Wednesday, May 6, 2009

letter

27677 Cobb Lane

Valley center CA
92082


January 26, 2009


Mr. Dennis O'Connor

Professor 

333 S. Twin Oaks Rd.

San Marcos, CA 92096


Dear Mr. Dennis O'Connor


In my endeavor
through school I have seen the advancement of technology at a great pace. I
remember working on Mac’s during middle school, and then the transition to PC’s
in high school was a little bit tough. Currently I enjoy using my Mac but that
does not mean that I have forgotten about PC’s completely. I currently work at
a child care facility; there I am responsible for creating all the flyers and
brochures for the program. Since arriving at this job I have had a lot of
experience using In Design and Photoshop. I have also become very familiar with
all the Microsoft Office programs. When I first enrolled at the university I
took a summer program, there I was enrolled in a workshop that helped me
prepare for the CCR. Later in the summer I successfully completed the CCR
exams.

Being a Liberal
Arts major, I have had many classes where I have been required to go into many
classrooms and observed instruction. Doing so has given me the opportunity to
see many different styles of teaching. Currently I also tutor in the AVID
program at Woodland Park Middle School in San Marcos and at Valley Center High
School in Valley Center. I am currently a senior and I will be graduating in May. After graduation I plan on applying for the credential program and
hopefully getting my Multiple Subject Credential.

Even dough EDU 422
is a requirement for the credential program; I feel that I can learn a great
deal. I hope to gain the knowledge necessary to be able to incorporate the ever
changing technology that is available to instructors, and apply it in my
classroom, so that my students can experience learning in a new and fun way.



 



Sincerely yours,



 

Luis Tinajero                                       

CSUSM Student




Friday, March 6, 2009

Math and Movies Make Learning Fun

This week i read a software review that talked about three products that encourage learning in a new and innovative way. the Article Math and Movies Make Learning Fun, by Judi Mathis Johnson. the first product took a video game style software to teach students the definition of binary numbers, as well as allowing students the ability to use their inductive and deductive reasoning to figure out problems. these types of games allow students to learn essential skills that lead them to become a better math or science thinker/problem solver. the second application was a simple yet effective way to teach math, it took everyday scenarios such as going to the supermarket, this helped students with simple math concepts, ad at the same time it allowed visual learners a good visual representation of the scenarios.  the final and third exercise allowed students to create a movie. along with creating the movie itself students learning about writing a script, it encouraged planning , and most importantly it allowed students to release their creativity. 

Q1. Should teachers be encouraged to use these types of programs?
A1. Personally i feel that if teachers have the time and resources they should try to use these types of programs because it allows students to use their creative skills that often go untaped with the current way the school curriculum is set up.
Q2. What are some programs that are of this style?
A2. I can only remember one such program that i used in grade school. that program was The Oregon Trail. Wow technology has really come a long way since then. i can see the lack of these types of programs back 15- 20 years ago, but now there should not be any excuse, the technology is there and people should try asnd take advantage of it whenever possible. 

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Virtual Ideaology by: William Russell

Virtual Ideology
The article Virtual Ideology by William Russell was very interesting to read i was happy and surprised that there are websites out there that are aimed at explaining political ideologies to students.  While i was reading the article i was able to go to the websites that were talked about, and i took the quiz and i found that it was very accurate in determining my political affiliation. The quiz's  that were offered were very simple and were explained in great depth. The article mention how it is important for students to have a good understanding of these ideologies so that they are able to make the right choices. below question that need to be addressed within the curriculum standards set forth by the national council for the Social Studies:
What is civic participation and how can I be involved? 
How has the meaning of citizenship evolved? 
What is the balance between rights and responsibilities? 
 What is the role of the citizen in the community, in the nation, and in the world community? • How can I make a positive difference?

Q1. At what age is it appropriate to discuss political ideologies in school with students? 
A1. Personally i feel that this should be addressed in  8th grade because that is the grade where students seem to be introduced to the infrastructure of the government, ant i feel it is crucial that they understand exactly where peoples ideas and beliefs are coming.

Q2. in this day in age do believe students political perception is their own or is it the ideas of their parents and or friends?
A2. because students do not talk about politics with their friends i think that the ideas and beliefs are those of their parents. it is clear that children pick up morals and habits from their surrounding environment, so it should be clear that they will also pick up the political ideologies of those whom they are surrounded by.


Monday, February 23, 2009

Sodtware Review: Learning.com

Web Browsing: Research and Citing Sources Grades 6-8
Learning.com

Mini Review
What did this series of tutorials help you learn?
upon reviewing these lessons i was able to review many things that i already knew. Some of the things i had already learned when I took computers in 6th grade and again in high school. Most of the information was a review for me, because i am an arts and technology students i feel i have a good understanding of the computer terminology and vocabulary.

What problems (barriers to success) might you face when using this product in a classroom.
I think that because the lessons are about 25 minutes long you might be faced that some students will get tired or bored of the content and not pay attention, making the lessons a complete waste of time for them. Another significant problem that one may run into is that computers may not be available to everyone. Most classrooms only have a few computers, this would make it hard for all the students to complete the lessons in one or two class periods. 

Describe any problems you had with the program.
Personally i did not have any problems with the program . i feel that it is structured very well and the creators do a good job in explaining the content in plain english making easy to understand. 


Browsing  Basics

NETS for Students 5&6

K-12 (5) Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.

            K-12  (5.a) advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.

K-12 (6) Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems and operations.

            K-12 (6.a) understand and use technology systems.

K-12 (6.b) select and use applications effectively and productively.

 

6-8 (7) Select and use the appropriate tools and digital resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and to solve problems.

 

URLs

NETS for Students 1,2,&6

K-12 (1) Students demonstrate creative thinking, constructs knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.           

            K-12 (1.a) apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.

 

K-12 (2) Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively. Including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.

            K-12 (2.a) interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.

 

K-12 (6) Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems and operations.

            K-12 (6.a) understand and use technology systems.

K-12 (6.b) select and use applications effectively and productively.

 

6-8 (7) Select and use the appropriate tools and digital resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and to solve problems.

 

Web Searches

NETS for Students 3,4,&5

K-12 (3) Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.

            K-12 (3.b) locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.

K-12 (3.c) evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.

 

K-12 (4) Students use critical thinkuing skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems and make informed decisions

            k-12 (4.c) collects and analyze data to identify solutons abd/or make informed decisions.

 

K-12 (5) Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.

            K-12  (5.a) advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.


Validity and Sourcing 

NETS for students 1,2,&5

K-12 (1) Students demonstrate creative thinking, constructs knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.           

            K-12 (1.a) apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.

 

K-12 (2) Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively. Including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.

            K-12 (2.a) interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.

            K-12 (2.b) communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.

 

K-12 (5) Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.

            K-12  (5.a) advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.

            K-12 (5.b) exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.

(2007) Learning.com2. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from http://www.learning.com/home/index.htm 


(2007) NETS for Students 2007. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007.htm 


Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Artology News

 

History Will Shape Us 


by Luis Tinajero

“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.” (Robert Kennedy) This quote is what history means to me. I feel that the people learn most from the past. Understanding the history of our country is crucial to moving forward. It is also a crucial part of shaping society as a whole.

I am a Liberal Arts Major with an emphasis in Arts and Technology, but I would really love to be involved in teaching history. I would really like to teach at the middle school level or even high school. I have found it very rewarding working with this age group. 

When I was in high school I took a U.S. Government class during my senior year, and I remember that a lot people struggled with the class. I was the complete opposite; I really enjoyed learning about how the government of this country works.

I enjoying the entire governmental process, but when I become a history teacher I will enjoy educating my students of the process electing the president of the country. The process that is involved is crucial to understanding the ideas that shape democracy. I feel that because the office of the president is the most well known it is important to understand how the electoral process works. While teaching this area of the government students will learn the function of the Electoral College.  _______________________________________________________

The Man Behind the Desk      



My name is Luis Tinajero and I am a Liberal Studies major with an emphasis in Arts and Technology. I was born in Mexico but at an early aged moved to California and I was fortunate to attend public school all of my life. I was always in bilingual education and I feel that has given me an advantage, especially growing up in southern California. I would like to become a middle school teacher, either teaching social studies and/or computers.

On my free time I enjoy playing sports, especially soccer. I am very active in my community coaching many soccer teams year round. Currently I coach a boys competitive team and the freshmen girls team at Valley Center High School. I feel that this has opened many doors for me in my own community. Besides playing sport i enjoying listening to music, and traveling as much as possible.

I decided to go into teaching because I feel that it is special when one person can change the lives of hundreds of students every year. I feel that teaching really crossed my mind as soon I set step foot in my seventh grade social studies class. My teacher was Mr. Ventimiglia. He made learning fun. I was lucky to have him as teacher in tenth grade and twelfth grade as well, and I enjoyed his class just as much as seventh grade. I feel that the role of a teacher is to empower students to become productive citizens in society. I think that being able to empower students will eventually lead to having a more involved in the public.

Feel free to contact me, my email address is tinaj002@csusm.edu 

You may also contact me via telephone at (760) 638-0577.  

________________________________________________________


The Importance of Art and Technology Integration for Grade School Learners. 

By Dru Macasieb


Art is everywhere. It is in the phones we use to make calls, it is on the shirt we are wearing and not only is art witnessed in physical form, but it can also be witnessed by or social and economical trends. Take for example Apple’s success with the iPod. This elegantly designed mp3 player is a generational icon much like Marilyn Monroe during the 1950s or Beanie Babies of the early 1990s. But it seems that few can stop and appreciate the beautiful designs our culture has come to love. If art is the reflection of life, then art must be worth learning, for it can ignite change. 

       Throughout my life, I have been interested it art because of its ability to influence and inspire emotional and mental awareness. I have also been fascinated with technology because of its ability to enhance life. Together they create an entity which is both life enhancing and though provoking. During grade school, I had limited art conception and technological experience. I do not want that for m future students. Which is why I am hoping to teach grade school, fifth grade in particular (for it was my favorite childhood grade).


       Using the California Content Standards, I plan to immerse my future students in: artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context, aesthetic valuing, and art as it relates to various subject matters and society. I plan not to teach art as a separate subject, but instead integrate it with all other subjects. I also plan to integrate technology as a tool in teaching students. From simple search engines to possible online collaborations, technology is a teaching tool not to be taken for granted.



       Using both art and technology, I hope to raise awareness and interest in both fields while teaching elementary subjects such as math and science. The future success of our children relies on a balanced foundation of educational awareness that can be implemented in life. I believe art and technology integration will accomplish this.  _________________________

Teaching In Today’s California 

By Dru Macasieb


       I believe that the educational system in today’s economy needs fresh ideas that are diverse, fair, and, implementable. Today we are faced with an achievement gap that may be attributed to a combination of factors such as wealth and upbringing. I believe the gap is the result of an improper multicultural education by both teachers and students. 

       Growing up in California I remember learning about Pilgrims and Indians, the Great Depression, Martin Luther King, and other significant heroes and events in U.S. History. But I can’t recall a figure, or group that was inspirational to my race or ethnicity. However, I do vaguely remember celebrating other cultures such as Mexican and Chinese, but it was mostly limited to learning a folk dance or eating a traditional dish. No wonder there is an achievement gap in California that is directly related to race and ethnicity, our educational system does not do a fair amount of multicultural education.




       As a teacher candidate, I plan to implement proper multicultural education to all students. I do not plan to see students through  “colorblind lenses” for students are different and should be celebrated as such. To me there are no “white kids” or “black kids,” instead there are Americans, Mexican Americans, African Americans, Chinese, Filipinos; and this is what future educators need to realize, that we need to recognize these ethnic identities because they are what makes everyone special.

       To often are people of color as seen as the ethnic ones when in reality everyone is ethnic. Everyone has his or her own culture, and not every ethnicity celebrates the same culture. This is what educators must realize, that every individual is different, because it does make difference when a group or individual is singled out. 

       I believe I will make a wonderful teacher. I plan to educate in a way that will make a difference in narrowing the achievement gap. Students are the messengers of a future that we will never see. I hope that I may send messengers that will look back at our past and see that they have advanced for the better. 

Below is my contact information if you have comments and suggestion. 

dmacasieb@me.com  

Personal Blog: http://drumacasiebcsusmeduc422.blogspot.com/



        


Monday, February 16, 2009

DIG Stats by: Tom Morgan

I chose this article because I am a statistics lover. I like to look at number and analyze data. In this article the author talks about a website that was created to help students with statistical analysis. he say that the technology that is used is to make the plotting of the data faster so that students have more time to look and analyze the data which was recorded.  Students are able to use either the Microsoft Excel program or their Texas Instrument 83 Calculators.  I think that when students are able to connect the data that is been used to real life examples, it amplifies the importance. As a child one always ask if the information is going to be used in later life.  Using real life examples shows students that "yes" math is used as an adult and it is very important.  

 

Q1: Why aren’t these types of programs offered at all school throughout the country? A1 I think that these types of programs are not incorporated into lesson plans because the teachers might feel that using technology will require an extra lesson or two to get everyone on the same page. I also feel that creating extra work for teachers will not allow them to cover all of the standards that are required to be taught in the school year.    

 

Q2 Would students prefer to use this method of learning or would they prefer to keep it simple with paper and pencil? A2 I think that it all depends of the type student. Some students like the technology, and prefer to be up to synch with what is being used out in big companies. There are also the students who feel that keeping it simple creates fewer problems. They are the students who don’t enjoy working with technology because if something can go wrong, it will.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Creating Valuable Web Sites by: Elizabeth (Betsy) A Baker



The article Creating Valuable Web Sites by Elizabeth (Betsy) A Baker was about how teachers feel bad about not allowing their st

udents to use the Internet, it also mentioned that some just try to avoid it completely at school for safety reasons. This Article provides a good look and approach for teachers when it comes to developing their very own website. The Author provides 3 methods to start your class website. Method 1 is for beginners, and its simply by going to a provider and creating a simple website. Method 2 is more advanced allowing for blogs, discussions, and wikkis. It allows more student interaction. The last method is the most complex, it is for anyone wishing to become the web site developer, and it requires more time and special software. I feel that a class web site mentioned in method 1 is best suited for elementary and maybe meddle school. Method 2 and 3 are best suited for the high school students and some middle school classes. Allowing student to have access to online resources is very important in this world were technology changes at a daily rate.

Q.1 Should schools offer teachers training to help them create web sites?

A.1 I personally think that teachers should have the opportunity to learn web page design and the district could have training for teachers willing to put in the time to learn. The school and students will benefit greatly.

Q.2. Why is it important to offer this type of technology to our students?

A.2. I feel that it is extremely to offer this technology to students at an early age because doing so will give them and advantage in the corporate world later on in their future. If we as educators can introduce website, bloging, and other online tool it will only help students as they move forward in their lives.