Comments for MsGoodsell's Weblog

Comment on Closure by Stephen Ransom

Stephen Ransom — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:42:45 +0000

Excellent… it it has lit a spark within you and you are coming away with some valuable new information and skills. Of course, for many, this was just an introduction and you may not feel like an “expert” on any of the technologies that we learned about and more importantly, used in class. However, as a learner, you should now be able to follow up on those learning opportunities and related skills that you want to implement in your classroom. These new tools really need excellent teachers. Keep that as your focus

Comment on Blogging by Stephen Ransom

Stephen Ransom — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:38:44 +0000

You are wise to be cautious, but don’t deny the amazing learning opportunities that are happening globally with blogging. When you are ready to give it a try, look again at the many K-12 examples that are out there and that are finding great success. See how they do it. Ask questions of them. The education blogging community is more than willing to help new teachers and bloggers our there. Just don’t discount it based on your own discomfort. But, caution, of course, is a good thing

Comment on Inspiration Assignment by Stephen Ransom

Stephen Ransom — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:04:14 +0000

Lydia, no one is talking about “diverting from the curriculum”. The research behind visual learning is very compelling at such use is considered “best practice” as often as we can use it. It doesn’t have to be with Inspiration or Kidspiration – these are just two good tools to use, both for teachers and students. I think most teachers who value the characteristics of “visual learning” are sold right away when they experience these tools. Like Angela and Greg, let your passion and success with such learning tools speak for themselves. No one will argue with student interest, motivation, and learning

Comment on Inspiration Assignment by angela wedgwood

angela wedgwood — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:37:13 +0000

I have to agree with Mr. Kinslow. The best way to make changes, and in my opinion changes for the better, especially when it comes to incorporating technology, is to team yourself with others. I think too it is sad that a job could be lost because of change. That is what makes change so slow going, people who can not see outside of the box. Hopefully we all will make some sort of difference in the future.

Comment on Inspiration Assignment by gkinslow

gkinslow — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:22:42 +0000

I think the best thing is to partner and find as many teachers willing to use this technology in the classroom and go as a group to promote its use. There is power in numbers, and teachers will follow majority trends in schools but you just have to start them. If you can show how the software can enhance learning and help meet standards you will have more leverage in bargaining for it. You may have to take the mentoring role for awhile to get your peers on board and comfortable with the software. Although that may be time consuming it shows leadership and administrators like to see that, and your peers will appreciate the support.

Comment on Inspiration Assignment by Around The Blogosphere: No Child Left Behind | So You Want To Teach?

Around The Blogosphere: No Child Left Behind | So You Want To Teach? — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 22:45:52 +0000

[...] 03/08/08 [...]

Comment on Cyberbullying by Dr. Ransom

Dr. Ransom — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:03:59 +0000

Yes – all the more reason to discuss these issues at school and to be aware of what is going on in the culture of the students that we teach. We, parents, teachers, administrators… must help them toward good citizenship in the digital world just as much as we did in the analog world.

Comment on Excel by Sarah Fargnoli

Sarah Fargnoli — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:12:33 +0000

Excel was also something unfamiliar to me. Not only is it important for students to learn to utilize the programs that are out there but, (and I think Dr. Ransom is helping us with this)the ones who are teaching it need to feel relaxed and welcoming to whatever they are teaching for the students to truly benefit.

Comment on Excel by Jennifer Fiordeliso

Jennifer Fiordeliso — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 01:15:36 +0000

I used to be afraid of excel too! After taking a few days and weeks to play with it and explore, excel grows on you. You find little things like changing the colors on a graph to be exciting. You may not master the program, but you can get a feel for it and s really see what it can do!

Comment on My Two Cents by Steve Ransom

Steve Ransom — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:27:43 +0000

Very true… that is why it is SO important to teach effective uses of technology in school, as children will naturally pick up the “fun” and “social” uses of technology. Good teachers are still needed to help them to become informed citizens and lifelong learners, collaborators, and creators.
As for the laptop issue, this was a response to a third world poverty and education issue. It does not mean to ignore our own needs and inequities in this country. We certainly have great need in America when it comes to poverty and education.