*Laptops in the library*

Some high schools are beginning to use laptops more often. When I was in high school teachers would send us to the library to research the topic that they had assigned. Some high schools are beginning to use laptops more often. When I was in high school teachers would send us to the library to research the topic that they had assigned. Some schools do not supply laptops. When laptops are not provided the students can still go to the library and use the computers there. Within the library teachers are able to watch the students and be sure they are researching the topic assigned. One con to allowing the students to use laptops is that they may try to go to sites that are blocked by the school.

On the other hand laptops can be a valuable asset to the classroom. They engage students in the lesson. Students come to school ready to learn because they know that they have their own special laptop. "They've created greater interest in research, writing, and projects students work on," he continued. "The laptops lead to a sense of discovery every day, keeping students more focused and on task. (quoted from http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr178.shtml)

If interested in more information click here

*What's an Elmo?, I thought it was a character on Sesame Street*

photo from www.binet.lv/full-featured/

In college classrooms, there is a new item that is being used quite often. Teachers are able to project handouts on a screen so that students are able to read along. By being able to project handouts on the screen students are less distracted. For example, if the students were given paper handouts there would be more temptation to draw on the papers. By using the elmo to project the one handout paper is also saved. There is less paper being thrown away.

The elmo also makes it easier for the teacher to project in front of the classroom. He or she can use the handout or a pointer to make certain key points stand out. About anything can be projected on the screen, unless it is translucent . So a transparency would not work. Some high schools also use these projectors to encourage students to get involved and show their work on the board through elmo.

Want to know more about the elmo projector? click on this link to find out
elmo projector

*Hate Crimes Anyone?*

picture from : treyjackson.typepad.com/.../antisemitism.jpg

On Wednesday February 10, 2010, there was an informative session about offensive humor on UNI's campus. I was able to attend this session.The speaker was Matt Sienkiewicz. It was titled "What's under Kyle's Hat?" The main topic was what's not funny about oppressive humor and how can we change it? This session was to let students know about the hate crimes that were taking place on campus. Why are Jews always inserted into a joke? For example, the speaker mentioned south park and was able to show a few video clips that relate to this topic. For me, the Jew joke was more of a surprise. I do not often watch South Park, because I find the jokes to be vulgar. This is only my opinion though. You never realize things like this are taking place until you are the possible victim. No campus should have this taking place. As students and some of us as future teachers and mentors we are to be an example to the rest of campus. If he speaks again about anti-semitism and the Jew joke in Multicultural America I strongly recommend going.

In the classroom, it is possible that there will be a variety of different students. By informing teachers and educators of this possibility it increases their thought process as far as teaching goes. Also if the students are made aware there is less of a chance that this may be a problem. When hate comments about religion or any other topic are brought up it can be a difficult subject. If the students are made aware that this kind of behavior is unacceptable, maybe they will think a little more before making the decision to say hurtful words.

UNI supports diversity and multiculturalism. Here is link with more information
UNI: Diversity matters

*Grandma's Interest*

picture from: www.appleinsider.com

My grandmother who lives in Florida sent me a letter the other day. She included a newspaper clipping about the new "thing" in Florida. It was a newspaper clipping about e-books. I thought it very interesting seeing as we had just discussed this subject in our Educational Tech. lecture. The article was about Florida schools possibly starting to supply students with a kindle or ipad to use in the classroom. They would like to use it as a pilot program to save hundreds of dollars each semester. If this idea follows through in Florida, students will be allowed to choose if they would like a printed book instead. Kathy Walker the director of public affairs stated " Once the initial 500 dollars or so was invested the student would save for the rest of his/her college career." All in all I think it is an interesting controversy. Kindle's are very expensive, but they could save schools money if properly used.

Click on this link if you are interested in more information
Kindle Information

Here is a video to explain what the kindle is all about