Thing #11.5 - Evaluation

Library2Play 11.5, although less items than last summer, took about as much time to complete as last summer. The items presented this time were more hands-on and unknown to me than last year's items. That being said, I was glad to attack the things this summer because I became aware of a lot more digital items that I can make use of in the coming school year.

I can see myself using Wordle, Animoto, and other sites from Thing #2 often in the classroom. These sites offer great ways to keep students engaged in their learning.

I will continue to research innovative uses of technology that can be used in the classroom. The digital age is still in its infancy and I want to continue to grow for personal reasons and to teach students proper use of technology and raise their awareness of what's on the Internet and even preloaded on their computer.

I greatly appreciate the effort that is put in to developing the Library2Play series. I like to think I'm fairly savvy about what's available digitally, but I am pleasantly surprised by some of the things I learn from taking this course. I really can't think of anything to improve or change.

Thing #11 - Digital Citizenship

Technology has gone viral worldwide since the last 30 or so years. Cell phones, laptops, and mp3's have granted people access to all points of the globe. Educators are now expected to implement technology into their curriculum to prepare students for the future. Therefore, it's now the educator's responsibility to safely prepare students for what technology offers and guide the students toward proper, yet creative use of technology. The question posed for this blog is, "What should students be taught prior to granting them access to the technology, thus making them good digital citizens?"

Five points to stress to students:
1. Be respectful. Often people forget their manners when online and say things that are hurtful. Just because you might not see the person on the other end of the Facebook wall or chat box doesn't mean they don't have feelings.
2. Be private with your personal information. Giving too much information can be harmful to the user. Some people with bad intentions can take advantage of this extra information.
3. Tell the truth. To create the best experience online, tell the truth on your profiles.
4. Stay away from spam and pop-up advertising for security reasons. Your computer can't handle it.
5. Something I learned the hard way -- only shop at secure web sites. They protect your information and you won't get ripped-off.

I found a good lesson plan to address the above while researching the provided links from Library2Play:
http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/uploads/FoundAct2.pdf