Podcasts

Mr. Kuz's Technology Survey Questions  (posted 2/1/12)

http://ia700807.us.archive.org/13/items/Mr.KuzsTechnologySurvey/MrKuzsSurvey.mp3


 The answers to the survey coming soon!


Here is what everyone has been waiting for, the results!  (posted 2/3/12)

 http://ia700800.us.archive.org/29/items/Mr.KuzsSurveyResults/MrKuzsSurveyResults.mp3

Are 21st Century Skills in Jeopardy?

            The first item I noticed about this web site of the “Partnership for 21^st Century Skills” is how similar it is to other web sites and videos I have viewed at Walden and other educational institutions in regard to incorporating 21^st century skills in our curriculums.  Aside from the content in these sites, it is important to realize the people, organizations, and businesses creating them.  I feel they should be involved in the educational system and employment of our students. 

            The real surprise is that Connecticut, the state I teach in, is not on the state initiatives list with this organization.  After viewing the “Connecticut State Department of Education” web’s site I was able to locate the following link:  http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/pdf/ssreform/studentsuccessplan_essential_rec_color.pdf 
This is titled: “Connecticut State Department of Education Student Success Plan: Model Criteria and Recommended Elements Rigor – 21st Century Skills – Engagement”.  One the references listed on this site is, “Partnership for 21^st Century Skills”.  Both web sites basically state the same information in regard to 21^st century skills students should acquire.

            There is not much to disagree with on the sites.  I feel there are issues and problems when trying to incorporate these skills in all disciplines.  For example, math teachers must cover their curriculum and teach to the state tests.  I can see where it would be difficult to incorporate the 21^st century skills in this situation.  These skills can be incorporated and taught in the Technology Department, (old Unified Arts) and other similar departments.  For this reason it is important that school district’s budgets support these departments.  In this economy we have seen budget reductions, layoffs, and total closings of these departments.  If we continue the budget reductions at this rate, in the near future teachers will only be teaching to state tests and students will be deprived of the 21^st century skills needed for a successful future. 

            What are your thoughts concerning the economy and budget cuts and how this can have an effect on the 21^st century skills?

Integrating a Blog for the Eighth Grade

            This is new to me.  I teach Technology in a Wood Shop to 6^th, 7^th, & 8^th grades in a middle school.  My first thoughts are to set this up for the eighth grade and see how things develop.  I feel that once I learn all the details of blogging this will enhance student learning.  I asked my students today if any of them were bloggers and the reply was two out of forty-eight eighth graders blog.  We do not use Facebook in our school for any communications, however, years ago students started a negative page and there was serious bad comments posted recently.  This leads me to concerns about moderating the blog.  What are your thoughts on this?  Also, should I create a new, separate blog dedicated to just the eighth grade?

Here are my thoughts as to what will be posted on the blog for this class.

·         The information that is on my school web page

·         All rubrics and other information pertaining to assignments

·         Due dates for assignments

·         Relevant class links

·         A section where students can share research information pertaining to the projects

·         Pictures and videos pertaining to class work

·         Student work

            All of my lessons and information for the classes is saved digitally.  This would make it easy to post on the blog.  Instead of explaining something over and over I have students access the information on the blog with the laptops in class.  This will benefit the entire class.  The blog would also be a benefit when students are absent.  I am sure there are many more benefits.  What are your thoughts?

Technology in Connecticut Classrooms

Hello
My name is Joseph Kuziak and I am a Technology teacher at Swift Middle School in Watertown, Connecticut.  I teach Technology in a Wood Shop.  Although the title is “Technology in Connecticut Classrooms,” all teachers are welcome to post.

I would be interested in hearing how other technology teachers are structuring their lessons.  I am a member of the CTEA; however, I think I meet only a small percentage of technology teachers at the meetings.

I would like to hear from you if any changes are being made in your classes next year.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Joe Kuziak

Technology Wood Shop Projects

What are some of the projects you are constructing in the Technology Wood Shop.  I teach in a Middle School and two projects presently being constructed are Rubber Band Cars and Mouse Trap Cars.