Internet Safety - Article two

Dear Parents and students,

Recently I have come across an article regarding internet safety. Rachel Pomerance discusses four internet safety tips that will keep our children safe. The article encourages parents to simply talk to their kids about internet safety. Secondly, all equipment with internet access should be secured. This includes the latest security software, web browser, and operating systems. Another safe way to browse the internet is to establish rules, this includes the amount of time allowed online and websites that are acceptable. Lastly the article encourages parents to become familiar with the internet.

With summer just around the corner I encourage parents and students to read this article. With more time spent at home comes with more time spent online. The internet comes with many risks, but it is also filled with so much educational material. Parents and students should be prepared to protect themselves while browsing the internet.

Constructivism : Entry one

I encourage parents to take the time to read through this article over Constructivism. This is a hands on approach to learning that your children will have the opportunity to take part in this school year. Your children will not be repeating back facts, instead they will be investigating, discovering, and working together to find answers. Again I encourage the parents to find time to read this article, as it will explain more in depth what your children will be experiencing this year.

Technology Integration in the Classroom : Article one

In recent years technology integration in the classroom has been a debatable topic. The argument has not been if we should be integrating technology into the classroom, rather how we should be integrating technology. In the article by Soledad Mackinnon, "Technology Integration in the Classroom, Is There Only One Way to Make it Effective?" you will discover two ways to integrate technology. The first being directed instruction, which uses technology to drill and practice previously learned skills. The other option is constructivist instruction, which means that technology would be used to help the students analyze, investigate, collaborate, share, build, and generate on what they already know. The article concludes that there is no right or wrong answer, yet it is the educator who will ultimately make the difference.