Where do you draw the line?

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I am sitting in my class on this Tuesday morning and notice that 90% of the class has their laptop open and out in front of them (myself included). A computer is somewhat necessary in a college level class. Just 30 minutes ago my professor sent us all a link to the website she was explaining. I was able to access it immediately and follow along with her lesson. People without his or her computer were not as lucky. However, as I peak at what is going on the computers I notice that almost no one is taking notes or looking at the website that we are discussing. Facebook, email, and Perez Hilton flood their desktops. I am guilty of writing this blog during my class, but I wanted to write it while it is fresh in my mind.

We all benefit from having our computers in class. Taking notes is easier, we can bring up articles on the web, documents we have previously written and emails reminders we have saved so we can bring it up on a moments notice. But what do lose? We lose face time in class. Our noses are buried in our computers that we find it is not as necessary to listen fully. If we get bored we have something in front of us we can pull up for a quick mean of entertainment!

Where do TEACHERS draw the line? Should my professor walk around the room and monitor each one of the laptops that are out to make sure we are on task? That seems a bit ridiculous. However, it might work. But who has the time for that? That also breaks away from the lesson. As an elementary teacher he or she should probably monitor more than a college professor should. Any time elementary students have to do work on their own computers the computer time should be closely monitored either by walking around and making sure students are on task or providing specific instructions for the computer use so students do not have time to stray from the lesson.

Where should we draw the line as teachers? Technology is so useful in the classroom, but what should be done if students misuse it?

Scrapblog

In one of my TE classes, I had to create a presentation on a type of literacy using a technology that I had never used before. I chose to do my presentation on emotional literacy. Emotional literacy is when a person is in tune with his or her emotions and is able to pick up on other people's emotions. Being emotionally literate helps with controlling one's anger, can easily help other people and generally get along with others. It is also proven to reduce violence in school and help students focus better in class.

I had a tough time coming up with a new technology to use. I had done a lot in my CEP class but wanted to try something new. After doing some research I found a website where you can make 'scrapblogs'. Scrapblogs are (you can guess by the name) a blend between scrapbooks and blogs. You can create a scrapbook online with different templates, stickers, and pictures and post it on the web or print it out for your own use.

I had a great time making my scrapblog! It was easy and really fun to play around with. This is a great tool to use in the classrooms (if resources allow). Students can create fun projects on anything! It is also a great tool to use at home to make personal scrapbooks and photo albums.

Here is my finished scrapblog! Enjoy :)

My Presentation