Modern Technology Through the Eyes of Brianna Galapir

CSUSM Movie

2012-07-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is a video that I made using i-Movie. I imported video and audio clips into i-movie and edited them in order to create an original public service announcement. I included screen effects, transitions, freeze frames, and voice overs. NETS 1,2,3

Journal #9 Teaching Green NETS-T:1,2,3,4

2012-07-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

Waters, J. (2011). Teaching green. The Journal, 38(4), Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/research/2011/04/digital-edition_april.aspx

During these times, it is almost unheard of for someone to be completely uneducated in some type of energy conservation. From the time we were learning to walk, our parents, and teachers were educating us to turn off the lights when we aren’t in the room. These simple tasks and teaching “green” has recently become a very big part of the classroom. As we get older, we become more aware of how important energy conservation is, far more important than the number on the bills. It affects everything around us, and future generations. In John Waters’ article, “Teaching Green”, he explores online tools that are readily available to educators that help guide them through different ways to teach their students about the environment and the huge impact one person can have on the world around us. The website “EEK!” not only has a catchy name, it is also extremely informative yet interesting enough to keep students engaged and eager to learn about going green.

Question 1: How could you get your students involved in going green?

Just by having them research and present to the classroom, they will not only learn a great deal, but appreciate the world around them.

Question 2: Is it important to integrate energy conservation into the school’s curriculum?

Absolutely. Most students do not learn about the environment and carbon footprints outside of their schools. Educating them about going green, and energy conservation is essential, especially now.

Journal #8 Point/Counterpoint: Should Schools Be Held Responsible for Cyberbullying? NETS-T:4,5

2012-07-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

Bogacz, R., & Gordillo, M.G. (2011). Should Schools be Held Responsible for Cyberbullying?. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(6), 6-7

While technology has pushed us into a whole new era of many wonderful things, many believe it has become too much, too fast, and with good reason. With the freedom and comfort of using the internet behind closed doors, it opens many opportunities for individuals who are more than willing to abuse the power of the computer. Cyber bullying has become more prominent that ever in today’s society and the issues have moved from behind closed doors at home, into the school environment. In Renee Bogacz article demonstrates the two very different perspectives about schools and cyberbullying. Bogaz feels that schools should be held accountable for cyberbullying by their students. She says that administrators and teachers are responsible for educating themselves and students and parents about safe use of the internet, and cyberbullying, and the different ways they can reinforce each of these techniques. Miguel Gordillo had a very different opinion and states that society and those involved in the actual cyberbullying should be held completely accountable for cyberbullying, and the schools should only be responsible for what takes place on campus.

Question 1: Based on the viewpoints of each side of this article, who do you think should be held accountable?

While I do agree with Bogacz when it comes to better educating ourselves, our students, and their parents about cyberbullying, we cannot control what our students do outside of the classroom, therefore, there comes a time when the responsibility lies on those who commit the crime.

Question 2: How can parents help prevent their children from cyberbullying?

Having each student sign a contract that clearly states cyberbullying will not be tolerated in the classroom, or at home without severe punishment and having the parents support in it will help. Taking away privileges at home will quickly whip the students into shape.

Journal #7 My Personal Learning Network

2012-06-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

A PLN, otherwise known as a Personal Learning Network was created around the concept of educators having the ability to build a collaborative community that is able to successfully pinpoint ideas and information that may spark other’s interest. Instead of every teacher for themselves, branching off into a PLN is a great way to expand not only the horizons of the teacher, but their students aswell. With my Personal Learning Network, I have been able to build a collaborative network that began amongst my fellow classmates, and cohort and moved on beyond the classroom into the world wide web in which I have been able to seek the help and mentorship of fellow educators that have been in the game for quite a while and know exactly what to expect when walking into the classroom for the very first time. I was able to branch out and access websites like twitter, and diigo, iste, and tasktream, create my own blog in which I could communicate with others and record my projects, and journal entries that discuss relevant topics or lesson plans. More recently, I was able to branch out and participate in a chat for Kindergarten teachers from all around the world and create a digital community with the click of a mouse. These networks have become extremely useful tools for me and are a way to consistently learn and develop my own resources as a teacher.

Twitter is a website that provides forums for people to tweet information, and chat in real-time. With my twitter account, I was able to follow fellow educators, who tweeted about topics that sparked my interest. I was able to find these people through educational chats that I participated in, through my classmates, and my professor. Through #edchat, I was able to follow educators who honestly care about teaching, and working collaboratively with others to ensure the success of their students. That is a community I am proud to be a part of. I targeted mainly Kindergarten teachers, their short profiles, conversations through kindergarten chat, and the tweets of others. I participated #kinderchat on April 4, 2011 at 5:30 PM, and the conversation that took place was definitely not one that I expected but it was a welcomed surprise. The topic of the chat revolved around male teachers in the kindergarten classroom and how beneficial it may be for students. Kindergarten teachers are almost always seen as nurturers, and mother figures so when a male steps foot into the classroom, it is something new and unexpected.

At first, I did not put much thought into my Diigo account, but it turned out to be an incredible learning tool! Not only am I able to bookmark my own pages, I am also able to view the bookmarked resources that were marked for education. I was even able to join a few groups. These groups were extremely informative and they led me to more resources and other people that I was able to follow. The pages I tagged at PLN were mainly sites about twitter and how to build up and get the most bang for your buck out of your PLN. I found these pages through both my group and my network. In the future, these pages will help me keep up with building and maintaining my PLN.

I also became a member of classroom 2.0. This is a digital discussion forum which is a space for teachers all around the world to get together and gather the mose relevant information and tools that have to do with integrating technology into the classroom. It provides such an easy and very informative way for teachers to connect with each other and share their ideas to help build their PLN. As a member of classroom 2.0, I am able to access a variety of fellow teacher’s blogs and profiles. There was a very interesting video tagged by a fellow classmate in our ED 422 class, Ten Marks, this video was all about how a PLN is an excellent tool and how beneficial it can be when looking for things you are interested in.

Building my PLN was definitely a very fun and rewarding experience. I enjoyed twitter and #edchat the most. I think it provides teachers with such amazing resources and information at all times. Diigo is also a great tool when trying to broaden your horizons and connect with others with the same interests as you.

WEBSITE: http://www.classroom20.com/

Journal #6 Building Your PLN NETS-T:3,5

2012-02-22T17:55:00.000-08:00

Warlick, D. (2009). Grow your personal learning network. Learning & Leading With Technology (36)6, Retrieved from http://istelearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Grow-Your-PLN.pdf

Having the ability to connect with others, share information and new ideas is an extremely important factor when deciding to take on the career of an educator. By building a PLN (Personal Learning Network), it is a way to gather information and connect with teachers all across the world. Teachers are no longer on an island once the tardy bell rings and their door is closed.

This should be celebrated, not feared. In David Warlick’s article, he explains how to aggressively and successfully build your own PLN through three different avenues; personally maintained synchronous connections, personally and socially maintained semi synchronous connections, and dramatically maintained asynchronous connections. All three are different but in the end work towards the same goal, a happy, successful classroom with student who will go on to succeed. Warlick addresses the fact that building PLNs takes a lot of time, effort, and hard work but the outcome will always outweigh the journey.

Question 1: As a new teacher, how would I begin my own PLN?
Attending conferences are the easiest and most useful tools when it comes to your PLN. Networking with fellow educators will not only be a great way for you to share your ideas, but to gain a few along the way.

Question 2: Why is it important to maintain your PLN?
Once you begin your PLN, not only are you entering a network with your ideas but the ideas of so many others. The benefits from a PLN are so great that not maintaining one, especially in today’s society would be an educator’s biggest mistake.

2011-12-30T18:49:00.000-08:00

All About Me Survey
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Journal 5: Nets I

2011-09-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

Boehmer, Curtis. (2011). Brain teaching with video games. Learning and Leading, 38(5), 28-30. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-february-march-2011.aspx

This article is about Brain Ware Safari. It is a program that is used to help children develop their mental processing skills through attention skills, visualization, sequential processing, patterns, relationships, and other mental processes. One study shows that it has an average of four years of cognitive growth in just three months. The program uses videogames as a way to keep its subjects engaged. Who would have thought, the use of videogames as tools for learning. Studies have shown that using videogames to help children learn is actually beneficial. It helps them think at a higher level, it improves their cognitive skills, and provides mental processing skills.

Question 1: Will I use this in my classroom?

Absolutely. I’ve never been one to bash on technology. I’m always up for trying new things that could better my classroom. Now I wouldn’t want to be one of those parents that uses game consoles to babysit, and I certainly would not want to be a teacher who solely used these as a way to get out of teaching but using it to help me, why not?

Question 2: What would be some flaws with this program?

Students may become so engaged in this program that when it comes time for face to face lessons, they may not find it as interesting, and only want to play the games. This could be an obstacle but if managed correctly, face time will be just as beneficial.

Journal 4: NETS I-V

2011-06-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

Schaffhauser, D. (2010, December 1). It's time to trust teachers with the internet:: a conversation with Meg Ormiston. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2010/12/01/Its-Time-To-Trust-Teachers-with-the-Internet-A-Conversation-with-Meg-Ormiston.aspx?sc_lang=en&Page=1

In this article, Meg Ormiston addresses the most common fears that parents and teachers have when it comes to the internet, and their children. There are many things a child can run into online that we as adults want to shield them from. However, the internet also has so many things that can be beneficial in the classroom. Ormiston advocates the importance of learning to use the internet in a safe and responsible manner. She feels as though schools waste so much time on restricting access to “inappropriate sites” that could actually be used to help the educational success of the students. She understands that certain sites must be blocked, like those that contain pornography, but, limiting any and all social networks may hurt more than help the problem. With all of the budget cuts schools are faced with, teachers are forced to come up with new ways to teach their children with half of the resources. Sites like YouTube, which are free and extremely easy to navigate, have many videos that could serve as a teaching tool and yet it is blocked on many campuses.

Question 1: By unblocking these websites, how can a teacher be sure that students won’t take advantage of it?

With today’s advancements in technology, there is no guarantee that the students are not already on these restricted websites with their cellphones under the desks. As long as you let them know that you are putting your trust in them and that you expect they respect their privileges, they should be okay. Throw in a contract for them to sign and you’re golden.

Question 2: How could I promote the use of technology in the classroom as a new teacher?

It’s always hard to be taken seriously when you’re the new kid on the block anywhere, especially when you’re a first year student. That is why I took this class. There are so many wonderful tools we use, it will be easy to convince those in charge when I show them even a small percentage of what we did in class. I might even get them to sign up for Twitter.

Journal 3: 100 Things That Make Me Happy

2011-05-31T16:55:00.000-07:00

1. Long walks on the beach

2. Random food fights

3. Being spontaneous

4. Accidentally stumbling upon nude beaches (Thank God for Dark sunglasses!)

5. Family

6. Friends

7. My pets

8. The funny things children say

9. Surfing

10. Snowboarding

11. Shopping

12. Traveling

13. Laughing

14. Watching movies

15. Flying

16. My iPhone

17. My laptop

18. Massages

19. Cruises

20. Christmas

21. The number 21

22. Being 21

23. My birthday

24. Clubbing

25. Weddings

26. My humor

27. My laugh

28. Buckle (the store)

29. Leggings

30. High heels

31. The fact that I can barely hold a serious conversation for an extended amount of time

32. The beach

33. Tanning

34. New clothes

35. My car

36. My house

37. Not having homework

38. Water

39. Music

40. Water skiing

41. Winter

42. Summer

43. Fall

44. Spring

45. Chuck Norris

46. Old movies

47. My bed

48. My closet

49. Fruit smoothies in the morning

50. Breakfast in bed

51. Cooking

52. Not having to wash the dishes after cooking

53. Serving while going to school

54. Beer

55. Wine

56. Handles

57. Bon fires

58. Parties for no reason

59. Men in Speedos

60. Shopping

61. Swimming

62. Late night ice-cream runs

63. Water fights

64. Snow fights

65. Food fights

66. Monster energy drinks

67. Boots

68. Casinos

69. Las Vegas

70. New York

71. Paris

72. Rings

73. Bracelets

74. Necklaces

75. Jokes

76. Nail polish

77. Chick flicks

78. Pizza

79. Pasta

80. Chinese food

81. Bonfires

82. Taking pictures

83. Traveling to exotic places

84. ISTE

85. Task Stream

86. Blogger.com

87. Facebook

88. Twitter

89. Black and White parties

90. Perfume

91. Name tags

92. Stop signs

93. Red Lights

94. Taking risks

95. Laughing

96. Smiling

97. Ed Hardy hats

98. Making snow angels

99. Dancing in the rain

100.Dancing in the snow

Journal 2: NETS II - IV

2011-05-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock!. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/Leading_and_Learning_Docs/June_July_2010_Join_the_Flock.sflb.ashx

Miller, S.M. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Leading and Learning With Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/Leading_and_Learning_Docs/June_July_2010_Join_the_Flock.sflb.ashx

The first article is about the social network, Twitter. For so long, I refused to get Facebook, I was fine with Myspace. A few years later and I simply cannot get enough of it. Not long ago, I refused to get a Twitter, and then who would have known, my very own professor would assign us to create one. I never understood the fascination behind it. However, after reviewing this article, my reluctance to the world of Twitter is at an all-time low. This article breaks Twitter down into segments that make it much easier to understand. At first, I thought of Twitter as a way for those with “Bieber fever” to know exactly what he’s doing at every second of every day. Now, my ignorance towards this social network has diminished, and I realize that Twitter could actually be beneficial in my classroom. Through one’s own Personal Learning Network, they can expand their knowledge beyond the classroom, and into the wonderful world of tweets.

Question 1: Will I ever be able to use Twitter in my classroom of Kindergarteners?

To be completely honest, while I feel as though Kindergarteners are cognitively at the level of being able to use the internet, there wouldn’t be much for my students to do with the Twitter website. The furthest I could go is having them post daily activities they did. However, if I were to teach higher grade levels, I do feel as though this could be beneficial.

Question 2: Could using Twitter in the classroom have its flaws?

Absolutely. Anytime you give children a keyboard, a mouse, and the freedom to write, there are risks. But you cannot be breathing over their necks at every waking moment. With freedom comes great responsibility and as long as your students have that understanding, very few “problems” will persist.

Inspiration

2011-04-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

By using Inspiration, I created a flow chart connecting the projects I have completed in this course to the NETS-T they satisfy. (NETS-T 3)

Journal 1: Nets I-V

2011-04-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

Light, D. (2011). Do web 2.0 right. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/Leading_and_Learning_Docs/February-2011-Do-Web-20-Right.sflb.ashx

This article discusses the different ways an educator can use technology to engage their students. Tools like blogs and wikis are great tools to use in the classroom. David Light, the author of this article spent much of his time traveling all around the country with his colleagues to interview teachers about their experiences with using these tools in their classrooms, successfully, and sometimes, unsuccessfully. Blogs seemed to be a very useful way for teachers and students to connect on a whole new level. Many teachers used blogs to create discussion forums that enabled facilitated conversations amongst their students, the parents, and themselves. So many treat technology as a plague and will do everything in their power to keep it out of the classroom, but many studies have shown cognitive improvement in students when they use technology in the classroom. Just because students find it fun and interesting, it does not mean that technology is a negative thing to have. Light highlighted three different elements that he claims are essential for success; daily practice, audience, and appropriate behavior. If you have these three, academic success through technology is possible.

Question 1: I plan on becoming a Kindergarten teacher. How would I incorporate this into my lesson plan with such a young crowd?

With the technology boom of the 21^st century, it is rarer to run into a child over the age of 5 without some type of webpage. By working with the students, and their parents, incorporating blogs and wiki in classroom activities is possible. It may be a bit challenging, but as long as I have everyone on the same page, working towards a common goal, it will happen. Parents could log onto the blog to see our class schedule, scanned assignments that their children have completed, and they will be able to view their progress throughout the year.

Question 2:

There is no doubt that children can be nasty online, especially when given the freedom to blog. How can I prevent this type of behavior in my classroom?

Certain blogs and discussion boards give the teacher the ability to hide, or show students what their classmates have posted. I could prevent them from seeing each other’s posts until I view and am able to determine that they are appropriate for the rest of the class to see.

School 2.0 Reflection

2011-02-14T18:58:00.000-08:00

Too Cool for School? No Way!—Using the TPACK Framework: You Can Have Your Hot Tools and Teach with Them, Too (PDF)

NETS-S 1
For the most part, teachers turn their cheeks at technology with disgust and instead of embracing and incorporating technology into the classroom and using it as an educational tool they are missing out on so many wonderful opportunities. As an educator, I would love to learn new and innovative ways of using technology as a teaching tool. Something as simple as a search engine can cut a student’s research time in half. Instead of diving nose first into one hundred different textbooks in the library, searching one phrase on an educational research database will get them thousands of results with one click of a button. It’s true that teachers need to be open and willing to play around with technology. One thing that looks really interesting and it something I’d like to learn more about it the DJ Software,. It can be used to teach different mathematical concepts like fractions, ratios, and percentages. Times have changed, and embracing this can make it so much more fun for the students in the classroom and will role over into their lives many years after they graduate. My favorite quote from this was, “Think like a teacher, teach like a thinker”.

Brianna Galapir Introduction Letter

2011-01-24T19:53:00.001-08:00

     Hello all! I am Brianna Galapir. I was born and raised in Coronado, California. where I attended a private school until we moved to Jacksonville, Florida until I was in 3rd grade. We than moved back to Sunny San Diego until I finished 6th grade. Just before starting my first year in middle school, my parents purchased another home in Murrieta, California. Not only was seventh grade my first year in the public school system, but it was also my first year in a middle school. I was nervous at first but found my way very shortly. After graduating from Thompson Middle School, I attended Murrieta Valley High School. In 2008, I graduated from MVHS and enrolled at CSUSM. I am majoring in Liberal Studies, with a minor in Psychology. I am now a Junior, and loving every second of my college years.
     My experiences with technology are nowhere near the professional level. However, up until 7th grade, most of my classwork was done on MAC computers in the classroom. I've always had a love for computers, and I am great at trouble shooting, but you can never know too much about technology so, what better than to take a class on it?
     From the time I declared my major as Liberal Studies, the importance of the CSUSM/COE mission statement has been ingrained into me. If I had to pick at any part of the mission statement, I would have to choose "Lifelong learning". You have a very limited amount of time with each student and making a positive impact on their lives, and helping them with things not only in the classroom, but creating tools for the realworld is absolutely essential to their lifelong learning.