WEB SAFETY

I absolutely think that is important to keep our children safe on the web. There are so many things these days that are so scary. I know first hand what the filth of the Internet can do to people. Children are so naive to what is out there. Besides web safety, accuracy of websites should be a concern. You really can find information that is false or not backed up which can lead students in the wrong direction. I appreciate Kathy Schrock's work with web safety and helping teachers to guide their students in the right direction. I think that someone needed to do it and she seems to be very passionate. Going through her information on her website "Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators", I really think that she knows her stuff and it is a great idea to bookmark her websites so that I, as a teacher, can lead my students in the right direction so that they will know how to search for safe, accurate websites.

Thoughts on the UEN Website

Along with the blog idea, I think that the UEN website is very useful and may serve very productive as an educator. I like that I can stay in touch with parents and keep my students on track. I believe that parents play a huge role in their children's education and so keeping them up to date on the happenings in the classroom is very important. I also like the personal aspect of the UEN website. Its always nice to know a little bit about the person who spends a lot of time with your children. I know, as a parent, that I want to know that my child is in good hands. That being said, I think I am a little bit more apt to use Blogger, mostly just because I am more familiar with it and more comfortable with my ability to get my point across.

Importance of Computer Knowledge

This week I have learned that it is very important to be "computer intelligent" as a teacher. I have found that it would be beneficial to my students to teach them the basics of computer technology so that as they get older they can grow with the upgrades. There are things about Microsoft Word and Excel that I have never known how to do. I learned how to do them this week and I feel like I have a new confidence as far as computers go. Computer use in the classroom is only going to be more readily used so by me learning, I am able to educate my students.

My Classroom

I had never thought about this before, but I honestly think blogs are an EXCELLENT way to keep in touch with my students and their parents! The boom in technology, I fear, has got me a little bit confused. I didn't even know how to work my iPod until just a few months ago (I got it for my birthday in December). So, the thought of keeping my students' grades on the computer and/or using Power Point to teach my lesson threw me. I feel like since I've realized that technology can be pretty convenient for daily life I have come to appreciate it a little bit more. I like the fact that I might be able to keep parents more informed and it gives the kids a tad bit more accountability. I know that I will always use a blog AS WELL as paper announcements to keep contact with my students and their parents.

Elementary Education 2200 (TEST)

Elementary Education Test