MAET

Journal Article #2

From Social Networking to Academic Networking... A PARADIGM SHIFT

Childers, T. (2011). From Social Networking to Academic Networking...A PARADIGM SHIFT.

     Internet@Schools, 18(3), 8-11.

This article was very easy to read, and it was quite interesting.  The author draws from personal experience as well as professional anecdotes with respect to social networking in schools. In his article, Tim Childers tells about how he went form using Skype at home to using the networking platform at the middle school where he worked as a teacher and computer specialist.  Childers used Skype to as a method of communication between teachers who did not have a common planning time.  Childers also discusses all the big names in social networking, and their potential impact in schools and classrooms.  How to avoid the safety pitfalls of Edmodo (creation of district accounts that are secure and used only for classes at that school).  One of the biggest problems that stop students from connecting with each other via other well known social networking outlets are filters.  Many districts around the country block these sites because of the risk they pose to some students.  Childers speaks about several ways to bypass filters ( USBs and smartphones) and he talks about the value of networking sites surpassing the risk especially when that risk can be minimized by instructors and district personal.

I thought is was an excellent article.  I liked that it was written by a teacher who has first hand experience using these networking platforms in an academic setting.  The points that Mr. Childers makes are right on the mark.  The fact that many school districts answer to dealing with social networking sites is to block them all together is becoming increasingly unacceptable.  Fear on the part of the teachers is another good example given by the author that hinders these collaborative networks from making it into classrooms.  I know that there would be swift consequences for any teacher who was viewed as letting a student post an inappropriate message, or see some questionable content while working in the classroom.  This was a very interesting article that is so relevant to todays schools and classrooms and I know there will be much more written about this topic in the near future.

Article #1 Podcasting 101

Podcasting 101

Fontichario, K. (2007). Podcsting 101. School Library Media Activities Monthly, 23(7), 22-23

This article features the Podcasting experiences of Kristin Fontichiaro.  In her article, Ms. Fontichiaro covers all the basic features of podcasting as well as what type of equipment needed to produce a Podcast.  Ms. Fontichiaro describes several different ways a novice Podcaster could incorporate this technology into his classroom.  Students in the primary grades can use Podcasting to listen to themselves read - an extreamly valuable method for helping developing readers become aware of reading fluency.   Students at all grade levels can use Podcasting to narrate a book tour or a state fair exhibit.  Ms. Fontichiaro also covers the element of personal safety in her article.  It is very important not to use any specific names or locations in your Podcasts, and parental permission slips are a must for digital recording.

This was a very interesting and informative article to read.  The idea of using a Podcast for so many different projects that are used in classrooms everyday makes so much sense.  I found the section on Podcasting projects for beginners especially useful.  The ideas that Ms. Fontichiaro shares in her article are very practical and they go well with the multitude of Podcasting resources that we have reviewed in class.  Podcasting is definitely a feature that we will see (and hear) more of in our classroom and at our school this year.

Lopresti, M. J. (2012). iPads in the Classroom. Econtent, 35(3), 6-10.

Are textbooks going to become extinct?  "IPads in the Classroom - Apple Takes Aim at the Textbook Market", an article written by Michael Lopresti poses the question.  According to the article Apple has entered into "partnerships" with the three largest K- 12 educational publishers in the world.  At a press conference in New York City, Apple's senior vice president for worldwide marketing, Philip Shiller, presented a slide show in which a slide with a two word phrase was featured, "Reinventing Textbooks".  Apple noted also that there are already 1.5 million iPads in schools right now, and these devices will offer welcome relief to students who are saddled with super-heavy backpacks filled with textbooks.  Imagine reading an digital textbook with features that include, a tap dictionary-glossary, high resolution photo galleries, and interactive captions.  The article speaks to the legal and political hurtles that Apple's digital textbook plans would face.  School textbooks must be go through a certificaton process before they can be considered for purchace.

I thought this was an interesting article.  I was just wondering how many iPads are in schools right now.  This number is important because it shows how many of thse devices have been purchaced and are being used in schools in just over two years.   If you consider the state of the economy over the last two years, and you couple that with the const of each iPad, 1.5 million in two years is remarkable.  Imagine if Apple is able to overcome the different states book certificaton processes and the other obsticales that are keeping them from offering these digital textbooks!

Foote, C (2012). Learning together: The evolution of a 1:1 iPad program. Internet@Schools, 19(1), 14-18.

Big things happen in Texas.  At Westlake High School in suburban Austin, school leaders decided to undertake a Ipad pilot initiative in spring 2011.  In order for teachers to participate in the pilot, they had to complete a Google form application.  On the application the teachers were asked how they anticipated using iPads in the classroom.  Because most of the teacher applicants taught junior and seniors, Westlake decided to have 11th and 12th graders go 1:1 with the iPads.  As far as preparation, Westlake really had their act together.  Teachers were issued their iPads during the summer and they recieved training about the different functions of the iPad.  Westlake High School also formed a Vision Committee comprised of students, teachers, and students - to help document the impact of the iPad pilot at the school.  Respose to the pilot has been favorable among the students, and the staff.

This article really brings to light the importance of pre-planning a successful iPad pilot program.  The leadership at Westlake High School had obviously done their homework form two major standpoints.  First, they were very deliberate about their choice for instructor pilots.  Those who are willing to spend time and put forth effort during the summer are the instructors who are likely to make the effort to explore the best ways to use the iPads in their classrooms.  Also, they offered support (juice bar) for student's and teachers who encounterd problems or had questions about the iPads.