Blog #13

Readings:
From the first reading, I really liked how a teacher used a discussion forum for the class. What I liked most was that students were able to communicate and comment on weekly topics. The teacher made it easy for the students to connect with each other about their schoolwork. I also liked how there was a search mechanism for students to be able to find the things they need quickly and effectively. At the end of the article it lists the cons of web pages and databases. I would definitely agree that it could be really frustrating to not have the support in order to create these web pages.
From the second reading, I really liked how the author made a comment about how teachers are eager to learn new classroom ideas. I think that it is important that teachers are making sure that they are practicing current technologies in the classroom and most teachers that care about their students and what they are learning, are willing to except new technologies and implement them in the classroom. I also agree with the article that the three "Rs" are outdated for today's students because they don't address the skills they need for today--such skills as evaluating, organizing, and managing information, just to name a few.
From the third reading, I really liked how the author gave examples of classroom activities and really showed how easy it is for students to work with a database. Databases are great ways for students to learn critical thinking by categorizing, classifying, comparing, etc. The students are able to take classroom data and apply it to their databases. The students are able to communicate with each other about schoolwork (as in the example about books in the article.) Databases are a great way for students to be organized and use their skills on a computer.
Databases:
I really enjoyed learning about databases in the classroom. It was easy and a great way to organize and classify information. Databases can be used for multiple different assignments or projects. I could definitely see databases being used for science, especially science projects. Instead of coming up with your own graph or chart and estimating what it should like, databases give you precise information on a graph for you.
I can also see databases being used to organize information statistically. Databases would be great for surveys, lists, or other information gathered from a large amount of people. Databases are really easy in that, with a simple click, you can make an amazing graph. The database that we used on Wednesday was really great because it can be used by students without them getting bored with it. That database offered great features that let you play with colors and symbols. I can really see that database actually being used because it is kid-friendly. I also liked how the database gave you options--you didn't have only one graph or chart to chose from. I was able to play with the different graphs and see which one I liked the most and which one relayed the message I was trying to send through picture. Overall databases are really easy to learn and a great way for students to organize their thought visually.