iPods and Pacemakers

I know this article does not relate to technology in the classroom but I did find it interesting because clearly it relates to technology in general.

"iPods can cause cardiac implantable pacemakers to malfunction by interfering with the electromagnetic equipment monitoring the heart."

An interesting fact that is stated in the beginning is that the problem with iPods and pacemakers was founded by a 17-year-old boy! Kind of ironic how we always talk about how our students could potentially know more about technology than us and here a 17 year old discovers a fact such as this one!

The article states that iPods as close as two inches away causes electrical interference. In relation to the pacemakers, iPods as close as 18 inches from an individual's chest could cause the pacemaker to misread the pacing.

If you'd like to check this article out the website is:

http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN1048845320070510?feedType=RSS&rpc=22

Pressure's On

I created a blog for the in-class assigntment. I knew it was something that I could do (most important aspect of this challenge) and something that could be completed and well-executed. This is something I would do on one of the first days of class. I think a class blog is a great way for everyone to stay on top of what is occuring in class. I also think it is a great way for parents to know what is happening in their children's classroom.

I stated in my class blog that I will have each student create a blog. I think this will be a great way to unite my class which is an aspect I think is important in a school environment as a whole. I would love to go as far as talking to other english teachers in the school I would teach at to get them started with a blog as well. It would be super cool (I think anyway!) for my class to be associated with what another class is learning--see the different perspectives of another class.

Chapter 5-Hobbs

The television-- a mind-numbing tube that does what for us, right? Well, in chapter 5 the most interesting fact I realized is how the television can be productive for students. In the English classroom, teachers can take how certain things are represented and use it in lessons.For example, in James Doneski's classroom he had his students discuss the topic of gender representation. Boys had to watch a show that targeted women and girls had to watch a show that targeted men. After these students read short readings, did their research, and analyzed the shows, they were able to discuss, "what they had learned about the changing patterns of gender representation in shows from TV history" (73).

Mainly my point is how now, year 2007, the English classroom no longer means reading Romeo & Juliet and learning the dry elements of theme, plot, setting, etc. In the English classroom, students can learn about 'life'--what the real, outside world is all about. Technology is clearly a fine tool to use in executing this task. Media Literacy comes down to creating a new way of thinking and going about getting our students to open up their minds as well.

In all honesty, this might be my favorite chapter. A housemate of mine is a communications major and I expressed what I learned about while reading this chapter because seeing her type of work, this seemed right up her alley. Just interesting that a communicators major found interest in one of my main books for an English class.

City Voices, City Visions

I think kids making videos to learn is fantastic! It is great how teachers are learning to take what is actually interesting to kids (videos) and using it as a form of teaching. It is smart and it works--plain as that.

One of the main aspects that I find very important in a classroom is how almost all of the usage of technology calls for collaboration. My primary goal in my classroom will to have students in a peaceful environment with tons and tons of interaction. When students are video recording or acting out skits, this goal is easily achievable.