As I am pretty much a generation older that the majority of my classmates, I am very aware of digital citizenship, and actually citizenship period.  My children and many other students like them cut and paste at will and do not think about where the information came from.  I do not think that younger chldren are cognizant of the fact that what they see and read on the internet was put there by someone.
     As a teacher (and as a parent) I have to teach my students/children to be critical thinkers.  Where did this information come from?  Is this person knoweldgeable, credible?  Is this person I am chatting with actually a sixteen year old girl?  As a mother it scares the daylights out of me.  It is my responsibility to ensure that all children under my care understand the long reaching implications of the internet.
     I am sure every generation says this: "Children are growing up too fast these days."  But of all generations I think computer age children are at most risk for this.  Unfortunately, an innocent inquiry on a search engine may produce the most disturbing results.  Young children are being exposed to sights and sounds that their minds are not mature enough to process.  That is where loving, caring adults must step in.
     I feel it is the duty of every adult to help educate our children.  I believe in the old saying that "it takes a village to raise a child."  I feel that it is the responsibility of all adults to monitor what chidren are doing on the computer.  You may call me old but I have many rules in my house with regards to electronics.  There is NO TV in my children's bedrooms - nor will there ever be.  When they go to bed they must surrender their cel phones.  Laptop computers are used in common areas only where anyone walking by can see what site they are on.  And I check in reqularly when they are on the computer.  I have been in too many high school classes where children afe falling asleep.  While this is a naturally occurring phenomenon among growing  teen agers, it is becoming more of an issue due to texting or gaming until the wee hours of the morning.
    Now, I am not stupid, believe it or not I was a teenager once who did not follow all of the rules.  Shocking, I know!  I know kids have code for when parents are lurking/creeping.  I know that my kids will access the internet when I am not around.  But I hope that I am giving them enough guidance that when they are on their own there will be a little voice in their head saying "do the right thing."  I want to be that voice.
    

     Mind mapping is one of my first choices for studying.  When I started back at university, I stole my kid's easel paper, tore off a few feet, taped it to the wall and proceeded to map out the information that would be covered on the exam.  As a visual learner I love the ability to actively learn as I write the map and then I leave it on my wall where I can see it and check back several times before the exam.
     This week's lesson taught me much on how to bring my mind mapping to the 21st Century learner.  A mind map is a visual representation of an idea or a concept.  Research tells us that visual learning is among the very best methods for teaching of all ages.  Not only is mind mapping a visual learning experience, it can be a collaborative experience.  Again, research indicates that students working cooperatively in groups while using a mind map have "signicantly greater learning" (Preszler, 2004).  Mind mapping on computers has great potential for the classroom.
     I am eager to use mind mapping in the classroom.  What this lesson's readings pointed out to me is that it is important to realize that a mind map is never finished.  By using programs such as Inspriation in my class room, my students are able to collaboratively work on the map.  I like that by using the computer the ascetics of the map will not be an issue.  We will also be able to type in all of the information that we want and it will be form fit into place.  As a class we can add, subtract, manipulate information and continue to make revisions at will.
     I found it hard to find negative issues related to mind mapping.  Students who are interpersonal may not appreciate this method of learning.  As a teacher I must be aware of all the different types of learners in my room and ensure that ecah lesson lends itself to a variety of learners.  I will provide them with the map they require to reach their destination.

     First of all I want to know where was this tutorial when I first started Univerisy?  Seriously.  This would have saved me a lot of time and the dent in my wall where I bang my head in despair would be noticeably smaller!  I am so "stealing" this information and will share it with every student who crosses my path.
     I found this week's assignment invaluable.  Not only am I able to navigate the world wide web with more acuracy, but more importantly, I have been introduced to some pretty cool resources.  I feel that it is my duty as a classroom teacher to help my students learn to navigate the internet with efficancy.  It has great potential for fantastic learning opportunities, but at the same time I must be aware of the dangers of the web.  I must be cognizant of this each time I allow my students computer access.
     I was particularly thrilled to learn about social bookmarking.  I am on Pintrest and I really enjoy the sharing of information.  I never thought about this being a tool for my students as well as a way to collaborate with colleagues.  I look forward to using this technological tool in the future.  I think the possiblilies of shared information on the internet is endless.  I shouldn't have to kill myself reinventing the wheel.  My specalty is teaching children, not creating amazing websites that contain the best games ever! (I will have to practice those skills a little more).  But a skill I now posess is to find the best educational games ever! and I can share those with my students.  It is another example of how technology can assist in learning  for all students - no head banging required.  Now to find the mud to fix my wall...

     Interactive learning is defined as "learning environments that involve interaction between the student and faculty, other students or resources."  The 21st Centruy learner is an interactive learner.  Smart Boards bring another dimension to the classroom and allow the student and educator to take that next step in learning.
     As an educator, I feel it is very important to reach as many learning modalities as possible in every lesson I teach.  The Smart Board allows me to give my students a tactile experience in learning.  Students can get up, move to the board, manipulate information and learn by doing.
     There are many applications that Smart Board has which will enhance classroom learning.  One that I really like is the ability to "take a picture" of the day's notes.  The notes then can be uploaded to google docs or a shared class website and students have 24/7 access to the information gathered in class.  I have heard reports of this being very effective in math and science classes where the examples and sample problems are worked out during classs and then posted for students to access while completing thier homework.
     The possibilities  for interaction and presentation using Smart technology is endless.  But like all technology it is only as good as the user and I will need to become proficient with this operation system.  I do look forward to using the Smart Board on a daily basis in my classroom.  I am not too sure how teachers managed without it.  And I will admit I am happy that I won't be covered in chalk dust at the end of every day.  I think Mrs. Gano, my grade two teacher, would have been happy to use this technology, mainly because it still uses a large eraser.  She had a nasty habit of throwing the chalkboard brush at students in her class that weren't paying attention!  While the 21st Century learner would be aghast, the behaviour issues in her class were short lived.