Mr. C. Pinnavaia's Virtual Classroom

A) Read the article “Kids, Blogs and Too Much Information” from msnbc.com . Answer the following questions:

1. What are some of the statistics mentioned about kids and their use of blogging websites such as myspace.com?
2. What does the author mean when the author calls blogs an “attention competition”?
3. What are some of the concerns mentioned in the article about the way some kids use blogging websites?
4. What recommendations does the author make to parents to ensure the safety of their children while they are online?

B) After reading the first article, read “Study: Teens limit personal profile info” from USA Today. Answer the following questions:

1. The MSNBC article was written in 2005.  This article was written in 2007.  Do you notice a difference in what the studies are showing in relation to what kids are posting on their social networking sites?
2. What do you believe is a contributing factor to this change? (What do you think has lead to this change in kids behavior?)
3. What concerns do you have after reading these articles?

Post your answers to these questions on your blog by Midnight on Sunday November 20th. Comment on one other person’s blog entry.

In preparation for our in class discussion, consider the following:  Social Networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter have really become a central part of the culture of the 21st Century. Below are two articles about the benefits and cautions to using Social Networking sites. Read both articles.

http://www.newswise.com/articles/twitter-can-increase-student-engagement-boost-grades

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/11/10/hyper.texting.teens/index.html

Then reflect on your own use of Social Networking sites. In your blog entry, discuss the following questions:

1) How do you use social networking sites?

2) What do you think of the social networking “craze”?

3) What do you think is the greatest benefit to social networking? What do you think is the greatest negative effect of social networking?

Create a blog entry to answer these questions. Your entry should be 3-4 paragraphs in length. It should be checked for  spelling and grammatical errors.  Your assignment must be posted on your blog by midnight on Thursday November 17th.

Comment on One Person’s Post
After you post your thoughts, take some time to read what other students have posted.  Leave a comment for at least one (1) other person. Follow the rules for commenting found in the posts on the front of my website.

Read the article and watch the video from cnn.com

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/18/tech/mobile/documentary-film-connected/index.html?hpt=hp_bn6

The film maker in this article discusses our need to be “connected” in the 21st century. The article also brings out some interesting facts about how Americans are using technology.

In your blog response this week, reflect on the following questions in a 2-3 paragraph response:

1) How do you feel about the way in which we communicate today?

2) Do you think we are “too” connected? Do you think we aren’t “connected” enough? why?

3) Are there limits to how much should be “connected”? When in our lives is it ok to not be “connected”?

In addition, I would like you to read at least one other person’s comment and I would like you to post a second comment in response to what they wrote. Follow my guidelines for “Leaving a Comment” in the post below.

Due by Sunday, October 23rd at 11:59am Midnight.

MSNBC Presents the Future of Technology: Inside the Wired Classroom

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Watch the above video from MSNBC “Future of Technology: Inside the wired classroom”.

Just the other day, the candidates for student council office were debating the idea of getting iPads (or tablet devices) into the hands of our students to use in the classroom. Many other schools are debating the same thing. Some have already moved to issuing an iPad for every student.

In your 2-3 paragraph blog response, answer the following questions:

1) Would you be in favor of an iPad program here at SEP? Why?
2) What would the benefit be to having such a program? What would be the negative effects?
3) What would be the biggest reason for you to have such a device for you to use?
4) What are your concerns about using an iPad in the classroom?
5) Do you have any other thoughts in response to the video you watched?

In addition, I would like you to read at least one other person’s comment and I would like you to post a second comment in response to what they wrote. Follow my guidelines for “Leaving a Comment” in the post below.

Due by Sunday, October 9th at 12:00am Midnight.

http://youtu.be/_A-ZVCjfWf8

Click the link above and watch  the YourTube video “A Vision of K-12 Students Today”.  In a blog comment on this entry answer the following questions. Do you think this is a realistic vision of students today your age? Honestly, are you getting what you want/need from your education today? How would you change your education if you could? Follow the guidelines below about how to make a comment.

Want to watch the video on your smartphone? scan the QR code below to go straight to the video.

Interested in another video? Watch this one called “Engage Me!”. It asks similar questions that the first video asks and  can provide some additional things to think about.

http://youtu.be/ZokqjjIy77Y

Welcome to my virtual classroom! The Computer Technology Class  will be attempting to learn from each other in a whole new way! Blogging is being used across the country and the world to link people together and exchange ideas.

Leaving a Comment on an Edublog

Click the link above to view a short tutorial on how to leave comments on someone else’s blog.

When you leave a comment remember some important points:

• Be Constructive! This project is designed to generate discussion about technology related topics. Constructive comments and questions will create a meaningful discussion. Simply saying “I agree!” or “I disagree!” is not a constructive posting.
• Ask Questions! Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your classmates. Questions lead to deeper discussion. Your questions should be focused on clearing up misunderstandings or raising additional points.
• Keep it Clean! Remember that this blog is a reflection on you as a student! What you write and how you write it will reflect strongly on you and will effect your grade. Anything written here, my mother should be able to read without getting upset.