Journal #9: Teaching Green (NETS 1,2,3 & 5)

Waters, J. (2011). Teaching green. THE Journal, 38(4), Retrieved from http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/1105/journal_201104/#/12

The freelance writer, John Waters provides teachers and students numerous resources to learn about environmental issues.

The first resource is Classroom Earth is a site created by The Weather Channel and the National Education Foundation. The purpose of the site is to increase the awareness and quality of environmental education in high schools.

The second resource is A Walk in the Woods created for elementary school students who live in urban areas and have limited access to nature. The site provides a virtual walk through the woods.

EEK!-Environmental Education for Kids is an online magazine for students in grades 4-8.

The Ecological Footprint Quiz gives students the opportunity to see the impact they make on the Earth through their ecological footprint.

PowerUp is an environmental science-themed game. The site also provides lesson plans and guides for teachers and parents as well.

The last resource Waters writes about is The US Environmental Protection Agency Teaching Center. The website offers an abundance of lesson plans and activities based on numerous environmental topics.

Question 1: Which of the resources would have the greatest impact on students?

A: I think that the Ecological Footprint would be the most beneficial for students. The results of the quiz will allow for students to see the impact they make on the environment and alternatives for how to make a difference.

Question 2: Who should have the responsibility of teaching children about the importance of preserving the environment? Parents or teachers?

A: I think it should be the responsibility of both. If children are receiving the message from more than one source, it will have a greater impact on the importance of preserving the environment.

Journal #8: Point/Counterpoint: Should Schools Be Responsible for Cyberbulling?

Bogacz, R., & Gordillo, M. (2011). Should schools be held accountable for cyberbullying. Leading and Learning With Technology, 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Should_Schools_Be_Held_Responsible_for_Cyberbullying.aspx

In the article, Bogacz and Gordillo give suggestions of how cyberbulling can be controlled. In the first section Bogacz says that technology has enabled students to bully each other and school administrators cannot ignore what is happening because it is having an impact on the academic environment. Bogacz suggests that with the cooperation of parents, teachers, school administrators, and students cyberbullying can be prevented. In the second section Gordillo argues that the schools don't need to be held accountable for cyberbullying. He believes that prevention needs to start at home with the parents. He believes that if students recieve love at home from their parents, bullying will be a less likely occurence. Parents are a student's first educator and they need to learn how to work with schools to educate their children and prevent bullying. He believes that schools can help restore families back to being supportive, loving, and caring units, but schools can't do it by themselves, they need help. The conclusions of both sides of the argument were very different. Bogacz concluded saying if everyone works together to prevent bulling, it will end. But if one group doesn't put in the effort, everything will be for nothing. Gordillo concludes by saying that schools can only help foster the prevention of bulling, it is up to families to teach their children to stop bullying.

Question 1: How can schools prevent cyberbullying?

A: Schools can do many things to prevent cyberbullying. One thing they can do is have parents and students sign a contract to prevent it from occurring. I would also create a comfortable classroom that encourages respect. Another thing I would is make sure students know it is okay to report bullying to teachers.

Question 2: How can parents prevent cyberbullying?

A: Parents can teach their children that its not okay to bully others in any form, including through technology. Parents should also monitor their children when they are on the Internet or using their cell phones. Another thing parents can do is work with their children's school to create or carry out an anti-bullying policy.