school in the digital age. It helps educators get familiar with modern technologies that can help prevent instances of cheating and even help them guide students towards the proper use of technological tools. The article highlights sources like technopolis.org that help awaken teachers towards the ways in which students have been cheating just under their noses. With familiarity comes the power to change the trend, which is the central aim of this article.

"Plagiarism and Citing Sources." Teacher Tube. Teachertube.com, 18 Feb. 2014. Web. 29 Sept. 2014.

This video uses a 7^th grade student to help explain to other students what is the meaning of plagiarism and how it is often done by students without even knowing that they are doing it. The highlight of the video is the use of examples, the very first being using twitter as an example of plagiarizing. That puts the point across very clearly that when a tweet by someone is not retweeted or quoted but simply inserted in someone else’s status as if it were their own, that is the occurrence of plagiarism. This helps students relate to the topic, instead of distancing from it because it is very academically oriented and out of their league. 

Mobile Devices Use In The Classroom

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

 

Mobile Devices
Use In
The Classroom
                                                                            

Wylie, Jonathan. "Mobile Learning Technologies for 21st Century Classrooms." Scholastic. N.p., 2014. Web. 29 Sept. 2014. http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3754742.

The time is now for all educators, facilities, and students to join in the mobile device revolution. The article states, Marc Prensky warned us, "Our students have changed radically. Today's students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach." Many instructors and students are using all sorts of mobile devices in the classroom today. They are utilizing these devices in a wide area to research information, text answers to respond to teachers questions, e-books, and even assist special needs students with speech. And to think at one point years ago educational leaders used to ban the use of cellular devices and other electronics. Instead of banning these devices, educators have embraced technology in education leading to more engaged students. Education combined with mobile device learning plans set the stage for infinite possibilities of growth in the classroom. Not only for the students, but for the educational foundation as well.  Apps, cellphones, and iPads, oh my!

 

                                                                                                                                                                             

 

Educause. "Mobile Devices in Teaching and Learning." Youtube.com, 22 Apr. 2011. Web. 04 Oct. 2014. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEFXZomXs-o.

Everything from mico-lectures, lesson plans, notes, and schedules are in our pockets readily available 24/7. Being able to unitize mobile devices outside of the classroom to access information is a great way to integrate information that is learned in a traditional classroom setting. In turn, making learning possible at anytime, anywhere. The video has a simple analogy stating that we are all mobile devices, as humans we move around and now we have computers that move with us. It’s pretty amazing how mobile devices have evolved in and out of the classroom embracing every opportunity as an opportunity to learn.

                                                                                                                                                                            




Rebecca Schmitz

    Rebecca Schmitz            
                                        

                                      
Moulton, Jim. "Dealing with Plagiarism: Proactive, or Punitive?" Web log post. Edutopia 13 Apr.  2014. Web. 23 Sept. 2014. 

This was a blog written by Jim Moulton about his thought on plagiarism. I did not think he was very informative because he basically just gave his opinion of the topic. He wrote this blog to show his view on plagiarism and how we need to stop it.

I do not think this is a very credible source to use in a paper but it is informative and gives me ideas to research and see if what he said is correct or not.

This was a well-written blog but I would not use his information in my paper unless I further researched it. I do agree with his view on the topic at hand though.

"Overview." Plagiarism.org. Writecheck, 2014. Web. 23 Sept. 2014. 

The website plagiarism.org is very informative about the types of plagiarism and there is a section how to avoid it. Most of the time when plagiarism occurs it is because one did not cite the resource correctly or give the creator the credit.

The group of people who made this website worked very hard and you can tell they researched this topic very well. They made this website to inform and try and prevent plagiarism from occurring.

 I was very impressed with this website and very happy I came across this information. This website had so much information. I agree with the information they gave me and I agree that plagiarism is wrong and needs to be ended. I also used this site for the pictures on the top of my blog.

Plagiarism. Dir. Lisa Heaton. Perf. Lisa Heaton, Yvonne Skoretz, and Ashley Stephens.

            2008. Plagiarism. Fall 2008. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. 

Teachertube is a video search engine of videos for teachers to use in their classrooms. It is very similar to youtube.com, but teachers can trust that the videos on here are safe and appropriate to watch. This video was published to inform students and teachers that plagiarism is wrong.

The information given on this website is very accurate and Lisa as a teacher knows a lot about the topic at hand.

I thought the video was well done and very informative. Obviously plagiarism is wrong and I think we need to inform our students about this topic and the consequences that come along with it.
                                                         TeacherTube

Online bullying or harassment- Alexis Csizmadia

 

 

 

Annotated Bibliography

Landau, Elizabeth. "When Bullying Goes High-tech." CNN. Cable News Network, 15 Apr.         2013. Web. 29 Sept. 2014. http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/27/health/cyberbullying-online-bully victims/

            This article “When Bullying Goes High-tech,” is about cyber-bullying in the United States, as well as a boys experience with cyber-bullying in middle school. With my topic being online bullying or harassment of students, this article compliments it very well. This article on cyber-bullying from CNN provides a real life encounter with cyber-bullying. The article is to provide those who are oblivious to cyber-bullying with information that can quickly change their perspective. From reading this article, it was written by someone with the expertise to author all of the information. From reading this article and looking at the publication date, I would have to say that this article is up to date, being published back in 2013.  I believe that this article was an excellent choice as to present the public with information about cyber-bullying. I think that if everyone heard the encounters that victims of cyber-bullying have had to face, then more people would be willing to do something to prevent it from happening to any student, from kindergarten to 12^th grade.

"Cyberbullying Effects on Society." No Bullying Expert Advice on Cyber Bullying School  Bullying. 4 Apr. 2014. Web. 29 Sept. 2014. http://nobullying.com/is-society-to-blame-for-cyber-bullying.

This article on cyber-bullying talks about Society’s effects on society. In today’s society, the news is filled with hatred, violence, and crime, it is probable that cyber-bullying is becoming more common in today’s society. Those who are either being cyber bullied, or who are cyber bullying people are students who come from a single family home, or a home with very little parental supervision. With the direction in which society is going, those students who come from a broken family, whose parents constantly bicker, or even if there is an absence of one parent are the ones who cyber bully others to make them feel better about life.  I believe that this article was written by someone who is constantly researching the topic of cyber-bullying and have had enough exposure to the topic that they understand. Since cyber-bullying and/or harassment has become so common in today’s day and age, I believe that it is important that everyone needs to be aware of both the causes and effects that cyber-bullying has on both the victim and the bully, and as well as how much impact society has on cyber-bullying.

The True Faces of Cyberbullying. YouTube., 27 Apr. 2014. Web. 1 Oct. 2014.
          
             This video was created by a student who took comments made anonymously by cyber-bullies and said these cruel comments to random peoples faces that he came across. After watching this whole video, I was able to comprehend that the person who decided to make this video knows what he is talking about. I believe that this video shows that although some may think it is funny to cyber bully someone with these comments, it truly hurts them and can do a lot of harm. Overall, I think this video should be showed to students in schools so they can see how cruel comments can affect ones life.

Nick Hungerman - Code of Conduct Regarding Social Media Outside the Classroom

Wang, Yinying. "Social Media In Schools: A Treasure Trove Or Hot Potato?." Journal Of Cases In Educational Leadership 16.1 (2013): 56-64. ERIC. Web. 29 Sept. 2014.

This article provides a fictional scenario regarding social media. Based on a real case, Kevin, a principal who has reservations with social media in the school climate, meets with his Assistant Principal, who is a major advocate of technology in the classroom. The Assistant Principal, Melissa, wants to create a Facebook page for the high school in order to improve communication between the school, parents, and students. Although Melissa's recent ideas with implementing technology in the school have had success, Kevin still feels uncomfortable. Several questions pop up in his head. What about students and teachers becoming Facebook friends through our page? Do we delete inappropriate or rude comments from parents on the page? Kevin ultimately challenges Melissa to work out the kinks on the school's current social media policy in order to answer these questions. Currently, Melissa is still working on this. 

The author then provides commentary on the above scenario, comparing the difference in opinions between the two administrators. Through her writing, the reader can see she is a proponent of using social media as a communication platform for schools. She does realize that social media policy must be updated to avoid legal loopholes and confusion. Currently, the author studies Educational Technology at the University of Cincinnati. This article has been peer-reviewed.

This article opened my eyes to traditional versus 21st century instruction. I agree that social media could be an excellent communication source for school districts, but the questions proposed in the story are very important questions. Social media policy has to be updated in order for this idea to work.

CA School Tracks Students' Social Media: Is It Legal? N.p., 29 Aug. 2013. Web. 02 Oct. 2014.

This video, which was posted by CBS, describes a controversial method a high school in California is using. Social media has played a huge role in education, with both positive and negative effects. The school's goal is to prevent suicide, bullying, and harassment. A local company is hired by the district to monitor public social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. Although I feel uncomfortable with this approach, the school is doing the students' a huge service. Colleges and employers almost always look at applicants' public social media accounts.  Knowing that the school is watching, students are less likely to post negative things on social media.

Debra Padden

 

Virtual Field Trips vs Real Field Trips

     Educationexplore. "Virtual field trips."  Online video clip. YouTube, 12 June 2012. Web. 29 September 2014.

     The video "virtual field trips" goes over the reasons why you would use  virtual field trips in an online course.  The presenter, Leanne Kelly, provides on a whiteboard, six main ideas for taking a virtual trip.  They are multiculturalism, accessibility, multiple learning styles, content specific, learner centeredness and career development.  The focus of the video was to only give the viewer the advantages of the virtual field trip, while commenting on the limits of real trips.
   While the video was made for online courses, the information could be very useful to all teachers.  My area of interest is special education and this area is touched upon in the video.  It give examples of how virtual field trips can help students with disabilities.  This is because virtual field trips are more accessible, they teach to multiple learning styles and the students can go at their own pace through the trip.  This video is not new, but the information is still relevant for today.  It will give teachers a reason to try out a virtual field trip in their own classroom.


 

Platoni, Kara. "How To: Make the Most of Virtual Field Trips." Edutopia . N.p., 29 October 2008. Web. 30 September 2014.

     The article by, Kara Platoni, tells teachers how to successfully use virtual field trips in the classroom.  Teachers need to be aware of what goals they are trying to obtain.  In order to be useful to the students the videos need to be interactive and encourage critical thinking.  Many teachers find that virtual field trips help prepare students, before they go on a real field trip.  It will give the students a basic understanding of what they need to learn.  The article has many references from authority figures in education.  A developer of virtual software, states to keep the trip short.  A virtual trip that lasts ten minutes will academically benefit the child.  It also helps the teacher maintain their ability to meet the classroom standards.  Virtual trips can also be used as an extension to be incorporated into other classroom activities.  According to the researcher, Aaron Doering, students can learn from others around the world.  Students may use blogging and online discussions to find out how others may view virtual trips differently because of their culture.  A professor of technology gives some brief information on the limits of virtual trips.  He states that students will not get exercise and an appreciation for nature, which is instilled through real field trips. 
     The author of this article does not give her thoughts on how to make the most of virtual trips.  She relies on the expertise of researchers, technology professors and classroom teachers.  It was hard to find comparisons between real and virtual trips.  It is clear from both sources, how trips are used determines the success of the learning experience.  A virtual trip can become just a video to watch and a real field trip can be a fun day away from school.  I agree with both sources that with research and planning both trips can be educational and help a child extend their learning beyond the classroom walls.
    

 



Cecilia Steinman

Virtual Field Trips

Kirchen, Dennis J.  2011.  “Making and Taking Virtual Field Trips in Pre-K and the Primary Grades.”  Young Children, November: 22-26.

In this article, Dennis Kirchen discusses the use of Virtual Field Tr ips (VFTs) in Primary School classrooms.  Kirchen describes two different types of VFTs: Pre-developed VFTs and Teacher-created VFTs.   Kirchen argues that “when used properly, Teacher-created VFTs offer children positive educational experiences” (p. 24).  The benefits include accessibility, usability, affordability, and adaptability.  When planning a VFT, Kirchen stresses the importance of pre and post-trip activities to enhance student learning.  If shared with families, VFTs can also foster positive home-school connections.  Although there are some limitations of VFTs, Kirchen strongly believes that the benefits far outweigh the negatives.  Kirchen concludes that VFTs will never replace the real thing, but using them as a complement to other classroom instruction can support authentic, engaging and lasting learning.

Kirchen, an associate professor of Early Childhood Education, gives a detailed description of VFTs and their benefits when used properly in the classroom.  It is especially informative because he differentiates the two types of VFTs.  I agree with Kirchen that Teacher-created VFTs have more benefits than Predetermined ones. This article focuses on current data and addresses the current trend of increasing technology in the classroom.  I believe VFTs, when connected to the curriculum and thoughtfully planned and executed, can be a valuable teaching tool that can enhance student learning.  If you combine the latest technology developments with teachers’ creativity, the options for Virtual Field Trips are limitless!

http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/201111/Kirchen_Virtual_Field_Trips_Online%201111.pdf

Now, Let's Take a Virtual Field Trip to the Donut Shop!

Take a field trip to a donut shop with your Preschool class without a bus and without counting kids again and again making sure you don't lose one in the factory.  This video takes you behind the scenes of a donut shop.  It shows how donuts are made with close-up video from beginning to end.  

This YouTube video is one example of a virtual field trip.  Imagine a class of preschoolers learning about nutrition.  They discuss examples of foods that are not healthy (but yummy).  This would be an example of a "pre-trip lesson" that Kirchen mentions in his article.  Then, this virtual trip could be used to extend the lesson and engage students.  A teacher could bring donuts in to share with the students as a "post-trip lesson".  

Suudancer, "Preschool Virtual Field Trip", YouTube, March 29, 2010.