Technology and Visuals in the Classroom

from mimio.dymo.com

Today, I went to Lincoln Elementary School in Cedar Falls, IA for a technology class. When I was there, I learned all about the Mimio (which is similar to the Promethean Board, expect it's portable). I also got the opportunity to watch 6th graders use a Google sketch program that is similar to programs that architects use. Finally, I got to go into a 1st grade classroom and experience the 1st graders showing how they use the Mimio technology throughout the school day. The Mimio technology has a website that explains what the Mimio is, provides/ allows teachers to share lesson plans and activities, and offers other resources as well.

from newalbanyschools.us

Using a Mimio, or Promethean Board, or any kind of smart board for that matter, creates a very engaging and interactive environment for students to learn in. It also is very visual centered, but you can also add audio and have students perform hands-on activities as well. I realized that using some kind of smart board in my classroom is definitely something that I want to do because of all the positives that go along with it. The 1st grade teacher at Lincoln said that she has noticed that students enjoy learning more and are more actively engaged in the learning process as well. The students themselves also love using this technology and said that learning is actually fun now!  :) This is something that I would definitely want my students to think. The variety of visuals used with this technology can benefit all students because of it's ability to adjust to many delivery and learning styles. The Mimio (and other smart boards) are also applicable to students of all ages, Pre-K through College. This is another HUGE benefit to using one in your classroom.

from easygraphics.com

As a future teacher, I would love to have the opportunity to teach with some sort of interactive whiteboard. I feel that interactive whiteboards help support learning and build student skills. Many teachers have the ability to share lesson plans with others from across the States, which is an amazing thing to me! I can't wait to take advantage of the technology in our world today and apply that to my future classroom.  :)

Morals, Ethics, and Values and Visuals

So, I have been having a lot of time to think lately (because I'm just so good at managing my time and actually get my homework done!)... I am a very liberal girl, however some topics (music lyrics, advertisements on TV, the radio, in magazines, on the Internet, what to include in a school/classroom curriculum) that have been discussed in my classes lately have really got me thinking. I recently saw a presentation in class about morals and ethics used when viewing visuals; I am adding values to this post as well because I feel that it all goes together nicely. First, I want to start by defining the three (3) terms I mentioned already. 

Moral: of, pertaining to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong.   
Ethics: a system of moral principles; the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc.; that branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions.
Values: the ideals, customs, institutions, etc., of a society toward which the people of the group have an affective regard. These values may be positive, as cleanliness, freedom, or education, or negative, as cruelty, crime, or blasphemy: any object or quality desirable as a means or as an end in itself.

So, what does all of this have to do with visuals? Well, what do you consider to be appropriate to show your friends, peers, family members, colleagues, professors/teachers? Do you have the same guidelines for all groups?

I sure don't!  :) 


Who would you show the following images to?

1. From southernmamas.com

2. From southernmamas.com

 
 

 

3. From http://www.lovelyish.com/

5. From uzzahformen.com

4. From precious-womens-perfumes.com

6. From http://fun-gallery.com

7. From brooklyn-newyork.olx.com

8. From usatoday.com

 

9. From http://fun-gallery.com

As I'm sure you decided, some of the ads I posted above would be appropriate for any group, while others' may only be appropriate for a select few groups. The question you must ask yourself when viewing the above ads (and any ad for that matter) is how are you judging this ad? Are you using your personal set of values, morals and beliefs? Are you using our society's set of morals ethics and values? Are you using a religious standpoint? The way that people in our society view ads is very interesting. If I were to show anyone a group of provocative, controversial, prejudice, etc. ads, I'm sure they would be appalled. However. these are the ads that are out there in our magazines, TV's, computers, on the billboards, etc. I understand that I can't personally change the opinion and viewpoints of the big companies who are putting out these terrible ads, but it is up to us to stand by the good values, morals, and ethics being taught to our children.
Below are some websites that I would like you to check out as well as some videos I found to be very interesting. I hope you enjoy and take away a passion to change the ads, TV shows, movies, songs, and games that we expose our children and teens today.
Dove Campaign for Real Beauty
Advertising and Morality
Advertising Educational Foundation
Ethics in Advertising
Media Awareness Network