Blog Post 4

After spending twelve years in the public school system, I feel like most college students are very well-versed in open educational resources, despite not knowing much about the term itself. Open education describes both mundane and technological tools that can be used in an academic setting without any legal repercussions. Some advocates of open education also request that textbooks and resources be free of charge (https://sparcopen.org/open-education/), which I am inclined to agree with. A student with a lower socioeconomic status should have access to the same educational opportunities as more affluent students.

Open content is also critically important in classrooms because it allows teachers and students to modify content to fit lesson plans. There are five key aspects of open education, also known as the "Five Rs." These include retaining copies of the source material, reusing material, remixing and changing material, revising material, and redistributing material. Teachers are allowed a free range of control to teach material, which could cater better to the needs of students and give the teacher more autonomy over the classroom. Open content allows teachers to find variety in their teaching methods, and use sources that are more engaging for their students.

Open educational resources can be "any type of educational material" that is licensed for free, continued use. To me, this includes books, plays, music, and videos that are public domain. These materials often encourage free thought and open discussion. In this blog post, the author states that they reduce the cost of distribution, and cut prices that schools and students would otherwise have to pay. That alone is a compelling argument to continue using these resources. These resources are often found online, which lessens paper production and could potentially improve the environment! (https://opentextbc.ca/studenttoolkit/chapter/step-one-what-are-oer/)

Blog comments: :)
https://lexiijones.blogspot.com/2019/06/as-student-ive-mainly-used-microsoft.html?showComment=1560131512771#c5749867719299380656

https://letschatwithlucy.blogspot.com/2019/06/hello-and-welcome-back-week-3-lets-go.html?showComment=1560131928322#c4563843191734847371

Blog Post 3

Throughout my academic career, I have used Microsoft Word to construct countless essays. I am willing to wager that I've written hundreds of essays on Word, covering every topic imaginable. I have been using it since I was a child in sixth grade English class. Now, at twenty, not much has changed. I use Word to make lists, to outline essays, and to later write them. I have also used Word to take notes during lectures or do quick assignments online. My teachers and professors have used Microsoft Word throughout the years as well; they would be lost without it, truly. Professors construct exams, form syllabuses, make study guides, and design lesson plans on this program. It is efficient, effective, and easy to use.

The most notable example of students navigating copyright in the postsecondary realm is through citations and sourcing. Often, students need to include the opinions of other intellectuals to make their arguments sound, or to provide a counterargument. If one did not quote, source, or cite that material, it would be like claiming that the words of others are their own. Students can avoid plagiarism by taking these measures; or by citing whenever they're in doubt. Teachers have more difficulty with copyright laws because they'd like to provide supplemental materials like music and videos for their students, yet there is a chance that the information they're presenting information in an illegitimate way. Fair use, however, broadens educators' options for choosing materials to present in class.

To maintain privacy among students, I would encourage them to avoid using easy, guessable passwords. I would also urge them to change them often and to not tell anyone their passwords. Students need to be encouraged to keep security and identity information private, and not release personal information to the public. I would also ask that students log out of shared computers and tablets when they are done using them so that they do not find their information deleted or stolen. To encourage academic honesty, I would explain to students various ways one can be academically dishonest. Plagiarism and cheating are sometimes not as black and white as they seem, and students need to realize that the gray area could get them in trouble as well. I would make them aware of the consequences of academic dishonesty, and convey that the other options, like turning in an assignment late or getting a C on an essay, are much better than the initial punishment.

I left comments today on Bailey's and Margaux's blogs! They had some really interesting things to say.

Blog Post 2

In my experience, technology in the classroom allows for a more immersive learning experience. Students learn in various ways, so speaking and writing cannot be the only two methods of providing information. Supplemental PowerPoint use has become commonplace in many classrooms because slides are engaging and easy to comprehend. The application of technology amongst students is effective because students can utilize those learned skills outside of the classroom, as well. Using technology in class is a break from routine for many students. Tablets and computers signify a break from routine, as well. They are familiar and fun to use for many students. Students can entertain themselves and learn simultaneously.

Every ISTE standard includes enlightening information and guidance for educators, but the Citizen standard resonates the most with me. I strive to help the people in my life to make informed choices with technology and to be cognizant of the posts they make. Mass communication allows for a globalized world, but internet users can unknowingly and purposefully affect others in a negative way. I think I could be effective in teaching the risks and ethics of technology use to my students.
To me, the Designer standard is the most difficult standard to enact successfully. Every student possesses different traits and needs in the classroom; therefore, it is difficult to accommodate everybody. Inclusive lesson plans could be stressful to make.

I believe that the phrase "digital native" is reflective of the state of younger generations today. Most students are very familiar with the workings of laptops, tablets, phone, and gaming consoles because they have been immersed in technology since birth. Generally, younger students are more comfortable using technology in a recreational way than older teachers are. There is a generational gap, but it is not something to be wary of. Students have much to learn from technological use in an institutional setting, but teachers can improve their personal skills by viewing how students interact with their devices.

Blog Post 1

Thank you for visiting my blog!

My name is Katelyn Cannady, and I'm majoring in history at Florida State University. I am nineteen years old, but I turn twenty in eight days! I love to bullet journal, and I just got back into reading for fun again. Summer is my favorite season because it is warm and heavy and lazy. I adore laying in the sun. I love music, too: I have spent the past few days listening to nothing but Fiona Apple and Megan thee Stallion's new album. I have the worst taste in television, though. I think Grey's Anatomy and the Bachelor are absolutely riveting. Work and friends and school get in the way of my television time, however, but I mind that less than most do. I don't like being idle.

I have spent ample time in front of computers and tablets, both in a professional and personal sense. When I was younger, I had to regularly parse through PowerPoint for my classroom assignments, giving me lots of experience in that respect. In ninth grade, I became certified in Adobe Photoshop. However, I am certain that I couldn't even crop a photo on more recent versions of the program today. I have had experience recreationally making gifs and edits for the enjoyment of myself and my friends. During my junior and senior year of high school, I was also on my school's yearbook team, which demanded improved graphic design skills. Last semester, I slogged through two science labs, which required regular use of Excel and an obscene number of pre-arranged calculations. It was miserable, to say the least. However, I am eager to learn more.

I can't wait to learn about educational technology! When I volunteer in school environments, I am endlessly nervous about ineffective supplemental online materials. I believe that this class will give me the knowledge to decide the best medium of communication, even in other professional environments. I hope to become more familiar with computer programs that I regularly use, and comfortable with those that I am unfamiliar with. I want to engage students and inspire interests through technology, but I must first learn to properly use that technology.