Techology Around the World

So we have hear so many times the importance of teleology in our lives right ? Sometimes to much information on a particular subject could be overwhelming . I have to say that I am one of those many that feel not only overwhelm but a little intimidated when it comes to the daily use of technology. One thing that  I can honestly say is that although tech is not my friend sometimes, I am getting more accepting of it. One thing that I can really say is what I have always acepted  from the beginning that technology is important and whether we like it or  not it is here to stay . What I discover from  this weeks tools is the different ways that technology  is  been utilize in so  many subject and around the world . For example ,in Brazil they created a Electronic Learner Organizer  which can help many teachers  produce and share many leaning objectives and lesson from other teachers within there school and around the world. California State University created a program that will help science teachers who are teaching in low income areas . With this program the student can actually engage in real science experiments and research. To be very honest the one that I just taught it was the most cool one of theme all is the Global Curriculum Project witch allows  students to exchange ideas and thoughts from students from all over the world . Although we will all love to travel to one of those marvelous countries around us we all do not have the means to go. This is where many apps develop for educational purpose come in handy because they allow us to be present and take part of the culture from other countries . One thing is for sure that although some of us may have a hard time with technology and may complain about it at the end of the day we realize the importance of it.  We know that with one click we can open a word that we never knew we had . So if there anyone out there that sometimes feels like giving up on technology ......... don't because if other people from other parts of the globe  see the importance of it  why can't we ? As a new teacher and need to know that technology can bring and create imagination , discovery and eagerness to learn.

Flipped Classrooms

Flipped Classrooms 

 

The ideas of a flipped classroom begin when instruction or teaching took place using technology and allowed students to learn directly from home and what is considered homework is done in class. Now, this is basically the idea behind a flipped classroom . How does that make you feel ? Are we as a society taking this "technology trend" way to far ? Well I understand the idea behind it and how it works but I think that the instruction should the done in an actual classroom and homework should be done home.However , many studies show that there are many benefits when it comes to teaching using the flipped classroom idea . These benefits include : discussion is begin by students and as more students join in the conversation the conversation becomes more powerful and the content brought. Another reason why flipped classrooms work according to studies is because these discussion typically reach a higher level of critical thinking  The studies also show that flipped classrooms tent to have students challenging other students. One thing that I do like about the idea of a flipped classroom is the fact that students are able to ask exploratory question and also have the freedom to think and response beyond the curriculum. The benefits according to studies place  in the idea of flipped classrooms are endless. My question for anybody who is reading this is we have seen all the benefits that flipped classrooms offered , now is there any negative benefits ? 

The biggest set back today about the the flipped classrooms is that not all students and schools have access to technology that can really work for this method.The most important downside that I can think of is that as we all know too well that every students works and learns differently. What works for one students does not necessarily mean that it will work for every student. The idea of a flipped classroom is good and great but if we don't have the proper teleology and resources it will not go really fast. Yes, flipped classrooms could be important in society however they will never take the place of an actual school building. Or am I wrong ?

Should teachers became friends with their students on Facebook ?

We have heard this story way too many times know a teacher being fired because she/he became friends with their students on Facebook .Parents want to know where the boundaries should be when it comes to educators and students using technology outside of school to communicate . No , I am not talking about sending the teacher an email asking them about the assignment of the day . I'm  actually speaking about parents and students becoming friends with their teacher . However , is that okay ?  The opinions on this matter change every day specially because there are always positive and negative comments that could make or destroy the whole requesting your teacher as a friend .

While honestly I have mix feeling about this when I first saw this my answer was clear  NO . I though there are other ways that students and  teacher can   communicate with each other without having to be afraid of the post and pictures that you place on your wall .There are many options for teachers like having a professional blog or Tweeter accounts where they can communicate about specific lessons .There are also apps that could help teachers to send text however the students can not respond . I also believe that every school should have a social media policy that outlines how teachers should and shouldn't interact with students on medias . Students from the very beginning should know that teachers are there to teach not be friends with any of their students.

The of course my opinion change a little when I heard one of my professors explain the success that he had by becoming friend with his students . He explain that they use Facebook to answered question that they had about the ACT . Then I though about it and I believe that this could be a great tool to use to communicate with those students who feel more comfortable asking educational questions behind the screen . I think that if this is mix privacy with an understanding that teachers and students are going to be friends only if its relative to their education. 

At the end of the day is all about the choices that a teacher makes . It the teaches feels comfortable becoming friends on Facebook with their students then go for it . If this is not your thing  because it feels inappropriate or weird just simply decline it. As future educators it is our responsibility to know what works for you and what doesn't. What would your choice be ?