mariopileggi

Bibliography

Wartella, A., E. (2000) Children and Computers: New Technology. Old Concerns. The Future of Children, Vol. 10, No. 2, Children and Computer Technology, pp. 31 – 43.

When I stumbled across this I was simply drawn towards it.  Warentella (2000) brought up many interesting ideas and concerns to the subject of children and technology and how this new technology has many old concerns.  Warentella (2000) states, with the introduction of each new wave of innovation in mass media throughout the twentieth century – film, radio, television; debates on the effects of new technology have reccurred, especially with regard to the effect on young people.  Each new media technology brought with it great promise for social and educational benefits and great concern for children’s exposure to inappropriate and harmful content. (page1)
 
I could not agree more with this satement.  New technology does in fact bring new promise to society but lacks in the discussion of the impacts of the new technology.  It must be states that our children are definitely at risk when they are on the internet searching and chatting with individuals live over the internet.  Many younger individuals are unaware of who the other person might be in a chat room, (that is if they are partaking in a chat event)  WE as a society have to be careful as to what we are allowing out children access of.

WE as a society have to be dually educated and be giving the proper in servicing so that we can protect out young ones form horrific situations.   If OLPC were to happen within the next few years we have to think what type of parental blocks will be on these computers to ensure that our young ones will be safe.  AS much as I am for OLPC,  the projection of my nieces and nephew as well as my future children take priority over giving a child a laptop so that they can be lured into child exploitation.


Link

http://www.jstor.org/pss/1602688

Word Count

325

 




 

Biblio –

Hutchby, I., & Morab-Ellis, J. (2001) Children Technology, Culture: The impacts of technology.  The future of Childhood Series. NY: Routeledge: Taylor and Francis Group.

I would like to start off by saying that I am very for the OLPC project which has been set out.  I truly believe that we should be embracing technology as a friend in today’s society and we should be providing adequate in servicing for our parents and guardians as well as educators to further develop the skills needed to ensure that our children will receive the proper education to know and understand the new forms of technology.

I have stated in my previous blogs that we cannot blame society for not educating everyone when it comes to technology.  The fact of the matter is that computers are very expensive and it is difficult with horrible funding formulas which are not designed to give children all their educators all they need to ensure proper education is taking place.

This book, states, that the terms children and technology have a powerful meaning separate but when place together in a statement it overpowers all.  The reason why I can truly empathize with that is because out children today are growing up in a technological society and unfortunately if we are not working with the times, we might as well pack up and leave.   Hutchby states “the increasing interplay between children and technologies poses critical questions for how we understand the nature of childhood in late modern society/  What kinds of changes might such technological availability be bringing to children’s social worlds?’(page 1)  

I find it amazing that even in 2008 we are struggling to provide adequate resources for our educators and out children to learn in.  IF we really want out future children and the children of today to be in a technological environment we have to provide them with what they need, TECHNOLGICAL EQUIPTMENT!!!

Word Count

350

Link

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=NOfSHdweFLsC&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=Children,+Technology+and+Culture:+The+impacts+of+technologies+in+children%27s+everyday+lives.&ots=e2iFY2kQkb&sig=Rryk6U4OY-A6NpoKhxxjrEk5BjA#PPA1,M1

Biblio –

Wigram, T., et al.  (1988) A Comprehensive Guide to Music Therapy: Theory, Clinical Practive, Research and Training.  United Kingdom: Designs and Patents Act.

Shakespeare once said, “Music for a while shall all your cares beguile”

Wigram states, “music has been ised as a therapeutic toolm and ancient healing rituals including sound and music have survived in many cultures, (page 17) Moreover Music does in fact share that connection between person and culture.  When my family immigrated to Toronto from Italy, it was very difficult for them to adapt to the Westers Way of Life and all that was attached to it, I can still remember to this day being 6 years old, sitting on my grandmothers lap singing and moving to their favourite Italian folk children songs, for me its was my healing.  I can also remember never falling asleep unless my father sang me his song that I remember he sang since I was a little boy.  I do not believe the Music can cure cancer but I do believe that music can soothe a cancer patients perspective or outlook on life.

Like I stated previously, music can act as a healer as a means to assure our children that everything is going to be okay, or for them to remain in a joyous mood, song s like, humpty dumpty teachers children about falling down and getting hurt, and twinkle twinkle can act as a song to soothe a child before they are off to bed.


Wigam (1988) takes a more historical perspective throughout this article and discuss’ the notion of when music was created and what music really can do for children.   I would also like to point out that I was able to determine within this books introduction that music therapy is officially recognized by political, clinical and academic institutions or organizations.  I was very happy to see that~~~

I would like to leave off in stating that I think that we as educators should take a chapter out of our lives and see how music has truly affected ourselves in our own rearing and see how we can apply that in our future classrooms so that we can teach of culture and traditions and act as a teacher with no fear.

 
WORD COUNT 397

Link
http://books.google.ca/books?id=qDNKfX3g3ykC&printsec=copyright&dq=music+therapy&lr=&source=gbs_toc_s&cad=1#PPA10,M1

BIBLIO:
Campbell, P, S. (1998) Songs in Their Heads:  Music and its Meaning in Children;s Lives. US: Oxford University Press

WEB ADDRESS LINK:
http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=tD8LqTt-YCwC&oi=fnd&pg=PA3&dq=Song+in+Their+Heads:+Music+and+Its+Meaning+in+Children%27s+Lives&ots=sPkXosbr1K&sig=_UxLjEmcI01EwJY0YELcGz1bcps#PPP15,M1
This Article focused on Music and Children.  Its primary objective was to discuss songs and how music has a universal meaning to children as well as how we as early educators have musical children within our very own classroom.  The author touches upon many topics, one that really stood out throughout the authors introduction was the notion that “music happens to children, and how music is visible and it shows itseld in the songs they sing and in the rhythms and pitches of their play on swings and slides” (page 5).  Music, therefore in my humble opinion is the sharing of a story through words that can either rhythm or slide, as stated by the author.  Its amazing how music is out there for all of us to embrace, we can sing or listen while we are walking, showering, chasing a wagon, or even on a slide in the park.  One can even say that children can think and even socialize through music.  I see it almost everyday with my nieces and nephew, my brothers and sister would ask them about the song they are singing and why they are doing certain movements or actions throughout the songs.  There is definitely a learning process which occurs through music.

Children music should be an everyday part of a child’s rearing, we as early childhood educators should be incorporating music in our lesson plans and curriculum because once again, we can hear different stories through music and learn of new cultures and traditions through music as well.

The author also touched upon a very important topic which I found very remarkable. “the author wanted to place her entire focus toward knowing children, their music and the meaning of their musical behaviours, thoughts and interests” (page 4).  I found it very interesting that an individual would do such a thing, but after being a part of my nieces education as well as their musical upbringing, I can definitely empathize with the author and why they wanted to remain focused to children’ music.  When I look at how my nieces are when they are singing their favourite song and how they can memorize and manipulate words with other words, change names with characters names in the songs, it is astonishing, and I would have to agree that it this remarkable things are occurring through music and children.  I would like my focus to be placed on music and children as well.

WORD COUNT 409

I must say that i did enjoy this chapter very much so because it discussed I believe to be the hottest topic when it comes to effectiveness in learning outcomes, and the topic being RUBRICS...  Now the text does do a great job in explaining how a rubric is designed to ensure that the student follows everything according to plan and it allows for an instructor to grade simply on the fact that a student did or did not do this portion of the assignment or task at hand.  In my opinion I am not too happy because I believe that the text did favor this notion of the rubric where as I am more for freedom of expression.  I want to read or look at a child's work and ask the question why.  I would like to examine what was going through the child's mine, in their creative state and why they believed what they did is great. I also do not believe in the grading criteria or I believed they are called scoring grids.... I am aware that as an educator we are obliged to evaluate a child's work, but how about if for once the teacher actually talks to the student about their mark, and explains to them why things are done the way they are.  I want to believe in a system that works with the children and parents rather than against them.  ELIMINATE GRADES, introduce reports that are easy to read in participation levels and reports on their overall growth as a student rather than a concentrated one.  I am aware of the fact that it is highly unlikely that one will ever change from this horrible way of evaluating the child's success, but there is simply not enough individuals out there that want it to change. 

I would also like to touch briefly on the the use of the clicker as well as the e-portfolio....In reference to the clicker, I have not heard of this ever before, but that not mean to say that if would not be an effective tool.  I like the fact that it resembles a TV show atmosphere where more children and staff would be more involved and the children will be far more stimulated when it comes to answering their questions on the screen with this tool.  I would love to see this actually in use or be the test pilot for it.

Moreover, in reference to the e-portfolio's I must admit that i am a HUGE fan, I feel that in both student and teachers are able to use this as a means of submitting work and by submitting our projects we are actually saving our environment.  PEOPLE seriously listen to this, Al Gore's dream will come true, we can save save and save so many trees if we can actually use this beautiful feature.  There are clear benefits in doing this as well teachers are better able to have a better understanding of who and when an assignment or task was completed, there can be instant remarks made in reference to their work, and it will allow a safter environment for all work to be stored.

Jonassen, D., Howland, J., Marra, R., and Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful Learning with Technology. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.

To begin I truly believe that the number one role that we have as educators especially early childhood educators is to do one thing and one thing only, Stimulate the minds of children in any way shape or form.  This chapter discuss the 5 points which i did get wrong on the mid term test which i will no longer mention ever AGAIN.  Those fiver points were, the active, reflective, intentional, authentic and copperative parts which were all part of meaningful leaning and engaging of childrens minds.

On a more personal note, I truly believe that we have to start embracing this whole concept that learning is going to take place via online forums.  With the rise of new communities that are building up online everyday, new and improved recognized educations web sites that have been designed and implemented into new school boards and existing curriculum's we will all see the movement of a more technologically based leaning environment.

I would like to see a move from the good old fashioned school based environment of having different forums for different subjects.  I believe that throught a computer we can achieve the true MEANING of LEARNING  (hence the meaningful learning chapter)  WE can visit any place in the world through google earth, view videos throught youtube, pictures throught flickr and listen to new and wonderful songs through SONGCHILD. 

OLPC will just add to this chapter, by showing that if every child had a laptop they will be able to conform towards society easier than if they did not have one. 

The new technology does have all the bells ans whistles that are readily available everyday and at every hour to teach children everything they are willing to learn.

On a side note, I do not feel that we can truly achieve the ultimate - goal, of having a truly online based meaningful learning environment without getting rid of the old and bringing in the new.

I would like to raise the question to my fellow group, and if they have some time to simply respond to me at their earliest.  Would you rather have your children either your future students or your own children be reared in a technological classroom or an outdated learning environement? and WHy?

The reason why i am raising this question is because I would like to see why an individual if there are any out there would want their future children to move in a backwards direction rather than with the times.

Children need to be in control of how they learn and what they want to learn, and i believe that if we give them this opportunity to do it from a technological stand point we will all be very impressed.

Jonassen, D., Howland, J., Marra, R., and Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful Learning with Technology. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.

Chapter 8 – Scratch

To begin let me simply define SCRATCH, scratch is a piece of software that empowers users to create objects based on programs that manipulate digitized video and audio in an environment which in turn is called SCRATCH, (P, 181)

Scratch is a program which allows children to expeririment with auto and video images,  the best way to probably explain it is a user friendly children’s version of photo shop.  It is an opportunity for children to make a digital story.

I would also like to take this opportunity to discuss how society has influenced school boards around the world to take the right step in new technology direction by implementing such programs to children.  In today’s society as previously mentioned in my other blogs there are many baby boomers who are not willing to jump up in the new technology band wagon because they are afraid of technology.  By introducing it at a young age we are eliminating the bias.  Children in my humble opinion are all on this technological  wave, the only problem that I see with it is that if the parents or guardians cannot afford to place it in their personal homes the children may feel out of place, and the other problem that I see with it is that school boards cannot always afford to placed new technology forcing some teachers to teach children older technology because that is all that is readily available to them due to costs.

Just on a side note, I truly believe that If I was part of this scratch program at an early age, I would not hate programming and graphic design as much as I do today.  I truly believe that I am a pro when it comes to computers but the programming and design language is like learning how to walk all over again.

First and foremost we need to define the term Micro World.  Micro World – the term, was coined by Papert (1980) to describe exploration-learning environments that used Logo turtles to learn principles of geometry.  Logo is a simple computer programming language that provides learners with simple commands to direct the computerized turtles to create their personal visual world. (P, 45)

One aspect that I would like to discuss in this bog was video games and how gaming promotes casual reasoning (cause and effect).  This casual reasoning surrounds us everyday, we have seen the new rating that have been placed on video games, either stating that they are too violent, or just for children, or may contain certain parts of nudity and course language.  This cause and effect notion was the cornerstone for us understanding this cause and effect principle.  For example if in a video game you are the driver of a very fast race car, and you are about to approach a brick wall, chances are that your car will be destroyed, (the cause being driving fast and the effect being you being killed in a high speed crash), this is how we are able to see how gaming promotes casual reasoning.  City planners and traffic services to see how things would be when certain effects are introduced to our society in which we live in also use games such as the SIMS, SIM CITY.

Chapter 7 – Communicating with Technology

I would just like to make a few brief comments in regards to communicating with technology.  

It is clearly all around us, the technology wave has hit us and has hit us hard.  All I hear when people talk about technology and how is has affected our words is that individual who yells “ALL ABOARD” when you are running up to the train before it departs from the station.

Technology has become a life saver.  Every individual today with the right piece of equipment can connected to whomever they wish to be connected with at anytime of the day.  There are many new programs out there such as google chat, msn, messenger, yahoo chat, livejournal, etc, that are designed to keep us all connected and to know everything that is happening in our lives at an given moment.  

The age of the phone is over, we are moving towards communication through technology.  I can barely remember the last time I had a long conversation with an individual over the phone, I much rather type.

In Chapter 7, the author discuss’ how instant messaging is a form of real time communication between two people based on typed text that is transferred between two computers.  The author goes on further to prove my point when it states, “ the synchronous nature of instant messaging allows students to work together, immedicately exchanging ideas with on e or more individuals.

This new form of communication has also affected the educational institutions by allowing educators from all over the world to communicate with one another through blogging websites, online chat programs and member based organizations.  

There was also a section that has to do with “google for educators’ and the one and only comment I would like to discuss with you at this time is the fact that google is a life saver.  An educator can use google to search for new methods of teaching, locate and find books and videos to show their students as well as ask for advice on how they can approach their given curriculum through scholarly   journals.

Chapter 6 Reflection

It was in this chapter and in this week that there was a pretty serious topic that was mentioned that hit pretty close to home for me.  It was the topic of children and censorship.  The reason why I am so passionate about this is because of all the horrific individuals that are all over the world that are exploiting children on the internet.  Being a very protective uncle of two nieces, a nephew and a niece who is on the way, I am very concerned about placing pictures of innocent children on the internet, as well as allowing children under a certain age to use the internet.


We must all be aware of the fact that anything we post on the internet can be seen by others.  Therefore we must think before we post.

Here is an add that I found that I thought was very interesting..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N80nUa7rhYw

Is was in this add that a young girl was walking out of class, and a football coach said to her, “nice tattoo sarah”, now how would a football coach know that she just got a new tattoo?  Watch the add, it was very appealing and I believe that it should be implemented at the start of every computer within the TCDSB and the TDSB.  I have done my part and emailed the trustees about this matter personally.

I also found this other add….now this next part of the my blog for this chapter is not my work… I will quote it, unfortunately I have not been able to find the source, the description has to do with the next hyperlink that I am posting. “The Internet has helped to enrich our lives in many ways, however, it has also provided child predators with a new way to reach potential victims and commit crimes.

According to a U.S. Department of Justice study, of the estimated 24 million child Internet-users, one in five has received unwanted sexual solicitations, with teen girls being the primary target.

The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about the prevalence of online sexual exploitation. The latest PSAs were launched in June 2005 and speak directly to teen girls to warn them of the dangers of forming "blind" relationships online. The PSAs ask teens to visit www.cybertipline.com to get tips on how to prevent, detect, and report suspicious online behavior.

An interactive, fast-paced game, ID the Creep, was created for this effort to mimic communications that teens might encounter online in chat rooms, IM, or emails. Players are challenged to look for clues in messages from online "friends" that might indicate a certain person is not a friend at all. As in the real world, sometimes the clues are obvious and sometimes they are subtle. So the game creates an extremely relevant, but safe environment for teens to become more aware of potential dangers online.


The campaign was launched in May 2004 with a round of work that targeted parents to raise awareness of the potential dangers online and to educate them about what they could do to protect their children.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcw8n8CuSK8

Moreover, in my opinion, I do not think that we as a society are doing out part in order to ensure that we are securing the safety of children on the internet.  I believe that there should be programs available for all parents and guardians to teach their children about the importance of the internet, and how detrimental it can also be to their safety.  I believe in a program that would help all members of world, no matter what language, race, or nationality, a program that can be developed to educate individuals in the horrific situations which children can be placed into via the internet.

I must also mention that there are certain programs that are available for parents to screen to check for their children safety online.

www.safekids.com is just one of many websites and companies that want to ensure that children should be able to post and search and chat without feeling scared that they are going to be taken advantage of.

All in all I really did enjoy this chapter.  I really loved that I was able to express my opinion also on this personal matter for me.

Chapter 2  - Technology and Learning for all Individuals

This was one of my favorite chapter because it dealt with many of the issues that were surrounding the new technological  world that we are all living in.  There is a rise in companies who want their employees to always be connected.  There is evidence of this even in the local news, where HOCKEY parents have requested that all arenas be with wireless technology so what HOCKEY parents can watch their children play hockey and work at the same time.

It is pretty amazing in how far we have come, just ten years ago we has analog systems which only had one simple feature, a line to dial and to receive calls.  Now we have ‘smart phones’ which are designed to be a mobile office wherever we go.  One of the new fads, which many big companies are working towards, is the blackberry device, which syncs all employees under one umbrella and allows for companies to track and send important information instantly so there is no excuse for error.

This chapter states we are “in a digital generation, one that has no idea of what life would belike or recollection of without mobile technology” (p28) This statement could not be any closer to the truth, I personally would have no idea how I would be able to live my life today without my smart phone, phone, blackberry or my everyday phone.  Yes I have multiple lines for various reasons; this in fact shows the need to always be connected.  The chapter also discussed the new fad of the GPS (Global Positioning System) and how the rise of awareness of where we are going and whom we are going to be seeing has become an important part of our lives.  My question to those people is what happened before GPS was ever introduced?

Moreover, it is pretty amazing to see all the cool features and ways for individuals to be connected but one truly needs to see if that is the type of life they want to live.  Being part of the blackberry connect world, smart phone or gps world is very demanding.   For the dinosaurs out there, there are no in servicing in this new technology that has brought it self into the 21st century.  

Why people are scared of Technology

 

Due to my two week absence from the Country for family matter overseas, I find myself playing catch up. But nevertheless the work must be completed so HERE I GO!!!  Prior to my departure my blogging group and I chose to meet on a very cold Sunday morning to discuss how we are going to go about are blogs per week.  We decided unanimously that we would choose a topic per week that would fit within out reading and discuss it via live journal.  

 

We hit a very interesting topic of why society is scared from technology.   There were many reasons that were racing through my mind of why society would be afraid from technology and then it hit me.  The old saying of, “you can’t teach and old dog new tricks”, (now i cannot answer how i know that saying, or who said that saying, but i do know it HAHAHAHA)  When i ran in the 2006 Municipal Elections for the Office of The Toronto Catholic District School Board Trustee Position, the topic of introducing new technology in the classroom was a very hot topic.  In meeting with many older teachers who were on the verge of retirement within a 5 – 10 year span did not want to conform to the new wave of technology.

 

Here is an example.  The old style report cards! Remember back in the day where we received hand written report cards?  Well I do!  Those are only style and way which report cards were given for as long as i can remember.  Well up until five years ago that was the only way that the teachers were giving reports to their students. The new wave of technology hit the School Board and there was not any type of adjustment period that occurred.  The Board basically told all the teachers that they had to jump on the band wagon and start using the new type of technology of implementing all reports via a computer.  Now this can definitely scare any person who is not comfortable changing their way of doing something simply because there is a easier and faster way of doing something. 

 

I believe that individuals are scared of technology because society has not introduced it and an appropriate manner.  If companies such as the TCDSB offered support services and in servicing, senior staff would be more willing to jump on technology train.  All in all, technology is here and we have no choice to embrace it.   Society has to understand and has to be willing to be a part of this new wave.   

So i am not too sure what is going on with everyone's schedule but I am good for Sunday late morning.  Here is my personal msn - pileggi_mario@hotmail.com (no fwd of emails please) and here is my personal line (416 567 5036) Feel free to contact me anytime. 
 
I will be emailing Jason today a pretty lengthy email asking him about the private chat functions of this website as well as a few other concerns regarding this group work.  I  feel that on Sunday we will be asking ourselves many questions so I will try get as many as possible from Jason prior to that time.

Hope everyones week is going better than mine.  Being TOOOOOOOO busy really sucks - leaves no time to PLAY LOL :)

be safe and dont forget to bundle up ITS COLD!!!!

I would like to start off with a small introduction.  My name is Mario, I am a fourth year student who is a few classes away of achieving my ultimate dream of graduating with a  BA in ECE.  My ultimate dream is to one day be an inspiration for every child that i teach just as my teachers were for me growing up.  I hope to give back to the system as much as it gave to me.  I hope to also receive a Masters in ECE soon after my graduation.  Most recently I had a political calling in my life.  I ran for the office of the Toronto Catholic District School Board in the 2006 Municipal Elections.  This experience for me even without the victory truly opened up my eyes to the amount of work which need to be done in our school systems.  I truly feel that this program that we are a part of will truly give us the tools we need to truly boast up the reputation and give the children who we will rear in the near future the education they truly deserve.  It is through this program that we learn new techniques on how to be more creative and how to be more inclusive for every child's learning patterns.  We should all feel very proud to be part of this remarkable program.

Keep Blogging.

M.

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