Interesting article

http://www.statesman.com/life/content/life/stories/other/10/05/1005teachersonline.html

Twitter vs Plurk - Which is better? (MOD 6)

Well I recently have delved into the twitter and plurk microblogger cites and began to familiarize myself with the sites. Twitter is a microblogging tool that can be accessed via cell phone through text messaging. It allows for communication and microblogging on the go and can be extremely useful to continue class discussions outside the confines of the actual class room using cell phones as the method of communication. In out technological fast paced world, a student can continue class discussions while taking the bus from campus to campus or home. Twitters layout was basic, but its usefulness and effectiveness is in its use as a tool to contact and communicate via the cell phone.

Plurk was the fancy, sleek looking site with all sorts of features. The timeline and posting was presented horizontally. The site allowed for a variety or postings like articles and videos, but also allowed you to share thoughts, opinions, pictures and videos to others. A feature that did not seem available on twitter. Visually the site has its appeal.

I found Twitter to be more useful in a college setting. The ability to carry on disscussions outside the class, to remind students of appointments, and meetings was ease to do with Twitter. Plurk I found cubersome, I prefer simplicity. I high school class may prefer to use Plurk to develop time mangment skills, as well and to design a personal portal that is appealing to the user.

Social Networking....

http://coachescorner.ning.com/profile/Bill

Twitter comments (MOD 6)

Ron Jones discussed the uses of "Twitter" in a classroom setting. I am new to the universe of technologically integrated classes, but the uses for "Twitter" are just scratching the surface. In a day and age where cell phone use is almost as important as food and water, using this form of communication to a teacher's advantage makes a lot of sense. Kids can't say they did not know when a test was, or what assignment was due, or that they missed an appointment. Also using Twitter as a way to "engage" the class in discussions outside the classroom can be easily done. Such activities help in active learning and aide in retention and comprehension of information. I look forward to learning more about this tool.

Comments on Special Education article (MOD 5)

worked as a Special Needs Teacher for 3 years. I enjoyed my time and felt I understood that every student had the right to the best education possible. I worked with many teachers at the school that felt the same way. The post talked a lot about teachers that 'quit' their jobs, or are not supportive or understanding of the needs of children with learning disabilities. And yes there maybe a 'cultural mindset' to the way learning disabled students are regarded, and teachers need to be creative in incorporating there lessons. What the writer fails to recognize is the needs of the whole class. The needs of the class outweigh the needs of the few or the one. Does that mean we disregard learning disabled students? No. It means that at what cost do teachers focus their attention to bringing one student along versus the whole class. I dealt with a situation where the school district would provide her child with door to door bus service to a specialized school specific for her child’s needs. The parent wanted her child mainstreamed, and the only reason was ego. She wanted to feel her child was fine. Despite having a child that was significantly lower than the class, as well as a huge disruptive presence, it was more important her ego was settled than the educational needs of the child. Teachers have the unenviable task of being stuck in the middle of struggles like these, between district protocol and parental needs. As much as the post wants teachers to be more compassionate to the needs of learning disabled students, parents need to take into account that we are also responsible for more than just one child and if they want the best educational situation for there kids, they need to be patient that every that can be done will be done. Parents should take the brunt of the burden since at home they can help in the educational process, and in my experience, many parents of learning disabled students are far less patient. Responsibility begins and ends with the parents.

Using Twitter as an Educational Tool

http://searchenginewatch.com/showPage.html?page=3630980