My Chat Comments

Note to all: *Here is a copy of an email I sent Dr. Franklin b/c I was not able to join the chat (tech. difficulties)...Any feedback would be great. Thanks. I was disappointed I couldn't join...but here is what I was hoping to contribute...still not the same w/o feedback. :-) -Anna

Dr. Franklin:
I have tried some more and no results. I forgot to mention that I never received any Chat schedule and today when I got back from work reread a previous email (ref. to Grants info. and March 10th & 11th chat times). Several days before when I read that late one night I thought that meant this week's chats were cancelled (false presumption I realize now) but then checked and saw another email referencing last night's chat...slight panic.(but it was only around 6pm). So I thought I'd just join tonight's chat at 8...you know the rest of the situation.

Still, I would like to make some comments about some of the readings and perhaps reschedule a chat w/you (or other option??? - I'm open for suggestions). Here goes: (After completing my thoughts on what I was hoping to chat about, I will save & post them in the Blogs to see if I can get any comments/feedback.)

After reflecting on all of the articles, I found myself enjoying "Multimedia Paradox" and "Blue Ribbon Technology" the most. I found myself wondering if there are teachers out there who actually teach full time and conduct research grants as they study and report on the effects/benefits of technology in the classroom. Is it done? If so, this is something I would be interested in sometime in the future. I also found myself reflecting on how "understanding" is always the "preferred outcome" and then how that understanding leads to "knowledge". I can see how the fear and truth about "too many bells & whistles" leading to students who can become distracted.

This led me to thoughts that as much as technology in the world is speeding forward at a pace that is hard to keep up with, I would like to see the educators in the public school get "up to par" w/it all within the next 3-5 years ideally. However, somehow I see the benefits taking about 10 years of time in order for teachers to find practical ways of integrating technology into the classroom w/in a certain comfort level for both themselves and for their students.

I don't feel that there is an easy solution b/c there are still schools who are far behind in the resources of technology. Unless there is a national and federally funded technology mandate to actually get the technology tools in the schools, I can not foresee the teachers really getting the needed practice. Just like anything...one needs tools in order to build. How can a school build their way into the future of technology w/out the actual tools?

There are so many schools that fall between the cracks b/c of lack of federal funding and a lack of support of school levies. How can schools who have one or two Smart Boards in the entire building compete w/effectiveness in integrating technology on a daily basis compare to schools who have one in every classroom? I'm pretty sure there will be a growing digital divide in this respect - an equity issue that really needs to be addressed. Educators can only do so much w/the tools they are given. As an educator I would do my best to get grants, but how can a school dare to compete if they lag behind (each year the gap getting larger)?

Doing all the research online to locate info. for the variety of projects sheds light that there are some communities who are really making technology a priority. I'm sure each community will have it's growing pains of the bells & whistles but that needs to be expected in the whole process scheme.

On to my thoughts about the "Blue Ribbon Technology"...I love the use of multimedia in the classroom. I can see both the benefits and the pitfalls. I have heard both positive and negative comments. One teacher commented on how too much of it can be detrimental and take away from the social aspect if there is one child to one computer. I feel this can be remedied w/more Smart Boards, engaging more children w/in the large group setting...while still leaving some time for individual time per student. I have seen the benefits of computers w/children of special needs and feel that if monitored and w/proper guidance the multimedia tools w/in the classroom can be great motivators for children to learn content (often times w/out realizing they are even learning).

I planned to ask if anyone works at a school that utilizes the mentioned..."MovieWorks Deluxe". I am very interested to hear of any 1st hand experiences about this and also about "Map Detectives". Personally, I have United Streaming and feel it would benefit children in the schools. I hope to implement the source w/in my own classroom when I have my own classroom. I also recommend that the school try get a grant to pay for a school license in United Streaming (-I may be able to help too). Finally, I was hoping to get feedback from anyone who may have experienced the website mentioned in the "Blue Ribbon Technology" article -> www.learningthroughsports.com ??? It sounds like it would be great b/c so many students (both genders) enjoy sports. I have found that in my limited experiences that both girls and boys have enjoyed math games you can find at funbrain.com (math baseball) etc. I've also recommended math and reading interactive sites to students I've tutored in previous years to find that it boosted moral, self-esteem. I had students this year get so excited about their scores in math baseball that they requested I write down their scores so they could take them home and share w/their parents! I found this also motivating as an educator. It's always great to see that spark...a great foundation for learning and hope for the future! (O.K.-I've been writing this email for one hour now. I'll send it, then copy & paste it to the blog. All comments appreciated!!! :-) -Sincerely, Anna