WebQuests

I have just finished viewing the four videos on WebQuests and it seems alot harder than I thought it would be. Although the videos helped by showing the structure and layout on how to create one, it looks like there's more to it than just that. I haven't started my own yet or even have an idea on what I want to create for a class. I do believe that once I choose a topic then the rest will follow. But then again, what do I want my students to get out of it? Are the tasks and processes going to be something so challenging that my students will dislike and dread doing or will it be something that they enjoy and look forward to do again and get the most out of it. That's the part that will be most challenging for me and I hope I can speak for the rest of us. Either way, I am looking forward towards creating my very first WebQuest and possibly using it in the near future and for years to come. Hopefully it will come out in a way that will be interesting for and motivate students to do a great job in completing it. Good luck to all on their WebQuests!

NJCCCS and NETS

After reviewing the NJCCCS I found that technological literacy is a great way to provide an alternate way of educating students and providing them with the skills needed in today's world. This will ultimately prepare them when they arrive to the next step in their educational journey through college. Ironically, I am planning on being certified to teach such classes as Keyboarding and Word Processing and found the NJCCCS to be structured in a way that will gradually make students successful in technological literacy after viewing these standards for the first time. I hope to be a contributing factor someday for students to develop these necessary skills which will be useful to them for the rest of their lives. Skills such as typing a report or making a power point presentation will be beneficial for them as they enter college. Unfortunately, some schools don't have the luxury to provide students with those technological needs. Those students are now at a disadvantage in their preparation towards the next level as opposed to those students who have access to such resources. I suggest that school districts who don't have these resources should make it a priority because it would be a shame to see our leaders of tomorrow fall behind in something so valuable. When viewing the NETS, I was surprised to see that there are national standards set for technology. I was actually pleased to see these national standards set because not only is technological literacy a must in the state of NJ, but should be a necessity throughout the United States.

INTERNET SAFETY

The internet has been one the most beneficial tools for learning today. When talking about Internet and Internet Safety, there are numerous of benefits and risks that come to mind. For example, as we already know, It is a great tool for teachers to use to make learning in their classrooms more productive. Also, a teriffic way of communication between relatives, friends, and co-workers. Social networking sites such as Myspace and Facebook have impacted the internet community with its popularity. People have the ability to create their your own profiles, blog with others, and have access to do other capabilities. With that said, many risks can also occur. What was once only available for people of age 18 and older is now available to teens at the young age of 13. Internet predators are looking to be heard from and for those who will accept communication with them. It is extremely important that parents know what is going on and carefully monitor their child's online activities to prevent any harm or danger. It is also important that they do not share any personal information such as street addresses, cities, or phone numbers for internet strangers who may have access to them.
I have just finished watching the three internet safefty videos. These videos talk about detailed information that is extremely important for children raging from middle school all the way up to teenagers going to their first year of college. The first one looked liked it targeted late teenagers. The person who created the video did a great job posting questions and answers to realistic situations that commonly occur. They also provided a list of steps of what to do if a stranger keeps taunting or bothering you and also some hints to know beforehand what type of users they are. Also, the websites listed can be useful for these teens that may be experiencing some of these problems. The second video was meant for a younger audience around the age of 13. The difference between the two was that the second video provided pictures and phrases along with a teacher typle monologue but still came across the same message as in the first one. The third one was more for children at an earlier ages with its cartoon type graphics and effects. It repeated the same 8 steps numerous types and was very appropriate for the young.
In conclusion, internet safety should be taken seriously. Most of the young spend countless hours on the internet along with being on these social networking websites. By viewing videos such as these, many of the young can gain the necessary skills on how to protect themselves on the computer.

Hey everyone! Posting for the first time. Just a test run to see if it works. I'll be blogging again soon.