"Doing" Technology- My lesson with my family!

1. I gave a family home evening lesson to my parents and seventeen year old sister last night. My sister is a cheerleader and even though she is never on the computer I felt it was important to talk to her about being smart on the internet. Also, my parents are not technology savvy and so I wanted to educate them a little bit on what is going on out there and how to prevent it.

2. I decided to focus on the importance of getting a filter for the computer and how careful you need to be with personal information on the internet. I used the movie on i-safe (http://www.isafe.org/webcasts/?videoid=1&school_id=10079) to show them what kind of information should be given out on the internet and how easily you can be traced or hurt. They were really shocked by this and they had a lot of questions. I also had us take turns reading the talk by Elder Ballard on the importance of the family unit to tie in the gospel. We had a really great discussion on being involved in each others lives and filtering our computers. My mom said she called one of her good friends this morning and got a website for a great filter. I had given her some ideas as well. The whole talk went really well and I think I scared my parents. All of the kids are pretty well grown up now, but grand babies are starting to come so they are going to be prepared. Plus, I scared my sister to death :) Just kidding but she will be very careful on the internet.

Article Reading Reflection

1. What article did you choose to read for your fourth article?
"Fighting Internet Filth" by Mario Hipol
2. What were the most important things you learned from the readings?
I was blown away by Elder Ballard's talk on the family unit and the destruction that the internet and television can bring to it. He was so straight forward and harsh, but it made me realize that even the shows that I do not think are a big deal because they are funny and everyone watches them carry an underlying message that sex is good and the family is dysfunctional. He said, "The choices we make in media can be symbolic of the choices we make in life." I remember I used to watch a show in high school that everyone watched and my parents had to sit me down and tell me I couldn't watch it anymore because I was acting like the characters. It's scary, but it happens. I also really loved the tips that the church website gives on how to safeguard your home from pornography. Keeping the computers in open areas where everyone can see the screen and having a reliable filtering system are great ways to keep you and your family safe. I also learned that I should not let my kids surf the internet or just get on to chat. If kids have other things going on in their lives, they won't have to do that! The Grahams taught me that I need to keep up on technology and talk to my kids about it so they know I am on the same page as them and also provide technologies that you can do together that are fun and wholesome. This would be like a family blog or creating a movie from pictures. Finally, Elder Hipol taught me that I can make a difference. I have to have confidence that I can control technology in my own home.
3. How will what you have read influence your actions as a parent and/or teacher of children and youth?
I realize now that I will be much more aware of what is going on in my home and in the world of technology in general. When I first started reading I decided that I would be the kind of parent that only had set hours or limits when my children could get on the internet or use computer technology so that I could monitor it and no harm would be done. But I realize that is not very likely or possible and the other readings taught me that there is wholesome technology that I can introduce my kids too. We can do technology together and it can be a good thing. I will need to continually update myself on the computer games and technologies so I can be prepared to help my kids make the best decisions. I will also do this for my students at school.
4. How can you use what you have learned from the reading to have a positive influence on family and friends?
The best way that I can influence my friends and family is to be a good example. I have noticed throughout my life that some people just need someone to show them that they can say no. I can also introduce new technologies to them so that they do not think that I am trying to take away their freedom. When you do that, kids rebel. My showing my peers and family that my house will be a safe internet and television home, they will see the good and do the same.

Two Best Ideas from Presentations

First, I really liked how someone used photostory to create imaginative narrative text in a writing lesson. She was able to create this before hand so she was prepared and it got the kids excited about reading. Second, I really liked the idea of using i clickers. A lot of people used i clickers to assess students. I did not have a lot of technology so we did not have these, but they did and the kids loved it. They felt like they had their own little remote. It gave the teacher quick feedback and the students got to interact directly with the technology. I will remember to use i clickers next time I am teaching a math or vocabulary lesson because it is simple for the teacher, but effective and fun for the students.

Technology SlideShow

Technology In The Classroom!

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Technology enhanced lesson plan

I taught the students about flip, slide, and turn. In order to do so I first taught the concepts and attributes of each. After going through some practices and a twenty minute lesson it was time for the technology. I then took them down to the computer lab ( we go down there twice a week). Before my lesson I had uploaded an assessment test for third grade flip, slide, and turn. I had them work indepndently on the YPP computers and answer the questions. I then put on the fourth grade level for those who thought it was too easy. YPP is a great resource for teachers. I love it because I can have it all ready the day before. All the student have to do is log in. I was then able to print out their scores and assess what I needed to review the next day. It was a great experience with technology.

technology enhanced lesson

There are always trays of laptops available for the students. Thir geographicald grades focuses a lot on math and does not leave much time for other subjects. But they need other subjects. I would use google earth to enhance geography, but integrate it into math. They would research different places within Utah and they could find out how many miles are between each landmark. Third graders could even create their own google earth tours. But I would create one in advance that would be pulled up on each of their computers. They coudl work in groups to fulfill the activities.

Technology Inventory

There are no computers located in the classroom, but laptops are accessible for the entire class anytime (as long as you sign up for them in advance). Some of the classrooms have promethium boards, unfortunately mine does not. So i have not had the opportunity to use one. There are a few different computer labs through out the school. They students get to go to keyboarding twice a week where they work with many different technologies. They also get on the laptops quite often and do math and science work. It seems like there is a lot more that could probably done to increase technology, but my class seems to get quite a bit of it. My teacher tries to incorporate it whenever she can and she does a great job of it!
I am amazed by how much the students know about technology, so I realize how important it is that we take this class. We gotta keep up with them!