Plagiarism and the Internet

There definitely seems to be more cheating, plagiarism, and related incidents nowadays as a result of the web.  Information is much more accessible and plentiful.  Although this is beneficial to learning, it also makes it more challenging to distinguish what information is reliable.  Students need to learn what is acceptable and what isn't.  They also need to learn what plagiarism is and how they can avoid it.  It is especially important they get this lesson because it has become easy to plagiarize.  Fortunately, because of the web, it is easier for teachers to determine if something is plagiarized.  They can access web based programs that allow them to scan student created documents for matches to items that have been published. 

How can technology enhance learning when students aren’t the ones accessing it? 


Technology can definitely be used in the classroom without the students being the users.  It seems that this tends to be more of what is happening now in classrooms as teachers are starting to integrate technology into lessons at schools where budget constraints make it only possible to have one computer in each classroom or limited access to electronic devices.  Almost every day I use an LCD projector connected to an iPad to display an electronic copy of the notes during class discussions.  The students have a paper copy in front of them that they are writing on.  By doing this, I can create a digital copy of the notes that can be emailed to students who are absent, and given to those who have trouble taking notes.  I can also connect the LCD to the computer so students can watch a video that might better illustrate the topic we are discussing instead of my trying to describe it verbally.  




How can we create effective assessments using technology? 


Using technology to create and implement digital assessments can lead to more effective data collection, cut costs, and helps students develop skills that are needed to be successful citizens in the 21st century.  An advantage to using digital assessments would also be the opportunity for students to receive instant feedback (when using a tech tool that has this option).  Some digital assessment tools not only provide instant feedback but can also tailor the assessment to the student's skill level based on previous answers.  




Also respond to the video that we watched about standardized testing-where is the balance and what should we strive for?


I am really torn on where I stand in the standardized testing debate.  Part of me feels that student knowledge can't be measured by one type of assessment given on a specific day in an unnatural testing setting.  It doesn't seem fair to hold students and teachers accountable based on that one narrow piece of data.  I do believe we need some way to measure student progress in relation to certain benchmarks but the process needs to be a little more holistic or have multiple assessments that are used.  Having students create and maintain a portfolio with evidence of learning that includes tests, report cards, projects, etc seems like it would be a better method to determine competence.  Of course this isn't black and white and it would be difficult to determine how that competence is measured.  And, who would do this, teachers, principals, department of education employees?  There are so many variables involved but it would be worth the effort because we need to do what's best for the students.