Cameras in Elementary Schools

Cameras in elementary schools may seem like and extreme measure. I feel that positioning cameras in certain parts of school buildings such as auditoriums, lunch rooms and play grounds may help improve discipline problems in elementary schools with students. I work in an urban school that has a high rate of student suspension and I'm talking about a K-8 school. The high rate of discipline problems is definitely dampening students academic progress. Installing cameras in school may raise student awareness and make them accountable for their actions. Installing cameras will not be affective in a schools but it will help in some.

MYAccess

I have seen many web-based instruction programs but the MYAccess is one of the few programs that I have seen that is dedicated solely to writing. Many students struggle with writing and become discouraged when given a writing task. Teachers now have one more strategy to use when it comes to teaching students the proper form of writing. MYAccess offers students the opportunity to develop their very own electronic writing portfolio and gives them instant feedback on their writing piece this is great, while a teacher work with one group another group can be working on MYAccess. I will definitely share this web-base instructional program with my school. MYAccess is a great investment to schools.

Brainchild

Many Districts use Brainchild to help improve Annual Yearly Progress (AYP). Brainchild is a program that focuses on preparing students for State Assessments it is aligned with the Core Curriculum Content Standards. The components of Brainchild include Web Based, Hand Held Study Buddies and Mechanics Basic Skills and English as Second Language Learners. The Schools are able to purchase the program and parents are also able to purchase the program on a individual basis. The Brainchild program was very helpful to use with Resource students. If you want more information visit the site and click on each component such as Web Based http://www.brainchild.com/

Educational Software

I love the fact that many schools have purchased various computer programs in the initiative to implement technology in the classroom. I have used Kidspiration and Inspiration with my students and they loved it. There are so many educational programs and websites out there. Some programs that I recommend are SuccessMaker is available in any content area and it focuses on basic skills. Brainchild OnlineLearning a NJASK test prep is very helpful since the questions are outlined with the same setup as the NJASK assessments. I do feel that teachers should be offered the opportunity to be trained in how to implement these programs in the classroom.

Internet Safety

The Internet is one of the most helpful instruments but at the same time the most dangerous. I watched the Internet Safety Video focused on a young girl who was excited she had connected with a new friend but in reality she connected with a Internet Predator. Children now in days don't have to leave there homes to be in DANGER!! it can happen in there very own room while the adult is in the next room. I don't like the idea of children having a computer with Internet capability in there room I think the computer should be some where in the home where the adult can supervise. Children have outsmarted parents when it come to technology, therefore parents must take precautions. In many cities the adult schools offer technology classes to adults and I think is a good idea for parents who have young children to educate themselves about the Internet. I also advise adults to monitor there children's account when it comes to MySpace and Facebook

WELCOME

Welcome to where abstract and concrete ideas meet. I'm amazed in the transition of education, from "Lecture Hall" to "A Classroom Without Walls." The days are far gone when a teacher stood in front of a classroom to lecture in a monotone voice. Thank Gosh!!! for technology I'm home with the T.V. tuned to my favorite reality show, my cell phone ringing to my personal ring tone, on going text messages...while receiving quality education. Yes, I'm working on my first "Blog" and I'm glad I was give this assignment. I have never Blogged before and this is a new experience, I have to admit I had some difficulties but like they say "practice makes perfect" and I have a long way to blog or go.