Google Glitch Wipes Out 150,000 Gmail Accounts

Google Glitch Wipes Out 150,000 Gmail Accounts

Basically a glitch permanetly wiped out hundreds of thousands of gmail user's emails and a half a million google accounts were compromised on Sunday (2/27). One gmail user said "Google support help please! I cannot access my account, there is really valuable information there for me, this account has been my principal account for 4 years, I am really afraid to think about how much data I lost." The reason I felt this was relevant was because I think this article raises a big questions.

Are we so reliant on technology that we cannot function without it?
Is cloud computing as wonderful as we are led to believe?
What do you do to back up your accounts?

Growing Up Digital

http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/upfront/features/index.asp?article=f013111_digital

This article is about the distractions children today face. It talks about a boy who doesn't know whether he should do his summer reading or going on his computer. He chooses to go on youtube to complete his summer reading because of the instant gratification. The issue at hand is how is this generation of kids going to differ from those in the past? Kids brains are not being rewarded by staying on task, but by multitasking. This raises a huge concern. An English teacher says in the article that she has to have her students read aloud rather than independently because they lack the attention span. She also feels these students will not become good writers by watching YouTube, texting and emailing in abbreviations.

Do you think that computers and cellphones are becoming more of a stimuli to students? Do you think students should be able to have these devices in the classroom? Do you think using this technology in the classroom is hurting the students more so than helping?

As Bullies Go Digital, Parents Play Catch-Up

As Bullies Go Digital, Parents Play Catch-Up
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/05/us/05bully.html?_r=1


This is an article about cyber bullying. The kids set up a fake facebook page with the name of one of the students they were in school with and made him say all this mean stuff about other students in his school. It was really difficult to figure out who was doing this. The poor student (who wasn't on facebook) was being ostracized for this page.

What can we do to prevent cyber bullying as teachers?
What should be done to the students who are bullying?

Study Finds That Online Education Beats the Classroom

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/study-finds-that-online-education-beats-the-classroom/

As technology is every changing the idea of having online education has been growing in popularity. This article sites that students who use all online courses rank about 9% in the higher percentile then the students who work in a typical classroom environment. The idea of digital learning overtaking traditional classrooms is not too far off. It seems that within the next few years we will see a significant spike in online learning. One of the largest benefit to online education is that it can be tailored to individual students and their learning styles.

What do we think? Is there a possibility of classroom teaching jobs being changed by virtual classrooms? How long until students stop coming to school and learn from home? What will happen to all the teachers?

Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?: The Reasons Are Many

http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction

It is important to understand that integrating technology means more than just teaching basic computer skills or learning different software. Integrating technology must incorporate four key components: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. New tech tools for visualizing and modeling, especially in the sciences, offer students ways to experiment and observe phenomenon and to view results in graphic ways that aid in understanding. Technology also enhances the relationship between the teacher and students. When technology is effectively integrated into subject areas, teachers grow into roles of adviser, content expert, and coach.

1. What are some ways to intellectually challenge the students?
2. Do you think the real-world connection is always a good thing?
3. Do you feel technology really enhances the relationship between the teacher and student?

Programming as the New Literacy (comments due 2/16)

Computer programming has been sparking a debate about whether or not it should be taught in schools. Java programming used to be taught in high school by math departments because there was an AP exam. With the decline of AP offerings and the elimination of teachers and shortage of programming savvy teachers few schools offer programming for students. Visual programming languages have been invented in recent years that could let students as young as elementary program their own games.

Read the Edutopia article Programming is the New Literacy. Be sure to read the comments below the article.

Does our reliance on computers require us to become programmers?

Are our students going to need this skill for future careers? Will we perform better in certain jobs not usually considered programming jobs if we are literate in programming?

Are we illiterate if we can't program in this digital age?

Should we offer our students the option to create a program representing The Water Cycle instead of just letting them do a PowerPoint, poster-board, report, diorama or video?

2011 Horizon Report (comments due 2/23)

The Horizon Report is an annual research paper describing what is on the horizon for technology and its effect on education. As an Education Technology Specialist it is important to stay ahead of the technology. It can take a couple of years to successfully integrate and transform a lesson or a classroom with technology. Read through the report and gives your opinions through the lens of the below focusing questions.

How can the availability of resources online change education?

People are learning whenever and wherever they are, what role does this create for a school?

Technology fostered collaboration is turning up in business and education. How does this collaboration change the classroom?

How can we integrate new media assessments like videos, blogs, podcasts and online publication in our curriculum?

How do we teach digital literacy to today's students?

Games based learning is listed as one of the trends to watch. Read the NY Times Magazine story "Learning by Playing: Video Games in the Classroom". How can we integrate gaming into the math and science classroom?