7+-+Class+Discussion

Class Discussion
Each week there will be a new discussion question posted for you to respond to. The questions will be focused on the impact that technology has had on our society, in schools, and/or on technology education. A new discussion topic will be posted at the botton of this page each week.

To respond, please go to your page listed below, choose the DISCUSSION TAB and type your response. Before your next class, read, respond and comment on the response of the other students in your group. Viewing their responses on the discussion tab of their page and post your reply using the feature located at the bottom of the page. Groups will change each week. Please feel free to comment/read the comments of classmates not in your group.


 * ~ xxx ||~ Group 1 || **Group 2 ** || **Group 3** || **Group 4** || **xxx ** ||
 * || Suzanne || Bill ||  ||   ||   ||
 * || Marie || Sheila ||  ||
 * || Lori || Stacey ||
 * || Christopher || Nicole ||


 * Discussion Question 1 **

The advent of the Internet has made the sharing of information so much easier. This includes digital information like music and movies. Many people have taken advantage of this to share music and video without paying for it.

Is this appropriate, let alone legal? What should we be doing to educate our kids in this matter? Is it even possible to stop? Should we care?

(Response due July 15th - all comments due July 16th)


 * Discussion Question 2 **

In response to the Digital Footprint presentation, read the following Will Richardson article: Footprints in the Digital Age [|____http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/nov08/vol66/num03/Footprints_in_the_Digital_Age.aspx____]

Reflect on the status of your current learning network. Do you use your digital network for education or pleasure or both? To what extent do you use your network and/or other digital resources to learn? Do you see a need to expand your current network of contacts? If so, what steps of changes could you take to expand upon this? How could you assist others in your class in building their network?

(Response due July 16th - all comments due July 17th)


 * Discussion Question 3 **

Teachers are very busy people. The demands of their time are immense with lesson planning, assessment, communication with parents, family, etc.

Teachers, more so than many professions, are required to participate in professional development activities. Often, these activities are focused on using technology in the classroom setting as a tool to enhance teaching and learning. Many teachers resist this for a variety of reasons.

Should the use of technology in classrooms be expected of all teachers? If so, to what degree? Can you be a good teacher without using technology in the classroom?

(Response due July 17th - all comments due July 18th)