Blog 10

I found Dr. Christie's site to be very informative. Dr. Christie received her doctoral in Educational Technology and Language and Literacy. Prior to receiving her doctrine, she taught in the classroom. Dr. Christie create workshops and publications aimed towards teaching educators how to enhance technology within their classroom.
There were several interesting publications on the web-site. However, the one that stood out the most was "Recognizing (Almost) Invisible Gender Bias in Teacher-Student Interactions." This article was done to conduct an experiment on whether Dr. Christie was bias based on gender. The publication showed that the female students were treated different from the male student. As a teacher, I have never considered the possibility that I may be bias towards a person's gender. Now that I am aware of these findings. I'm going to pay close attention to how I treat a female student in comparison to a male student.

Blog 9

Before reading the articles, I wasn't familiar with wikipedia. However, after reading the articles I do not think they're reliable. Wikepedia was actually developed in order to provide people with information on pretty much anything. The problem is that anyone can edit or even delete information. If a person is bias towards a particular topic they can can present their opinions as if they were fact. Some major companies, such as Wal-Mart, can manipulate information to appear appealing.
It is very important for children to understand the validity of information that they found on the Internet. I often stress to my students to be cautious of giving out their information on-line. They need to be aware that just because they say that they're a 15 yr. old boy, doesn't mean they are. They could actually be a 40 yr. old man, preying on a young child. So, do I think wikipedia is reliable? Absolutely not.

Blog 8

The Fiscgbowl blog I found interesting was "180 Days." According to the presentation, schools waste about 60 days due to testing, extracurricular activities, and several other things. I do not consider those days as wasted. I agree with one comment that stated preparing students for test is considered instructional. I also believe students need the extra curriculum activities. Students must have a chance to engage in sociable events with their peers. I recall learning in a child development course, that students need to be around peers. This allows them to learn how to act in a sociable acceptable manner.

I believe there are days wasted. However, I don't believe its 60. You have to take into account that teachers are having to deal with psychological issues. Many times teachers have to devote time to helping students deal with the lost of another student or friend. As much as we hate for things of that nature happening, we have to to be sympathetic toward these children's needs. Its the motivational speaker at the assembly that sometimes changes a students outlook on life.

Blog 7

I agree with the blog completely. I think its very important for teachers, students, and parents to be technology literate. My mother often make the comment, "I'm not good with computers." I''m constantly telling her she needs to learn at least the basics. She feels that learning basic computer technology isn't worthwhile. However, she always asking me to type a letter or make a spreadsheet for her. Its nearly impossible for anyone to go through life without having to deal with modern technology.

I think teachers should all be technology literate. I have found that students will devote hours to chatting, emailing, and texting. However, they despise typing a report. I believe most of my students know more about computers than me. I often find myself having to ask a student to "fix my computer."

One modern technology I think is great is email. I believe emails are a great way to keep parents inform. I have a few parents that I communicate with through email. Many times I will spend a week trying to contact a parent. Either their number has changed, or the student simply won't give them the message. By emailing the parent, its fast and convenient. Eliminating the "middle man."