Journal 5

The Time Is Right To Embrace PDA’s In The Classroom, By Robert Kadel

Text books are fading out and the age of computers is here, this not only includes desktops/laptops but Personal Digital Assistants as well (hand held units such as palmtop computers). It is time to provide students with these devices to keep them on the technical edge. While laptops are portable, many schools don’t allow students to use them as such and therefore, these laptops become immobile and remain in the same space previously occupied by the desktop computer. Conversely, PDA’s are much smaller, easier to carry around and require less energy to run. i.e. they have no hard discs to spin. As Robert Kadel says, “The biggest electronic hogs on these small devices are the microprocessor, the display, and the wireless networking card…yet they can still run 4 to 8 hours on a single charge.” Furthermore, these PDA’s execute all of the necessary educational software programs that students need.

1. My first question is, as a teacher would I use PDA’s in my classroom? Yes, I would use PDA’s in my classroom. Technology is changing rapidly. In order for my students to remain competitive, they need to learn how to use these tools.

2. My second question is, how could I get my school to implement them into the classroom? First off, I would push the idea of their importance on other teachers and show them the benefits of the PDA’s. Then, as a group, the teachers can approach the administrators to push for the implementation of PDA’s, with valid arguments such as saving the school money on its electric bills. It’s a “win, win” for everyone, the teachers, students, administrators and the public (the tax payers).

Journal 8

Google Spy: Zooming In On Neighbors, Nose-Pickers, And Sunbathers with Street View, By Michael Agger

Well, Google is always innovative, especially with this new controversial feature, Google Street View. Google has taken cameras and placed them in several major cities including, New York, Chicago and San Francisco which allow internet user to see everything from z intended street signs to unintentional views, like a man urinating under a speed limit sign. This is where the controversy is uprising. Evidently, the cameras have such a powerful zoom that users can zoom into people’s apartments and see objects as small as a house cat. However, this is not the only issue. There have been shots taken of underpasses, which since 9/11, have become of limits due to security purposes. Google Street View was recently launched, so it will be interesting to see what comes out of all the hype, and if security threats or privacy issues will stop them from running this feature.

1. My first question is, what would my students think of Google putting a camera on their street corner or in front of their house? I know most of them wouldn’t be too happy to have the world watching them, especially if they lived in a highly Googled area like, Rockefeller Center. On the other hand, some of my students would like the attention of being seen on camera.

2. My second question is, I wonder what my students would think if my school district decided to put cameras into the classroom to constantly monitor their behavior? I know they wouldn’t like it but they way things are going, I don’t see that it’s too much of a leap in reasoning to see administrators placing cameras in the class.

Journal 7

In Your Face: How Facebook Could Crush Myspace, By Christopher Beam

This was a very interesting article that depicts the portal of Facebook over taking the internet from the current giants: Google, Yahoo! and Myspace. Evidently, Facebook has opened its borders to become more competitive and innovative as well. Facebook initiated a new tool kit called Facebook Platform which allows programmers, such as a bored students or multimillion-dollar corporations to peel back the sites cover and poke around and rearrange its contents. Apparently, Facebook is trying to be more competitive and gain a greater part of the market owned by the other internet giants. In the competitive technological market companies have to reinvent themselves in order to survive, seemingly this is what Facebook is attempting to do.

1. My first question is, will Facebook be a good educational tool for my students to learn with? At this point, I don’t know enough about it. I will have to confer with other teachers to find out about the benefits and usefulness of using it in the classroom.

2. My second question is, I wonder how many teachers and administrators know about Facebook or have actually used it before? This is an interesting question, based upon my experience, not too many are familiar with it. We will see, if the changes they are making will make them more competitive.

Journal 6

Filming Compassion, by Janet Bremer And Marilyn Clark

This was an interesting article that highlights students working with non-profits organizations making films for school projects. This really seems to be an excellent program because it gets students actively involved into their community with a creative twist (video production). The idea of having students film and work with non-profits such as, churches, homeless centers and private inner city schools gives students a chance to experience life from another perspective. Students are able to take on greater responsibilities which helps build their character. For example, students are handling expensive equipment and traveling with it as well. Therefore, if the equipment isn’t properly packed, there’s a great likelihood that it could break in route from class to the filming location. Any time there’s a project that gets students excited about learning and teaches them how to behave like a responsible adult, I’m all for it!

1. My first question is, do I think students are responsible enough to use expensive video equipment by themselves? Yes, I do believe that students are responsible enough to handle this equipment. I do believe however, they should only be allowed to operate this equipment after completing the proper training.

2. My second question is, what do the students learn most from this type of educational experience? I believe the answer lies with in each student. There responses will vary depending on the student’s previous life experience. This is why the program is so unique; no student will share the same educational experience as his or her colleagues.

Journal 9

The Gears of War: The New Google Product That Could Augur The Death Of Microsoft, by Harry McCracken

Google seems to be constantly reinventing the wheel, always adding new features, trying to stay on the cutting edge of technology. The latest addition to Google’s portfolio is entitled, Google Gears. It is a new browser plug-in for Firefox and Internet Explorer that allows the user to access to-dos by using bits of Javascript code stored which allows the users to add, delete and edit tasks when off line. The advantages of this program is you can do work while traveling, either on a plane or in a car or where internet access is not available. The idea is just like Microsoft, the user will be able to manage his or her tasks and schedule. The caveat is, the user can do it offline and for much less, try free! You are looking at paying around 500$ for the Microsoft software versus using Google for free. I have no problem with this, I hope it will be a successful plug-in and that I can take advantage of it.

My first question is, would I be able to use this in my class? I think I could and it would be great for the kids, especially, if it’s free. School districts should be inclined to push for students using it, it would save them a lot of money. It is really amazing the kinds of things that you are now able to do, on and off line. It will really be interesting to see what life is like two decades from now and how technology has improved it.