“Teachers and Machines: The Classroom uses of Technology Since the 1920’s”

In this book by Larry Cuban, efforts to implement technology into American classrooms during the 20th century are evaluated. Cuban notes innovative ideas were greatly applauded including movies, radio, TV, and many technology-based others. Cuban also states all attempts failed to make a difference in teaching and learning. Cuban then closely looks at these shortcomings and employs his own thoughts onto the most current and widely used piece of technology in the classroom, the computer.

Cuban states there is a paradox facing schools: “faithfulness amidst change,” He describes the classroom as "A crucible where conflicting cultural, community and organizational imperatives mix, creating the elements of the paradox”.

Cuban then emphasizes examples:

* socialize all children yet nurture each child’s creativity,
* teach the best that the past has to offer, but insure that each child has practical and marketable skills
* demand obedience of authority, but encourage children to question and think for them selves
* cultivate cooperation, but prepare children for competition.

Cuban states that teachers focus on transferring knowledge to students. He also states that the goal behind using technology in education is to maximize efficiency. Cuban also breaks down the different kinds of technology that have been used throughout different decades in order to accomplish the goal.

This book was very interesting. Cuban has very good insights into teaching and learning using technology. It is clear that teachers must accept the changes in technology and implement it into the classroom in order to create greater accessibility of curriculum to students.

Podcast: What, When, Where, How?

A podcast is a music or talk program made available in digital format for automatic download over the Internet to a personal mp3 or digital device. I believe the name "podcast" is derived from a combination of the words, "ipod" and "broadcast".

The name "vodcast" is derived from the words "video" and "podcast". Hence, a video version of a podcast.

Podcasting is beneficial to students because it provides greater accessibility to curriculum. Students don't need to be in a classroom to hear a lecture. Podcasts can also be used as research tools or presentation tools.

I may integrate podcasts into my class by creating them for students to listen to lectures. Student's can research podcasts to learn topics. Students can create podcasts demonstrating their own knowledge allowing teachers to use podcasts as an assessment tool.

Web Safety in the 21st Century

I teach high school students. Primarily freshmen and seniors. The skills needed most are in web safety. In our school it is becoming common for students to post inappropriate messages to blogs, forums, twitter, and other social networking websites. We must teach etiquette and safety so our students become good digital citizens. Students must understand these social networking sites are not "diaries" or places to "vent" and consequences exist in cyber-world just as in the real world.

Essential elements to a classroom policy guide would include: accountability for actions and behavior on-line, respect for others digital citizens, respect for equipment, respect for others work, and display integrity and demonstrate character when communicating and in work presented.

Parents and students should be aware of invasion of privacy and identity theft. We must understand information on the internet is not always secure. Keep you identity, home address, phone number, SSN, and other personal information off the internet. We need to be aware of internet predators. These are creative people who steal personal information of others and use it to open credit cards, bank accounts, or even break into existing accounts to steal money. It's a nightmare for anyone who has their identity stolen. Credit is tarnished and money can be lost for good.