Article Assessment #2

I. Your Info

Your Name: Ashley Norman Email: ashleynorman3@gmail.com Date: 10/27/09

Article Title: The Read/Write Web Author: Will Richardson

II. Overview of article

The internet has changed drastically sense it was first developed in 1989. It has evolved from a text and data based tool to a place that shares a vast array of information.

The internet was originally used to compare data, now it is a place where millions publish text, pictures and videos. The internet is a powerful tool that has drastically changed politics, journalism, business and education. Many schools have been slow to adopt advances in technology.

Teaching students how to use technology is crucial in todays day and age. The new age of literacy is on the world wide web. We must teach students how to use technology effectively. Using technology in the classroom can enhance learning and better prepare students for the future.

III. Bulleted Reference Points

• The world wide web was developed in 1989.
• Overnight the Internet went from a number and text bases tool that was used by few to a colorful, graphical world of information that was used by many.
• We have created what author Douglas Rushkoff calls a “society of Authorship.”
• Regardless of their age many of today’s students are far ahead of their teachers in computer literacy.
• The teacher’s tool box consists of: weblogs, wikis, rich site summary (RSS), aggregators, social bookmarking, online photo galleries, and audio/video-casting.
• Technology will transform every aspect of business, government, society and life.
• Writing online helps with networking and lifelong learning.
• The future of education is collaboration
• Technology has changed the nature of learning as we know it.
• In the future there will be less paper use, more sharing, less work and more collaboration.

IV. Reflection

This article provides a lot of valuable information. I liked that they put together a tool box for teachers that suggest different technology tools to use in the classroom, many of them I had never considered.

I will defiantly use the information provided in the parent permission letter. I was glad this article discussed safety and how to protect students on the internet. I strongly agree with many of Will Richardson’s ideas. He makes great points about life long learning and the use of the internet.

Networking is a valuable tool for educators that can be used to help teachers deliver better lessons to their students. I really enjoyed Richardson’s videos, he is a good speaker and shared a lot of great information. Using the video clips helped me tie all this information together.

• The Question: How much money can I save if I ride my bike to school instead of drive?

• What is Out There: There are all kinds of articles and resources online discussing biking as an alternative to driving. I even found a webpage that can calculate how much money is saved if a person rides instead of drives (http://commutebybike.com/2008/06/18/gas-savings-calculator-put-it-on-your-site/).

• Data Needed to Answer the Question: I need to see how many miles I live from school. I also need to calculate the gas millage of my car and record the price of gasoline.

• Methodology for Collecting Data: First I will calculate the gas millage of my car. Next, I will clear my odometer and calculate the distance to and from school. I also need to record the price of gasoline at the local gas station. I will then use excel to create a spread sheet and calculate total cash savings.

Anthropological Assessment

For the anthropological assessment assignment we looked closely at the technological culture at our school. Paul, Kelly and I spoke with committee members, administrators and teachers to track down all kinds of information regarding technology at our school. I was impressed with Sitka High School when I looked closely at technology use. Almost every document I needed for this assignment was online and easy to obtain. Furthermore, Sitka High seemed very focused on teaching technology skills in the classroom. There are a wide array of technology courses offered at SHS including web design, digital photography and video production to name just a few. There is also a lot of specialty equipment that can be checked out by students and teachers. Sitka High School has all kinds of opportunities for students interested in technology and computer science.

Technology seems to be highly valued at SHS. The staff has professional development time specifically dedicated to technology. Teachers are required to learn how to use programs like Word, Excel and Power Point. I have been impressed with how technology focused the school district is. This year they are working towards making all kinds of technology improvements. There is a technology committee that meets every month to discuses technology issues and ways to improve technology within the district. One improvement SHS made this year was installing wireless throughout the building. Now students and teachers can use their lap tops to surf the web. Unfortunately, the school does not have lap tops for student or teacher check out, hopefully this will change in the near future.

There are computers in every classroom at SHS. There are also two computer labs, one that can be checked out by teachers for class use and one that is specifically used for technology classes. There are also 25 computer in the library that can be used by classes or individual students. During the day students have all kinds of technology resources, however, once the school day is over there are no labs or computer resources available to them. One thing that has been done to allow students to use technology outside the classroom is an after school computer club. Many students at Sitka High School seem interested in computer science and technology. Most of them have computers, cell phones, ipods or some kind of digital device. They seem to relate to technology and enjoy activities that involve the use of technology. Analyzing the technological culture at Sitka High School was very insightful and helped me understand the student population better. It is important to know your students in order to effectively engage them and create lessons that fit their individual needs.

For more information on My Anthropological Assessment check this out!