I cannot believe I missed seeing this prompt!! I posted earlier this week on databases. I thought we reflected on this earlier this term...
"Reflect on current social networking technologies and how they might be used for educational purposes. You can also outline some concerns you have with these technologies."
Social networking sites are becoming more popular every day. Google has now released it's former beta version of a social networking site, Google +. It allows users to set up contacts in circles, from family to friends, to acquaintances to co-workers to circles you name yourself. Right now, few people have joined compared to those who are on Facebook, Twitter, and Skype.
While I enjoy visiting Facebook, I have major concerns with using social networks for school use. Some districts are implementing policies which place restrictions on teacher involvement with students via social networking sites. My school policy states teachers are not allowed to "friend" students on social networking sites. I welcome this policy because it protects all involved. I do not have to worry about causing someone hurt feelings since it is a school administrative decision. In addition, we are not allowed to use Skype since it is not a secure form of communication. I find this interesting, since my daughter is taking online courses through our state department of education, where instructors regularly communicate with students via Skype.
When I am on Facebook, I see former co-workers who have current students as their "friends." I feel this is inappropriate and sends the wrong message to students. I was very deliberate in the brick and mortar by communicating to my students that I was not their friend. I feel we need to make sure students know we care about them, yet we must keep the relationship in the proper perspective.
While I can see potential for using a type of social networking for teachers and students, I feel the benefits are outweighed by the potential problems. I do not even text with my parents and students any more. It is a shame that fellow teachers have crossed the line with students, often through social networking and texting. We cannot change what they have done. What we can do is live lives that reflect Christ and abstain fro any appearance of evil. If that means not being "friends" with students on sites like Facebook, then so be it.
From Tiffany - her post did not show again:
ReplyDeleteKimberly,
It may work that you could export the data to Excel and have Excel do the calculations. You would just need to figure out the formula that would satisfy the points that you need to calculate. If needed, you could then import it back into Access.
I like that you all give certificates to kids to encourage their growth in their Christian walk. It takes dedication to attend Bible school and their efforts deserve recognition, though I am sure Jesus blesses them.
How do you track the students progress in the database to know if they need to pick up the pace or not? Does your grading program link to your database?
I am impressed. I have very little experience with Access and you are able to mail merge already! I need to learn how to do that when I get back to the classroom. I have done mail merge before through Word, but I can almost guarantee that Access would be better because you would not have to re-enter all the information each time.
What information is in your teacher database that is under construction?
I agree, if technology is going to make your life easier in the long run, learn how to use it! If it is going to be something that you can say you know how to use, but you never use it, then it is a waste of time. I agree that databases are a great deal of work initially, but their payoff is worth the effort. It always helps to set up the databases collaboratively because it lessens the work load on any one person. It is also important to keep in mind that once the database is set up, you can use it as long as the data is accurate.
Great posting. I hope my suggestion helped you with your calculations.
Tiffany
Tiffany, thanks for the suggestions for Excel!
ReplyDeleteOur students work in an online program that measures progress. I export the data weekly to Excel and copy/paste into the Excel spreadsheet. I have found the hard way that I have to used Copy->Paste->Special values. If I don't, the data does not get entered correctly. We just got an email today that our spreadsheet is ready! I am so glad to have it now. As you stated, it will take some time for me to input the information, but it will make my life so much easier! Since I have my own homeroom, I do have to complete all of my own students, but we have training for new teachers so they can get assistance in a collaborative environment.
Thanks again for the suggestions! I'm sure we could figure out how to make it work with a bit of effort.