Point A to Point B

Month: April 2006

  • DON’T (!) Use the Computer

    When you are researching something, don’t always go to the computer first. Ask yourself who/what/where might the best place be to find what you need? There are still TONS of great resources of information that don’t involve the Internet. BOOKS still have information, and can get you what you need very quickly. PEOPLE have information, and can get you what you need very quickly. The Internet is an awesome place to find out stuff, but you have to be careful that what you find is trustworthy. ASK for help if you need it, and happy learning.

    Kind of a funny thing for the computer teacher to say, huh? Any thoughts?

  • Technology Be Gone!

    One of my focuses now moves to talking about what makes learning better – not the technology tool, but rather the situation/experience for the learning to happen. Sure technology can take it to a new level, but the focus has to remain on the learning.

    I just finished an introductory workshop on Marzano’s What Works in Classrom Instruction. The focus was on technology tools to support the 9 strategies, but the key is the 9 strategies:

    • Identifying similarities and differences
      Summarizing and note taking
      Reinforcing effort and providing recognition
      Homework and practice
      Nonlinguistic representations
      Cooperative learning
      Setting goals and providing feedback
      Generating and testing hypotheses
      Activating prior knowledge

    I’m not sure yet how, but I’m thinking the focus of some posting here is going to focus on these, as they are about the learning, and not the technology.

  • Internet Safety: Student Version

    internet.gif

    Hey gang – start by reading the post below which has the adult version of this. Done? Good – now here it is again, but changed just a bit for you…

    There is a lot of scary information about what could (and has) happened to kids
    because of their behavior on the Internet. There is only one tried and true way to
    really help YOU stay safe on the Internet, and it is

  • Internet Safety: Adult Version

    internet.gif

    I attended the presentation tonight by FBI Agent Holly Hubert on Internet Safety. I have seen her speak before – she is excellent, and scary at the same time. Following up on what she said, here is an excerpt of the article Mr. Kramer & I wrote in the April 2006 PTSA Newsletter:

    There is a lot of scary information about what could (and has) happened to kids
    because of their behavior on the Internet. There is only one tried and true way to
    really help your child stay safe on the Internet, and it is