Reflection #2

I think that the biggest technology problems facing kids today is the haves and the have nots. There are some kids that are exposed to new technology on a regular basis because of the schools that they attend and their home lives. While there are others who might have a computer but not have access to the internet at home or any exposure to some of the technology that is being used in more and more classrooms.
Since some of this technolgy is really new there doesnt seem to be a lot of studies on the effects of this technology on the future careers of students, I would have to imagine that those kids that were not exposed to things like a smart board or document camera or computer learning software will be behind the power curve when they become adults.

http://http://learningmatters.tv/blog/op-ed/technology-in-schools-problems-possibilities/3261/

In this article he talks about the schools that have and the schools that don't creating a gap, he also discusses schools keeping technolgy out of schools and other hazards hindering education.

http://http://www.4parents.gov/sexrisky/risky/tech_dangers/tech_dangers.html

This website discusses some of the issues that kids might encounter while they are online, that might be dangerous.

http://www.technewsworld.com/story/52677.html?wlc=1266261830

This websites list dangers of letting kids use technology too much

Webquest

From what I can tell Webquest is not a web 2.0 website. It seems to lead its followers to websites that are considered web 2.0 but it is not one in itself.
Users on webquest can not comment on the posts that are put on webquest, they also can not edit the content that they are seeing. The website is very basic it simply complies a list of good websites that might help teachers in different categories.

Keeping kids engaged during the snow storm

I have put much thought into trying to keep kids engaged when there are snow days. There are many outlets that could be useful but most of them require the students to not only have a computer to use, they also have to have internet which in my school is a far stretch for many of them.
The district has been money to have teacher websites and grades available online, yet many parents don't have access to these sites so they aren't very helpful.

It seems though that most of our kids do have television and telephones. In our district we have a channel that broadcasts throughout the district. Teachers could use this to communicate with students. If the district would allow teachers to access the feed on the television. Each school could have a designated time to post things and students can answer the questions that are presented on television. I was thinking it would be perfect to ask review questions that the students can bring back to class. Even if they dont have their book they can call each other and determine an answer.

I also think that if the district were willing to provide teachers with a phone that can send and receive text messages then teachers could text their kids questions and give points to the first students to respond. They might be able to even present their questions in American Idol fashion so the students can text in their answer and the teacher would be able to show what most students chose and then explain the correct answer.

I think that these might even be things that can be done over the summer or over other breaks during the year. It might be a way to engage the students that you dont hear much from in the classroom.