Friday, September 5, 2008

My Philosophy of teaching

My teaching philosophy is guided by a commitment to create a dynamic and safe classroom environment where all the students are active participants. At the same time, I believe that every student has the right to be educated in a safe and nurturing environment.

My commitment to teaching goes beyond my daily responsibilities. At the beginning of the school year, I set clear goals and objectives so students know what is expected of them. When I teach, I make sure that every student has an opportunity to participate.

I want to make sure that I am making a difference in their lives. I don’t believe in teaching in the traditional way where teachers are the suppliers of knowledge and students are passive learners. I want my students to be engaged and one way is to assign projects. I introduce many projects for the purpose of assessment because it promotes collaborative learning and also it increases the student’s level of comfort in the classroom. The results of the projects are that learners are engaged and they learn from each other. Projects promote independent thinking that is essential for students to apply in real-life situations. Technology projects evolve into authentic demonstrations of twenty-first century learning, media literacy, reading, writing and speaking literacy skills. In addition, projects offer an opportunity for students with diverse learning needs and different learning styles

I believe that projects have many benefits for students because they learn a new set of skills needed for the real-life situation. Projects are engaging and offer a great opportunity for students to express themselves and work collectively with peers and teachers.

Reflection about my thesis

A lot has happened since a year ago. I moved to California in August, 2007. Started a new job in August and started working on my thesis. This has been a very difficult year for me because I had too many commitments all at once that I thought I would never get my thesis done.

The day is almost here! May 13, I will graduate. I thought I will never see this day. I would like to thanks my advisor, Dr. Laura Zieger from NJCU for all her help during the last two years. She has been great throughout this entire process. Without her continue support and encouragement, it would have been very difficult for me to accomplish writing my thesis. I would like to thanks Sofia Portela, for helping me with the structure of my thesis. She has been an invaluable asset to all of us and to NJCU.

I would like to acknowledge my family for being there for me these last four years. Without their loving support, I wouldn't have been able to continue. To my dear nephew Jorge, thank you for fixing my computer. There were many times that I thought I would never make the deadlines of my assignments.

I would like to thanks, Julie Ruiz, my colleague and dear friend who has been there for me during the good and bad times. Many times we were going crazy staying late at night on the phone talking about the structure of our theses. There were many times we thought we would never finish. We gave each other support. Thank you Julie for being there for me.

Thank you to all my colleagues who took their time to fill out the survey. Without your support or  help, I would never been able to complete my thesis.

Marianita Lemma

Currently, I am taking this class "Using the Internet in Education". I think it is a good idea to have a little background about the Internet. I am posting this essay that I wrote a while ago.

HISTORY OF THE INTERNET
The Internet was the result of some visionary thinking by people in the early 1960s that saw great potential value in allowing computers to share information on research and development in scientific and military fields. J.C.R. Licklider of MIT, first proposed a global network of computers in 1962, and moved over to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in late 1962 to head the work to develop it. Leonard Kleinrock of MIT and later UCLA developed the theory of packet switching, which was to form the basis of Internet connections. Lawrence Roberts of MIT connected a Massachusetts computer with a California computer in 1965 over dial-up telephone lines. It showed the feasibility of wide area networking, but also showed that the telephone line's circuit switching was inadequate. Kleinrock's packet switching theory was confirmed. Roberts moved over to DARPA in 1966 and developed his plan for ARPANET.
TCP and IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) or The Internet, as it is called today, was initially funded by the government. It was developed by a Department of Defense (DOD) research project to connect a number of different networks designed by different vendors into a network of networks. It was originally limited to research, education, and government uses. One of the important features of this system was the ability to automatically reroute packet transmissions from one location to another in the event that the most direct circuit path was damaged (this was part of the specifications from the Department of Defense in order to keep communication with the research labs in the event communications were damaged due to nuclear attack). Commercial uses were prohibited unless they directly served the goals of research and education. This policy continued until the early 90's, when independent commercial networks began to grow. It then became possible to route traffic across the country from one commercial site to another without passing through the government funded NSFNet Internet backbone.
Delphi was the first national commercial online service to offer Internet access to its subscribers. It opened up an email connection in July 1992 and full Internet service in November 1992. All pretenses of limitations on commercial use disappeared in May 1995 when the National Science Foundation ended its sponsorship of the Internet backbone, and all traffic relied on commercial networks. AOL, Prodigy, and CompuServe came online. Since commercial usage was so widespread by this time and educational institutions had been paying their own way for some time, the loss of NSF funding had no appreciable effect on costs.
Today, NSF funding has moved beyond supporting the backbone and higher educational institutions to building the K-12 and local public library accesses on the one hand, and the research on the massive high volume connections on the other.[1]
NETWORKS
Networks are groups of resources that are interconnected and communicated through a standard communication protocol (network operating system, or NOS). Networks link people, assets and ideas and distribute data, products and services without being limited by traditional organizational boundaries or physical locations. A network can be as small as two PC’s connected within a home, or, as is the case for global corporations, hundreds of thousands of devices connected throughout the world.
THE INTERNET
On October 24, 1995 the Federal Network Council (FNC) unanimously passed a resolution defining the term Internet. This definition was developed in consultation with members of the Internet and intellectual property rights communities. RESOLUTION: The Federal Networking Council (FNC) agrees that the following language reflects our definition of the term "Internet". "Internet" refers to the global information system that -- (i) is logically linked together by a globally unique address space based on the Internet Protocol (IP) or its subsequent extensions/follow-ons; (ii) is able to support communications using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite or its subsequent extensions/follow-ons, and/or other IP-compatible protocols; and (iii) provides, uses or makes accessible, either publicly or privately, high level services layered on the communications and related infrastructure described herein.[2]
The Internet is an international network of networks that are both commercial and publicly owned. The Internet connects hundreds of thousand of different networks from more than two hundred countries around the word. Millions of people working in science, education, government, and business organizations use the Internet to exchange information or perform business transactions with other organizations around the globe.
The worldwide web is a graphical representation of the Internet which came about in the early 90’s. The powerful worldwide web has altered the environment of business. Today, information systems provide the communication and analytic power that firms need for conducting trade and managing business on a global scale. It provides communication with distributors and suppliers, operating 24 hours a day and seven days a week in different national environment, servicing local and international reporting needs. There are no boundaries as to graphical locations, time zones and cultures. In many cases the distance has been eliminated due to the modern communications technology in the worldwide web.
Globalization and information technology also brings new threats to domestic firms because of the competition from customers who can now shop in a worldwide market place, obtaining price and quality information twenty four hours a day and seven days a week.
Additionally, Email has been a significant factor in all areas of the Internet. It has opened new doors to a new way of communication eliminating in many cases the long wait of a letter to a loved one. One can communicate via email to any part of the world in just seconds.
Finally the Internet has revolutionized the computer and the way we communicate and do business today. It is a powerful tool by today’s standards and it has become a way of life for corporations, government agencies, schools, universities and millions of other users. The Internet has changed the way we do business today…rapid speed, redundant connectivity and network architectures, and access to massive amounts of disparate information. It will continue to change and evolve, and we evolve with it. Without the Internet we now feel isolated and out of touch.












[1] 2004 Walt Howe -Last updated 17 September 2004-www.isoc.org/internet/history/brief.shtml#Introduction

[2] Resolution defining the term internet. The Federal Network Council (FNC)
www.nitrd.gov/Fnc/internet_res.html

WebQuest Project - Reflection

I am glad the WebQuest Project is done. When we started doing this project, I was overwhelmed because I did not know what I was doing. I like to thank Oriana Kopeck and Leo Matarese for helping me accomplish the Webquest Project. You were easy going and it was great working with you as a group. I also would like to thank Dr. Zieger for introducing the class to the Webquest project. I have accumulated so much knowledge about using technology in education. Frankly, I have taken many other technology courses, but this is the first time that I have been able to put into practice what I have actually learned. I have also shared many of the resources from this class with my colleagues at work. Most important of all, I have been integrating technology in my classes. My students love it! Especially the video clips from Unitedstreaming. Thank you Dr. Zieger!

M. Lemma

WebQuest Project - Relection

I am glad the WebQuest Project is done. When we started doing this project, I was overwhelmed because I did not know what I was doing. I like to thank Oriana Kopeck and Leo Matarese for helping me accomplish the Webquest Project. You were easy going and it was great working with you as a group. I also would like to thank Dr. Zieger for introducing the class to the Webquest project. I have accumulated so much knowledge about using technology in education. Frankly, I have taken many other technology courses, but this is the first time that I have been able to put into practice what I have actually learned. I have also shared many of the resources from this class with my colleagues at work. Most important of all, I have been integrating technology in my classes. My students love it! Especially the video clips from Unitedstreaming. Thank you Dr. Zieger!

M. Lemma

The Advantages of Using Technology in Second Language Education


Li Wang’s article discusses the positive effect on “language learning” using technology. He states that the advantages of using new technology in language classrooms can be interpreted in light of the changing goals of language education and the shifting conditions in our postindustrial society.

Since technology is here to stay, I do agree with Mr. Wang’s idea about integrating technology in Second Language Education. Technology allows learners to enter into computerized worlds with exposure to language and culture in a meaningful audio-visual context. When teachers integrate technology programs into their curriculum, it allows each learner to have a good deal of control and interactivity so they can better manipulate their linguistic input. Some excellent examples of integrating technology in a second language curriculum are the Interactive CD-ROM Tutor which uses engaging video and interactive games to help students improve listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. The Interactive CD-ROM Tutor is an excellent tool because it helps the learner with their literacy skills. Another type of software is the Audio CD Program which offers students a chance to hear the language they’re learning. Many of the software programs draw learners into the world of many different cultures. These programs feature a wealth of motivational instruction and are a lot of fun and engaging cross-cultural explorations, imaginative activities and projects. The interactive technology shows students how to use language in a cultural context.

The Internet is another powerful tool for assisting in language teaching. The Internet is a vast interactive medium which can be used in many different ways to teach a second language. The Internet provides learners with unprecedented opportunities for autonomous learning. Computer technologies help teachers and students transcend linguistic, geographical and time barriers. The use of the Internet allows the learner to engage in all types of online communication. The Internet especially helps the learner communicate with people in different cultures.

Despite the many advantages of using technology, Mr. Wang states that the Internet also has its disadvantages. Some of the main disadvantages regarding technology integrating in language classrooms include access to objectionable material, on-line predators, copyright violations, plagiarism, viruses and hacking. Teachers must be prepared to deal with these issues as they use technology in their classrooms.

Another problem that Mr. Wang mentions is that it is very costly to integrate technology in a second language education program because staff has to be trained and schools have to buy hardware and software and frequently schools do not have that money available for this purpose. Usually the second language programs are poorly funded, as is the case in our school district. We are further behind with technology than most school districts in the area. The perception is that the Language Department is not a priority of the school district. The department is seen as a non-academic venue; therefore, the resources are limited.

While I agree with most of the authors ideas, I feel he left out a crucial point about the lack of the social aspect when using the Internet in second language education. Technology is a wonderful tool that helps students with multiple intelligences learn at different levels and at a different pace. Although, I think the Internet is a powerful and wonderful tool that is here to stay I have my reservations about students taking a second language course on-line. I believe that human interaction is crucial to learning a second language. Students need to be immersed in the culture in order to learn a second language. They need to have a connection and develop their social skills so they can be successful and well-rounded with their academic and professional pursuits.


Resources
Li Wang (2005) The advantages of Using Technology in Second Language Education THE Journal May 2005, Vol. 32 Issue 10, P 38-42, 5p
http://draweb.njcu.edu:2137/citation.asp

NETS

REFLECTION:

In 1995 President Clinton confronted the nation’s parents, teachers, government, community, and business leaders to work together to ensure that all children in America are technologically literate by the 21st century. He established the four pillars of his technology literacy agenda:

1. Connect every school and classroom in America to the information superhighway
2. Provide access to modern computers for all teachers and students
3. Develop effective and engaging software and on-line learning resources as an integral part of the school curriculum
4. Provide all teachers with the training and support they need to help students learn using computers and the information superhighway.

The vision that President Clinton had in mind was very ambitious and it was a grand scale project. Twelve years have gone by since his speech and today many school districts throughout the United States have been slowly infusing technology into their curriculum, but no yet up to the standards he envisioned.

Today we have in place the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS). According to the Education World website the NETS project will work to define standards for students. The project will integrate curriculum technology, technology support, and standards for student assessment and evaluation of the use of technology. The technology foundation standards for students are divided into six broad categories. Standards within each category are to be introduced, reinforced, and mastered by students. These categories provide a framework for linking performance indicators within the Profiles of Technology Literate Students to the standards. Teachers can use these standards and profiles as guidelines for planning technology-based activities in which students achieve success in learning, communication, and life skills. (iste)

While I believe that the current technology standards we have in place at this moment are a great source of guidance to school districts, I feel compelled to say that many school districts are still not complying with them. One of the problems I see with many school districts is that they lack the resources to bring their technology up to speed. Another factor is that teachers are not properly trained or prepared to infuse technology in their core classes. In fact, in order for teachers to infuse technology in their content area they need to learn a whole set of new skills. This takes time and money. Many teachers who have been teaching in the traditional setting do not necessarily embrace technology because they are set in their ways and are afraid of changes. On the other hand, teachers who want to infuse technology in their curriculum cannot because some schools have very limited resources.

As Grabe and Grabe indicate (p.30) “Classroom activities have remained fairly similar in most schools because of limited resources and limited awareness of alternative methods. As technology in classrooms offers new opportunities and a growing dialogue among educators creates greater awareness of how technology can be applied, teachers who have been frustrated with traditional approaches have the motivation and now the opportunity to change. In contrast, those who are satisfied with traditional methods see no reason to change. So improving access to technology will be the impetus for some teachers to alter their classroom activities, but others will continue doing what they have always done.”

Do my students meet the NETS for their grade level? I am not sure about this. It will be unfair for me to say they do. From my point of view, we do not have adequate technology to teach my students. What I teach it is not a core subject. It is an elective. Only one year is required. Therefore, the administration will not go out of their way to spend a lot money when they might need that money somewhere else. A language lab will be very expensive for our department to have. We need significant changes, but these changes are going to be slow. It all comes down to money, higher taxes, approvals etc. By the time teachers have learned new skills, these skills will be obsolete because new technology is emerging every day.

Resources
www.education-world.com
www.ed.go/updates/PresEDPlan/part11.html

February 1, 2007
Reflection

This has been a hectic week for me with midterms in our school. Nevertheless I had time to go and speak to our school Principal about Unitedstreaming. I was very happy to find out how receptive she was, although she had no idea what it was. I briefly explained to her about Unitedstreaming and she advised me to go to the media specialist and find out if we can get it ordered for next year or the year after. Today after school I went and spoke with her about this resourceful program. The media specialist was aware of it and told me she had gone to a seminar to find out more about the program. She even told me that she had subscribed one of our six high schools but teachers were complaining that they could not download the video clips because the school lacked many of the resources.

I provided her with the information that Mary sent me about the price. I am so thrilled that she is going to order it for the next school year (she has the money in the budget). The only problem she told me she was going to have is how to download the video clips since our school lacks the resources. The other problem is that all our computers are old and are not compatible with many of the any new software packages that we would like to get. She even mentioned about getting just a server for Unitedstreaming, but she does not know if this is possible.

I am happy that our school district will subscribe to it, but I am not so sure if this will work.

Apple offers free hosting of class lectures at 'iTunes U'

In an article written by Laura Ascine, Assistant Editor of eSchoolNews online, she talks about students at the University of Michigan's School of Dentistry and their use of iPods and MP3 players. The students use these devices for more that just listening to music, they also listen to class lectures and review notes through a student-run project that uses iTunes technology for academic purposes. UM-Dentistry uses “i Tunes U”, a content-management system from Apple Computer, that allows teachers to post audio recordings of class lectures online. Students can preview a lecture recording, download an individual lecture, or subscribe to have downloads delivered to their computers or MP3 players automatically.

This is another example of current web trends in our society. This is also a great way to help many students who have a difficult time concentrating in class. The technology helps students who are absent because of an illness or for any other reason. They can easily download the lectures as if they were in class. One of the problems that I see with this wonderful technology is that students can miss class any time they want. They do not necessarily have to be in class because they can download the lectures at their leisure and may result in poor class attendance or poor listening habits.

http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showstory.cfm?ArticleID=6153