Blog Post #2
It is honestly a mind-blowing concept to think about how many times and ways I have used Office products throughout school, especially MS Word. Even before I had my own computer at home I was using MS Word in school to create projects or write out assignments. I have used it more than ever as a college student, but it also played a big part in my high school experience. I used MS Word to write essays, to create advertisements, and to design our family Christmas letters. I often underestimate how much easier my educational experience as well as my everyday life has been because of it. I truly enjoy learning new ways MS Word can help me I and hope I continue to learn new things from this class.
While this technology is extremely beneficial, there are issues like copyright and cheating that come along with it. Millions of documents written buy others are available for reference online, and students can take someone else's work and pass it off as their own. Some copyright can even be done on accident because students do not understand the correct process of citing someone else's work. The last thing I would want is for a student to get in academic trouble because of copyright despite if it was deliberate or accidental. To prevent this I would start by implementing lessons during writing that would teach the students what copyright is and how to avoid it. They also must learn the consequences of stealing work from others. One last big prevention tool would be the implement of programs like Turnitin, which compares your work to others online to check originality. I hope and plan to use some of these methods to fight the loopholes technology has yet to completely overcome.
In my personal opinion cyberbullying is the biggest issue of technology. It is a hard battle to fight, and the issue has not gone away. As a future teacher I think the best way to prevent this is to heavily monitor the students' online activity and only gradually allow them more freedom. It is easier to end an issue when it is small rather than when it has been going on for a long period of time and has gotten more severe. The moment I see any sort of cyberbullying I would address the issue and hopefully end it early. Another issue implementation of technology in the classroom can cause is decreased productivity. There are so many fun websites with games that students would rather be on that can distract them from their assignments. There are features that can be used allowing the teacher to see when is on every computer screen. Especially in a computer lab setting where I cannot see every computer at once with my own eyes, this would allow me monitor what websites the students are on as well as how efficient the students are with the allotted time they have. Technology is a tool we are very fortunate to have, but it is important as a teacher to be aware of the issues it brings and to actively work to fight them.
Hi Abby! In reading your first paragraph it seems like you've had a lot of experience with MS word, I think a lot more than what I had. I chose cyber bullying and decreased productivity as well. I think both are very important in the classroom setting, but also in other environments.
ReplyDeleteHi Abby... I love how you mentioned using MS Word to create Christmas cards. My family does the same and we still make one every year. I definitely agree that MS Word is used daily and has been since we were in elementary school.
ReplyDeleteHi abby! We have similar uses for MS Word during K-12 years! Im so glad you spoke on copyright and being responsible to teach the children within your classroom about it. That way everyone is on the same page and understands the extend of copyrighting. I as well chose cyberbullying and agree that monitoring your students should be able to prevent cyberbullying, but maybe a lesson plan or shared statistics might be useful/helpful in making sure this doesn't occur within your classroom of learning.
ReplyDeleteI had the exact same thoughts as you when it comes to addressing copyright issues. I also wrote about decreased productivity involving technology. I forgot about those programs that let you look at all of the screens! I agree that technology is something we are lucky to have, but we (us and our students) need to remember that it comes with responsibility.
ReplyDeleteHello! I agree that cyberbullying is something that must be eradicated in schools as must as we can. As educators, it can sometimes be difficult, but we can do our best. I love your idea to implement technology to make sure the students are on task. Also, Turnitin is a great tool to use against plagiarism.
ReplyDeleteI defiantly agree with how cyberbullying should be dealt with. It's something that affects everyone, even those who aren't being directly affected.
ReplyDeleteI agree as a teacher they need to be more observant with online activity with their students. Even though there is a lot but you do not want the parents try yo make it out you had something to do with it.
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