Final Project
Wow ... have we learned a lot! For my final project I created an example classroom website. (http://finalproject509.shutterfly.com/) I had a lot of fun learning how to create a website and working out the many many kinks that came with this site! Overall, I am now confident and excited to use classroom website technology in my own classroom. I look forward to teaching and working with my peers on new technologies and new ways on enhancing the classroom learning experience. My only apprehension is that other teachers will not share in my enthusiasm but my hope is that through practice and implementation others will see the positive effects of bringing technologies into our classrooms. Technology is such a part of our way of life that it needs to have a permanent places in our schools. Students need to be prepared to transition into life after school; students need to have the skills and confidence to explore and innovate. Sometimes I think the excitement of technology in the classrooms is confused with a laziness of sorts on the teachers part ... that technology is in some way a babysitter. I have learned from this course that those reason could truly not be farther from the truth. It takes skill, patience and a lot of time for educators to learn about new technologies and to plan lessons that integrate and effectively make use out of the knowledge in the classroom. Educators are working hard to use technology but at the same time use it as a support tool. Sometimes educators need the support and the push of the outside world, the hints to ensure them that they are working hard and are much appreciated. In combination with my other classes this semester it is clear that educators have an immense amount of work, goals etc and only a small amount of time to make it happen. Educators must teach, they must assess, they must reflect and they must continue to learn! The work of educators is truly amazing and it should excite us all. We need to support the educational field as they bring the newest excitement of technology and the newest excitement of learning into our classrooms! Let's make this happen ... bring technology into the classroom!
GPS & Google Maps
This week we explored the technologies GPS and Google Maps. I have to say ... what fun and exciting technologies! We learned about the important difference between GIS and GPS systems ... most of us are familiar with the GPS idea (in our cars, phones etc) whereas GIS deals with a more geographical approach. What I liked about the GIS aspect is that in incorporated many views and dimensional aspects ... truly and interactive approach to learning. I am an avid supporter for these technologies as I believe they allow for teachers to tap into technology in the classroom with ease and control. These technologies are also available to all ages ... as these ideas can be implemented at almost every age level in a variation of ways. Since we are reaching the end of our course ... I can say that I have seen a trend throughout the technologies that we have explored ... and that has to do with application. Technologies have the unique abilities of being applicable to all age levels when implemented effectively ... and it is exciting that as teachers that we have this ability. Google maps and GPS systems are just one more way to teach our students to learn in a different manner. Technologies allow us the ability to learn in ways that are different from the content and lecture driven manners of the classroom ... and to allow our students to act as explorers. We must promote exploration and innovation and how we do that is virtually endless. Any comments that others have on trends they have seen in our class would be greatly appreciated ... as it has been such a fun ride through technology! (I took a quick look through all of my journal entries ... and WOW have we learned a lot!)
e-portfolio's
This week we read about e-portfolio's and how they can be used in the classroom etc. After reading about this technology and looking at different sites online ... I have to say I think that this can be a a great support tool in the classroom. As a soon to be teacher I feel like I am always trying to fill my databank with ideas about what to use in the classroom, what can be done effectively etc. I would use this technology in the classroom because I feel like it would give me a good idea and ability to use the students progression of learning overtime. I would also try to get students to stick to one format so I would have a better idea of comparison etc. I think it would be great if the administration of school had a specific network per say. For example our blog right now is part of the wolfblog network ... just to help promote that network and allow for a little more consistency. I would like to find a way to have a class site of some sort that had a list of the links to all the students portfolios ... so students could easily move from one peers site to another and provide comments. I think it would be a good idea for teachers to play around with this technology first to make sure they have a comfortable level of understanding of the technology and can effectively make it a support tool that further pushes the boundaries of learnings in the classroom. All this technology really is very exciting ... and I look forward to learning more about the technologies as well as implementing these technologies within my classroom. Yay technology!
One last idea about this topic (It is important to remember students computer abilities, as well as access in the home etc. As I suggested on our Ning site ... I think it would be best if the teacher dedicated a day a week or a day every two weeks that the class spends in the computer lab and can discuss any technology issues they are having and allow them to make updates etc.
digital divide
This week we read about the idea of a digital divide and whether one exists etc. We also took a trivia quiz ... which was a fun way to learn some internet facts! I would like to branch my discussion off one of our readings (Digital Divide and Students' Technology use) ..as this article focused on a group of kids and a comparison of suburban and rural school systems, internet use etc. The study found that students in suburban schools had more effective experiences with the internet as they had internet access at home etc. I think this brings us to the idea of how important it is for the administration to push programs that get internet and computers in the home. It is almost scary to think that students would not have this capability and access as the internet is so vitally important to our future, the students future etc. I was thinking about ways that school systems could help with this issue ... and I think it would be worthwhile for schools to invest in computers for students who could not afford computers in the home ... perhaps on a loan basis? I think the implications of this idea would be positive as perhaps the parents in the home have not had much access to computers and will be able to see the benefits of a computer etc ... perhaps giving them incentive to purchase one on their own. Of course this is optomistic ... but why not hope for the best ... and try for the best? Somewhere along the way ... we need to change ... we need to switch our educational focus and make technology a focus ... our number one tool. I thought it was interesting about how the article said that when it all comes down to it ... technology in the classroom still remains with the comfortability of the teacher and their willingness to push technology ... do you hear that teachers! I think it is exciting that we have this opportunity to provide our students with this tool ... it will be the tool of their future ... that is our job ... prepare students for the future. Let's do this!
streaming video
This week we talked about the integration of streaming video into the classroom. The first important idea was to use streaming video as a support for learning. I am beginning to see a pattern here! Like anything else ... we must use new technology tools as supports for learning ... not crutches! I think there is a negative connotation towards video ... which is something along the times of the teacher using video to bide time and teach the class for them. This is not true ... and it is unfortunate that video has this negative connotation. If videos are used effectively they can be an a great tool to invite students to enjoy sound and picture in relation to the learning in the classroom. Streaming video adds a great new dimension of video use through the internet as well as hopefully less technical difficulties! What I find most intriguing about streaming video is the idea of students watching live streaming video. I think it is exciting to invite students to watch real-time TV. Of course watching something live brings along the risks of watching anything live ... but I have to say I think the academic benefits are worth it ... let me know what you think!
Clickers in the Classroom
This week I explored the idea of using hand held clickers in the classroom. After reading articles about this topic, watching videos about it ... I have to say, what a fun technology and I can not wait to use it in my classroom! Hand held clickers basically stem from the show of "Who Wants to be a Millioniare?" On this show the audience were equipped with clickers that allowed them to answer and select multiple choice questions for the contestant. The same can be accomplished in the classroom! Clickers can be joined with a software program for teachers which allows teachers to immediately collect the data being chosen by the students and portray this data for the class. The teacher can also use the clickers to ask quiz or test questions and then have the software program compile their scores instanteously view the questions and figure out what aspects of the exam confused or distracted students from the correct choices. I enjoyed this technology as I feel it brings a new form of active learning to the classroom and through the anonyomity of the clickers ... students do not need to fear participation. Students can be assigned numbers in which only the teacher and student know. I also thought this technology was great because if allows teachers to guage student understanding on the spot ... the teacher can literally correct or enhance their lesson plan ... mid lesson! Im sorry if I sound overly excited ... I just really think this technology is effective and can be effective to a widespread audience as well ... elementary school up to college students. In a way we are bringing the computer idea of "real-time" to the classroom. No more waiting for teachers to grade tests, no more waiting for teachers to grade and find out where the students needed more understanding etc (and you have oops ... already moved onto another chapter) ... this technology truly encompasses the ideas of our modern 21st century technology driven world. As always it is important to implement well ... and remember that technology should always be used as a support to our teachings and abilities as an educator ... but why not make our supportive technologies as FUN as possible!
The World is Flat
This week we read from the book, The World is Flat, and I wanted to touch on a couple points that stood out to me. Towards the end of the book (Page 614) ... Friedman says, "We have to be the best global citizens we can be. We cannot retreat from the world. We have to make sure that we get the best of our imaginations - and never let our imaginations get the best of us."
Friedman writes his book as a series of educated observations from travel, from interviews, etc. I believe this quote is the result of the authors combined feelings and thoughts after the entity of the book has been read. Friedman is hoping to touch the lives of our younger generation, to call our younger generation to action ... for the younger generation to realize this is truly their time to shine in our world. I particularly like the wording, global citizens, as that is really what our world is ... we are no longer separated by countries, by the ocean etc ... all of the globe is open to all people and it is time for collaboration, for excitement, for motivation, for innovation ... in which will be done in all countries. Americans have grown to have a certain expectation of success and to achieve this success the younger generation must push the envelope of innovation and invention. The rest of the world is ready to do this, and Americans are still waiting ... I think their is a hesitation in America, a fear of sorts of the success of another country ... but Americans must learn to embrace this progress and be a integral part of it. It is exciting to think that our world can be considered one ... can be moving towards the idea of a global citizen ... this is a new path for all countries ... one with infinite possibilities and unlimited avenues for success. My hope is that generations of students realize the positive outcomes of collaboration and hard work ... and the motivation and excitement that can be evolved through this. As Friedman has reminded through the text ... we are literally living through a turning point in history ... we have the opportunities to be part of this watershed ... what can be more exciting than that ...
Gaming
I have to say ... what a fun topic this week!
Gaming is an essential aspect of 21st century technologies. Gaming outside of school has become a norm for most students and children ... as gaming consoles can most likely be found in any home, any socio-economic level, any race, any area in the country etc. The idea to bring this gaming outside of the home and into the school is certainly an intriguing one. I believe that in doing this educators would be given the opportunity to motivate students and intrigue students in ways that have not been accessible before. In a world where students live among various distractions, TV, Music, Media etc ... the ways of the classroom have almost become antiquated and separated from the students lives. Why not fuse the two together? Bringing gaming into the classroom is on point with discovering a new avenue of teaching. Now ... one must tread carefully when integrating this media as it must be done in an effective manner that fosters an environment of learning. Teachers must select games that have a specific purpose, beginning and end, goal etc. The characters would ideally be the students so that the students become the 1st person point of view learner. I think that educators are more than capable of achieving this and it would ultimately allow teachers to connect with students in a way that perhaps will alleviate boredom issues in the classroom. From our readings there was one point in particular that I thought was intriguing ... the game must acknowledge the role of the teacher. I think this is a valid point that the game must acknowledge a higher power of aura per say ... that the game is in a realm of knowledge and education ... that the character is working towards aquiring this knowledge.
21st century learning is about bringing media and technologies into the classroom to better prepare our students for the technology driven world that they are about to fall into. Schools are not a wonder house of miracles ... they can not parent a child, they can not solve every childs issues but above all they have the power to create awareness within the students and give them the foundation of knowledge that can make them a successful person outside of school. If anything it is the schools obligation to expose students to everything new in the world and be there to assist them on that exciting journey. Can't wait to hear other peoples thoughts on this subject ... as it is an exciting new dimension of the classroom!
Online vs. Traditional
I really enjoyed the subject of our readings and conversations this week ... as how much more pertinent could the topic get! I have to say I enjoy both online and traditional courses. The more and more I think about strengths and weaknesses of each area of study I find myself looking at similar lists .. topics that can be both a good and bad thing. For example, I love to go to class and talk with my peers, see the teacher, learn from our discussion etc ... BUT I love to log into an online course while multitasking at home, reading information, making posts, while making dinner, folding the laundry etc. Like anything else in life I have found that a balance of online classes and traditional classes is extremely key. Traditional classes have their obvious perks of active conversation etc ... but in the age of technology I think it is important to understand the workings of an online class ... knowing the advantages and disadvantages and having an appreciation for it. After our schooling is complete we must be ready to communicate through virtual methods in an effective manner. Communication through the computer has become so important today that I appreciate anyway in which I can learn more about effectively portraying my ideas via the computer. Online classes give us and force us into practicing communication in this manner. To branch off on a slightly more different strand of thought ... is my continual ideas of how do we protect our word over the internet? Even thinking about this blog ... our my thoughts and ideas open to anyone else to use as their own? As we open ourselves up to continual real time communication ... how do we create standards for our online communication? I have done a little internet searching and found actually a blog that talks about the need for our attention to turn to internet rules/regulations/IP laws etc. If anyone would like to read more into it the link is: http://www.scribd.com/doc/19097034/Who-Owns-What-Why-the-Internet-Means-Our-Copyright-Laws-Need-Reform-Synopsis. Just another thing that popped into my head was the great importance to perhaps have a class in high school that touches on the importance of knowing your source on the internet, what you have to cite, where to find information etc. My guess is that this class does not exist because as the educators we are still trying to swim our way through this topic and grasp what issues are important to pass along and impart in the students. Ok ... thats it for tonight ... comments welcome!
Weblog's
Since this is my first post I thought it would be appropriate to start the blog commenting on blogs and some interesting points from our readings this week! One of our readings commented on the surprising amount of blogs that are personal and follow the life of the individual author. I actually found my own experience to be quite opposite. Most to all of the blogs that I have seen have been personal blogs. Some are blogs that may follow someone's wedding planning, vacation, birth of a child, or even friends who are studying abroad and want a way to communicate to a large group. I would not be surprised that personal blogs will more and more dominate the blog world per say. I think it is interesting in the fact that people are looking for ways to communicate almost like a public diary or journal. The only aspect I particularly find to be important when thinking about this issue is that while people post personal information how do we wrap our minds around the security of these posts? I think it is fun to be able to send your family and friends one link that will constantly be updated and show them everything in your life that you would like to share ... but we must remember the context of these online journals ... as they are online and ultimately available for a large community of viewing. I think it is important to be informative to students about the security aspect as about 50% of all blogs are created by an author under the age of 20. It is very intriguing that the more and more topics we talk about we are constantly coming back to a common thread of some type of informative class for students whether it is about online security or the idea of checking online sources for reliability and validity ... we seemingly keep coming back to these ideas.
One more aspect I wanted to touch on that was spoken about in our readings was the idea of IP ownership ... who owns the rights to the information we are posting on blogs? I can't say I know the answer but I think it is worth debating about. In some way it is our information but in another way ... all information put on the web is basically given to all people who have access to your site. It might seem trivial but what if on a personal blog someone states and idea they have but does not actively act on it? So ... someone comes across that blog and uses that information to create something, a technology, something that perhaps money could be made off of etc .... so should the blogger get credit for any part of that idea?? Again, Im not too sure on the answer ... and would appreciate comments .... because I think it is something that could become and issue in the future as blogging websites become exponentially more popular.
Ok ... that is it for tonight ... have a good evening!