After reviewing the 2010 State of Michigan Technology Plan Draft, I was really excited and delighted to see a state that is working so diligently in teaching their children to learn in a digital age. I love the way they are integrating technology in the classroom. I admire the way they are adding all grade levels from Pre-K through 12th grade. I also like the way Michigan is making technology a requirement as a course in High School.
I have been in a Pre-K classroom for three years and technology is not as important as the other grade levels. We are required to have a computer learning center, but our children do not operate the computer because there are no programs of their level installed on it. We have asked to get software or get anything that is available installed on our computer, but we are told there are no funds available to purchase software or get any installed.
The system that I work for their main goal or expectation is for the children in grades third, sixth, and eighth to pass the CRCT and to meet AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress). Georgia has made this has a requirement ever since President George W. Bush passed his Bill of No Child Left Behind. That’s a totally different story there.
I encourage the state of Michigan’s education Department to continue the excellent work in preparing for the future of their children and paving the way for their children to have great success in this world that is filled with technology.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Wikiality--Wikipedia
My first time ever hearing about Wikipedia is when my assistant teacher had to find research on a paper for one of her classes that she was taking to complete her Bachelor’s degree. I had been totally out of touch with the use of this particular site because I am a Pre-Kindergarten teacher and of course we do not complete research papers. When I learned of this site through my assistant I was well-pleased with it. I would look up different singers, actors, and actresses. I was learning things about these people without having to go to a library to look in an encyclopedia. I was totally excited and amazed with Wikipedia. I thought the site was very trustworthy and honest. I didn’t know any different because I have been out of school since 1997. Now that I have learned that Wikipedia is not a factual resource, I would not advise this to be a part of education.
After viewing Stephen Colbert’s video on “Wikiality” on Wikipedia, I advised my thirteen year old daughter that Wikipedia was not a reliable source. I asked her if she had used Wikipedia for a source for research that she had completed. She replied, “Yes and why do I want to know that?” I stated to her that the information obtained on this site may or may not be factual and that the information can and may be altered at any time by anyone. I told her that I watched a video on “Wikiality” by Stephen Colbert and he stated that, “Any user can change any entry.” She was totally amazed by what I was telling her so I let her see the video for herself. After seeing the video, she made the statement that she will never use Wikipedia again as a source of information and she will be sure to let her teacher know about the site and the video that she viewed.
I have a stepson who attends Troy State University. I asked him what different sources he used to gather information for research or if he ever used Wikipedia. I discussed with him the same thing that I discussed with my daughter. His reply was that he needed to find a different source to use to gain information when he has to find different sources for his research papers. He also thought that Wikipedia was honorable and dependable and he does not want to take any chances when it comes to his college education and degree.
I personally believe that the use of Wikipedia should not be used as a source to collect information. We should be teaching our students to only rely on sources that contain factual information and can be backed by other outside sources as well. We are teaching our children about the use of reliable sources and never to modify or revise the truth. Misusing information or altering information not only hurts the person that is involved but it also hurts you when everything is said and done.
After viewing Stephen Colbert’s video on “Wikiality” on Wikipedia, I advised my thirteen year old daughter that Wikipedia was not a reliable source. I asked her if she had used Wikipedia for a source for research that she had completed. She replied, “Yes and why do I want to know that?” I stated to her that the information obtained on this site may or may not be factual and that the information can and may be altered at any time by anyone. I told her that I watched a video on “Wikiality” by Stephen Colbert and he stated that, “Any user can change any entry.” She was totally amazed by what I was telling her so I let her see the video for herself. After seeing the video, she made the statement that she will never use Wikipedia again as a source of information and she will be sure to let her teacher know about the site and the video that she viewed.
I have a stepson who attends Troy State University. I asked him what different sources he used to gather information for research or if he ever used Wikipedia. I discussed with him the same thing that I discussed with my daughter. His reply was that he needed to find a different source to use to gain information when he has to find different sources for his research papers. He also thought that Wikipedia was honorable and dependable and he does not want to take any chances when it comes to his college education and degree.
I personally believe that the use of Wikipedia should not be used as a source to collect information. We should be teaching our students to only rely on sources that contain factual information and can be backed by other outside sources as well. We are teaching our children about the use of reliable sources and never to modify or revise the truth. Misusing information or altering information not only hurts the person that is involved but it also hurts you when everything is said and done.
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