Web 2.0

The items of interest from my reader that I chose to write about is from TechLEARNing. From the reader, I found interesting postings on Web Projects and Educational Podcasts. Since I teach technology, I am always looking for web-based projects and podcasts to accompany  the technology modules in the lab. The sites, created through Webquest and Podcasts for Educators, Schools and Colleges, gave many links to projects and podcasts. This is definitely a use that will allow me make me “work smarter not harder”.

Below are the links to the web projects and podcasts.

I am responding to the blog on cyberbullying. This article was enlightening. The realization is that this happens more than when realize.

Cyberbullying is also called “cyber bullying,” “electronic bullying,” “e-bullying,” “sms bullying,” “mobile bullying,” “online bullying,” “digital bullying,” or “Internet bullying.”  Cyberbullying is defined as “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices.” A well noted cyberbully case–The Megan Meir story went to trial recently. To refresh memory, this story is about a young girl who committed suicide based on the chats with someone she thought was a peer, but it was actually the mother of a “so-called friend”. The parent of this friend was charged.

The federal jury in California found Lori Drew quilty of computer fraud, (and violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act) but not guilty of felony charges of unauthorized computer access to inflict emotional distress on Megan Meier.  She faces up to one year in prison and up to $100,000 in fines for each of the three misdemeanors.

Below are some interesting facts that I read about cyberbullying:

·     18% of students in grades 6-8 said they had been cyberbullied at least once in the last couple of months; and 6% said it had happened to them 2 or more times (Kowalski et al., 2005).

·     11% of students in grades 6-8 said they had cyberbullied another person at least once in the last couple of months, and 2% said they had done it two or more times (Kowalski et al., 2005).

·     19% of regular Internet users between the ages of 10 and 17 reported being involved in online aggression; 15% had been aggressors, and 7% had been targets (3% were both aggressors and targets) (Ybarra & Mitchell, 2004).

·     17% of 6-11 year-olds and 36% of 12-17-year-olds reported that someone said threatening or embarrassing things about them through e-mail, instant messages, web sites, chat rooms, or text messages (Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, 2006).

·     Cyber bullying has increased in recent years. In nationally representative surveys of 10-17 year-olds, twice as many children and youth indicated that they had been victims and perpetrators of online harassment in 2005 compared with 1999/2000 (Wolak, Mitchell, & Finkelhor, 2006).

Adults seldom are present in the online environments frequented by children and youth. Therefore, it is extremely important that adults pay close attention to the cyberbullying and the activities of children and youth when using new technologies.

Web 2.0 has so many tools that makes technology fascinating. The Monday memos are great way to provide information about what you are doing. I am taking an online course, and my professor uses the Monday memos. Also, downloading podcasts to use in the classroom is the way to go. My computer lab is set up with technology modules in which students rotate. Using the podcasts as supplementals would definitely be beneficial. I am also excited about using my own blog. Since I teach an elective class, I am always trying to collaborate with the core teachers so that I can make sure that I am incorporating lessons that would transfer to their academic work. By having my own blog and hopefully other teacher in my building having theirs, we can do some online collaboration. Furthermore, wikis will be a great way for students to organize study resources

The habit that may be most challenging for me to employ as part of my T3 Learning 2.0 experience is to create my own learning toolbox. As I mentioned in my recording, I feel cluttered sometimes. Being a business education teacher and technology teacher for several years, I have had to change with the times. Every school, year I have had to modify what and how I teach because technology is forever changing. I love the challenge, though. I absolutely need to organize what I know and make sure that I am using all the new technology concepts to its fullest.

One habit that will be easy for me as a lifelong learner is to teach and mentor others. I enjoy showing others what I know and helping them overcome some of the technology challenges that they face. Another habit that is easy for me is to accept responsibility for my own learning. It seems that I have been in school forever. Isn’t that what teachers do? Furthermore, being confident as a competent, effective learner is second nature for me. Finally, using technology to my advantage, most of all, is very significant. Technology makes learning and teaching enjoyable and exuberating.

The habits that are most important for me as I work through this course are to begin with an end in mind, view problems as challenges, and especially, play. Attending work, completing doctoral work, being a caregiver for a parent, and being a wife and mother can be overwhelming at times. However, I face those challenges head first. Believe it or not, I find that being enrolled in this T3 course is very relaxing. It’s fun and undeniably rewarding. Therefore, this course will help me glide through everyday life challenges.

AHartry

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