Blog #2

Joe Cello here, back from a graduate music audition in Boston, here to talk about my experience with Microsoft Word. I will also address a few issues that have arisen as a result of technological advancement, like copyright, cyberbullying, and privacy.

With the exception of timed in-class writings, almost all of my other essays were typed using Microsoft Word. I took a typing class in sixth grade as well, making typing the most efficient way to write essays and complete other assignments (such as lab reports for science fair). My teachers used Word for paper handouts of things such as study guides and outlines. Some math teachers used it to display math formulas and other relevant content. As an International Baccalaureate graduate, it was essential to be proficient in Word because of the volume of written assignments.

The volume of technology use to create lessons for my future students will make it tricky but even more important to avoid copyright infringement. I will be drawing from lots of resources and creating a lot of content for my students, so I must stay up-to-date on the laws. Even if it weren't illegal, it would be unethical to use other people's original ideas and not credit them, and I would use real-life examples to help demonstrate the point to my students.

One issue that has cropped up as a result of social media and instant messaging is cyberbullying. Because it can lend anonymity, it can be difficult for the average person to track someones usage. This gives a safety blanket for bullies. I think it could be decreased drastically if use of social media and other internet services required proof of identification. It would cut down on fake accounts, and expose people. Additionally, teachers must be vigilant to monitor the signs of cyberbullying, because they are more subtle.

Privacy is another hot topic issue that has caused much debate. Facebook and YouTube have been facing pressure to censor certain content. Additionally, people have become aware of the amount of personal data mined by these platforms that is sold without our consent. I think this problem needs to be addressed promptly to protect users. In my classroom, if there is personal content requested, I would always make sure it can be anonymous so no student feels insecure.

One final issue that I've seen ruin academic records is academic dishonesty. I saw classmates in high school kicked out of their programs because they copied sources without citing them. As a teacher, I would stress the importance down the road. I have heard of people who forgot a single citation on their dissertation and had their degrees revoked. Also, I'd share with my students how cheating never benefits the cheater in the long run. I would want to make an environment where my students care about truly learning the material, not producing grades.

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Blog #1

From texting and social media to mobile news and sports, society is structured around advancements in technology that make our lives easier. People can shop at grocery stores or buy fast food, clean clothes and dishes with machines, and drive instead of walking. With all of these things, we have more free time now than ever in history. To reap the benefits of this easier life, it is essential to be competent with the technology that surrounds us. Less than two decades ago, signing up for college classes was all done on paper by appointments. There was no “Canvas” to update daily assignments. If you missed a day, you couldn’t just pull up missed assignments immediately! These are just a few examples of how technology has become crucial to our everyday lives. Teachers are encouraged to use technology in the classroom to prepare students for this.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) created standards for technology use in education. There are five different categories, each divided up into smaller subsections that outline the goals that should be met in order to make technology most effective in teaching. I noticed that most of these standards are the same as effective teaching strategies, but paired with technology. The standard that caught my eye for students is the “Knowledge Constructor.” This one encourages students to be able to parse through the sea of data online to find what they are looking for, including verified facts and contrary ideas in order to curate informed opinions. This is one that has become harder now, with a web that is scattered with things competing for our attention, which is why I believe it’s one of the most important.

One standard that seems the most unfamiliar is “Designer.” I don’t know if I’m confident yet in my ability to create my own interactive lesson with technology. Once I have a few more resources under my belt, I know I would be able to make a lesson plan based in technology.

In my experience, digital native holds some truth. It was coined over two decades ago when technology was just entering the general public for mass use. Because of this, it required more time to understand and use effectively. Over time, user interfaces have become friendlier as to accommodate people from different abilities. I’ve observed that generally, those born more than fifty years ago adapt to the changes more slowly. However, people born in the late 1900s and onward get a quick handle on these things. In the near future, I don’t think anyone will truly be a “digital immigrant.” I anticipate that I will have to adapt to new technology to teach my students, but because I was born using and learning with technology I will adapt quickly.

Blog #0

Three syllables. Two nouns. They rhyme. I'm Cello Joe, folks, a name that reflects my love of cello-playing. Not to be mistaken as a "big violin," the cello has been a part of my life for over a decade. It is a part so essential that I am following a career as a performing musician and music educator. FSU has been my home (specifically, the music practice rooms) for the past four years. I will be graduating in May with my Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance. When I'm not practicing, I'm exercising, cooking, or spending time with friends. You might call me old-fashioned based on my strong preference for face-to-face interaction and calling over social media and texting.

There is so much available on the internet now that sifting through to what you want has become increasingly difficult. On the other hand, we benefit from being able to learn just about anything online. Watching YouTube videos is how I learned to kick a football fifty yards and play on my high school football team. It is home to thousands of TED talks which make for thought-provoking long car trips. Indeed, my roommate would have been locked out of his room all night had I not learned to pick locks with paperclips (not for anything shady of course). We live in a time where shared knowledge is more abundant and accessible than ever through technology.

What I hope to learn through this course is how to create ways of sharing knowledge in a way that is user-friendly. I want to know how I can use technology to gain meaningful attention in a way that truly helps those who experience it. We have all had the absolute pleasure to sit through (and more than likely create) insipid powerpoint presentations that lull all listeners into deep uninterested despair. I want to avoid that.