Karl Fisch: Director of Technology at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colorado, USA.
The Electric Educator
Friday, May 7, 2010
Final Post
FINAL POST
1. What i have learned from using these following tools:
3. There were some things I did not like in the class that I got to use anyways. Twitter, Skype...but I'm not going to say that I won't ever use them, but as for my life right now, they are not important to me
4. Learning how to embed things like my presentations. Mostly comment on the students posts
5. Umm...no not intellectually challenging. Maybe somethings were challenging, but not on an intellectual level
6. The blogs, comments for classmates
7. The syllabus was pointless to me because it changes whenever. Having a spreadsheet was super useful, I wish we would've had one from the beginning.
8. Medium
9. Never closing this door, or any other one for that matter. If future projects come up later on I will do everything in power to show how different things ie technology can be incorporated.
- Blogs- Before this class I had never read a blog. I only ever heard of it being used by famous people and drama queens. Little did I know it would change into this tool used for teachers, students, and many others
- wikis- Ok so I'm still only familiar with Wikipedia. It was interesting when I really looked into what they are all about. Its a little strange to me that anyone can get on there and write something, and once its there, well that's that. I'm not a huge fan of the wiki
- presentations- I love doing presentations. It was a lot of fun. The only new thing I learned is using the google docs to make one instead of power point
- Google Docs- The sharing part was really cool. Being able to let your professors and classmates see everything, with only a click of the mouse.
- Google spreadsheets- The only time I used this was see my survey. I took a class on Excel so I've always used that. Its nice however to have a back up and to know how to use it.
- Picasa- This was also new to me.. I must honestly say that I did not get that familiar with it, but it was easy to use. So I know in the future I can reference back to it if I need to
- Podcast- These were a lot of fun. I enjoyed the group I had. It is a valuable tool that can be used in or outside of the classroom.
- Videocast- These were like the podcast only with video!! A great tool for teachers to use to get the true feeling of there lessons out there.
- YouTube- I only used this for watching music videos, or funny clips. It's so easy to use and you can use it to upload important information.
- Movie Making- I did not make a movie.
- Posts you read- I loved reading the kids blogs. It was so neat to be able to interact with them that way
- PLN's- I did not understand the point behind the PLN other than showing what you've been up to?? I guess that was the point, but really to me it was not needed
- Twitter- I do not like Twitter, or Facebook. It's just so random, and not a necessity.
- Other teachers and students outside our region- The teachers were amaizing and really showed me alot of different things. I could identify with them on so many levels. The children were so sweet and funny, I think they will be ready for the future.
- Comments 4 Kids- Was a lot of fun. Talking to someone across the planet is fun enough, but the fact that they're little students was cool
- Comments 4 Classmates- Uggh to me was absolutely pointless. I mean its either an internet class or not.
- Comments 4 Teachers- Someone in the school always have a way of making you understand. I respected what they had to say so much.
- iTunes- I think its stepping out of its shell, with trying to provide a way for educators
- iTunesU- WOW!! this was soo neat, I loved my blogs about it. It was an amazing idea, one that I know will be around for a long time.
- Accessibility issues and the use of html tag modifiers to address some of those issues- im not sure what this means
- Who you are as a professional- Professional huh? Well in my everyday life, its great!! However as a Teacher...well give me another 2 years and I'll let you know.
- Google Forms- I love the google tools we used this semester, so easy to access and so free!!
- Data Bases- ???
- Google Earth- a Fun tool....ooooahhhh...thats the noise I make when it zooms in and out.
- Delicious- did I use this?
- ACCESS- This program is moving forward, and has alot of potential for students here. I think it will be a way for our students to learn more.
- ALEX- Who doesnt like fun activities?? It was a great website
- Technological literacy-When the class started I thought I was pretty technological literate..boy was I wrong. I have learned so much, and will continue to do more things with technology.
- The future of schools- when I was in school we had a typing class. When I first went to college I was recquired to take Microsoft classes...and now look at me...still taking classes about computers and technology. So from that I know that its growing. The future of schools is something thats unpredictable...but we are always moving towards something better.
- My "intellectual trail"-Personally I don't think my trail is worth following, well not yet anyways. I want to try and keep up with it. In a few years when Im wiser it might be worth something.
3. There were some things I did not like in the class that I got to use anyways. Twitter, Skype...but I'm not going to say that I won't ever use them, but as for my life right now, they are not important to me
4. Learning how to embed things like my presentations. Mostly comment on the students posts
5. Umm...no not intellectually challenging. Maybe somethings were challenging, but not on an intellectual level
6. The blogs, comments for classmates
7. The syllabus was pointless to me because it changes whenever. Having a spreadsheet was super useful, I wish we would've had one from the beginning.
8. Medium
9. Never closing this door, or any other one for that matter. If future projects come up later on I will do everything in power to show how different things ie technology can be incorporated.
FAREWELL TO EDM310
Week 14
PLE
Can I say Woah!! What a great PLE. All I can say is that she must have a lot of time...lol Just the sites alone was enough to make me turn away. It definitely says something when you can be committed to something like this. Having her own blog, and keeping up with so many other things is quite remarkable. It made me look at my blogging abilities and wonder...
TWO QUESTIONS THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
The first question that was asked is, "What's my sentence?". Well until I was taking the final exam, I didn't quite know. I basically said that if you believe that your goals are obtainable, there is no measure what you are capable of. Not only in the classroom, but in your everyday life.
The second question that was asked is, "Was I better today than yesterday?". This question will make you think. If you really let it, it can change everything. Not just as a teacher but with your home life as well. I loved the question because it makes me strive to do more each day.
Can I say Woah!! What a great PLE. All I can say is that she must have a lot of time...lol Just the sites alone was enough to make me turn away. It definitely says something when you can be committed to something like this. Having her own blog, and keeping up with so many other things is quite remarkable. It made me look at my blogging abilities and wonder...
TWO QUESTIONS THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
The first question that was asked is, "What's my sentence?". Well until I was taking the final exam, I didn't quite know. I basically said that if you believe that your goals are obtainable, there is no measure what you are capable of. Not only in the classroom, but in your everyday life.
The second question that was asked is, "Was I better today than yesterday?". This question will make you think. If you really let it, it can change everything. Not just as a teacher but with your home life as well. I loved the question because it makes me strive to do more each day.
My survey
My survey was about the highschool years. Here are my results
What Schools did you go to? many different answeres
What was/were your favorite subject(s)? 70% math 20% english 5% art 5% other
Who was/were your favorite teacher(s)? many different answers
Did you play sports? 65% yes
Where you a member of any clubs? 35% yes
Did you date in Highschool? 44% yes
What year did you Graduate? 82% Local
What sort of jobs did you have in Highschool? 60% had jobs
Who was your Best Friend in Highschool? many different answers
What did you want to be when you grew up? 10% teacher 90% something different than they are now
Now that your a Teacher....What will you try to do thats different from your experiences? 100% technology in the classroom
What Schools did you go to? many different answeres
What was/were your favorite subject(s)? 70% math 20% english 5% art 5% other
Who was/were your favorite teacher(s)? many different answers
Did you play sports? 65% yes
Where you a member of any clubs? 35% yes
Did you date in Highschool? 44% yes
What year did you Graduate? 82% Local
What sort of jobs did you have in Highschool? 60% had jobs
Who was your Best Friend in Highschool? many different answers
What did you want to be when you grew up? 10% teacher 90% something different than they are now
Now that your a Teacher....What will you try to do thats different from your experiences? 100% technology in the classroom
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Dr. Seuss and Ps 22
DR. SEUSS "THE ZAX"
Uggh not one of my favorites. People have their own way of doing things. We are biased. What my opinions on technology in the classroom are may be different from what someone else's views are. I believe we are moving into the future with more technology in the classroom. I know I can shove my ideas on to someone else, because I wont let people shove their ideas onto me. However I do think its important to keep an open mind. I believe we can all learn something from different people. Like the teachers who are more "old school" in their teaching, could show us something new. The same could be said with us teaching them something as well. At the end of the day the only thing that matters is what benefits the students the most. So as long as we keep that at the top of our priority list then we can succeed no matter what.
PS 22
Wow!! The kids were really good singers. I really enjoyed this alot. I thought it was a neat way to get the message out. Having technology in the class room is obviously not just important to teachers but to the students as well. We all know how important it is for students and teachers as well to be able to use technology in the class room, and I think this was a great way to get the message across!! Amazing job again for the students.
Uggh not one of my favorites. People have their own way of doing things. We are biased. What my opinions on technology in the classroom are may be different from what someone else's views are. I believe we are moving into the future with more technology in the classroom. I know I can shove my ideas on to someone else, because I wont let people shove their ideas onto me. However I do think its important to keep an open mind. I believe we can all learn something from different people. Like the teachers who are more "old school" in their teaching, could show us something new. The same could be said with us teaching them something as well. At the end of the day the only thing that matters is what benefits the students the most. So as long as we keep that at the top of our priority list then we can succeed no matter what.
PS 22
Wow!! The kids were really good singers. I really enjoyed this alot. I thought it was a neat way to get the message out. Having technology in the class room is obviously not just important to teachers but to the students as well. We all know how important it is for students and teachers as well to be able to use technology in the class room, and I think this was a great way to get the message across!! Amazing job again for the students.
Andy Pausch
I really enjoyed this video, I thought it was very inspirational. I think had alot of important information in it. My favorite was about being a good salesman of education. I've never looked at it that way. He put it in a way that I could understand. I agree that we are selling to the children. Its like making sales pitch, only our sales pitch is our lesson plans, and the clients are the students. The last thing for me was how he not only wanted to teach everyday lessons, but life lessons. I think if you ask anyone they would agree that they would rather leave a lasting impression, than a fleeting one. So for me I definitely learned alot on this one.
My Teacher Interview
For my interviewing project I interviewed my sister who is an Elemtary school teacher. It was hard interviewing someone who I not only see but hang out with on a daily basis. My sister taught at a lower income school for a year and said it was an experience she will never forget. Lindsey said it taught her how to teach on a completely different level. This school did not have the resources that a lot of schools are accustomed to. She couldn't depend on smart boards, computers, or any technology to make her lessons interesting. Lindsey had to really pull from a place she had never been to teach these kids. Life for the students at this school was different than the way Lindsey grew up. These students didn't have parents that made sure their homework was done, or they were on time for school. The teachers would be lucky if all of their students were at school on the same day. One parent has even said to my sister, that school is just time she can use to get away from her "bad" children. My sister showed me lesson plans she used and how she made them understandable and fun at the same time. My favorite part was all the cards and notes that each student gave her at the end of the year. They really loved my sister and they were very grateful for everything she taught them. I hope one day I can impact students the way she did.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Skype
I've only just recently heard about Skype before this class. My sister's boyfriend is in the navy, and he is currently in California. Lindsey (sister) has a Mac book computer and would use the iChat occasionally, but since Cliff didn't have a Mac book they started using Skype to communicate back and forth. They have watched a movie together using Skype and sharing each others screen. I used it the other day so I could write this blog, but currently I don't have many people to Skype with. I think its a very useful tool especially in the business world. Instead of flying across country you can Skype!
Timeline Toast
I used the Timeline to show some different events surrounded by my school years...Seeing as how I'm still in school, they're still occuring now. It was fun to play around with the timeline. I can see myself using it later on in my life. Enjoy!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Websites
Alex
ALEX stands for Alabama Learning Exchange. It is a very useful Website. You can use it to find lesson plans, other learning sites, and the course of study you are trying to fulfill. It also has the latest news and provides opportunities for you as a teacher. If at any time you needed help while looking through this website, there is a help icon that can help you with what you are looking for.
After spending time in the website, I was able to explore in many different areas. I think that this website is very useful and can help us as future teachers. The best part is that you always have somewhere to go if you every need help with brainstorming ideas or if you just cant think of anything..lol
Access
Access is a website for both teachers and students. This website is so great for helping the students become more successful and for the teachers as well. This website allows the teachers to interact with the students if they're having difficulties. Having the teachers get to know their students in a greater depth. The teacher can know what specific areas they are struggling in.
Some of the links in Access are the Educators, Students, Technical Support and the Courses. The website provides updates. One amazing part is that the classrooms are being able to link to one another so everyone can learn from each other. I think that this a great tool that can really help and teach our students and teachers for the better.
Michael Wesch
Hmmmm..very interesting. Mr Wesch definitly had some good points in this video. I like how he incorporated different elements into his video. How he used the television shows to go with his discussion. I particular like the part about the use of the word "whatever" for the children who grew up in the 90's. I was definetly a "whatever" girl..thanks to the movie Clueless. Every generation is different, from the clothes to their facial expression and even the words that they use in their vocabulary. I do agree that the media controls everything. We do things now, not based on if we want to, but what other people will think. I think that television has played a huge role in making up our minds and changing America. I dont even have to say how much we are allowed now on t.v compared to 20 years ago. Are we diconnected?... Yes. A text message is now a conversation. Thanks to Facebook we barely talk anymore at all. You can stare at a persons profile pic and do some chatting via i.m. No more facial expressions and voices. People are no longer used to social environments anymore.
It is very interesting how people can now talk to a camera and call it a conversation. Now you can have a relationship over the computer, you don't have to live in the same town or anything all you have to do is have some internet and a built in web cam, and boom your in love....Its like it no longer matters who you really are, as long as you look good on paper..or in this case a computer screen. This is a very good video, very very interesting.
It is very interesting how people can now talk to a camera and call it a conversation. Now you can have a relationship over the computer, you don't have to live in the same town or anything all you have to do is have some internet and a built in web cam, and boom your in love....Its like it no longer matters who you really are, as long as you look good on paper..or in this case a computer screen. This is a very good video, very very interesting.
The networked student
I very much enjoyed this video. I love how everything was soo organized! Crazy enough the video discussed a lot of the things that I am learning in this class. Like learning how to use the blogs for educational purposes. Even with the pod casting, how we can allow students to listen to lessons. Also with the i pod, they can be used to listen to lectures.
"Why does a networked student even need a teacher?" I thought about this question and maybe even wondered if in the future children will even need us teachers to be there. The answer to me is Yes. Students will always need a teacher to be there. Especially with the technologies that are becoming more available, we will need to be there to show them how it needs to be used. Its good knowing we are still wanted...:)
"Are you prepared to be a teacher of a networked student?" I will be prepared to be a teacher of a networked student. I don't think anyone can be prepared to the fullest. There's always going to be some new technology invented, so I'm going to have to always be in the learing mode. So the more I'm willing to learn, the better off my students will be.
"Why does a networked student even need a teacher?" I thought about this question and maybe even wondered if in the future children will even need us teachers to be there. The answer to me is Yes. Students will always need a teacher to be there. Especially with the technologies that are becoming more available, we will need to be there to show them how it needs to be used. Its good knowing we are still wanted...:)
"Are you prepared to be a teacher of a networked student?" I will be prepared to be a teacher of a networked student. I don't think anyone can be prepared to the fullest. There's always going to be some new technology invented, so I'm going to have to always be in the learing mode. So the more I'm willing to learn, the better off my students will be.
Acheiving your childhood dreams
Nice....My favorite part was that he made the video fun and exciting to watch. I must say that it was hard getting my assignment done from this video, but I was able to pick up on a few of his methods.
My favorite of course was his way of having fun and shying away from "book learning" that our school systems are built on. He would use projects to teach to his classroom. I definitely found that meaningful and useful. I think students would enjoy (as I do) hands on learning. Also projects can promote other great skills like working together. It is such an important skill for children and adults to learn. Mixing the students up and having them work in different groups was something I agree with. It gives them a way to better learn who they are and how to work with others.
Lastly I liked how he pushed his student to succeed. He mentioned how he told his student what a great job they had done on a project, but knew they could do better. I liked that he gave them the praise they had earned but didn't stop there. I think its sooo important for us to always be pushing each an every student, to be all that they can be. To me that the difference in being a teacher and being someone that helped them in life.
This is how we Dream
OK....I must say that event though I got information out of this post it's delivery to me was on the boring side. Now i know that's a little harsh, and i don't mean it to be rude, but I don't enjoy watching boring videos! Note to anyone making a educational learning video...make it fun!
So about the video, it did speak to me and I was able to revieve information on mulitimedia. I agree that our work-place has changed dratically over the years, like being able to use computers for work or to do shcool porjects (to take this class...lol). The biggest change was the reading and writing vs the listening. We have evoled so much and i'm sure we will continue to grow. There was one comment in particular that I liked and I will end with that; The restriction are the one we put on ourselves.
So about the video, it did speak to me and I was able to revieve information on mulitimedia. I agree that our work-place has changed dratically over the years, like being able to use computers for work or to do shcool porjects (to take this class...lol). The biggest change was the reading and writing vs the listening. We have evoled so much and i'm sure we will continue to grow. There was one comment in particular that I liked and I will end with that; The restriction are the one we put on ourselves.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Dukes Ipod
Here's the rundown on Duke.
Duke has decided to give 1600 Freshman iPods preloaded with orientation information, Dukes fight song and the academic calendar. They want the Freshman to use the devices for course content, record lectures and for foreign language lessons.
The goal for the school is to expand the information both in the classroom and in the campus community. (Tracey Futhey, Vice president of technology) The school estimates the cost at $500,000. The freshman also get to keep the iPods.
The school says they are looking forward to the ideas of both student and faculty. Futhey also said that the experiment is not a push-to combat copyright infringement over peer to peer networks: but said "I do think having a device that gives them an easy to use legal alternative could be helpful in curbing illegal file sharing."
Click here to read more about Dukes ipod experiment.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
iTunes U
The iTunes U is an amazing new way to learning. It allows instructors and students to learn and communicate on a whole new level. We can use iTunes, for video and audio, not just music video;s and songs. We can use it for teacher lectures and responses. It is of course a free service, all you have to do is to download iTunes :) (which as we know we all already have).
My favorite part about iTunes U is that it can be a greattool for children with disabilities. Using Voiceover, which is a built in screen reader. Children with slower motor skills can use iTunes U at there own pace. You and your school can also decide whether or not you want to make your content on iTunes U available to just members of your educational community or the whole world! i Tunes U is simple and easy to use, and a small step to insuring a better education.
Click here for more information on iTunes U
My favorite part about iTunes U is that it can be a great
Click here for more information on iTunes U
Comments4kids
Emmy, was my comments4kids assignment this week. She was so cute. I know a lot of people have probably said that about their kids but mine really was. Emmy had recorded a video introducing herself. I think she has so much courage to be recorded and posted like that for the whole world to see!! I mean WOW!.
Dr. Christie
Wow!! what does she not do...:)
Taught for 25 years, now a Professor. All of the workshops and seminars, not to mention the website and pod casts. Helping teachers design web pages..I mean wow talk about your teacher of the year.
The best part about Dr. Christi is that she is a teacher through and through. Even now her goals are still to go and teach. She teaches principles and could probably solve any problem you might be having and your school. Just looking at the website has proven useful and I haven't even done that much! As a teacher i could definitely learn a lot from this website. The workshops are available to read and review. Listing to the pod casts alone would open insight into different areas. The best part is that she wants you to communicate with her, she wants you to be better. That in itself is learning a lot from the website.
Taught for 25 years, now a Professor. All of the workshops and seminars, not to mention the website and pod casts. Helping teachers design web pages..I mean wow talk about your teacher of the year.
The best part about Dr. Christi is that she is a teacher through and through. Even now her goals are still to go and teach. She teaches principles and could probably solve any problem you might be having and your school. Just looking at the website has proven useful and I haven't even done that much! As a teacher i could definitely learn a lot from this website. The workshops are available to read and review. Listing to the pod casts alone would open insight into different areas. The best part is that she wants you to communicate with her, she wants you to be better. That in itself is learning a lot from the website.
Comments4kids
Ohh Robert!! Wow what a funny kid. For my comments for kids I had a young man by the name of Robert, who decided to take a picture of a friend of his and to play with it on Photo shop. He called his post Bloat man....which is what he did to his picture. He distorted his friends photo and then explained how he did it. Aside from being quite hilarious..lol he also learned a lot from doing the photo edit. Not only how to operate the program but to format his picture but uploading and putting in jpeg. To me that's quite incredible for a 10 year old.
Mr. McClung
Simple, easy and to the point. I much enjoyed this post, as i do most teachers post. Something about reading a colleagues thoughts, and identifying with them is somewhat amazing.
I obviously agree with everything he had to say especially about centering everything around the children. while it's important to maintain your objectives and lessons, you are not there to impress your superiors, you are there to teach those children! Like my comment to Mr. McClung, it is often the obvious reason we decide to teach, but we can loose sight of the most simplest of things. I liked how much the comment from one his own students touched him, it showed me a little piece of his heart. How much he cared and wanting to do all that he could to listen to his students.
I obviously agree with everything he had to say especially about centering everything around the children. while it's important to maintain your objectives and lessons, you are not there to impress your superiors, you are there to teach those children! Like my comment to Mr. McClung, it is often the obvious reason we decide to teach, but we can loose sight of the most simplest of things. I liked how much the comment from one his own students touched him, it showed me a little piece of his heart. How much he cared and wanting to do all that he could to listen to his students.
Trusted Source?
Hmm...very interesting. I was presently surprised and enlighten by the new information that i have now learned. I have always known, just from people saying it, that Wiki was not a credible source for information. I usually used wiki to look up actors or songs, new movies etc. I honestly had no idea the lengths at which wiki is used. To say we have congress men, and the CIA logging on to read and change information should definitely tell me something....which is that even though I was told it wasn't a credible source, its a source that matters (to some people...:)
I thoroughly like this idea with the wiki scanner, (probably because i myself have never logged on to wiki and edited) showing who is making these changes. Up until now I assumed it was just regular Joe's and nerds (no offense) logging on and changing facts, but now I know that its businesses and men in suits who want to look good in the eye of the public; but now we can see that they are the ones who are changing the Wiki with the help of the new scanner.
To me the bottom line is that you can use wiki was a credible source, but you have to read between the lines :)
I thoroughly like this idea with the wiki scanner, (probably because i myself have never logged on to wiki and edited) showing who is making these changes. Up until now I assumed it was just regular Joe's and nerds (no offense) logging on and changing facts, but now I know that its businesses and men in suits who want to look good in the eye of the public; but now we can see that they are the ones who are changing the Wiki with the help of the new scanner.
To me the bottom line is that you can use wiki was a credible source, but you have to read between the lines :)
Monday, February 8, 2010
Landwitches.......
I chose the Landwitches blog from our list. I read through a some of the blogs on the web page. I must say that they were interesting. Landwitches are pro-technology. They believe it is vital to teach and use different programs. Landwitches explain how the technologies being used today are important, and do contribute to your basic skills i.e. reading, writing, and arithmetic. Its easy to see their view point, and they have proof there in the fine print to back it up.
I also enjoyed the layout of their web page, and the different selections you have. They did a lot of different pictures, that the blogger created himself. There were also many different links on the page to get to other blogger's, and websites. For the most part this was a well thought of web page.
I also enjoyed the layout of their web page, and the different selections you have. They did a lot of different pictures, that the blogger created himself. There were also many different links on the page to get to other blogger's, and websites. For the most part this was a well thought of web page.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Listening and Little ones
I-phone baby
Ha! I am not quite sure why, but that video tickled me. Probably because that baby was so sweet and cute. I know that this video was meant to spark our "Critical Thinking" skills, but for me it was just entertaining to watch. I thought it remarkable that a child of that age could understand and operate the I-phone. It shows you how aware children are, and how easily they can be taught something. I think the reason that this seems so amazing to us, is because we adults have just gotten the I-phone and taught ourselves how to work it. Its not something that's been around for years. So the fact that a baby can do it, doesn't necessarily mean that particular child is a genius, it just means that they have no limits as to what they can learn. Given the proper attention, time, and dedication with something, we can teach our children anything.
Little kids..Big Potential
Ohh Wow! These kids are great. I loved watching them interact like that. I would really like to meet the teacher of that class!! I enjoyed the how much they did with each other. It was inspiring to me. I saw how you can use the technology in a positive way. The children knew exactly what they were doing. I think that is the result of a great teacher.
The children absolutely loved what they were learning. I get a kind of thrill out of seeing the kids respond to the material that is being taught. My personal view to this particular video is that, if taught properly, and made to be fun, that technology can be very beneficial to kids.
Media Literacy
I suppose this was more of just a follow up to Little Kids...Big Potential. The children were just explaining everything they can do with the computers and technology. They were making videos, blogs, reading books, and so much more. I'm beginning to understand the importance of technology in the school system. How it can be used to benefit the students, and the teachers.
These video are showing me, that learning can be so many different things. Not just reading, writing, and arithmetic. Learning can be videos, blogs, Nintendo ds, and site words on the Internet. I think with structure, and guidance you can use these tools in the classroom to help your students.
Podcast's
Well I listened.....:). I was confused at first, but I eventually got the hang of it. The first cast that I listened to was Kidcast. The episode that I tuned in on was a How To guide for a mini-series. Basically it was telling you how you can get into the Podcasting. The students would get into groups and record their thoughts on a particular subject. The teacher would then post them daily. So that the other students could listen to each others thoughts and views. I understood the How to the Podcasting, but I was still lost on the why? Can we not have these discussions in class? When your supposed to be teaching and learning? I think that the students have enough work today, that sending them home to then log on to listen to more lectures and opinions, is a little demanding.
I then listened to the Macbook Weakly Podcast. Now this one to me made more sense. It had the radio station feel to it. More of you were just tuning in to listen to some interesting facts. I liked this one much more than the first. I think that I would have a hard time doing a solo podcast, I think it would be more entertaining to have some people there with you contributing to the Podcast.
Comments 4 Kids
WOW!! What fun....I had a little girl named Yesenia, she is a part of Ms. Deyenberg's 5th grade class. Yesenia, is active in sports, and likes to play basketball. She also spoke about playing games in her Social Studies class, that she really enjoyed. I love that she was able to say this, because I for one love to play games and teach at the same time. Yesenia also spoke about Haiti and how she wanted to give money and how blessed she was. I was touched that she was able to know this and to talk about it on her blog.
Ha! I am not quite sure why, but that video tickled me. Probably because that baby was so sweet and cute. I know that this video was meant to spark our "Critical Thinking" skills, but for me it was just entertaining to watch. I thought it remarkable that a child of that age could understand and operate the I-phone. It shows you how aware children are, and how easily they can be taught something. I think the reason that this seems so amazing to us, is because we adults have just gotten the I-phone and taught ourselves how to work it. Its not something that's been around for years. So the fact that a baby can do it, doesn't necessarily mean that particular child is a genius, it just means that they have no limits as to what they can learn. Given the proper attention, time, and dedication with something, we can teach our children anything.
Little kids..Big Potential
Ohh Wow! These kids are great. I loved watching them interact like that. I would really like to meet the teacher of that class!! I enjoyed the how much they did with each other. It was inspiring to me. I saw how you can use the technology in a positive way. The children knew exactly what they were doing. I think that is the result of a great teacher.
The children absolutely loved what they were learning. I get a kind of thrill out of seeing the kids respond to the material that is being taught. My personal view to this particular video is that, if taught properly, and made to be fun, that technology can be very beneficial to kids.
Media Literacy
I suppose this was more of just a follow up to Little Kids...Big Potential. The children were just explaining everything they can do with the computers and technology. They were making videos, blogs, reading books, and so much more. I'm beginning to understand the importance of technology in the school system. How it can be used to benefit the students, and the teachers.
These video are showing me, that learning can be so many different things. Not just reading, writing, and arithmetic. Learning can be videos, blogs, Nintendo ds, and site words on the Internet. I think with structure, and guidance you can use these tools in the classroom to help your students.
Podcast's
Well I listened.....:). I was confused at first, but I eventually got the hang of it. The first cast that I listened to was Kidcast. The episode that I tuned in on was a How To guide for a mini-series. Basically it was telling you how you can get into the Podcasting. The students would get into groups and record their thoughts on a particular subject. The teacher would then post them daily. So that the other students could listen to each others thoughts and views. I understood the How to the Podcasting, but I was still lost on the why? Can we not have these discussions in class? When your supposed to be teaching and learning? I think that the students have enough work today, that sending them home to then log on to listen to more lectures and opinions, is a little demanding.
I then listened to the Macbook Weakly Podcast. Now this one to me made more sense. It had the radio station feel to it. More of you were just tuning in to listen to some interesting facts. I liked this one much more than the first. I think that I would have a hard time doing a solo podcast, I think it would be more entertaining to have some people there with you contributing to the Podcast.
Comments 4 Kids
WOW!! What fun....I had a little girl named Yesenia, she is a part of Ms. Deyenberg's 5th grade class. Yesenia, is active in sports, and likes to play basketball. She also spoke about playing games in her Social Studies class, that she really enjoyed. I love that she was able to say this, because I for one love to play games and teach at the same time. Yesenia also spoke about Haiti and how she wanted to give money and how blessed she was. I was touched that she was able to know this and to talk about it on her blog.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Bewilderment
Vision
What an awesome video! I watch I and think, "I wish I would have thought of something like that". To say I couldn’t agree or identify with this particular video is an understatement. If a person knows me for who I really am they would know I hate the feeling of someone taking advantage of me.
This video is almost painful to watch. It shows, and tells you just how demanding this time in our lives can be. People say your college years are your best years…yeah right!! They’re the most expensive, grueling high stressed years of your life!
My favorite points made were the ones that dealt with the more “standard” college issues i.e. text book costs, reading, assignments, classmates, and teacher recognition. We pay for college, we are paying to further our education, just like everyone told us to do, but does anyone truly care? A degree has almost lost its meaning. Sometimes it’s just not enough, now we need masters, PhD’s and doctorates. The information we are “required” to know in order to graduate will never be used again.
We spend countless hours on computers, cell phones, downloading, uploading, installing, uninstalling. I now have to have access to a computer to continue my school….All I ask is who made this decision, who said it’s a necessity? I think technology can be a great tool, but should it be a requirement? I guess I should ask the ones who already made the decision for me.
It’s not about the Technology
Mrs. Hines is definitely on my page here. It helped my critical thinking on this technology front. Mrs. Hines, like myself is not against the use of technology. It just needs the proper outlet. “Teachers must be learners, evolving and understanding”, “If a student has not learned, no matter how much effort has been exerted no teaching has been done”. Those quotes speak volumes.
Hines also said that we should prepare children of the future by being creative and innovative. Creativity is lacking in our educational systems. Technology can be used, but we must teach our students instead, we are letting technology teach and shape them.
Technology Illiterate
This was a hard one for me. It definitely makes your mind reel, which I guess is the whole point. I thought it a little harsh at times. I always want to teach to the best of my abilities, and I want to expose my students to all sides of education. However it is hard for me to decide if technology holds the importance as some of our other “basic” foundations. Just writing that that last sentence makes me think of technology like I would think of creativity. I know how I strongly feel about creativity. That it’s a vital aspect of teaching and maybe technology is the same….
I guess this is a battle that I am not quite sure of….yet.
Media Counter
To me, it means that technology is inevitable. That our world is being “taken over” by computers, phones, etc. however I’m not sure it means that my teaching method has to completely change. I think we must evolve and make proper accommodations, to ensure the readiness of our children.
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