Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Comparing School's Websites
Hello,
First of all, I think a school website is a must these days. It makes interaction between students, staff and parents a lot easier. My mom tells me how easier it is to find out the news and events about my little sisters' school just by typing the webpage on the browser and logging in. In my days of preschool and elementary that didnt exist, all was sent by paper....boring!
Well I decided to compare and contrast these two websites:
First of all, I think a school website is a must these days. It makes interaction between students, staff and parents a lot easier. My mom tells me how easier it is to find out the news and events about my little sisters' school just by typing the webpage on the browser and logging in. In my days of preschool and elementary that didnt exist, all was sent by paper....boring!
Well I decided to compare and contrast these two websites:
- McLane High School http://mclane.fresno.k12.ca.us/index.html
- Willowdale Elementary http://www.mpsomaha.org/willow/
Both sites are somewhow well developed. They all have the basic buttons and links to navigate through it. They do not have a very professional desing but everything is clear and the fonts are okay to be read. The most important aspect that I noted about the Willowdale elementary is the desing, even though it is an elementary it think the colors they use are not the right ones. It makes it look like a games for kids website. It is also not very up-to-date, some current information is missing. The usefullness for the parents I think is okay, though not the best source of information to what is going on at school. For this school website, the most important details that need to be developed better would be the desing, the amount of information, and the usefullness for the parents.
McLane's high school site is pretty good. As I mentioned before the desing is not very professional, but I found it very usefull. There are many links for teachers abot technology tools (like software). The buttons on the left side cover pretty much everything someone would want to know about the shool. I think it is a very useful tool for parents, staff and students.
I will compare these two websites with the one of my elementary and junior high in Monterrey. The school's name and url are: American Institute of Monterrey http://www.aim-net.mx/. I really like this school's webpage. First of all because it is restricted, only parents can view their child's info. Of course, some other links are available for anyone. The desing is simple, only the school's colors and is very well developed. It looks professional and gives a good impression at first sight. They have all links for parents, students and staff. Students can check what homeworks they have daily on the school's website. It is very updated.
Thanks
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Technology Literacy and the Myspace Generation
Hello Everyone,
I found myself really interested in this article. I think it is very good. Specially because it talks about an imminent truth. I can tell is the truth because I belong to the generation of the "Digital Natives". It starts simply with our cellphones that we carry all day long, and it ends at 1am when we check our facebook before going to bed. It is amazing how quick technology and web based information gets to the newer generations. I can tell that by own experience, I have a 12 yr old and 6 yr old sisters. They spend at least 3 hours of their afternoon in front of the PC screen or TV screen. Doing homework, playing Wii, or just looking at the Disney's Channel webpage. It is sad to see how some schools judge sites like Facebook, Myspace, Hi5, and some other. I think students have great potential through technology that educators still need to discover. The NETS explain the enormous goals and positive things that can be reached through technology. I think students are willing to use a computer instead of a pencil and paper. But, because we're not encouraged to do all of our school work electronically, we use technology for leisure. The NETS are true statements that should be pursued by every student along with the help of their professors.
I also found interesting the "characteristics of a digital native". Some of them are true and I bet many of us said more than once: "that's me".
Thanks
I found myself really interested in this article. I think it is very good. Specially because it talks about an imminent truth. I can tell is the truth because I belong to the generation of the "Digital Natives". It starts simply with our cellphones that we carry all day long, and it ends at 1am when we check our facebook before going to bed. It is amazing how quick technology and web based information gets to the newer generations. I can tell that by own experience, I have a 12 yr old and 6 yr old sisters. They spend at least 3 hours of their afternoon in front of the PC screen or TV screen. Doing homework, playing Wii, or just looking at the Disney's Channel webpage. It is sad to see how some schools judge sites like Facebook, Myspace, Hi5, and some other. I think students have great potential through technology that educators still need to discover. The NETS explain the enormous goals and positive things that can be reached through technology. I think students are willing to use a computer instead of a pencil and paper. But, because we're not encouraged to do all of our school work electronically, we use technology for leisure. The NETS are true statements that should be pursued by every student along with the help of their professors.
I also found interesting the "characteristics of a digital native". Some of them are true and I bet many of us said more than once: "that's me".
Thanks
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
BLOG ASSIGNMENT #4
Hello Everyone!
Wow! I really loved this article, is very interesting and very straight forward. I think Joe Nocera did a great job. Even though he seems very in favor of "fair use" I defenitely agree with his point. As many things do, copyright has deviated from its orginigal purpose: stimulate creativity. It is only for the profit nowadays, I myself recognize that if I ever think of having copy rights it would be so other people can't make profit out of it. Internet is a big contributor of this war. I call it war because all companies are constantly looking for the enemy stealing the work. I think we as as society need to be a lot more tolerant and open minded. Instead of everybody sueing, copyright law could be modified and have exceptions. I'm not saying giving work of others for free, but make exceptions for schools, personal use, or the use of small fragments. J.K Rowling does have the right over Harry Potter characters and everything invloving what she but the other content of the encycopedia came out of the other creator's head. Indeed this issue about copy rights is very complicated. But it is sad that for a teacher to show a song on the presentation about science or history a whole complex process needs to be performed. Companies should be aware that some people do not have the intention to steal their work but to get an ispiration from it. As we can see it on youtube, creativity is on it's maximum point. People get a space to express themselves, we need to be a little bit aware that this world is so globalized that ideas are flowing every second and that even though we need to respect we also have to be tolerant and contribute with each other.
Wow! I really loved this article, is very interesting and very straight forward. I think Joe Nocera did a great job. Even though he seems very in favor of "fair use" I defenitely agree with his point. As many things do, copyright has deviated from its orginigal purpose: stimulate creativity. It is only for the profit nowadays, I myself recognize that if I ever think of having copy rights it would be so other people can't make profit out of it. Internet is a big contributor of this war. I call it war because all companies are constantly looking for the enemy stealing the work. I think we as as society need to be a lot more tolerant and open minded. Instead of everybody sueing, copyright law could be modified and have exceptions. I'm not saying giving work of others for free, but make exceptions for schools, personal use, or the use of small fragments. J.K Rowling does have the right over Harry Potter characters and everything invloving what she but the other content of the encycopedia came out of the other creator's head. Indeed this issue about copy rights is very complicated. But it is sad that for a teacher to show a song on the presentation about science or history a whole complex process needs to be performed. Companies should be aware that some people do not have the intention to steal their work but to get an ispiration from it. As we can see it on youtube, creativity is on it's maximum point. People get a space to express themselves, we need to be a little bit aware that this world is so globalized that ideas are flowing every second and that even though we need to respect we also have to be tolerant and contribute with each other.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
BLOG ASSIGNMENT #3
Hello Everyone!
This professor's point of view is really interesting. I that for most teachers in the world wikipedia is still not the best source. Michael Bess makes a very interesting approach. I could tell that he is a very open minded professor and he mentioned something very ture, if you can't fight it, join it. Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia that is famous worldwide and it is a true phenomenon. I think his main argument was how interesting, but at the same time how dull and stupid wikipedia could be. I agree what he said about Britanica Encyclopedia, I think that, not only this encyclopedia specifically, but all of them are only for a quick reference. A reminder of history with details. In order to discuss and analyze topics people's point of view is needed. Therefore, the very interesting thing about Wikipedia is that everyone can click on edit and refuse or enrich someone else's contribution.
There is nothing wrong with wikipedia as long as we try to keep it safe and real. It is part of the Web 2.0 revolution and it's becoming one of the best forums for people, like you and me, to express their knowledge. Wikipedia is a monster that I think there is no way to stop it. Education obviously should not adopt it as a main source, because there is a lot of wrong information in there. But, what I think would be interesting is to use Wikipedia as a tool for investigation and debate. The fear of the professors for Wikipedia should turn into an acceptance for an inevitable phenomenon.
Thanks.
This professor's point of view is really interesting. I that for most teachers in the world wikipedia is still not the best source. Michael Bess makes a very interesting approach. I could tell that he is a very open minded professor and he mentioned something very ture, if you can't fight it, join it. Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia that is famous worldwide and it is a true phenomenon. I think his main argument was how interesting, but at the same time how dull and stupid wikipedia could be. I agree what he said about Britanica Encyclopedia, I think that, not only this encyclopedia specifically, but all of them are only for a quick reference. A reminder of history with details. In order to discuss and analyze topics people's point of view is needed. Therefore, the very interesting thing about Wikipedia is that everyone can click on edit and refuse or enrich someone else's contribution.
There is nothing wrong with wikipedia as long as we try to keep it safe and real. It is part of the Web 2.0 revolution and it's becoming one of the best forums for people, like you and me, to express their knowledge. Wikipedia is a monster that I think there is no way to stop it. Education obviously should not adopt it as a main source, because there is a lot of wrong information in there. But, what I think would be interesting is to use Wikipedia as a tool for investigation and debate. The fear of the professors for Wikipedia should turn into an acceptance for an inevitable phenomenon.
Thanks.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
BLOG ASSIGNMENT #2
What are AUP's and why are they necessary?
AUP’s are acceptable use of internet policies. They are necessary at any working or academic environment because it sets the rules for exploring the web. These policies are used to create a respectful and good use of the technological tools. Because people often have very different ideas about internet use, if they belong to a school or working environment they are expected to stick to the AUP policy.
Compare your HS/district AUP with the guidelines discussed in the resources above. Give the URL of your HS website.
My high school did not a specific AUP, or at least it wasn't called that way but there was a student code of ethics which included the good use of internet resources.
HS website:
http://www.itesm.edu/wps/portal?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wps/wcm/connect/EGL/Eugenio+Garza+Lag%C3%BCera/
or www.mitec.itesm.mx (students webpage)
What does CIPA require of schools and libraries?
It requires schools to have strong policies about what minors are able to see at any of these places and also to be constantly monitoring all activities from minors on the web. These activities include chat rooms, webpages, electronic mail or any other type of computer based communication.
Did you have access to a network at your HS? If so, how did you use it? Was it helpful?
Yes, it was really helpful because no matter what computer you used the documents saved on the Y drive were available from any computer on campus. The thing I didn't liked much about the technology services at my high school is that we weren't very familiarized with the use and benefits of the network.
Did your parents/guardians have access to information about you through the school/district website? If so, what?
Yes, we had a webpage designed specially for parents: www.padres.itesm.mx. They could access everything about the school, from tuition pay to grades and all kinds of things.
How do you feel about web filtering and its relationship to school networks? Look at this article. What would it mean to you as a teacher?
I think web filtering is necessary and a basic stepg for successfull school networks. There will never be enough teachers to be watching what the kids do every minute so as a teacher it meants a lot. It makes teachers feel comfortable because they know kids are looking only at the things they are supposed to at school, and it makes kids' experience with technology more educational.
AUP’s are acceptable use of internet policies. They are necessary at any working or academic environment because it sets the rules for exploring the web. These policies are used to create a respectful and good use of the technological tools. Because people often have very different ideas about internet use, if they belong to a school or working environment they are expected to stick to the AUP policy.
Compare your HS/district AUP with the guidelines discussed in the resources above. Give the URL of your HS website.
My high school did not a specific AUP, or at least it wasn't called that way but there was a student code of ethics which included the good use of internet resources.
HS website:
http://www.itesm.edu/wps/portal?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wps/wcm/connect/EGL/Eugenio+Garza+Lag%C3%BCera/
or www.mitec.itesm.mx (students webpage)
What does CIPA require of schools and libraries?
It requires schools to have strong policies about what minors are able to see at any of these places and also to be constantly monitoring all activities from minors on the web. These activities include chat rooms, webpages, electronic mail or any other type of computer based communication.
Did you have access to a network at your HS? If so, how did you use it? Was it helpful?
Yes, it was really helpful because no matter what computer you used the documents saved on the Y drive were available from any computer on campus. The thing I didn't liked much about the technology services at my high school is that we weren't very familiarized with the use and benefits of the network.
Did your parents/guardians have access to information about you through the school/district website? If so, what?
Yes, we had a webpage designed specially for parents: www.padres.itesm.mx. They could access everything about the school, from tuition pay to grades and all kinds of things.
How do you feel about web filtering and its relationship to school networks? Look at this article. What would it mean to you as a teacher?
I think web filtering is necessary and a basic stepg for successfull school networks. There will never be enough teachers to be watching what the kids do every minute so as a teacher it meants a lot. It makes teachers feel comfortable because they know kids are looking only at the things they are supposed to at school, and it makes kids' experience with technology more educational.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
First Blog Assingment - My presentation
Hello everyone! My name is Andrea Flores, I usually go simply by Andrea. I was born, raised and have lived all my life in Monterrey, Mexico (before coming to Trinity of course). Therefore my first language is spanish, I love it. My whole family lives in Mexico. My main interests are music, fashion, culture, traveling, some politics and I love to spend time with my family, friends and boyfriend. In case anyone is interested Monterrey is a beautiful city, very modern, and about 5 hours driving from San Antonio, which is not too bad. I came to Trinity because I know it is a very well recognized school, it has an excellent business program, and because it's close to home. I am most likely majoring in business with a minor in international studies or chinese. My campus activities so far are mainly academic (classes), going to the gym every afternoon, I am part of the International Club and Latino Exchange.
I have good technological background/skills. I took very good technology courses at school from 7th-10th grade. I have worked with Word, Excel, Power Point, Fireworks (if it still exists), Photoshop, Windows Movie Maker, Html. I learned to use all these through tutorials. Step-by-step activities which lead to the creation either of a document, graphics or webpage. Even though I've worked with all these applications I know technology is constantly changing so I might be a little behind on the new updates. I am a little bit concerned about using html, I remember I had a hard time building my webpage.
To be honest I'm not very familiar with the education field though I think it is interesting. It is the first course I take that focuses on education. I hope I can learn new stuff and also be able to apply it in many things.
About the Time article, I couldn't agree more. It is true that the people is building this new virtual community. It is impressing how through the web everyone can share their thoughts and creativity. Not only through written means but thanks to this "revolution", someone in Argentina can easily listen and see someone in Japan. I think that we cannot even imagine or think what is coming next, because thanks to this effective web creativity is reaching its highest stages. There will be people sharing new ideas through the web that will eventually make it better everyday. The only ones who will make this possible will be the people like me sitting here and posting on my blog.
I have good technological background/skills. I took very good technology courses at school from 7th-10th grade. I have worked with Word, Excel, Power Point, Fireworks (if it still exists), Photoshop, Windows Movie Maker, Html. I learned to use all these through tutorials. Step-by-step activities which lead to the creation either of a document, graphics or webpage. Even though I've worked with all these applications I know technology is constantly changing so I might be a little behind on the new updates. I am a little bit concerned about using html, I remember I had a hard time building my webpage.
To be honest I'm not very familiar with the education field though I think it is interesting. It is the first course I take that focuses on education. I hope I can learn new stuff and also be able to apply it in many things.
About the Time article, I couldn't agree more. It is true that the people is building this new virtual community. It is impressing how through the web everyone can share their thoughts and creativity. Not only through written means but thanks to this "revolution", someone in Argentina can easily listen and see someone in Japan. I think that we cannot even imagine or think what is coming next, because thanks to this effective web creativity is reaching its highest stages. There will be people sharing new ideas through the web that will eventually make it better everyday. The only ones who will make this possible will be the people like me sitting here and posting on my blog.
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