Tools for the Mind

This blog summarizes an article, "Tools for the Mind," written by Mary Burns, about the importance of implementing technology in the classroom.

In her article, “Tools for the Mind,” Mary Burns opens up the door for new argument about technology in schools. She claims that teachers are not using technology in appropriate ways—ways that can promote learning and exercise high-order thinking skills with students.

To read more about "Tools for the Mind," click here:

The Educator's Guide to the Read/Write Web

This blog is a summary of an article, "The Educator's guide to the Read/Wrtie Web," written by Will Richardson.

Overview:

In his article, “The Educator’s guide to the Read/Write Web,” Will Richardson gives an overview of the latest communication and publishing tools that are available for acquiring and sharing information on our new Read/Write Web. In his overview of these tools, Richardson suggests many new opportunities for student to publish school assignments, get expert information, and collaborate with classmates or even students around the world about academic issues using our new web. In his article, Richardson stresses the importance teachers have with introducing students to the Read/Write Web. He claims that educators have a prevailing role: teaching the students how to appropriately and effectively use the tools of the Read/Write Web while incorporating the Read/Write Web into their curriculums as a regular, everyday tool to enhance learning.

To read more about Richardson's article, "The Educator's Guide to to the Read/Write Web," click here.

Energy Conservation Project: Part I

This blog details my brainstorm of an energy conservation project which I did as a requirement of my Integration of Tool Software class.

Question:

How many more miles can I get per gallon if I exercise certain fuel-conserving driving techniques while I'm driving my car? For instance, not breaking around corners, shifting down a gear when I'm driving down hills instead of breaking, not following too closely behind the car in front of me so I can let off the gas to slow down instead of using the breaks, not going over 55mph, etc.

Assumption:

I think I will get an extra 10 miles to the gallon if I drive very conservatively.

Requirements for my Research:

For my project, I will need to know how many miles per gallon my car gets. I will then need to know how many miles per gallon I get after I perform the experiment. I will be collecting the data at the gas tank. I will keep track of how many miles I have driven and how many gallons of gas I have pumped. I will do this experiment twice: once when I'm driving normally, and once when I'm driving very conscientious of burning fuel. I will keep all of my data in a log book. I will keep track of the dollar signed as well, because it is also interesting to know how much money I actually save.