Wiki Contrabution pt. 2

Here is the link to my lesson plan on our class wiki.

Lulu Lesson

Video Project

So, when I embedded the clip, it cut off a large portion of it. It may just be easier to watch it from You Tube. The link for it is listed below.

Hamlet

Video Project

Wiki Contrabution

I was really impressed with the Wiki. I like the concept of bringing together everyone's information in one, localized space. As we are using it, its a great space to collaborate ideas and share valuable sources. in the classroom, it would be intriguing to have a class wiki page. As an English teacher, if I assigned a research paper or involved project, many students could collaborate what they have already found. Also, a wiki would come in handy for group projects, especially when conflicting schedules prevent students from meeting or working together in person. So much can be shared or one single site.

Blogs from my Google Reader...

So, I did not post any blog or site from my Google Reader on the class Wiki site. Unfortunately, the blogs and sites I chose at the beginning of the semester did not prove very useful. I have enjoyed looking at the useful links some of my classmates have posted, though. Seems they had better luck than me!

Internet Safety Discussion

I called my Dad and we had a great discussion on the "digital revolution" and what it means for both parents and children. We have discussed computer safety before, and it was interesting to discuss what I read from the prophets (in particular, Elder Bednar's comments on virtual self versus physical self) as well as the documentary I watched. We discussed the changes he has personally seen, from experiencing the shift from handwritten documents to the first real push for corporate e-mails ten years ago. There are so many variables to look at as well as the accompanying paradoxes. Some parents strive to limit the time spent on computers, but how possible is that, really, when more and more assignments are conducted solely by internet or technological systems. There is a great need for order, but where do you draw the line? It was really interesting to get his perspective, as one who watched it all change at a more mature age. It was a great discussion, especially as we were able to combine behaviors and habits which deserve intervention and scenarios which may demand restriction or moderation.

Internet Safety

Wow, I watched the documentary "Growing Up Online" and it was very fascinating. It was an hour long, and I don't know exactly what I could say to sum it up succinctly. There was an interesting paradox between parents trying too hard and not trying hard enough. There was an example of a boy whose mother was almost obsessed with protection. I agree with some of her methods, such as placing the computer in the kitchen, however, her constant nagging her son about it destroyed their relationship to the point that they hardly speak and the son never shares anything with his mother anymore. No matter the motivation, if the effect is this detrimental, the attitude and actions of the parents deserve examination. However, there was another example of a boy who seemed normal, but at age 13 committed suicide. It was sad to watch the father find answers to his son's unexpected suicide online, especially in researching the disturbing sites he frequented. The two contrasting examples have given me a lot more to think about regarding the measures parents take to protect their children. On one hand, you don't want to alienate your children from you. But on the other, you don't want to find out too late that your child was suffering from severe depression that led to a completely preventable suicide. A lot to take in.