Can you imagine
a life without computers? How about a life without the Internet,
Microsoft Word, Excel, or email? Eeek! Being a graduate student,
these are essential tools that I have come to heavily rely on for
writing papers, communicating with others, and also searching for
resources. If computers and associated technology were to just -
"poof!" - disappear, I am quite sure that my world would
be in utter and total chaos.
My computer and I have become great partners, and we have embarked
into the world of academia together as a team. This intimate partnership
that I have with my computer is not uncommon; I believe that many
have a frequently used computer in their home. I also believe that
most people are hooked up to the Internet, whether it's through
a dial-up service or a cable connection. Computers have become personal
portals to the world, and we can access information about anything,
anytime, and from almost anywhere. In other words, computers are
'convenience' at our fingertips.
The idea of borderless communication and convenience 'touched off'
ideas in the world of academics, and now there are many institutions
that offer classes online. Most online courses are offered to college
students, or for working professionals. Online courses allow those
who work full-time, or are busy throughout the week, to login to
a course at a convenient time of day. Students can be involved in
on-going discussions, email each other, and there is even software
available for professors to broadcast themselves through web cams.
However, for this handiness, students must make sure that they
have a compatible computer system, and for those who are not familiar
with computers this can be a problem. In this month's technology
section we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online
courses, as well as present some articles. Also, since this month's
theme is Drug and Alcohol awareness, web resources on this issue
will be made available also.
Dawn
Sakaguchi
Technology Section Editor |
| Online Courses - Pros & Cons |
| Advantages
and Disadvantages of Online Courses - In an interview with
two online course professors, Patti Steinmuller and Shawn Talbott,
they specifically talk about the effects of online courses, as well
as, in their opinion the advantages and disadvantages. Below, I
have a list of the advantages that I have taken from the article
(Burke & Miles, 2002):
Advantages:
 |
The flexibility of attending the class at anytime,
and accessing it from anywhere in the world. |
|
It was mentioned that students seem to be more
actively involved in the learning process, and express their
feelings more freely. |
|
Students are more proactive in this type of classroom
than a traditional classroom. |
|
Students do not have to be physically on a campus
to access resources. |
Advantages:
|
Online courses are like an independent study project,
so students need to have good time management skills, as well
as the motivation to complete assigned projects. |
|
Students may
have different learning styles |
Resources
Burke, L.M., Miles, M.P. (2002). An interview with Patti Steinmuller
and Shawn Talbott about online courses in sports nutrition. International
Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 12, 238-245.
Benefits
of Online Courses
Blackboard is an educational software company that promotes e-Education.
The link below is a list of benefits for students thinking of taking
online courses. |
| If you have
ideas, comments, letters to share, or questions about particular
topics, please email one of the following Technology Section
Editors: |
|
|
 |
| What
are your opinions about the advantages and disadvantages
of online courses? What have been your experiences, both
positive and negative? Please share. |
|
| Getting
distant: Online, video learning becoming part of school
life.
Online
Courses offers Opportunities
This editorial discusses how online courses provide an opportunity
for those who have little time to attend traditional college courses.
However, some limitations to taking online courses are also mentioned.
Online learning gives Terra C.C. student new direction
This article
talks about a Terra Community College student who was able to attain
her Bachelor’s Degree through an online program that was offered
to her.
|
| Drug and Alcohol Awareness |
| When steroid
usage among athletes hit the news waves, talking about drug and
alcohol abuse to our students is now more important than ever.
Below are some resources that help to address this concern.
50
Top Publications put out by the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). There are also
direct links to some of these publications below.
Tips
for Teens: The Truth about Alcohol
This fact sheet is put out by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA), and provides information about
the effects of alcohol. It also talks about signs that indicate
if a person is intoxicated with alcohol.
Keeping
our Youth Drug Free
This is a booklet for parents on how to help keep your child drug
free. It provides information on how to take an active part in
your child’s life, becoming a good role model, and setting
down clear rules as well as the consequences if those rules were
broken.
Wake
up to the Risks of Marijuana: A Guide for Parents
- This is an online brochure for parents about the risks of Marijuana,
and how to keep your kids away from it.
Alcohol
and Other Drugs 2 Software
This software teaches kids about the risks and consequences of
using drugs and alcohol use. It also includes activities that
promote discussion and critical thinking about this subject.
Fun
Facts: Drug Prevention
This trivia-style game on is a quick, fun, and affordable way
of reviewing important information and gaining a baseline assessment
of student knowledge on drug prevention. - source:
site
|
| Over
the Counter Drug Abuse |
|
|
| Lesson Plans on Substance Abuse |
| In
the Mix - Drug Abuse Brochure
Students will be given a list of Drug Information Web sites and
a blank "Drug Abuse Crossword." They are to complete the
crossword by finding the answers within the various websites. The
information they glean from the Web search will be used to plan
an informational brochure to be distributed to all students in school.
In
the Mix - The Drug Dope Show
Students work in teams using a "talk show" format to research
drug types, the addiction/recovery processes, and effects of drug
abuse on society, family, friends, work, school, etc. They will
also explore techniques for resisting peer pressure.
It's
My Life - Dangers of Drug Abuse
Middle school students should understand that they will be faced
with a variety of decisions regarding their health, and that some
of them might involve substances of abuse. Experimentation with
drugs often begins in early adolescence. Students will be able to
evaluate the health hazards of illegal and legal drugs, and explain
why it is important to stay drug-free. Students will be able to
interpret knowledge about drug abuse and will describe the short-term
and long-term health risks of using drugs.
Latest
trend in drug abuse: Youths risk death for cough-remedy high.
This educational lesson on the topic of drug prevention, from USA
TODAY Education and The Office of National Drug Control Policy,
provides students with the opportunity to learn about the real dangers
of drugs while recommending tools and tips to make healthy decisions.
The focus of this lesson is abuse of over-the-counter cough and
cold medicines.
NOVA:
Life's Greatest Miracle: Printable Activity - An activity designed
to lead students to identify the effects of maternal consumption
of alcohol at various stages of pregnancy.
Anti-Smoking
Jingle or Rap - more
info
"Just say no!" was once a slogan used to promote drug
prevention. Today , if you said this to high school students, they
would probably roll their eyes and laugh. Many high school students
are not excited to learn about tobacco, alcohol, and drugs because
this topic has already been covered in their classes and they think
they know everything about it. This lesson and project is designed
to motivate students and is based on Howard Gardner's theory of
multiple intelligences. - source: site
Students create public service "raps" to discourage smoking.
Apple Learning Interchange Lesson Ideas have been cross-correlated
to state, national, and other organizational standards.
Your
World: Learning About Drugs and Alcohol Through Biotechnology
covers the neuroscience of drugs and alcohol, with a focus on how
these substances can lead to addiction and alcoholism. More
info. 7 page PDF file.
Atlantic
View Elementary's 2001 Grassroots Health Project: Grade
6 - This Project consists of several individual class projects,
each focusing on a different topic relating to the Atlantic Provinces
Education Foundation Health curriculum. Specifically students will
be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the body, body functions,
growth, and development.
Grade 6 Outcomes for The Body: Growth and Development - demonstrate
an understanding of the effect of change within the family - identify
laws related to the possession and distribution of tobacco, alcohol,
prescription drugs and street drugs - assess the impact of current
and emerging technologies on the health and fitness of Canadians
- identify ways that individuals, communities, and countries cooperate
to protect and maintain environmental health - demonstrate an appreciation
of the heritage of cultural groups in the community and province.
|
Date
Rape Drugs
Date rape drugs explained and de-mystified. In recent years
a new kind of rape threat has reared it's ugly head at parties,
on campuses, and in nightclubs - so called "predator"
or "date rape" drugs. What exactly are date rape drugs?
Date
Rape Drugs: What You Need to Know! |
|
|
