History and Education

Although a huge fan of Social Media, I never once took to Twitter, it simply never called my attention. Its system and its limitation, as a young adult, did not catch my interest. Since its creation, I have known about Twitter about Twitter and saw its worth in delivering information to the public and connecting the users on a global level. Moreover, I can also say that I have three stocks in Twitter and those stocks have been steadily growing.

With that being said, my usage of Twitter did not begin until my participation in my most recent Education Class at Stockton University in Galloway New Jersey. This class, which focuses and encourages learning on a global level has implemented a learning experience through Twitter. The instructor encourages the students to use Twitter to construct a Global PLN or Professional Learning Network of educators around the world.

Being part of this class has allowed me to connect with the other educators, in ways are were unknown to me. These ways include the sharing of helpful links, articles, and technology that could assist my future as an educator. Furthermore, the feature within Twitter, which allows individuals to participate together on a certain topic, called Twitter chats, which have opened up the possibility to further learning and global connections.

Twitter has opened up many doors for my future career and I expect to utilize it in the future to both assist me in being a better teacher and to find new and innovative ways to teach my students about technology and globalism. And although I now find it a very powerful tool, at the beginning there were many things I did not care for. At first, I despised using the app and hated the functions are provided, but as a continuing learner myself, I needed to take the time to study the application and see its worth. I soon discovered its ease of access and from there everything took off.

I was then able to truly analyze Twitters ability to connect learners and I can truly say that I have learned a plethora of information from other educational users. The twitter chats allowed me to think about topics that I never thought to think about, For instance, my most recent Twitter chat included a conversation about Exercise and the way educators can implement movement in the classroom all while connecting students of all ages to the world.

-One of My responses to Questions asked on how to connect other cultures to exercise.

https://twitter.com/Cliandonicad/status/1098758958402191366

– Fellow Classmate, sharing Links and responding in a Twitter chat. Give her a Follow!!

Twitter has been able to connect with the Rest of the World and has expanded the possibility of connecting Globally with other educators. Those within Twitter have thought me about new Tools, new methods and new perspectives.

I recommend this social networking tool, for professions and ever educator, because in order to evolve and provide the best for our students, we need to continue to learn and this requires collaboration with others who are on the same mission.

– Check out this Video if you need help understanding the platform.

 

As always, give me a follow!!

@mrjoshtorres

 

 

 

            In 2015 seventeen Goals named as the Sustainable Development or, commonly known the Global Goals was introduced. These goals were put in place attempt to alter the dramatic changes that the human has had on the environmental world. These Sustainable goals of SDGs are actually a continuation of previous goals,  made at the turn of the century, commonly referred to as Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These past goals were in place to cover the following:

1. Poverty
2. Education
3. Child Mortality
4. Gender Equality
5. Maternal Health
6. Disease
7. Environmental and Global partnerships

 

The SDGs were implemented in 2015 after these past goals were, although successful, did not fully solve the problems at hand, The New STGs expanded the goals to include:

 

1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Wealth and Wellbeing
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
11. Sustainable Cities And Communities
12. Responsible Consumption  and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life below water
15. Life on Land
16. Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals

 

That being said, Microsoft, one of the largest producers and innovators of technology, has created a course specifically designed to teaching and spreading these goals on the nation that, in order for these goals to work, every person, community, every country, needs to be involved. With this in mind, it is important for educators from all parts of the globe to be connected to the sustainable development goals and make it their mission to spread the word and ignite the flame of action.

Watch this video to understand more:

 

Luckily, The Microsoft-led course offers a myriad of tools that educators can use in their classroom. These tools vary from films, Comics, and other great activities.  

 

Here are some of the available films:

 

 

 

The course mentions, these videos, among others can be used in the classroom in various ways, including turning the films into lessons, by stopping at key points. That being said these videos can be used in many ways. What are your ideas? Comment below!!

 

These videos are just one way to establish these Goals in The Classroom. The course also provides ways to connect the classroom through technology tools such as Skype of Flipgrid. These tools leave room to learn the goals online while also implementing Global learning a necessity to the completion of these Global Goals.

 

Download These online Applications here:

 

http://flipgrid.com/

http://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/

 

The main thing to keep in mind is that teaching these goals is very important and educators need to take steps to spread the word, but the good news is you are not alone, Microsoft, Educators, and countries all over the world are on the same mission as well. Moreover, with available tools more and more people are able to become part of the global mission.

 

 

 

Extra tools:

 

http://cdn.worldslargestlesson.globalgoals.org/2016/07/COMICS-USER-GUIDE1.pdf

 

http://cdn.worldslargestlesson.globalgoals.org/2016/07/1_Ellen-MacA_Challenging-Common-Conceptions.pdf

 

http://worldslargestlesson.globalgoals.org/take-action-title/

 

Good Luck on spreading the sustainable Goals and be sure to Follow my Educational journey on Twitter

 

@mrjoshtorres

 

   

 

Google does not seem to stop providing great tools for the classroom, and one that is underappreciated is Google Draw and its benefits in the classroom.

For starters, this application is free to download and use, much like other Google applications commonly used in educations, including google docs, sheets and so much more.

This app application allows a teacher endless possibilities when it comes to assignments online and opens the doors to endless examples of creativity for students, some examples of assignments or usages of Google draw, which are further explained in the video below:

1. Graphic Organizers
2. Provide Interactive Worksheets
3. Make Infographics
4. Explains Complex Concepts
5. Labeling of Images
6. Show Visuals And Diagrams
7. Produce and show Timelines

 

Moreover, the application can be used in the same way current assignments are given in google classroom. As an educator, you can link an interactive assignment for your students (No matter the subject) and your students can complete the assignment completely paperless online.

Below is a fellow PLN from Twitter giving an example of his usage of the App.

It is clear to see that this application can be implemented into the classroom, alongside other online apps that have been found to be useful, The applications are beneficial in all subject areas and because of interactive nature, it can be used in substitute of paper for a greener classroom.

I recommend in the classroom, no matter the age or the subject area because of its, many benefits, but for those of you who are still unsure of how to use the application, attaches below is a lesson plan that may assist you in your next lesson.

 

Google Drawing and Writing | Common Sense Education

 

Thanks again for following my Blog and be sure to follow me on Twitter to follow my professional journey as a teacher!!

Twitter : @mrjoshtorres

 

 

 

 

The educational field has for some time, been considered a safe zone or a career where people don’t get fired and everything is dandy, this is not the case. In today’s day and age, the educational field has its own risks and specific guidelines that need to be followed exactly. That being said, If future educators are not aware of changing policies, there just be up for a career change.

 

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/teacher-wore-blackface-bob-marley-halloween-costume-may-get-fired-191526845.html

 

For example, just recently, a teacher’s career is on the line because of social media post that was made more than a decade ago. This educator has to deal with the potential loss of his career for a distasteful post on social media.

 

That being said, as educators our every action is under the microscope and when it comes to technology those actions, no matter how old, can affect the likeness that we keep our jobs or it can even likeness we find or even obtain a new job following a dismissal. Moreover, understanding the dangers of technology can either make or break our career as educators. The culture is constantly changing and at times educators need to be like chameleons and adapt to the environment, whether we know it or not teachers are constantly in the limelight, understanding the risks are hand and taking actions to protect yourself against the misuse of technology may just save your career.

 

Many educators are unaware of the growing risk of technology and  I have decided to point out three tips to keep in mind, throughout your life, and within the classroom in order to play it safe, protect yourself and protect your students.

 

Beware of Social Media

Recently, social media has begun part of our everyday lives, it connects us to family and friends and even colleagues who assist us in our journey. At times it feels like they would be no danger on these sites or one may think that their facebook or twitter is a safe zone for their thoughts and feelings. This is not always the case, Our social media sites have become reflections of ourselves and posts and those who we interact with can misconstrued in countless ways. By understanding the privacy settings of the various sites you can make sure to prevent unwanted viewers on your site who can either comment or tag you in inapposite material. Also, you can make it your mission to not post controversial photos, vernacular or ideas which may raise eyebrows considering your career as a teacher and the influence you have on the youth. Lastly, it may be very important to “purge” your social media sites of anything that you feel may question your professionalism, such as old pictures, posts or anything that was done at a previous time in your life, so that you may not be questioned for something that happened a decade ago. (Be wary with this, because many feelings change over time, so something that was 100% ok a decade ago, may not be seen as ok in today’s changing social climate.

Understand FERPA

FERPA or the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (1974) serves to protect the privacy or a students educational information. The law limits, third party access to student information and only grants it to selected individuals, including parents and school administration. The law is in place to protect students and to make sure that their information is not wrongfully distributed. This destruction can be made in many ways and technology can cause some teacher to either purposely or accidentally spread information about their students.

 This law should be clearly understood and abided, I would recommend reading up on the law and becoming aware, so you may not fall into trouble by unknowing breaking it. When it comes to technology I recommend not taking pictures of students to work where it displays their name and any other personal information, block out any information before taking the picture and be careful with who you share it. Also, if you grade your students online do not leave your computer or other devices accessible so to prevent others from gaining the information. Also, be wary about posting your students on your social media, whether negative or positive, these posts can also be looked at breaking the law and it may cost you your job.

 

Understand your Technology

            Lastly, I’d like to touch on a very important thought about technology in the classroom. As an educator, there are many things going on the classroom that may distract us from the amount of technology around us, or we have been so accustomed to it that at times we forget its potential, good or bad. In this case, it may be beneficial to our well being that we keep a mind of the dangers. Technology in the classroom is an ever-growing field and it needs to be accustomed to a high amount of responsibility. Technology has many hidden features that need to be fully realized. For instance, computers have access to the world wide web and if not protected carefully can give your students access to unnecessary websites or functions. As educators, we truly need the eyes on the back of our heads in reference to technology, especially in an age where it seems students know more about eh equipment than their educators.

Many issues can revolve around not fully realizing the potential danger of easily accessible technology, for instance, there was a case of a teacher in South Carolina who had NFSW picture in her private phone and it somehow got into the hands of students who then shared the picture. The teacher has since been removed from her position and further actions were taken. Read below

 

https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/teacher-resigns-over-nude-pictures-taken-from-her-cellphone/

 

Even in the case, where this teacher may have been doing her job and may have fallen victim, she was to blame for not understanding how crucial it is to keep watch of the technology in the class and to be observant how it is being used. I suggest leaving your cellular device away from students view or making sure to also purge it of unnecessary items, or even put more security passwords on it. This should be understood about all technology in the classroom.

• Check out this video of example classroom rules when it comes to technology, your rules may differ depending on equipment but it is important to set certain usage guidelines.

Teaching is a very serious job and if we don’t see it as such we may fall victim to the consequence. Again, we need to adapt to our environments and understand the dangers that are around us. While being great educators we need to also protect ourselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As always, follow me on Twitter, where I post further thought on education, @mrjoshtorres