I think that the use of Google Apps in schools is a great way to collaborate and create useful things that can be shared instantly. With the way the world works today, it's imperative that students learn how to use different Apps in order to communicate with all types of people from all over the world. I love using Google Documents in order to share information with colleagues and love that you can edit work and make comments throughout a document easily. Students would do well to learn how to use this in order to share ideas with peers and give and take constructive criticism on work. When I think of Google Apps the one word that always comes to mind is "collaboration" because many of the apps seem to be designed specifically for that purpose.
When it comes to using Google Apps for teacher PD, I honestly wish we used them more. I think that there is such a huge disconnect for teachers when they are done with their meetings because they are left with the question of what to do when they actually get into their classrooms. If we used more Google Apps in order to collaborate and edit ideas, we would all be much more comfortable to use technology and more confident to teach them to students. Something I've noticed is that teachers aren't resisting technology, they are just nervous to use it and getting rid of the nerves has to start with PD. I would never want to teach in front of my students without knowing the ins and outs of what I was using to deliver my lesson. I wholeheartedly believe that teachers would be willing to learn more about technology and use more technology in their classrooms if they were comfortable with the basics of Google Apps.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
5.4 Social Networking
Most schools today do not allow social networking to take place because there is a fear that still surrounds this type of technology. While there are still concerns about using social networking in schools, there are many positives that may outweigh the bad. Many great things can come from using social networks in schools, like collaboration, questioning, and staying caught up on work. The main benefit I see to using social networking with students is the opportunity it gives us to teach them how to be responsible users. I believe the main problem among social network users today is that they have no idea how filter what they put on the internet. Teaching students about proper netiquette is, to me, the most important part of teaching with technology. When students have learned what is appropriate and what isn't, it makes it easier to allow the use of social networking within assignments. Then students can blog, do peer reviews, catch up on missed assignments, watch or listen to educational videos and/or podcasts, and share information with others. This type of work mirrors what students will one day do in their jobs, which is great for them to learn early so that they will be able to transition into the work world easily.
The downside to using social media in schools is that it will, at some point, be abused. Unfortunately, behaviors on social networking can't always be monitored and can lead to some serious offenses like cyberbullying. This is the most common and scariest trend that social media has seen recently and sadly, it's fueled several suicides over the last few years. I think this is the biggest reason that many are scared to use it because it's hard to keep track of what students do outside of school. It's easy for students to continue to bully a child after school hours without anyone knowing what's going on. Another concern is that students will gain access to inappropriate material and share it instantly. We live in a society where information can be shared and spread very quickly in a small amount of time, which can also compound bullying issues. Another concern I have is that adults will abuse the very tools they give to students. If students see adults abusing technology, they are more likely to do it also. So, while there are some great benefits to using social media in schools, the negative effects could cost someone their job or life if not monitored correctly.
The downside to using social media in schools is that it will, at some point, be abused. Unfortunately, behaviors on social networking can't always be monitored and can lead to some serious offenses like cyberbullying. This is the most common and scariest trend that social media has seen recently and sadly, it's fueled several suicides over the last few years. I think this is the biggest reason that many are scared to use it because it's hard to keep track of what students do outside of school. It's easy for students to continue to bully a child after school hours without anyone knowing what's going on. Another concern is that students will gain access to inappropriate material and share it instantly. We live in a society where information can be shared and spread very quickly in a small amount of time, which can also compound bullying issues. Another concern I have is that adults will abuse the very tools they give to students. If students see adults abusing technology, they are more likely to do it also. So, while there are some great benefits to using social media in schools, the negative effects could cost someone their job or life if not monitored correctly.
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