Cyberbullying Case Studies

1. Penelope and Rosetta work together on the Kinseytown High yearbook. They are usually friends, but have a heated disagreement over the artwork for the yearbook’s cover. During lunch period, Penelope sends a text message to Rosetta

stating “I’m so mad I can’t even sit near you. Leave me alone today.”

This particular circumstance does not constitute cyberbullying. Text messages are not included in what counts as 'cyber' and the comment that Penelope sent to Rosetta is only an insult, and not a direct threat. Therefore, because of the level of the comment that was made, and the fact that it was a text and not sent via internet, makes it not a case of cyberbullying. There would be no legal consequences for a text such as this being sent. 

2. Marla is a new student at school. In the school computer lab, William sets up a page on MySpace called “Marla Go Home!” Several students post derogatory messages about Marla’s appearance, calling her a “slob” and a “loser.” Marla sees the page and leaves early. She stays at home for several days.

This instance is definitely a case of cyberbullying. It took place on the internet, and defaces the student Maria. It took place on school grounds which means that the school can take legal action in this case. The school can discipline the students who made the MySpace page, and take action that could lead to suspension or expulsion. Legally, it depends on how Maria takes what is posted to her. If she takes it harder than just staying home for a few days, then extra charges could be placed against the students who made the website.

Chapter 11 - Integrating Problem-Solving and Educational Software

What are the benefits of using problem-solving or educational software?

There are several benefits of problem-solving software listen on page 284 in the textbook. These include increased student attention and motivation, but also the increase in skills involving thinking, planning, learning, and technical skills. These all help students in many aspects of their education as well as work-place preparedness. 
Educational software also has many benefits. Students are being asked to utilize more and more technology in their schooling and in their careers. The more familiar students are with technology from a young age, the more career skills they will be equipped with. Along with this, drill-and-practice software gives students the opportunity to practice basic skills that provide immediate feedback for them to figure out how they are doing. 

How do I choose the correct software?

Teachers can use software reviews to figure out if it is something that will work for their lesson or they can check with other educators to see if someone else has used that product before for a similar lesson. Making sure that the software does what you are expecting it to do before implementing it in a lesson is very important and can prevent disastrous situations from occurring. 

When I integrate problem-solving or educational software into a lesson, what changes will be needed?

There are several changes to an NTeQ lesson plan listed on page 292 in the textbook. There are six of the components that will need changes; computer function, research and analysis, results presentation, activities during computer use, activities before computer use, activities after computer use. Each of these areas should be assessed when using problem-solving or educational software to determine how the software will fit in to the lesson plan.

Chapter 9 Integrating Multimedia as a Tool

How can my students use multimedia for their projects?
  
Unfortunately, the students I teach and will be teaching in the future are pre-kindergarteners and do not have an understanding of technology. However, if I were teaching students who were able to create presentations, I would encourage my class to make presentations that focused on the material that they are being asked to relay. There are many good options for embedding pictures, videos, links, and more in to multimedia presentations to enhance what students are being asked to do.
Students could use multimedia to present on a number of subjects from math to book reports to a social studies or science lesson. This helps students prepare for the work environment where people are often asked to make presentations in the work place. 

What applications are available for creating a multimedia presentation?

There are many different software and web-based applications and products available for creating multimedia presentations. There are software applications such as Powerpoint that are easy for students to use, and websites like Prezi that are easy to sign up for and are very user-friendly. 

Should I place limits on how my students use multimedia?

The textbook notes that sometimes students become more fascinated with adding bells and whistles to their presentations than focusing on the content. One suggestion that the book has is to limit their time making the presentation to just using a bland format, and then giving a few minutes after the presentations are complete to allow them to add some bells and whistles to spice up their presentations.