Kathryn Schlottman Excel worksheet

Erica Reill Excel Worksheet

Using Word, PowerPoint and Excel in K-12 Classrooms

http://www.sabine.k12.la.us/class/excel_resources.htm#Excel%20Templates
Classrooms that Excel Resources has guides, applications, tutorials, and lesson plans using excel. One reason I find that this is a good site is because it breaks classrooms K-12 into elementary, middle, and high school grade levels and appropreate lessons for the level. On the other hand, when you click on some of the links the pages are not found.

http://swapp.canyonisd.net/1589104131246247/lib/1589104131246247/project_brainstorming.pdf
Brainstorming Ways to Utilize Word, PowerPoint and Excel gives ideas to using Word, PowerPoint, and Excel in the classroom. Letter writing,notetaking, spelling, vocabulary were some ideas for using Word. Some examples for PowerPoint useage are review for tests, quizzes, introduce new curriculum concepts, and book report.Last, Excel are to teach reading graphs, tables, charts, data gathering, and comparing data.

Microsoft Office Tutorials

Here are 2 websites for learning Microsoft Office. The first one is http://www.officetutorials.com
This website provides downloadable Tutorials of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as Access and publisher, and Mail. The homepage says you can download and share them even though they are copyrighted. The Tutorials are used by K-12 schools, colleges, businesses, and many others. The Tutorials are organized by program. The 2007 Microsoft programs have their own sections on the site because of all the changes that were made.

If you rather not download, then go to http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line.htm. this website has Office Tutorials for both PC and Mac. You can select either basic or advance depending on your knowledge of the Microsoft Office Programs. They even have keyboard shortcuts for people who are unable to use the mouse, or if you want to access features quicker.

Both these websites are pretty easy to use, and you have your choice of downloading or viewing online.

Microsoft Tutorials

http://www.pitt.edu/~edindex/OfficeindexXP2.html

This website shows how to begin using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. There are 10 lessons on how to use Microsoft. The site teaches those who are not familiar with Microsoft, but t goes more in depth of what other things you can do with Microsoft for those who know how to use it.


http://academics.smcvt.edu/cbauer-ramazani/gsl520_online/howtos2.htm

This website seems more complicated then my first website. This site is for beginners and intermediate. I think the site would help me alot with how to make power point more professional then how i do them now.

Microsoft Tutorials

This website explains everything that you need to know about PowerPoint, Excel and MS Word. A step-by-step process is included on the website for each program. The three programs are listed on the homepage of the website and you just have to click on which program you need assistance with to get to the tutorial. More than one tutorial is available for each program depending on if you are a beginner or if you are advanced with the program.

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line.htm

The second website that I found also had a lot of information concerning PowerPoint, Excel and MS Word. The website is very easy to understand as well; all you have to do is click on the link that says Office Tutorials.com and it takes you to the main page for the program tutorials you are looking for. From there, you just look at the left hand column for the program tutorials you need help with.

http://www.georgetownisd.org/ccorner/technology/msofficeprogs.asp

Microsoft Tutorials

Internet 4 Classrooms

This website explains everything you would ever need to know about all different programs including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. The website is very easy to access; all you have to do is click on the program and it goes to a new page that breaks down the program and you can click on which ever link that you need help with. I have already saved this website to my computer, this is a site that will help me and other future teachers a lot!

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line_excel.html


ESSENTIAL MICROSOFT OFFICE XP: Tutorials for Teachers

This website has a lot of great information on all of the Microsoft Office programs which includes Excel, PowerPoint, Word and more. This website has easy access as well; all you have to do it look in the left column and click on which program you want to learn about. The only thing I didn’t like was that info for each program is very wordy, but I guess there is a lot of information to learn on each program.

http://www.pitt.edu/~edindex/OfficeindexXP2.html

Evaluate Software and Hardware Tools

Evaluate Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purposes

By: Emily Overby

URL: http://www1.american.edu/IRVINE/eval.html

Description: This website discusses how the use of technology and computers in the classroom should not be the only methods teachers use. Through the use of different types of strategies for testing out these programs like talking with other educators or testing it with students the teachers are able to see if the tested program is viable for the objectives. Along with this the website also presented actual steps for teachers to use when analyzing programs.

Opinion: I found this website to be very helpful when it comes to evaluating software for instructional purposes. It gave you not only a worksheet but a fourteen step process to work through to see if the program is viable. Along with graphs and a brief explanation of the purpose this website is an overall helpful aid in this process.

 

URL: http://www.thejeo.com/Archives/Volume3Number1/DePaoloFinal.pdf

Description: This website describes web-based survey software and tells of the advantages of using them. This website creates a clear and easy process of how to create one and the different methods of doing so. The website states that web-based surveys help enhance the lesson along with creating a better communication between the students and teacher.

Opinion: I found this website to also be helpful when it comes to creating and presenting surveys in your classroom. This website gave a list of other website where you can create surveys along with charts and descriptions of this task. It is also organized perfectly so you have no problem finding what information you need.

 

URL: http://www.childrenssoftware.com/evaluation.html

Description: This website is an overall article that presents the problem of too much software to choose from and how evaluation of the software is needed to enhance this important aspect of education. The website goes into the history of evaluating software and the problems and advancements that have happened. It also tells in detail what software is and the reasons why it is important to evaluate it.

Opinion: I found this article to be interesting and helpful when understanding how to evaluate interactive programs. This article went into great details and presented lots of different facts. It correlated perfectly with my article I reviewed and would help any teacher understand this matter better.

 

Evaluate Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purposes

In the article, EVOLUTION OF EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE EVALUATION: INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE ASSESSMENT written by (Bayram and Nous) the main purpose surrounds the idea of revolutionizing educational software through evaluations and assessments. The main goal of educational software is to be effective in the classroom and serve students and teachers to enhance learning. The article discuses the need to revolutionized instructional software rather than just producing mass products of the same quality at faster rates. The final aspect of this article is the discussion of terms and how they are interchangeable at times while at other times it means completely different things. “The four words description, review, evaluation and usability combined with the words software, technical, pedagogical, or educational, generate a set of 16 possible terms hindering a simple across-the-board comparison of software.”
The article also tells of how teachers choose software to best fit their program they are teaching. Since the technological revolution there are several options to choose from when picking programs to assist the objectives the teacher puts into place. Only through working with the program personally and testing it out is the teacher able to choose what is best for their students. The usability of the mass amount of products is another subject this article touches on. Many of these programs do not meet the needs to fulfill the objectives and it has been that way for many years. “The weaknesses identified often with evaluation practices include their normative nature, subjectivity, lack of reliability, and difficulty in obtaining an overall impression”. In conclusion the article states how evaluations of the use of computers in curriculum and the different types of educational software is greatly needed to revolutionize this field.

http://www.tojet.net/articles/324.htm

Bayram, Servet and Albert Nous. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology . April 2004. 25 9 2009 .

Evaluating Software for Classroom use

By: Nolan Ryan

• Electronic Materials for Children and Young Adults

  http://eduscapes.com/earth/management/softevaluation.html

  This website offers possible hints and helpful ideas on what you should evaluate software you are going to use for the classroom. The website is very basic and easy to use.

  This website can be useful and easy to navigate but needs to be formatted better. Seems to be well organized

• Evaluating and Choosing Instructional Software

  learning.sec.hccs.edu/members/.../ECIS-Presentation-Sandra5-2007.ppt

  This isn't a website but a link to a PowerPoint. Its gives you a deep understanding of what to look for and what to avoid when choosing a software for use in the class room.

  This can be useful because it can be used when internet access isn't available. It's a little lengthy and it seems to need a high understanding for certain terms in order to understand what the PowerPoint is trying to say.

• General Techniques for Evaluation of Learning and Instructional Materials

  www.unilorin.edu.ng/.../GENERAL%20TECHNIQUES%20FOR%20EVALUATION%20OF...

  This is a PDF which means it can used offline. As mentioned in the title this gives you a general idea of what to look for in classroom software.

  This can be useful because it can be used offline. Seems to be like a professional paper done by a college professor. Can be useful for first time teachers or those who are new to using technology to help teach.

Software Evaluation for Educational Purposes

 

http://ideas.blogs.com/

• Title: IDEAS: Instructional Design for Elearning Approaches
• Summary: This website gives different source of information for teachers to research when it comes to e-learning. Some of the offered links open up PDFs that are incredibly helpful in determining software choices.
• Opinion: My evaluation of this website/blog is moderate. There could be more useful links for educators to follow.

 

http://www1.american.edu/IRVINE/eval.html

• Title: Software Evaluation
• Summary: Fantastic outline of how to evaluate software for instructional purposes. This website has different strategies bullet-pointed for easy interpretation. Also, there is a form that can be printed out in order for others to evaluate effectiveness of software.
• Opinion: This site is by far is chalked full of useful information that can help an educator determine the pros and cons of software instructional. Navigating the site is also VERY user friendly.

 

www.unilorin.edu.ng

• Title: GENERAL TECHNIQUES FOR EVALUATION OF

LEARNING AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: A.O. Abolade (Ph.D.)

• Summary: This PDF is a comprehensive explanation of how to evaluate teaching methods utilizing technology.
• Opinion: I believe that the article is somewhat accurate and it also offers a bibliography. Articles are sometimes more useful then information you might find on a website laced with links.

Evaluating Software

This article has several categories for selecting software. These include Drill and practice, Tutorial, Simulation, instructional games, problem solving, and Integrated Learning Systems. There are links of examples of all of them. Next, it gives a checklist of Criteria for selecting software in each of these categories. The software selected should have no grammar errors, is up to date, and no stereotypes. It should be easy to use, and have no technical errors.

This article seemed really involved, and it would be hard to remember all the Criteria for selecting software. The important thing is to read reviewsfrom teachers, and if possible, test the software out for yourself. It should be fun, and capture your student’s attention.
http://towson.dhauf.com/istc301/software.shtml

Evaluating Software Programs for Your Course

Evaluating Software Programs for Your Course\ Glencoe Online: 2002

This article outlines the importance of how different types of software and hardware can affect the way children learn in the classroom. Depending on the software students can learn more compared to other instructional tools. There are also some other things that are not as obvious when evaluating these materials. They include: price range, software distribution, software location, and support.
Even if you find great supplemental software that would fit great into the curriculum it has to be able to fit into the allotted budget and properly configured for the available computers. The final decision of whether to use certain software in the classroom comes down to the teacher.

http://www.glencoe.com/ps/teachingtoday/educationupclose.phtml/print/1

Evaluating Software for Classroom Use

You should evaluate the software that you are going to use in the classroom on many different points. You should evaluate it on not only on how the students but how you teacher can use it. Is it easy to check how the students are doing? Does it neatly summarize their grades in a table or some other easy to read format? Are there some applications of the software that tests the students on how well they understand the information being taught to the students?Is it age appropriate? There could be many ways to evaluate the software used in class. It all depends on what you are going to use the software for. It is hard to evaluate the software needed until you fully understand the curriculum and how you can fit the software into it.

Evaluating Technology For instructional Purposes

    Evaluating Technology for instructional Purposes

 

Jean Niflis                    

 

 

• Evalutech

http://www.evalutech.sreb.org/

 

This website, from the Southern Regional Education Board, contains searchable database of thousands of print and software reviews in several subjects and formats. It has certain criteria for reviews to be accepted. Anyone in the country can use this resource.

I like how there are guidelines for each review so you’re not just getting something that someone wrote up. I also like how there is a list of keywords in case something you tried to search didn’t work.

 

• Education World

http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/archives/edurate.shtml

 

This website gives reviews based on real experiences of using the software in the classroom. It also has many resources such as columnists, tips, and links to websites that they think are the best.

This website has lots of interesting and fun resources and reviews for teachers.

 

• SuperKids Software Review

http://www.superkids.com/aweb/pages/reviews/reviews.shtml

 

This website has searchable reviews as well as a list of all software reviews in alphabetical order. The reviews are from parents, teachers, and kids.

To me, this website is less cluttered, and you can find information easier based on how it’s organized.

Instructional Purposes of Evaluating Software and Hardware

Summary of Article- Selecting Software for Young Learners

This article was created to help educators choose the correct and most cost efficient software possible. It States that you should be aware of what kind of software you are looking at (tutorials, point& click, creative, word processors, etcetera). Next it says to read through the reviews of the product and consider if the claims being made are valid. It is then suggested that you converse with others about your options and try to test the software (like with a demo). Finally, consider both how free the child is to explore the software and the message behind the work (i.e. does it stereotype, involve violence, pursue winning, etc.)

How Does It Relate?

By using the seven step method provided by the Kristen Haugen, a teacher can select, and therefore evaluate different software and have a standard by which to choose from. In a way it is like a rubric for deciding whether or not to use the materials.

My Opinion:

I greatly enjoyed this web page because it provides information in a simple, easy to understand style. I also appreciate the checklist that was provided. This is the kind of resource that could enhance many classrooms if it were well known.

What Needs To Be Further Researched?

There are a few areas that need to be further researched. First, does this method of evaluation work at higher levels. Next, is it practical to take so many steps to produce an evaluation of software? Finally, can this system be utilized by every type of educator?

ATA-Resources-AT in K-12-Selecting Software. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2009, from
http://www.ataccess.org/resources/atk12/selectsoft.html

Instructional Software and Hardware Tools

By: Sara Schroeder

• http://www.ataccess.org/resources/atk12/selectsoft.html

Title – Selecting Software for Young Learners

Summary – This site helps teachers select software for their classroom. It assists the educator by listing ten things to consider, and a check list to follow when getting ready to choose software for the classroom.

Opinion – I really like this web page because it gives information in a simple, easy to understand style. I also appreciate the checklist that was provided.

• http://www.teachers-pet.org/

Title – Free Software & Teaching Resource Search

Summary – This site provides a tool-bar for educators to quickly find and create classroom activities such as word searches.

Opinion – I like this site because it can be useful to create fun classroom activities for younger students. Unfortunately, it is less helpful to teachers at the secondary level because many of the activities are too simple for older students.

• http://www.ettc.net/resources/evaluation/MyGradebook.pdf

Title – Educational Software Evaluation for Teachers

Summary – This site is designed to help with grading software. This software automatically calculates the grades based of the specifications of the educator. It also provides the ability to install a password so parent can check their student’s grades, and students can view past assignments.

Opinion – I dislike this site because most of what is provided is given to the teacher when they begin their career in a school.

Evaluating Software and Hardware Tool...

 Evaluating Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purposes

Kathryn Schlottman

 

·         Hardware and Software Essentials
http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech/tech239.shtml

This website goes over different essential and invaluable software programs. The quotes written on this site are coming from teacher’s points of views which I find very helpful. I also like that the website talks about software they do not like versus only software that they do like.

 

·         Kathy Schrock’s Guide for Educators

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/sci-tech/scicom.html

I really enjoyed this website. It gives a huge list of all different subjects to increase student learning in the classroom. If there is any software or program you are thinking of using, this sight would help you make the decision on whether you would like to use it or not.

 

·         Evaluating the usability of Web-based learning tools

http://www.ifets.info/journals/5_3/storey.html

This website is an excellent source for teachers who are trying to update their knowledge on this top. This site gives teachers specific questions to answer when trying to pick a software program they are looking to use. This site tells us as teachers to look at the program by how it will be helping the students learn.

Evaluating Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purposes

As we have learned in the past chapters web-based learning is expanding. We are using web-based learning for this course! There are many good and bad web-based learning software programs to choose from. There are many issues that we need to consider as teachers when selecting educational software. Most reliable software will have a preview and reviews of the product. As a teacher you will need to be sure the software is age appropriate and will meet the student’s needs. It is good to compare a couple different software programs before deciding a specific one.
A couple questions you may want to ask yourself are: Is the format easy to read? Is it easy to install? Asking yourself some of these questions and knowing as much as possible about the software is very important.

Evaluate Software

Evaluate Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purposes

 

Venus Ramirez

 

• Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators - Computing and Technology ...
• http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/sci-tech/scicom.html
• Description: This site gives a huge list of subjects to enhance learning in the classroom.  There is everything from science to holiday and celebrations. The site is updated often and helps when looking for tools to use in the classroom for any subject.
• Did I like it?  I liked this site because it is up to date. The website has a easy way to navigate through the pages which makes it run smoothly.  As I stated in my first post it is important to understand how to use the software because it will help with how things run.
• Free Software & Teaching Resource Search
• http://www.teachers-pet.org/
• Description: The software is free and it was made by a teacher. The tool bar  can make crosswords, bingo cards, jumbles, word search puzzles, flashcards, tests,  and pair matching puzzles.  The software downloads into your word processor.
• Did I like it?  No, I really did not like the site.  It does not seem to explain a lot, but when people see the word free many times, it is the first thing we try.  A teacher invented it so I am not too sure I would use it without reading a review.

• Educational Software Evaluation for Teachers
• http://www.ettc.net/resources/evaluation/MyGradebook.pdf
• Description: The site makes you are grading easier it says.  It says you won’t have to calculate and recalculate for final grades.  Once you put how you want your grades calculated it does it all for you automatically.
• Did I like it?  I really do not know much about the grading process.  If it is difficult maybe I would try it out, but I am not too sure, how the process works it really does not explain.

 

Software Evaluation Tools

When choosing software for your classroom it is very important, but how do you know whats best? If you go to a computer store you can preview the software or even get reviews about the software. When reading reviews make sure you are reading it from a professions view because other websites may not say good things about the software material. When considering a software it should be age appropriate, work for each child's needs, and meet instructional design standards. You should also consider the format. It should be easy to use and install. It also should be user friendly. You should be able to navigate through the software smoothly.I think that's important because we should know what we are doing before we can present it to others. If we don't know how to use it the software is useless.

Evaluate Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purpo

Evaluate Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purposes

Samantha Ramraj

• Load ‘Em Up: The Best Software in the Education World!
  
  
  
  • http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech102.shtml
    
  • Description: This website is really great, because the Tech Team has given their picks for the best software programs for classroom use. They recommended programs in eight categories, in which they would consider best for classroom use. Next, they evaluated the programs based on certain criteria. Also, several teachers have commented on their must-have tech tools for educators. They talked about what their favorite software is to have in classrooms along with software that they wouldn’t recommend teachers having in their classroom.
    
  • Opinion:  I really enjoyed this article because it would help me out in the future when I become a teacher. I will have a better idea of what software’s I should include in my classroom that would make it run more smoothly.
  
  
• Evaluating the usability of Web-based learning tools
  
  
  
  • http://www.ifets.info/journals/5_3/storey.html
    
  • Description: In this article, the authors are discussing the results from a study to experimentally compare two commercially available learning tools in a university course. They considered tools that would be suitable for diverse courses campus-wide.
    
  • Opinion: I liked this article because; it was very informational with letting you know what to consider when picking software for the classroom. I didn’t like this article because, it was more of a study based on an experiment.
  
  
• Selecting Software for Young Learners
  
  
  
  • http://www.ataccess.org/resources/atk12/selectsoft.html
    
  • Description: In this article, Kirsten Haugen of KidsCan explains that selecting software for your classroom can be a daunting task. She list seven steps in selecting the perfect software for your classroom: know the various types of software, evaluate software reviews, question the claims, talk with friends and colleagues, make use of demos and previews, avoid the “No Back Out Blues” and look for messages about Learning, Cooperation, Culture and Gender.
    
  • Opinion: This article was great and I liked it because it was brief and to the point. Kirsten Haugen listed several steps that would help a teacher out when selecting software for their classroom. She also included a checklist to assist us when evaluating software.

 

 

 

Management of Electronic Materials: Selection of Software

The use of web-based learning tools provide integrated environments of various technologies to support diverse educators' and learners' needs through the Internet. When deciding on what kind of technology to use in the classroom you need to take into consideration two important factors. The first one is, it should be based upon curriculum goals and matched with the hardware and software you already own. The second factor is, it should also meet a need that is not already being met through other means. Use interactive books if you are trying to focus on increasing fluency in reading. You should also pay attention to how difficult the software is to use, because software that is difficult to use is unlikely to be used in the classroom.
When searching for new technologies for the classroom evaluate each piece of software individually and then compare them. You may find that one does a better job for the particular needs of your classroom.

Before you purchase a software for your classroom, you should ask yourself four important questions:
Will this software be installed in computers in your library?
Will this software be available for checkout?
Will this software be stored and accessed on a networked server inside and/outside your library?
Is a password needed to access the software?
For example, the website we use on campus is called ANGEL. To log into ANGEL we need a user name and password to be able to have access to the site, without our user name and password we wouldn't be able to have access to ANGEL. As students, we are able to access the website on and off of campus, whether we are using computers at a local library or our own personal computers.


"Electronic Materials for Children and Young Adults." eduScapes: A Site for Life-long Learners. 24 Sep. 2009 .

Evaluate Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purpo

Evaluate Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purposes

 

Erica Reill

 

• Hardware and Software Essentials

      http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech/tech239.shtml

 

Essentials for the classroom can be found on this site. I like the way teachers commented on what they feel should be in the classroom, what shouldn’t, and what they can’t live without.

 

• Developing High-Quality Educational Software

http://www.jdentaled.org/cgi/reprint/67/11/1209.pdf?ck=nck

 

This site was a good source for finding what characteristics to look for in quality software. I liked this site because it was informative. I didn’t like this site because I felt it was boring.

 

• Evaluation and Selection of Web Course Management Tools

http://www.sunilhazari.com/education/webct/

 

This is a good site for web courses. I didn’t like it because it discusses development and management of online teaching and learning.

 

Evaluate Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purposes

Software tools help an educator manage and organize the course resources.Tutorials, simulations, games, and assessments are examples of resources. Angel is a great course management tool for educators and students because lesson plans, tutorials, homework, and quizzes can all be accessed, as well as, communication between teachers and students. Monitors, printers, USB flash drives, and Smart boards I feel are all essential to a classroom for educational purposes. I was asked to bring in a USB flash drive for one of my classes, I thought," why do I have to have a USB flash drive, can't I save my work to the computer?". The next day, after saving my work to my USB drive, the computers crashed and everything on the computer was gone. Had I not saved my work on the USB I would have had to start all over.
When evaluating hardware and software characteristics of quality tools are pedagogical issues, subject matter, language and grammar, surface features, questions, answers, and feedback, invisible functions, and offline materials. While reading about evaluating hardware and software I tried to apply the characteristics to the software i use for school. CourseCompass and mastering biology are quality tools because controls built in for playing tutorials, information is accurate and organized, text is understandable, bookmarks show completed sections, questions reflect the lesson, answers are clearly marked, data is stored continuously, and are well written.

VTF

Don't forget to post your VTF paragragh on Angel. Have a great weekend!

Just Wanted To Stop In to Say Hello!...

Hey everyone! Hope everyone is having a good week! Look forward to working with everyone on our next blog assignment!

Ethical Use of Technology Reminders: Teach the Children Well By: C.R.E.A.T.E.- Challenging Regional Educators to Advance Technology in Education: 2004

Ethical Use of Technology Reminders: Teach the Children Well
By: C.R.E.A.T.E.- Challenging Regional Educators to Advance Technology in Education: 2004

The article outlines information for teachers on how to follow procedures when it comes to integrating technology in the classroom. It outlines the proper ways and guidelines for teachers to teach their students about the ethics necessary for the correct ways of using copy written works online. It also stresses the importance of not abusing the “fair use” guidelines for copyright infringement. With such a wide variety of information on the internet it is hard to properly cite or use information for educational purposes without teaching and understanding the respect for others intellectual property.

The second initiative of the article is aimed toward the teacher’s responsibility of holding true to the same standards they preach to the students. This is important not only because the teacher is the authority figure in the classroom, but also because teachers are going to be using multimedia presentations throughout the year to supplement their teaching methods, which creates a greater risk of using something improperly.

Critical Issue: Technology: A Catalyst for Teaching and Learning in the Classroom

Today technology is becoming more widespread and more integrated in our lives. Nowadays you can't go anywhere without running into some kind of computer or other technological device. This can put a strain on students because the information we are teaching them is getting more and more vast by the year. That is why teachers have to also use technology in the class room, because those not taught how to use or integrate with technology are at a major disadvantage when they grow up.

We are currently living in a world of information overload, an overload created by technology (mainly the internet and computers).Hopefully teachers can teach their students how to access and understand this information. Teachers need to incorporate technology into their teaching in order to create students that can survive in the world of tomorrow. This can be very hard due to the fact that the rate at which technology is changing is increasing exponentially with every passing day.

Pirates In The Classroom

Students think they can illegally copy from the internet and software because, “everybody does it.” A survey showed that more than half of 8 to 18 year olds download illegally from the internet, ¾ knows someone who does, and 1/3 think it’s alright. Only 18 percent were taught by their teachers the “do’s and don’ts” of downloading copyrighted material. Students need to understand that downloading and copying works from the original source without permission is stealing. It is the same as shoplifting.

Students can learn how they wouldn’t like someone taking their own creative work without their permission just like the people who create the software they use. Students already understand that adults get paid for working hard. They can apply that to the people making software, and how the money they pay goes to them. If they simply copy, the no money goes to the manufacturing companies and the people who make software. Piracy can make the developers make less software available. Students need to understand the legal consequences for piracy. An example is the lawsuits by the Recording Industry association of America, (RIAA). Students can download viruses or accidently download spyware on the school computers. You can help students to be more responsible, so they can stop piracy.

Retrieved 9/12/09 from
http://www.playitcybersafe.com/resources/Classroom-Pirates.pdf

Copyright 101 for Educators

The article Copyright 101 for Educators: Winter 2003 talks about how educators have the accountability to model ethical and legal respect for US copyright law in their own teaching experiences. Teachers are to educate their students about the importance and requirements of intellectual property law as well. This article give examples on ways to be sure to follow the copyright law such as creating all graphic and textual content from scratch and obtaining permission from the actual creator or copyright holders first. The article explains Section 106 of the 1976 Copyright Act which gives the owner of copyright the full right to do and to authorize others to do certain things with their work, such as, to reduce the work in copies and to prepare derivative works based up the work.

The Teach Act (Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization Act) provides specific educational use copyright exemptions, largely applicable to distance education contexts. The article goes into better detail on the Teach Act, talking the limits and requirements that go along with it. This article was written by an educator making this article more relatable. This article explains all that we as educators need to look into all of the rights and regulations of the Copyright Law.

coming unplugged

In the article Class Action:Laptops Not Allowed they discuss banning the use of laptops in the classroom. The issue seems to be should the teacher force the student to pay attention to the lesson by taking away as many distractions as possible or, is it that the students are trying to keep themselves entertained because they are forced to take required classes that are uninteresting to them. Would removing Wi-Fi from classrooms make it easier for teachers to allow laptops in the classroom for educational purposes like note taking? University of Michigan law professor Don Herzog said,“I was happy to compete with Minesweeper and solitaire,” but not “the entire internet.” One day Herzog banned laptops from his classroom and noticed that his class was better, so much better, that in the fall he would make it permanent.
Ann Althouse, a professor from the University of Wisconsin Law School is on the other side, she believes, "individual responsibility and freedom.” Students pay a lot of money for their education, should it be up to the student if they want to learn? Many students think that if their classes weren’t so boring, they wouldn’t look for so many distractions. I believe that if I pay for a class I must need it to graduate and whether I enjoy the class or not, I know I must do well. If a student believes they can do well in a class and not pay attention "congratulations" but, if they don't pass, it is their own negligence.

CyberEthics for Teachers

The article Cyberethics for teachers speaks about what teachers should tell their student before they begin to use the Internet. It is a guided lesson plan to guide teachers in what are key points to talk to your students about. Private information is private information! Students should not put personal information on the Internet. Students should never speak with a stranger over the Internet or even plan a face to face meeting. Another important point is never open an email with a sender who you are not familiar with. If when browsing the Internet when you are at school or at home and something pops up get out of it immediately and then report this to an adult.
The second main point speaks about copyrights. Downloading anything without permission is illegal. There are consequences when downloading music, movies and software. When downloading these things you harm your computer by installing spy ware which allows others to access files on your hard drive and they try to share information through the Internet. Think about it when your about to download software illegally. Do you want all your private information to be exchanged over the internet? I didn't think so!

Samantha Ramraj - Legal and Ethical Issues: Utilization of Insructional Media by: David Hauf

The article Legal and Ethical Issues: Utilization of Instructional Media by David Hauf is about considering some legal issues when integrating technology in the classroom. This is an important factor to consider because the use of technology has allowed people to copy images, text, music and pictures. The Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines explains how a teacher or student would correctly use someone else's work in the classroom and in assignments. Copyright Laws are in place to protect the originality of a creator’s work, not to enhance the profits of corporations.

One of the major acts that addresses the use of technology in the classroom is The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Teachers who are highly qualified are required to have as much knowledge of the use of technology and there proper use in the classroom. There are also several other laws to consider when choosing to use someone else's work: FERPA (The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974), which protects the privacy of student records. The Copyright Act of 1976, which allows an individual to change the copyrighted works.

Critical Issue: Technology: A Catalyst for Teaching and Learning in the Classroom by: Gilbert Valdez, Ph.D.
The article Critical Issue: Technology: A Catalyst for Teaching and Learning in the Classroom by Gilbert Valdez is an in-depth look into the goals, pros, cons, and viewpoints of using technology in the classroom. The article tells the importance of technology in the classroom and how teachers need to understand the best way to use technology and provide these skills to their students. In this new age students need to be able to take the skills they use in the classroom and use it in the real world. All jobs and daily life activities all have technological ways of doing it and it will only grow from here.

The author of this article shows opposing opinions stating that some people believe that technology makes students isolated and makes them less likely to learn basic skills. Other problems present themselves that make educators question how much technology should students be able to use. From technology becoming a distraction, what classes would become more productive using computers and which ones using textbooks, and making sure all teachers are qualified enough to control and properly use the technology given. Another factor is how to stop the misuse of technology. Creating a medium is the key and being able to change that medium when new technologies create themselves. The author presented teacher viewpoints and how they see technology help them in the classroom. From creating a powerful lesson, giving students another mean to discuss and get involved, and the amount of students being able to understand and better learn in the fields of math and science. No matter what viewpoint the main goal is to make sure every student is getting the best learning experience possible. Of course the use of technology seems appealing but barriers such as money, competence, and lack of one overall plan stands in the way. But with the combined efforts of the school board, administration, students, and parents we can work through the barriers. Students also need to understand how to properly and ethically use technologies therefore teachers need to teach ethical and legal issues so students understand completely. As well, the school board needs to create appropriate polices to keep the use of technology under control. Overall, as a society we must be able to present new and improve ways of teaching and if we are capable of doing so we should explore the possibilities to every extent.
Valdez, Gilbert Ph.D. "North Central Regional Educational Laboratory." Critical Issue: Technology: A Catalyst for Teaching and Learning in the Classroom. 9 9 2009 .

Re-Submitting Voki

Summary based on Welsey Fryer's Copyright 101 for Educators: Winter 2003

The article Copyright 101 for Educators: Winter 2003 is primarily about the responsibility of educators to ethically and legally utilize sources (whether they be electronic or not) under the US Copyright Law and the TEACH Act. It is suggested that educators create all presentations from scratch and if you wish to use copyright material, you must first be granted the permissions. These precautions are the only definite way to not overstep the Copyright Law without a judge’s verdict otherwise. Students and educators must also remember that Copyright Laws are in place to protect the originality of a creator’s work, not to enhance the profits of corporations.
The Fair Use Guidelines for Educational Multimedia was also mentioned by Wesley Fryer. This writing suggested that works be cited, and that the amount of the work used can determine if the copyright is being violated or not (it is noted that citing is not legally related to the “fair use” concept in the Copyright Law). This information is followed by a short list of what legally is deemed “fair use”, and how this relates to the TEACH Act, which sets specific guidelines for copyright material uses. Above all the concept of the work was to help teachers to understand that it is their duty to first educate themselves and then their students about the regulations revolving and pertaining to the Copyright Law.

Introduction

Venus Ramirez

Introduction By Sara Schroeder