ok, so web20classroom on twitter has some pretty awsome tweets these days. In his latest tweet he references a blog about how to use Skype in the classroom (http://bit.ly/93vQ8r). Skype is a program that is free to download online. Once downloaded you can search for people by name. After you add contacts to your skpye, you can call that person up (if they are online), and being to chatt face to face. They can not only hear you(like a cell phone), but they can also see you. It is real time, and instantaneous. For example, you could be in Spain talking and seeing someone in the United States. This particular article focuses on the many ways that skype can be used in teaching/the classroom/etc: Here are some of my favorite suggestions for teachers, espcially English and Language Arts:Visit teachingdegree.org or the above link to view all the suggestions:
1Chat with an author of a book read in class via Skype
2)Virtual fieldtrips:
3)Interviews
4)Guest Lectures
I had never before thought about using Skype within the classroom until I read this blog. Currently I use skype to connect with family and friends across the United States while in college, but I think there is so much more to this software than that. Can you imagine what this type of technology would have been like when you were in highschool. I would have loved to chat with my favorite author face to face. I would have loved to visit places vis. vitural tours that I knew I wouldn't be able to get to. I think the wave of this type of technology has finally started to filtar into the classroom, and I can't imagine what's next. Who knows, but maybe in 10 years students will be doing far more advanced things with technology than we every dreamed.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Blog on Keeping Technology from Taking You Over
In a recent blog posted by Lori Deschene called, "7 Tips to Keep Techology from taking over your life" @ http://bit.ly/9IpDCN (posted on twitter by Web20@classroom), several tips are given for ways to keep technology under control. Below are some of the tips she gave that I really wanted to share with you bloggers:
1. "Make deliberate choices about time." Lori gives the example of email and that instead of spending hours and hours answering tons of emails that people send you, focus on the really impotant ones. Sometimes it can take so much time to respond to all the emails that are sent to us. We should make smart choices in regards to the time we spend with this type of technology as it tends to consume alot of our time if we are not careful. She goes on to mention that we get a surge of pleasure in our brain when we see we have new messages in our inbox. Instead of resorting to this type of pleasure we should do other things to enjoy life.
2. "Box out time to put technology away." We should always space out time for other things besides technology, whether it be fun outdoor activites or simply choosing some other form of entertainment.
3. "Remember: the most precious thing you can give someone is your presence."
Developing actual relationships can never be replaced with bloggins, facebooking, tweeting, or any other form of online communication. Real one on one contact just seems better in all forms. I really agree with this statement. While I do think alot of these online communcation tools are really positive, I do think balance is very important in life.
4. "Be mindful of your reasons for connecting to technology." We should be aware of why we are using certain programs. Is it for "stimulation, confirmation, connection, to avoid anxiety, excape, etc"
5. "Get the most important things done and let go of the rest." She argues that its ok to leave some pieces of technology alone at the end of the day, to leave emails in the inbox, etc. We don't have to fee anxiety over finishing certain activities online, as there are more important things to do.
6. "Make minimal commitments to yourself for a clear mental space." Lori suggests setting specific days/times to be involved with technology. In my opinion, we should not feel like we are enslaved to it but rather its purpose is to supplement our lives, not overtake our daily actions.
7. "Track your day’s presence in battery life." She explains that if you charge your computer,cell phone, etc multiple times a day this may be a sign that you spend way to much time with technology. Everything in moderation is the key, and we have to become aware of hour much time we are devoting to our daily activies in order to keep this balance.
In conclusion, I agree with alot of what Lori says. My only concern is that many people depend on technology, especially internet related items for their jobs, home life, all storage, entertainment, etc. I wonder if it is 100% possible to designate certain days/times to technology at this age in time. It seems like we as a culture are always on the move, and the integration of technology goes everywhere with us. I leave you with the following question:
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THE CELL PHONE AND INTERNET WERE TAKING AWAY FROM US NOW? IT ALMOST SEEMS CAVELIKE TO IMAGINE, but it was only a short time ago that the cell phone and computer were only things that the government and elites were using...what do you think?
1. "Make deliberate choices about time." Lori gives the example of email and that instead of spending hours and hours answering tons of emails that people send you, focus on the really impotant ones. Sometimes it can take so much time to respond to all the emails that are sent to us. We should make smart choices in regards to the time we spend with this type of technology as it tends to consume alot of our time if we are not careful. She goes on to mention that we get a surge of pleasure in our brain when we see we have new messages in our inbox. Instead of resorting to this type of pleasure we should do other things to enjoy life.
2. "Box out time to put technology away." We should always space out time for other things besides technology, whether it be fun outdoor activites or simply choosing some other form of entertainment.
3. "Remember: the most precious thing you can give someone is your presence."
Developing actual relationships can never be replaced with bloggins, facebooking, tweeting, or any other form of online communication. Real one on one contact just seems better in all forms. I really agree with this statement. While I do think alot of these online communcation tools are really positive, I do think balance is very important in life.
4. "Be mindful of your reasons for connecting to technology." We should be aware of why we are using certain programs. Is it for "stimulation, confirmation, connection, to avoid anxiety, excape, etc"
5. "Get the most important things done and let go of the rest." She argues that its ok to leave some pieces of technology alone at the end of the day, to leave emails in the inbox, etc. We don't have to fee anxiety over finishing certain activities online, as there are more important things to do.
6. "Make minimal commitments to yourself for a clear mental space." Lori suggests setting specific days/times to be involved with technology. In my opinion, we should not feel like we are enslaved to it but rather its purpose is to supplement our lives, not overtake our daily actions.
7. "Track your day’s presence in battery life." She explains that if you charge your computer,cell phone, etc multiple times a day this may be a sign that you spend way to much time with technology. Everything in moderation is the key, and we have to become aware of hour much time we are devoting to our daily activies in order to keep this balance.
In conclusion, I agree with alot of what Lori says. My only concern is that many people depend on technology, especially internet related items for their jobs, home life, all storage, entertainment, etc. I wonder if it is 100% possible to designate certain days/times to technology at this age in time. It seems like we as a culture are always on the move, and the integration of technology goes everywhere with us. I leave you with the following question:
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THE CELL PHONE AND INTERNET WERE TAKING AWAY FROM US NOW? IT ALMOST SEEMS CAVELIKE TO IMAGINE, but it was only a short time ago that the cell phone and computer were only things that the government and elites were using...what do you think?
Website Creation!
Over the past couple of weeks I have been anticipating learning how to create my own website. I am super excited because I think that having your own website can be a great way to represent yourself, show your skill with technology, communication with students/faculty/friends/staff, etc. I really like the way that links, posts, blogs, reference materials, pictures, graphics, logos, etc can all be easily manipulated and posted on this website. I also like the way that it all seems again, "user-friendly." Being user-friendly is not just about being simple. Its about having software that allows the user to perform specific actions easily without alot of previous knowledge,reading, or experience. All icons, removal tools, editing tools, etc are right there for easy reference. Over the past few years I have had numerous experiences with certain website programs that were not particularly this way. You had to search in ramdom folders to find what you were looking for, and ask questions in the help menu every 5 minutes. This website that we have learned to create through google was not only helpful but also FREE, AND FREE IS GOOD. In this particular website we will be putting a bio about ourselves, references to our resume and other information, resources and info about technology projects, curriculum resources, etc. I look forward to finishing my website and publishing it for everyone to see. I hope to be able to reference this website in future interviews, with students, as well as all other contacts in my English Department. YEAH FOR WEBSITES. 2 THUMBS UP!
Google documents!
As I continue to acquire new knowledge about googledocs, I realize that there is so much more you can do with these programs then I every deemed possible. My most favorite aspect about these free online tools is that they are a safe place to access wherever and whenever you want. Powerpoint presentations, spreadsheets, word documents, pictures, etc can be easily uploaded to googledocs and viewed again with only internet access required. In addition, you can share these documents easily with whoever you desire and not share other documents when not desired. This semester in our technology 486 class we have uploaded everything from spreadsheets, digital movies, inspiration maps, business cards, resume, etc. I have really learned how to navigate these programs, but the best part is that google is so “user friendly.” There are no hard to manage icons, no secret buttons, or confusing messages. I give praise to the googledocs creators, and I’m finally glad there is something out there that acts like an online storage unit, because I know I tend to lose all my documents, whether it be saved in my flash drive or just regular computer. Googledocs seems to be virtually “idiot proof”, and accidental deletion seems to be a thing of the past
New Found interest in Vooks!
Hello All!
So this blog and technology class continues to inspire me to continue my quest of new technology to use within the classroom. It just so happened that a few weeks ago in one of my educational graduate classes we were required to read this new type of young adult novel called "the vook." By definition a vook is a book that requires internet. What I mean is that some parts of the novel actually come in movie-like form that you have to have a secret code to access to get into online. These movies clip references telling you to get online come on any random page of the book, and the only way to understand the entire plot of what is going on it to access these clips. For example, the book "Skeleton Creek" is an excellent example of a vook. As you begin to read the novel(physical copy), everything resembles a typical young adult novel in terms of plot, character development, etc. But as you come across a certain page, lets say page 14 for example, there will be a sentence saying, "Please logon to website X to continue to view the story." The reader is then given a secret code to enter on the website which allows the movie to be viewed. Once the viewer is done watching the short clip, they then return to the novel to read on until another note in the novel says to refer again to the online movie clip.
What I found interesting about the "vook" genre is that this technology actaully acts NOT as a supplement, but rather as an important part of the novel that helps the reader understand exactly what is going on in the plot. The movie acts like a continuation of the story, and without internet access to these clips, the reader would not understand the whole story.
In conclusion, this type of technology could be very useful in my high school English classroom, especially for students who tend to get easily distracted or those very interested in technology. Sometimes its hard for students to sit down and read alot of pages in one sitting, but with the vook, "the student can take a break from reading, go watch the short movie clip, then come back to the reading." I think its an awsome invention that will change the way some learners begin and continue to read. Not only does it reach out to struggling students, but it also lends itself to students who learn by different methods, wether it be auditory or visual.
PS...I LOVE THE VOOK...........GO TECHNOLOGY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So this blog and technology class continues to inspire me to continue my quest of new technology to use within the classroom. It just so happened that a few weeks ago in one of my educational graduate classes we were required to read this new type of young adult novel called "the vook." By definition a vook is a book that requires internet. What I mean is that some parts of the novel actually come in movie-like form that you have to have a secret code to access to get into online. These movies clip references telling you to get online come on any random page of the book, and the only way to understand the entire plot of what is going on it to access these clips. For example, the book "Skeleton Creek" is an excellent example of a vook. As you begin to read the novel(physical copy), everything resembles a typical young adult novel in terms of plot, character development, etc. But as you come across a certain page, lets say page 14 for example, there will be a sentence saying, "Please logon to website X to continue to view the story." The reader is then given a secret code to enter on the website which allows the movie to be viewed. Once the viewer is done watching the short clip, they then return to the novel to read on until another note in the novel says to refer again to the online movie clip.
What I found interesting about the "vook" genre is that this technology actaully acts NOT as a supplement, but rather as an important part of the novel that helps the reader understand exactly what is going on in the plot. The movie acts like a continuation of the story, and without internet access to these clips, the reader would not understand the whole story.
In conclusion, this type of technology could be very useful in my high school English classroom, especially for students who tend to get easily distracted or those very interested in technology. Sometimes its hard for students to sit down and read alot of pages in one sitting, but with the vook, "the student can take a break from reading, go watch the short movie clip, then come back to the reading." I think its an awsome invention that will change the way some learners begin and continue to read. Not only does it reach out to struggling students, but it also lends itself to students who learn by different methods, wether it be auditory or visual.
PS...I LOVE THE VOOK...........GO TECHNOLOGY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, April 12, 2010
imovie project
This week our class had to create imovie projects. I decided to do mine on something/someone who has really had an impact on my life. Currently, I am partner to the only salsa dance company in Knoxville TN. My partner is Waldo Solano, and we have been working together for over a year to date. We do performances around the southeast, and currently have a semi-pro team that we work with on a weekly basis. In addition, we have weekly Wednesday and Friday night Salsa socials, and they are really becoming a success here in the community. It is hard work to help run a company of this nature, but I love what I do, and one day I hope to expand SalsaKnox Dance Company to the best of its potential.
So in regards to creating this imovie, I actually had a great time with it. Although it was hard to learn some of the features at first, over time I was able to move/navigate around the software pretty easily. While the video took me a few hours to complete, I still feel like I could have spent another week on it doing more details. Imovie is the perfect place to develop videos not only for the classroom but for outside purposes as well. I know I am def. going to use imovie when creating promotional videos for my company in the future.
I hope that more teachers will learn to use this software. I know the kids are going to love using this program if they get the chance, and I could see it working for highschool students who are a little more advanced. It does take a little independence and patience to be successful with the program, but if your consistent then the end result is quite wonderful.
So my vote is YES for imovie, and i will give it two thumbs up this week....
PS..the song title and artist got cut off my movie project. The song is titled: Como Los Unicornios by Jerry Rivera
jacqui
PS...Watch my SalsaKnox video for a brief demo of my project!
So in regards to creating this imovie, I actually had a great time with it. Although it was hard to learn some of the features at first, over time I was able to move/navigate around the software pretty easily. While the video took me a few hours to complete, I still feel like I could have spent another week on it doing more details. Imovie is the perfect place to develop videos not only for the classroom but for outside purposes as well. I know I am def. going to use imovie when creating promotional videos for my company in the future.
I hope that more teachers will learn to use this software. I know the kids are going to love using this program if they get the chance, and I could see it working for highschool students who are a little more advanced. It does take a little independence and patience to be successful with the program, but if your consistent then the end result is quite wonderful.
So my vote is YES for imovie, and i will give it two thumbs up this week....
PS..the song title and artist got cut off my movie project. The song is titled: Como Los Unicornios by Jerry Rivera
jacqui
PS...Watch my SalsaKnox video for a brief demo of my project!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Spreadsheet Voc. Quiz
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AoFcS-yLW66edDM4dWoyQ004WHh0WGtnVnB4Ylo0cXc&hl=en
So I have not had more fun with a program! These spreadsheets are not only fun to create, but I think the students will gain a lot more practice with these quizlets. I think the combination of game-like atmosphere and academic features will allow the students to semi-forget that they are "learning" and "learning vocabulary", in this certain situation. The above link is to a quizlet I created for 9th graders learning vocabulary. They can go into the quiz and plug in the answers for direct feedback. I found myself playing around with different features, including color, font, size, graphics, and more. I am also inclined to try to investigate new formulas to help me create new features. I think every teacher needs to have adequate knowledge of spreadsheets because they are so useful in the classroom. For example, I already have at least 10 different ways that I will consider using them in my classroom: Here are some below:
-gradekeeping
-inventory of classroom resources/books/accessories
-creation of quizzes
-practicing vocabulary
-classroom group activities/games-putting a large scale quiz on a smart board, for example, and breaking the class into teams to try to collaborate answers and work together for points.
-any type of independent practice with immediate feedback
-for technologically inclined or special needs students who are more comfortable working on computers
-shy or delayed students who can work at their own pace without embarrassment or fear from peer pressure to get answers right in class.
-personalized teacher files that need organization
-keeping records to be pulled up for immediate reference
**** AND SO MUCH MORE
This was my most favorite aspect of this technology class thus far, and I look forward to working more with spreadsheets in the future!
So I have not had more fun with a program! These spreadsheets are not only fun to create, but I think the students will gain a lot more practice with these quizlets. I think the combination of game-like atmosphere and academic features will allow the students to semi-forget that they are "learning" and "learning vocabulary", in this certain situation. The above link is to a quizlet I created for 9th graders learning vocabulary. They can go into the quiz and plug in the answers for direct feedback. I found myself playing around with different features, including color, font, size, graphics, and more. I am also inclined to try to investigate new formulas to help me create new features. I think every teacher needs to have adequate knowledge of spreadsheets because they are so useful in the classroom. For example, I already have at least 10 different ways that I will consider using them in my classroom: Here are some below:
-gradekeeping
-inventory of classroom resources/books/accessories
-creation of quizzes
-practicing vocabulary
-classroom group activities/games-putting a large scale quiz on a smart board, for example, and breaking the class into teams to try to collaborate answers and work together for points.
-any type of independent practice with immediate feedback
-for technologically inclined or special needs students who are more comfortable working on computers
-shy or delayed students who can work at their own pace without embarrassment or fear from peer pressure to get answers right in class.
-personalized teacher files that need organization
-keeping records to be pulled up for immediate reference
**** AND SO MUCH MORE
This was my most favorite aspect of this technology class thus far, and I look forward to working more with spreadsheets in the future!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Web Mapping/Design
diagram can also be viewed at:
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B4FcS-yLW66eMjE3YzlkOGMtNTljNC00Mjc3LTkyNmEtMTU3N2IyMzY5M2Y5&hl=en
Today, I completed my first diagram using the Mac Inspiration tool. Although this first attempt did take me longer than expected, I mostly attribute that to trial and error mistakes when trying to figure out different features. Above is an example of a diagram that could be used in any English class. This one in particular can be used with English 1 students as they begin to learn and perfect the structure and development of the "five paragraph essay." I tried to break the three categories down into "Intro, Body, and Conclusion" so that the students could clearly identify which information was needed in each paragraph. In addition to trying to create a clear and concise diagram on essay writing, the information given is in direct alignment with the Tennessee State Standards and the NETS*S standards as well. Through this process I was able to reflect on the following things:
1) Inspiration allows the user to place specific graphics exactly where needed with an amazing feature known as "notes" which attach to the sub-categories in order to give further information. I loved using this feature because it allows me to clarify things and gives the students a little extra reminder of what is needed
2) This program is developed to be user-friendly. I did not have to search for hours for different features. I guess the only problem one might have at first is trying to decide, "which feature" works best. There are so many options to use ranging from clip art options, shapes, buttons, animations, hyperlinks, headers, footers, font changes and formatting, etc.
3) Finally, my favorite part about using this program is that I think students could really enjoy creating things on it. I don't think this feature is efficient just for teachers but rather could be used by students who are creative, visually oriented, or technologically motivated. This kind of technology is able to incorporate a game-like atmosphere with the essential curriculum standards that school requires.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Kajour website
After watching a Kajour website preview posted to blackboard by one of my local professors (who has a membership with the site), I found an increased interest in this type of software. In addition, I am wondering what other people who have used this website think, and if used in the classroom what is its practicality. Below is the website link:
http://kajour.knowledgeathletes.com/
As far as my understanding goes, Kajour is a Web 2.0 collaborative communications platform for K-12 schools.
Website definition:
"Kajour is a Web 2.0 educational website and 21st-century learning engagement platform that provides teachers and students with an online extension to the classroom™. Kajour combines the worlds of instructional content and learning management systems with popular online social media applications like blogging, wikis, forums, chat, podcasting, groups, messaging, and microblogging."
It seems like this type of site can really be beneficial to teachers and students. Again, I think a lot of pre-planning and organization will have to come from the teacher, but I think it seemed really interesting. I especially liked the way you can add different hyperlinks, videos, chatrooms, assignment sheets, etc. Technology is the wave of the future, and hopefully more teachers will take the extra time to try to incorporate more into the classroom. I think some teachers are terrified of learning about this new technology because they may feel its to hard to understand or they won't have time for it in their classroom, both of which may be true. However, lots of these features, especially on Kajour seem very simple to use and manipulate. In my opinion, technology just may just be the connecting point between "traditional stereotypes of teaching methods and LEARNING AS FUN AND SECOND NATURE". I hope I can be a new-wave teacher in the sense that I don't feel scared or inadequate to try these new things in the classroom. Although it may take a while for me, as a new teacher, to feel comfortable swaying from the normal expectations of traditional teaching methods, my hope is that over time I can learn to incorporate these things. I THINK THERE IS HOPE FOR NEW METHODS...
So what do you guys think about Kajour? Have any of you teachers used it within the classroom? What works and what doesn't? Is it worth becoming a member of? I am very interested in learning as much as I can about this website, and all your comments will be very appreciated
http://kajour.knowledgeathletes.com/
As far as my understanding goes, Kajour is a Web 2.0 collaborative communications platform for K-12 schools.
Website definition:
"Kajour is a Web 2.0 educational website and 21st-century learning engagement platform that provides teachers and students with an online extension to the classroom™. Kajour combines the worlds of instructional content and learning management systems with popular online social media applications like blogging, wikis, forums, chat, podcasting, groups, messaging, and microblogging."
It seems like this type of site can really be beneficial to teachers and students. Again, I think a lot of pre-planning and organization will have to come from the teacher, but I think it seemed really interesting. I especially liked the way you can add different hyperlinks, videos, chatrooms, assignment sheets, etc. Technology is the wave of the future, and hopefully more teachers will take the extra time to try to incorporate more into the classroom. I think some teachers are terrified of learning about this new technology because they may feel its to hard to understand or they won't have time for it in their classroom, both of which may be true. However, lots of these features, especially on Kajour seem very simple to use and manipulate. In my opinion, technology just may just be the connecting point between "traditional stereotypes of teaching methods and LEARNING AS FUN AND SECOND NATURE". I hope I can be a new-wave teacher in the sense that I don't feel scared or inadequate to try these new things in the classroom. Although it may take a while for me, as a new teacher, to feel comfortable swaying from the normal expectations of traditional teaching methods, my hope is that over time I can learn to incorporate these things. I THINK THERE IS HOPE FOR NEW METHODS...
So what do you guys think about Kajour? Have any of you teachers used it within the classroom? What works and what doesn't? Is it worth becoming a member of? I am very interested in learning as much as I can about this website, and all your comments will be very appreciated
Electronic Reading Workshop
So recently I've become fascinated with reading workshop. I think its a great way to get kids excited about reading in general. So while reading different articles about RW, I came across something even more fascinating called "Electronic Reading Workshop". The article is called, "ERW: Beyond books with new literacies and instructional technologies" by Lotta Larson. This article can be found in the journal of adult and adolescent adult literacy in the October 2008 edition.
First, I want to explain what reading workshop is in general. The following components are stated below:
Literature selection-students read designated novel
Literature response journals-students respond to journal entry prompts about novel
Literature conversations-students get into small groups to discuss key points, etc of novel
Project response options-students use different forms of creative methods to extend their reading experience(posters, drama, art, etc)
Second, I want to give a definition for Electronic Reading Workshop so you can measure the differences :It does have the same components with technology included as follows:
Literature selection: in the form of e-books, online reading materials, hypertexts
Literature response journals: in the form of blogs,
Literature conversations: wiki, discussion board, chat rooms
Project response options: use of internet, multi-media,
In terms of ERW, I think its a fantastic idea for the classroom. I think it will require a lot more teacher planning and organization, but it seems to be something that could be very effective, especially for this upcoming generation of kids immersed in this type of technology from infancy. Although the article that I read about ERW did mention that time was an issue in the classroom, I think that with adequate time management and pre-planning, it could work. I like the idea that many different types of multi-media and creativity can be used. I think its important for students not to feel like every second of the day in school feels like "work". Learning should be something fun and interesting, and technology could be a great stimulus for changing the way students view school and education. I can remember going through middle and high school feeling like every day was just another mandatory day of long hours, boring material, and "something to get through". I want my future classroom to be a space where kids are not only eager to get into, but are excited about what kinds of new and interesting things that I can incorporate into their learning curriculum.
First, I want to explain what reading workshop is in general. The following components are stated below:
Literature selection-students read designated novel
Literature response journals-students respond to journal entry prompts about novel
Literature conversations-students get into small groups to discuss key points, etc of novel
Project response options-students use different forms of creative methods to extend their reading experience(posters, drama, art, etc)
Second, I want to give a definition for Electronic Reading Workshop so you can measure the differences :It does have the same components with technology included as follows:
Literature selection: in the form of e-books, online reading materials, hypertexts
Literature response journals: in the form of blogs,
Literature conversations: wiki, discussion board, chat rooms
Project response options: use of internet, multi-media,
In terms of ERW, I think its a fantastic idea for the classroom. I think it will require a lot more teacher planning and organization, but it seems to be something that could be very effective, especially for this upcoming generation of kids immersed in this type of technology from infancy. Although the article that I read about ERW did mention that time was an issue in the classroom, I think that with adequate time management and pre-planning, it could work. I like the idea that many different types of multi-media and creativity can be used. I think its important for students not to feel like every second of the day in school feels like "work". Learning should be something fun and interesting, and technology could be a great stimulus for changing the way students view school and education. I can remember going through middle and high school feeling like every day was just another mandatory day of long hours, boring material, and "something to get through". I want my future classroom to be a space where kids are not only eager to get into, but are excited about what kinds of new and interesting things that I can incorporate into their learning curriculum.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Digital Imaging
So after today's lesson on digital imaging I have a new found happiness associated with Photoshops Elements program. I had no idea that powerpoints/pictures/etc could be embedded in this way. Now, my only obstacle is transferring over to Mac mentality. Its so hard to stop thinking in PC terms. However, I do still have a valid appreciation for the PC. Although almost seen as an older version of the future, the PC can do most things that the MAC is capable of. Ok Ok, maybe not all the things a Mac can do, but they can still get the job done, not to mention are way cheaper that the goddess known as "Apple Mac". So now that I know the fundamentals of digital imaging, I think that they can be used in a variety of ways in the classroom. For example, with English literature for example, digital imaging can be useful when trying to create maintainable images, whether they be from novels, author biographical websites, etc. The feature that I really enjoyed the best was the resizing tool. With this tool, pictures can be re-sized to fit into any presentation or email. In the past, I can remember trying to send pictures through email messages and receiving a note saying, "picture too large". Now that I understand how to re-size, what all the options are, and the effects I can use, I no longer fear the email or the presentation where I need to incorporate images. I especially liked when Mrs. Kelly(our tech teacher) showed us how these new pictures can be easily tagged and retrievable in a search. With Picasa and Photoshop Elements, I think a whole new world has opened up for me. Its almost like a fun and easy game to figure out all the benefits that these programs offer, and I think I've finally decided that I'm not at all a Mac hater...and I'm sure one day I'll convert from my current PC....GO MAC!
PS...anyone seen those Mac/PC commericals with the two guys: one guy is the cool Mac and the other the nerdy PC...I used to hate those...but now I understand its relevance and will laugh when one pops up again on the tube...oh PC..you are a nerd! LOL
PS...anyone seen those Mac/PC commericals with the two guys: one guy is the cool Mac and the other the nerdy PC...I used to hate those...but now I understand its relevance and will laugh when one pops up again on the tube...oh PC..you are a nerd! LOL
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Frustrations with Technology
Hello All,
So today's blog is going to largely be a personal accumulation of frustrations that I have identified over the past several weeks as I have slowly been integrating myself into the world of blogging, tweeting, wikiing, web questing, etc.
First, I would like to state for the record that I believe each one of these technological features really is quite beneficial in their own unique way. For example, through blogging, I have become more aware of what other people are saying, thinking, and feeling out in this great wide world lol...To be able to put my own opinions and thoughts out into this thing we call "the web" to have others comment from anywhere else on the world just blows my mind. With instantaneous speed, comments/opinions/help tips/ and more are at my fingertips each new day. In addition, I can get other professional and nonprofessional opinions as people post their own blogs about various subjects. It is interesting to be able to read someone's day to day entries as they journey through their own world of technological and non-technological pros and cons.
So yes, I am a fan of the BLOG.
Now, let’s move on to TWITTER. As I step across the perpetual line of concrete communication into the world of abstract hyperlinks, RTs, tweets, and more I realize that this new beast called twitter is actually not all that bad at all. In correlation with blogging, I have actually found the tweet monster very helpful. I can post links, ask for advice, or simply stalk others as they post interesting comments and links themselves...ok so again, no problems with the tweet specimen. I have learned to not only enjoy its benefits but also I find myself wanting to get non-tweeters involved…oh how I am changing...lol.
Ok Ok so were back to the bad business which is call “wiki woes”...While I know that this program is a very powerful technological tool that has "muchos beneficios"(a lot of benefits), I am having a very difficult time going through the process of learning how to use them all correctly. First, it takes a lot of time to understand and navigate through all the learning components. There are a lot of features and details associated with posting, deleting, creating, and arranging elements in the PBWorks, and I find some of it rather difficult to get right the first, second, or even third time. It’s almost like this wiki needs a full class to learn how too appropriately use it, and squeezing the lesson on wiki into a couple of class sessions can be overwhelming. I do think the wiki purpose is one that is good and worthy to be instilled in the classroom, but I ask the following question to teachers around the globe, "Can't there be an easier way to learn about all the these wiki functions and features?" For me, step by step guides are necessity and time is of the essence, so I wonder if wiki is going to get easier to navigate for me. I hope that I can learn to control this beast before it overtakes me. Ok Ok, I'm going to have to step away from the blog to get back to my school wiki project now...which is already making me want to procrastinate with this blog even further....but alas, I have to face the beast head on to learn and figure out its uses...here I go...............
Ciao!!!!!!
So today's blog is going to largely be a personal accumulation of frustrations that I have identified over the past several weeks as I have slowly been integrating myself into the world of blogging, tweeting, wikiing, web questing, etc.
First, I would like to state for the record that I believe each one of these technological features really is quite beneficial in their own unique way. For example, through blogging, I have become more aware of what other people are saying, thinking, and feeling out in this great wide world lol...To be able to put my own opinions and thoughts out into this thing we call "the web" to have others comment from anywhere else on the world just blows my mind. With instantaneous speed, comments/opinions/help tips/ and more are at my fingertips each new day. In addition, I can get other professional and nonprofessional opinions as people post their own blogs about various subjects. It is interesting to be able to read someone's day to day entries as they journey through their own world of technological and non-technological pros and cons.
So yes, I am a fan of the BLOG.
Now, let’s move on to TWITTER. As I step across the perpetual line of concrete communication into the world of abstract hyperlinks, RTs, tweets, and more I realize that this new beast called twitter is actually not all that bad at all. In correlation with blogging, I have actually found the tweet monster very helpful. I can post links, ask for advice, or simply stalk others as they post interesting comments and links themselves...ok so again, no problems with the tweet specimen. I have learned to not only enjoy its benefits but also I find myself wanting to get non-tweeters involved…oh how I am changing...lol.
Ok Ok so were back to the bad business which is call “wiki woes”...While I know that this program is a very powerful technological tool that has "muchos beneficios"(a lot of benefits), I am having a very difficult time going through the process of learning how to use them all correctly. First, it takes a lot of time to understand and navigate through all the learning components. There are a lot of features and details associated with posting, deleting, creating, and arranging elements in the PBWorks, and I find some of it rather difficult to get right the first, second, or even third time. It’s almost like this wiki needs a full class to learn how too appropriately use it, and squeezing the lesson on wiki into a couple of class sessions can be overwhelming. I do think the wiki purpose is one that is good and worthy to be instilled in the classroom, but I ask the following question to teachers around the globe, "Can't there be an easier way to learn about all the these wiki functions and features?" For me, step by step guides are necessity and time is of the essence, so I wonder if wiki is going to get easier to navigate for me. I hope that I can learn to control this beast before it overtakes me. Ok Ok, I'm going to have to step away from the blog to get back to my school wiki project now...which is already making me want to procrastinate with this blog even further....but alas, I have to face the beast head on to learn and figure out its uses...here I go...............
Ciao!!!!!!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Benefits of Webquests in the classroom
Hello bloggers,
So Webquests is the issue of the week. As I begin to unravel the nature and practicality of using webquests in the classroom, I become more and more aware of their many features and benefits. For example, one of the first things I notice about their design is that students can finally get excited about learning in other ways than just in the physical classroom setting. Of course technology in and of itself is new and interesting too students, but when you insert interactive quests into their learning, you just cannot go wrong. In addition, it seems that many teachers consider using Webquests with lower achieving students simply because it increases motivation and productivity.
Another hugely positive feature of the "web quest" is that it helps to create a facilitative classroom instead of a solely explicit atmosphere. What I mean by this is that the teacher can facilitate learning in the classroom rather than give direct instruction every day. The webquests help the students think for themselves, create higher order thinking, make choices and decisions, and venture through the learning process on their own. Now, I am not saying that doing webquests every day is a better or even more reliable way of teaching; however, I am suggesting that adding a web quest series into the class curriculum will only strengthen the student's individual desire to think independently and critically about the academic material provided.
For more information on the benefits that teachers have found using webquests, check out http://www.hardin.k12.ky.us/res_techn/pdonline/discovery.htm
In my opinion, I think webquests should be incorporated in some way in every classroom curriculum. Technology is the wave of the future, and things like Web 2.0, wiki's, webquests, blogs, twitter, and more are installing themselves into the educational scene with more and more teachers learning about their features and benefits.
Ok, see you guys next week, and keep blogging with your thoughts on Webquests! I'd love to hear your thoughts about why teachers should stretch the curriculum to incorporate this type of technology? What are some of the downfalls you envision?
So Webquests is the issue of the week. As I begin to unravel the nature and practicality of using webquests in the classroom, I become more and more aware of their many features and benefits. For example, one of the first things I notice about their design is that students can finally get excited about learning in other ways than just in the physical classroom setting. Of course technology in and of itself is new and interesting too students, but when you insert interactive quests into their learning, you just cannot go wrong. In addition, it seems that many teachers consider using Webquests with lower achieving students simply because it increases motivation and productivity.
Another hugely positive feature of the "web quest" is that it helps to create a facilitative classroom instead of a solely explicit atmosphere. What I mean by this is that the teacher can facilitate learning in the classroom rather than give direct instruction every day. The webquests help the students think for themselves, create higher order thinking, make choices and decisions, and venture through the learning process on their own. Now, I am not saying that doing webquests every day is a better or even more reliable way of teaching; however, I am suggesting that adding a web quest series into the class curriculum will only strengthen the student's individual desire to think independently and critically about the academic material provided.
For more information on the benefits that teachers have found using webquests, check out http://www.hardin.k12.ky.us/res_techn/pdonline/discovery.htm
In my opinion, I think webquests should be incorporated in some way in every classroom curriculum. Technology is the wave of the future, and things like Web 2.0, wiki's, webquests, blogs, twitter, and more are installing themselves into the educational scene with more and more teachers learning about their features and benefits.
Ok, see you guys next week, and keep blogging with your thoughts on Webquests! I'd love to hear your thoughts about why teachers should stretch the curriculum to incorporate this type of technology? What are some of the downfalls you envision?
Monday, February 15, 2010
Technology as a tool, not THE TEACHER!
After reading several blogs this week, I came to Tom Whitby's blog about "The Learning Olympics.” After reading it, I came to some very important conclusions about technology and its purposes.
For the blog reading please visit http://tomwhitby.wordpress.com/ or on twitter @http://bit.ly/86CKmb.
First, Tom states that, technology serves as a "tool for collaboration, exploration, and communication...Students in schools may use these tools of technological advancement to succeed at learning. Teachers are not replaced by the tools/technology, they become the coaches." This one statement really shouted out to me for several reasons. I think a lot of students, parents, and professionals today feel that technology in the classroom is simply minimizing the job of the teacher. One example is online classes. Many young people veer away from this type of instruction because they fear they will not be getting the same type of valuable educational experience that they would otherwise receive from being physically present in a classroom. After reading Tom's blog, I came to several conclusions. First, teachers are facilitators. Their job is to facilitate instruction for the benefit of every student. Students learn in all types of formats and instructional methods. Thus, it is important to rely not only on traditional methods of teaching but also investigate new opportunities for student intrigue and motivation. In regards to the online classroom, I think that if a teacher fully understands how to use technology in its many formats then this type of classroom can, in some regards, be better than the traditional style. For example, if an instructor is skilled on how to use googledocs, twitter, blogging tools, chat rooms, web quests, wikis, and other methods, the students can all come together at various times to interact and learn. The online classroom can be more than just an instructor/student email relationship. It can be a great experience if the teacher and student can both take a little time to become educated on all the ways technology can benefit this type of work environment.
So does anyone have any thoughts on online classrooms, or ideas about technology being a tool, not THE TEACHER!
For the blog reading please visit http://tomwhitby.wordpress.com/ or on twitter @http://bit.ly/86CKmb.
First, Tom states that, technology serves as a "tool for collaboration, exploration, and communication...Students in schools may use these tools of technological advancement to succeed at learning. Teachers are not replaced by the tools/technology, they become the coaches." This one statement really shouted out to me for several reasons. I think a lot of students, parents, and professionals today feel that technology in the classroom is simply minimizing the job of the teacher. One example is online classes. Many young people veer away from this type of instruction because they fear they will not be getting the same type of valuable educational experience that they would otherwise receive from being physically present in a classroom. After reading Tom's blog, I came to several conclusions. First, teachers are facilitators. Their job is to facilitate instruction for the benefit of every student. Students learn in all types of formats and instructional methods. Thus, it is important to rely not only on traditional methods of teaching but also investigate new opportunities for student intrigue and motivation. In regards to the online classroom, I think that if a teacher fully understands how to use technology in its many formats then this type of classroom can, in some regards, be better than the traditional style. For example, if an instructor is skilled on how to use googledocs, twitter, blogging tools, chat rooms, web quests, wikis, and other methods, the students can all come together at various times to interact and learn. The online classroom can be more than just an instructor/student email relationship. It can be a great experience if the teacher and student can both take a little time to become educated on all the ways technology can benefit this type of work environment.
So does anyone have any thoughts on online classrooms, or ideas about technology being a tool, not THE TEACHER!
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Internet Bully?
Hola everyone,
So this is my first post regarding technology in the classroom. Essentially, I believe that technology, like anything else, is a double-edged sword. On one hand, students can use programs like Twitter, Facebook, blogging, Internet, and other progams and applications to positively benefit them in many areas of their educational and personal lives. But the question remains, how much is too much, and where does the line get drawn between what is allowed inside public school walls and what must remain blocked and concealed for home usage only. Recenly I have been reading bloggs about how this explosion of internet technology has impacted young students across the globe, and one story really captured my attention. While Tweeting on Greg Garner/classroom_tech's page, I was linked to Christopher Dawson's blog called, "Why is cyberbulling different?" I found this topic very interesting for many reasons.
First, it never occured to me that the internet could "bully". Second, I never realized how much the exchange of global information and communication can really hurt young people if it is abused, whether it be within classroom walls in a local computer lab, or safely behind a home computer. For example, Dawson states that "Last month, a young student named Phoebe Prince who lived just miles from his town apparently killed herself as a result of bullying, both in school and via text messages and Facebook...When threats and insults are posted on a social network for all to see (or at least the circle of acquaintances that matter to students), the effect can be fundamentally different than passing insults in the halls or the aggression of bullies in the locker room. It is inescapable."
This story sticks out to me for several reasons. It seems to me that bullying at school is one type of student abuse, but when links, messages, texts, and other forms of technological "BULLYING" occurs, the audience becomes wider then just a few people. Students may feel like the whole world is now aware of their public bullying, and this may lead to increased vulnerablility to depression, anxiety, and in some cases a desire to commit suicide.
So how can we as teachers fight this negative side effect of new technology? How can we help our students understand the benefits and dangers of global or instantaneous messaging, communication, linking, blogging, tweeting, etc...Is it our job to explain the many ramifications/complications/pressures/responsibilities that come with logging into these many types of online networks? From online pretators, to community bullies, to dangerous chat rooms and more? What is our job as teachers in this respect and how can we get our students to hear us when we preach of the many dangers? Should we preach at all?
My one fear is that this kind of technology is simply moving too fast for us to control. I mean in some cases we find that in many law suits involving internet/computer issues, there are not many precedent cases to look at from the past simply because this technology is so new and changing. I do think that we as teachers do have the responsiblity to embrace this new technology as a form of educational benefit for us as well as our students, but I think careful consideration must be placed on the needs of each particular student. Some students may not be able to handle some types of online programs and tools, simply because they are not willing to understand negative as well as positive responsibilities. I think some level of maturity has to be apparent in order for students to be able to understand and use the internet in the right way.
Ok, so in conclusion, cyberbullying is just one more thing our students are going to have to worry about, but on the bright side.....there are far more advantages to internet usage then disadvantages, and we just need to make sure we and our students remain open-eyed and aware of the world around us.
So this is my first post regarding technology in the classroom. Essentially, I believe that technology, like anything else, is a double-edged sword. On one hand, students can use programs like Twitter, Facebook, blogging, Internet, and other progams and applications to positively benefit them in many areas of their educational and personal lives. But the question remains, how much is too much, and where does the line get drawn between what is allowed inside public school walls and what must remain blocked and concealed for home usage only. Recenly I have been reading bloggs about how this explosion of internet technology has impacted young students across the globe, and one story really captured my attention. While Tweeting on Greg Garner/classroom_tech's page, I was linked to Christopher Dawson's blog called, "Why is cyberbulling different?" I found this topic very interesting for many reasons.
First, it never occured to me that the internet could "bully". Second, I never realized how much the exchange of global information and communication can really hurt young people if it is abused, whether it be within classroom walls in a local computer lab, or safely behind a home computer. For example, Dawson states that "Last month, a young student named Phoebe Prince who lived just miles from his town apparently killed herself as a result of bullying, both in school and via text messages and Facebook...When threats and insults are posted on a social network for all to see (or at least the circle of acquaintances that matter to students), the effect can be fundamentally different than passing insults in the halls or the aggression of bullies in the locker room. It is inescapable."
This story sticks out to me for several reasons. It seems to me that bullying at school is one type of student abuse, but when links, messages, texts, and other forms of technological "BULLYING" occurs, the audience becomes wider then just a few people. Students may feel like the whole world is now aware of their public bullying, and this may lead to increased vulnerablility to depression, anxiety, and in some cases a desire to commit suicide.
So how can we as teachers fight this negative side effect of new technology? How can we help our students understand the benefits and dangers of global or instantaneous messaging, communication, linking, blogging, tweeting, etc...Is it our job to explain the many ramifications/complications/pressures/responsibilities that come with logging into these many types of online networks? From online pretators, to community bullies, to dangerous chat rooms and more? What is our job as teachers in this respect and how can we get our students to hear us when we preach of the many dangers? Should we preach at all?
My one fear is that this kind of technology is simply moving too fast for us to control. I mean in some cases we find that in many law suits involving internet/computer issues, there are not many precedent cases to look at from the past simply because this technology is so new and changing. I do think that we as teachers do have the responsiblity to embrace this new technology as a form of educational benefit for us as well as our students, but I think careful consideration must be placed on the needs of each particular student. Some students may not be able to handle some types of online programs and tools, simply because they are not willing to understand negative as well as positive responsibilities. I think some level of maturity has to be apparent in order for students to be able to understand and use the internet in the right way.
Ok, so in conclusion, cyberbullying is just one more thing our students are going to have to worry about, but on the bright side.....there are far more advantages to internet usage then disadvantages, and we just need to make sure we and our students remain open-eyed and aware of the world around us.
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