EDIM 508 Unit 6 Summary Posting

Open Classrooms, Open Minds

Ive enjoyed reading your discussions this week on the challenges with using
digital media and technological tools to develop students respectful and
ethical minds.
Id like to highlight some thoughts from this weeks discussion.

Amy- Respect can best be fostered by encouraging students to work together on projects
where they may have different perspectives but one common goal in mind. Using shared inquiry
techniques help to develop a respectful voice among students where they can connect and politely argue
thoughts based on evidence. Again, project based learning comes to mind as well. Setting up
opportunities for students to problem solve and experience cultural diversity through the use mobile
devices is helpful to developing both a respectful and ethical mind. Working together to collect data,
research, use Google Earth and maps, view multimedia of cultural experiences and more can create
positive relationships and understanding through technology.

Angela- Though I think it's important to expose kids to global issues,

what better place to start modeling that respect than with the face-to-face
interactions in the classroom. But, I do kind of think they go hand-in-hand...respect in the classroom can
help build on respect for groups outside the classroom, and global respect could lead to classroom
respect. (I hope I'm making sense here!) I've said this in previous discussions, but to reiterate, I think
it's so important to use these tools (Skype, Twitter, Google Hangouts, etc) in the classroom and model
positive interactions.

Catherine- . We have to teach the students how to communicate with each other in a respectful
way and in a way that's going to help solve problems. Most children don't think through all of that, they
are just in the moment with their feelings. I felt this quote from Gardner (2008) was very strong, "The
task for educators becomes clear: if we are to fashion persons who respect differences, we need to
provide models and offer lessons that encourage such a sympathetic stance." We talk about respect in
my classroom. What it means to be respectful, how to show respect. When students aren't being
respectful I call them out on it because how are they going to learn the difference otherwise?

Hannah Fighting to instill a sense of respect and why respect is needed in a society based on
individualism and freedom of speech and expression can be difficult. It seems countless times I have
heard the phrases "It's a free country!" "I can say what I want!" "Freedom of speech!" when I have
reproached someone for a disrespectful comment. This is where I have had to be very direct and reiterate
that while I, as your teacher, am not infringing on your rights, but I am taking the position that respect
comes first and foremost, no matter who you are talking to, and no matter how they talked to you first.

Jessica- Somehow we have to find a way to teach students the

precariousness of their actions. I am proposing that instead of no bullying
campaigns, we need to teach respectful behavior about yourself and towards
others. Instead of being reactive, we need to be proactive and demonstrate
appropriate usage of social media as a model for students, and our children.
Maybe if we allowed students to use social media for projects in class, and
supervised them, they might learn to be more careful with their words and
actions.

Kathryn- It is difficult to model and teach about a respectful mind, when the political leaders
do not model this themselves. The politicians are constantly putting each other down for their differences
and make no attempt to work together. This current election has been especially eye opening. Never in
my years of teaching, have I heard so many political comments and opinions from my 12 year old
students. However, this is what surrounds them.

Kevin- I often tell parents that my goal is always to help their child become a good citizen first.
What we deem a "good citizen" is someone who puts the well-being of others before their own. A good
citizen wants to contribute to society positively, and they want to put forth their best effort in all
situations. Since these are attributes we want our students to have as well, by teaching them how to be
good people, they will naturally want to be good students. Thus, the will strive to meet or even exceed
our standards.

Kheila- We often talk about the importance to model out thinking in

terms of academic concepts, but is just as crucial when we think about our ethical
behavior. Our students pick up on everything we do, say, and how we react in
situations. You stated it perfectly when you said "we must model good
communication skills, conflict management, and acceptance of all humans". We
need to model these skills in authentic situations, not just when we are "teaching" them.

Krista- I absolutely love the idea of classrooms having pen pals throughout the school year,
and in turn being able to Skype or do Google video chats here and there. Having the opportunity to bring
it beyond simply receiving a letter in the mail makes it even more real for the students and they may feel
more invested in working with students from another state, region, or culture.

Lindsey- As teachers, and adults in general, we have a responsibility to our students and all
children alike to act as role models with ethical and respectful behaviors. We must model good work,
intrinsic motivation, pride in our work, and concern for our community. We must model good
communication skills, conflict management, and acceptance of all humans.

Michelle- We have the opportunity to embrace our students natural inclination to recognize
and identify with groups, and help them see those identities in a positive light. Teaching respectful and
ethical behavior toward others does not have to mean teaching students to ignore differences, to pretend
we are all the same. What a shame that would be. Rather, we have the opportunity to help guide them
toward a real understanding of the value of diversity, the necessity of tolerance and respect, and the
mandate of ethical behavior.