Thoughts for Week Six

LM_NET

Cynthia Lutz from Byfield, MA writes to the LM_netters on September 18^th about DVD/movie policies.  Having read the article this week about using instructional videos, this topic was on my mind as well.  She wanted to know what policies others had out there and whether or not anyone used Netflix as a part of their circulation. The article I read had many concerns with copyright issues and how important it is to know these laws. Being very unfamiliar with any of this, I am curious as to what the copyright laws are with movies and schools and what the best method is for obtaining and showing movies.  This topic comes up at my school a lot and I still don’t have a clear answer.

I always get a little downhearted when I hear about other schools and their amazing teacher’s union. From North Bergen, New Jersey Diana Lawsky writes on September 20^th about how every teacher in her school is guaranteed a 40-minute prep and a 40-minute lunch, both without students. Sometimes there are special circumstances but this beats the 20-minute lunch I have WITH students.  I wonder what it would take to start a union in my school district.

 

BLOGS

            The Unquiet Librarian wrote on September 25^th about his/her experience using Google tools with students. The class reflected on the experience and here are some of their comments:

·       Loved the ease and organizational features (as well as chat) of Gmail and Google Docs—many stated they liked it better than Word and loved how easy it was to use.  

·       Most also are feeling the love for Google Sites for hosting and creating professional looking work.

·       Most also love and are proud of the fact that they can blog!

·       Learning how social media can be used for research and educational uses, not just personal networking.

Every time I read about students getting to collaborate and use more tools available to them online I get excited about trying these things out with my own students.  It can be hard to change much because of the short-sighted focus on testing but I will still try to find ways to use technology to increase student learning.

            JHURL from the AASL’s blog posts information about teacher tools from Google on September 23^rd. Apparently, teachers have access to something called search curricular which helps to search better searching on the web.  Teachers have access to lesson plans, PowerPoint’s, and a webinar to help explain.  The lessons are tied to ISTE technology standards and relate everything to Google. Though it is soley focused on Google, students will still be able to relate to this common search engine and find ways to make it work better for themselves.