Technology in the Classroom: Bane or Blessing?
Many educators believe that technology has improved their ability to deliver content. Likewise they believe that student achievement improves as a result of computer use. But that's not what a
recent study by the National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance found.
After studying elementary and secondary classes in 132 schools, researchers found that student achievement scores were no higher than in classrooms without the new technology products.
What has been your experience with the use of technology in your classes or those of your child?
Labels: computers in the classroom, student achievement
Returning to College Offers Wide Benefits
When 50-year-old Randy Gilbertson of Sidney, MT wanted a new career he returned to college after a 30 year absence.
Sharing his story in the
Sidney Herald, Gilbertson admitted that he was scared and intimidated. But once he taught himself to study again, and discovered how encouraging and positive his teachers were, he gained the self-confidence and determination to finish his Associate Arts in marketing, management and accounting.
His newly earned degree will enable Gilbertson to qualify for more the labor jobs he held in the past. But beyond the education he received, returning to college helped him expand his horizons and appreciate himself and others much more.
For any adult considering returning to college, Gilbertson advices to go for it.
Labels: adult students, returning to college
Alec Baldwin Offers Young Soldier a College Education
When
Alec Baldwin read a New York newspaper story about 18-year-old Private Resha Kane soon to be deployed to Iraq, he offered to pay for her college education when she is discharged.
Private Kane, a chemical operations specialist in the Army, was shocked when Alec Baldwin tracked her down in her Fort Hood, Texas and told her of his plan. Kane wants to be a biochemist and isn't sure what university she'll attend. It's certain, however, that with Baldwin footing the bill her decision will be a lot easier.
Some readers think this is a wonderful demonstration of generosity. Others just see it as a publicity stunt. What do you think?
Labels: Alec Baldwin, college tuition, education
Should College Professors Consider Student Absences When Determining Grades?
When this question was posed in a newsletter of the National Education Organization, two teachers took aim from different viewpoints.
Gregg Jozwik, an instructor at Waukesh County Technical College in Wisconsin, says "Yes." Because participatory learning produces positive earning outcomes, Jozwik believes requires attendance. He believes that students will focus on what the teacher thinks is of value. Considering attendance as part of students grades reinforces its importance.
Jim Petersen, an instructor at Walla Walla Community College in the state of Washington says "No." Since students attend college voluntarily and are adults, attendance shoud be expected, but not required. He agrees that good attendance correlates positively with higher information and grades, he doesn't think the teach should impose it on students. Instead, instructors should encourage regular attendance by making their classes as interesting as possible.
What do you think?
Labels: attendance, college grades
Has What You Learned in High School Helped You Get a Job?
While some graduates may say "no" to this question,
graduates of Central Educational Center in Coweta County, Georgia would say "yes."
This publicly funded charter school that opened in August 2000 has to meet state standards like all public schools, but it is different in a number of ways.
First, because the goal of CEC is to help provide a skilled workforce, they tailor their curriculum to needs of their business community.
Second, the school is organized based on a business model. Mark Whitlock is the CEO, not the principal. Teachers are directors and students are team members.
Third, they partner with Western Central Technical College where students can take college courses with college professors, earn college credits and learn advanced technical skills. The emphasis is on work-based learning.
Fourth, they have partnerships with about 200 local businesses, such as Vista Care, a hospice provider. This way students participate in internships, job shadowing and apprenticeships.
And finally, students receive grades for their skills, but also a work ethic grade.
Do you think this is model that would benefit your community?
Labels: charter school, vocational education, work-based learning
Is Homeschooling Your Grandchildren a Good Thing?
I'm looking forward to retiring soon, and like most retirees I expect to change my pace, enjoy luxuriating whenever I want, and travel at will. I am happy to be done with assisting with projects and homework. But while many retirees share my plans, an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 are committing to homeschool their grandchildren, according to a
recent AARP article.Laura Carter of Woodland, Washington, for example, embraces helping her son and daughter-in-law homeschools her three grandchildren, ages three to eight. She is delighted to watch them make breakthroughs.
Organizations such as the National Education Association, don't believe that homeschooling can provide a comprehensive education. Homeschooling supporters, however, say that homeschooled youngsters outperform their counterparts by 15 to 30 percent on achievement tests.
While homeschooling can bring families closer together, is it an ideal way for aging grandparents to spend their retirement?
What do you think?
Labels: grandparents, homeschooling, retirees
The Gap Between High School and College Can Be Treacherous
The distance between high school and college is more than the summer months between high school graduation and college orientation. There are many skills and much maturity needed to succeed in college, and many freshman enter the campus without them. Here are a few.
1.
Reading between the lines. Because so much attention is spent on attendance and discipline in lower grades, college students are skilled at literal comprehension but weak in drawing conclusions. They often have trouble with inferential learning because it requires stepping beyond what's clearly stated.
2.
Structuring study time and materials. It's common for high school teachers to provide study guides just before exams to help students focus on what will be on the test. College teachers expect students to determine this from their notes and textbook reading.
3.
Facing the consequences.One of the greatest disservices of many high school teachers is allowing extra credit assignments. Instead of enhancing an already good grade, extra credit assignments are used to compensate for missing assignments that were never turned in when due. Once in college, the students who have long counted on extra credit to pull them through, are shocked, disappointed and hurt to discover that many college professors do not subscribe to this practice.
College freshman who want to succeed must expect to spend time getting acclimated to a very new land in college.
Labels: adjusting to college, college freshmen, college grades
