Journal 5 - NETS Five

Schwartz, M., and Thormann, J. (2010,, February,). Using Podcasts to develop a global perspective. Learning and Leading with Technology, 5, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org


Science on the Big Screen is an article posted on ISTE.org which was written by Mette Schwartz and Joan Thormann. This article discusses the various applications and benefits of using Interactive white boards in science education. Some of the specific arguments for the use of interactive whiteboards focus on multimodal means of learning, collaborative lessons, learning disabled students, and the intrinsically deeper level of understanding attained by students all around.

One of the best perks of this technology is that it allows the classroom to turn into something like an educational theater show. An example of thi technology would be a Smartboard. This is a whiteboard which is capable of displaying digital information. Thus if PBS.org has a great educational game or movie the teacher can put in on display for the class from his/her PC. This also gives teachers the freedom of running simulations for the entire class to observe. The example used in the article deals with a learning disabled students inability to understand the different states of matter and the matter's temperature. Things like particles which cannot be physically seen can be confusing to young people in general, but particularly so for some learning disabled students. This is where an interactive whiteboard and simulations can allows all students to access a deeper understanding of the material..
Furthermore, the increased access to information resulting from interactive whiteboards stems from the inherently multimodal nature of this technology. students who are not completely literate readers will have access to pictures, animations, and audio. This is intrinsic to the very nature of this technology.
Lastly I would like to discuss the articles emphasis on the inborn motivational nature of this technology. This is done by a simple comparison to the antiquated alternatives. A standard whiteboard or chalkboard just cannot compare. Stick figure drawings an poor handwriting are simply inferior to animation, audio, and movies. Students today need their classroom to reflect society at large. Kids are accustomed to video games, cell phones, and e-mail. It only makes sense to transform the classroom to better reflect the world America's students live in.

Journal 1 - NETS Five

Johnson, D. (2010, December). Keeping the peace. Learning and Leading with Technology, 4, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org


"Computing in the Clouds," is an excellent article posted on ISTE.org and written by Doug Johnson. The term "clouds," refers primarily to open-source technology/software. Doug makes a series of arguments for the pros and cons of using the cloud in schools and education. I found this article to be effective because it's unbiased nature.

Doug starts by pointing out that his article was written through the use of the cloud. He also presents a series of circumstances which lead to his use of this technology. He composed and submitted his article without the use of the primary software. Meaning instead of using Word, he used Google documents. This means that he is required to spend less to be modern. It also means that he can access his work from any computer and the computer does not require powerful computing abilities. Since the information is stored in the cloud and not on your hard drive, the hard drive is less cluttered and the home PC or laptop is therefore able to work faster and smoother. When all is said and done, it is apparent how many advantages there are to using the cloud.

To the credit of the author, there are negative implications to this as well. If educators were to fully integrate the use of this technology there are of course some drawbacks. For example, what do you do when the internet is out? How can students/parents be asked to provide for these new technological needs? How secure is the information stored online? Will there be fees in the future? These are all legitimate questions. Some of these objections may in fact be negotiable road blocks for parents. However in most cases, I feel that the risks are no more dire than those presented by having a myspace or facebook account for social networking.

Journal 3 - NETS Five

Maguth, M., & Elliot, J. (2010,, February,). Using Podcasts to develop a global perspective. Learning and Leading with Technology, 5, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org


Journal number three is taken from “Keeping the Peace,” an article on L& L periodicals, written by Matt Levinson. This article focuses on the use of instant messaging in school and in the home. The issue arose when Nueva School learned “a tough lesson.” Students were given laptops to use for school purposes. This is not particularly uncommon in modern schools who have the financial means to afford such luxuries. The school quickly learned that these lap tops had been infiltrated by Ichat. There were unforeseen implications to the community.

Within a short while, instant messaging has become endemic. Many parents felt that there was “a strong disconnect,” between students, parents, and teachers as a result. There was also an issue with the student’s ability to focus in general. This is a symptom of poor education. The article points out that if Ichat had been introduced and utilized early on then these problems could be avoided. After a period of hot debate the district decided to ban the use of instant messaging in school. I think their efforts will be fruitless in the long run. The problem is not instant messaging. The problem is a new generation who is hooked on technology mixed with an older technologically inept generation who are reluctant to learn a second “techno” language.

PBS. Org presents this issue is a wonderfully insightful light. The documentary Digital Nation argues that technology has changed faster than the former generations can keep up with. Moreover our youngsters need to be educated on proper uses of technology. Issues like instant messaging are nothing compared to the dangers of taking shortcuts, cheating with the aid of technology, cyber bullying, health, and the endemic lack of human interaction. I think all schools must implement a technology usage course. Computers and instant messages wont go away. As educators we are responsible for molding students into economically viable adults. In this day and age technology is party of that task and must be embraced openly.

Journal 2 - NETS Five

Levinson, M. (2010,, November, 7,). Keeping the peace. Learning and Leading with Technology, 5, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org

Journal Number two is taken from L &L’s article “Using Podcasts to Develop a Global Perspective,” By Brad M. Maguth and Jeff Elliot. The article discusses the use and benefits of utilizing a relatively new technology in an innovative way. In Columbus, Ohio students are using Podcasts to enhance their writing and presentation abilities. Furthermore students are getting a handle on world issues and hearing competing perspective on global concerns like climate change, terrorism, and cultural diversity.

I think Podcasts are a great educational tool but I wonder where are the gatekeepers? The Internet offers an endless array of information that may or may not be credible. When students are taught in more traditional ways there are strict controls to ensure the quality of education. When students are encouraged to use and seek out podcasts those controls become a thing of the past. Much like the famed Wikipedia, anyone has the ability to post material and there are few ways to ensure accuracy of information or protect from plagiarism.

I also feel that is would be wise to considering some of the material deficits some districts and students are facing. This technology can only be utilized if home computers, lap tops , and other forms of technology are physically available for the schools or in the average families home. This results in a number of concerns: If students come from a family with low socioeconomic status then the student cannot compete with their peers on a level playing field and may not even be able to participate without aid and added effort. Furthermore, if students are in a district that cannot afford the essentials, then this technology clearly is not feasible. The result is that the gap in education resulting from SES will only increase.