Saturday, February 27, 2010

Assignments for February 28, 2010

This is How We Dream Parts 1 & 2

These video's prove to be a good source for gathering tips to be utilized in my classroom. The information shared by Dr. Miller force me to really think about how we were taught to write, and study. The learning process for today's student has to involve new technological ideas; the majority of the students play video games, or use instant text messaging, or some other kind of updated technology. I agree that this should be an incremental change rather than fundamental change thus allowing the idea to resonate will educational leaders.

We are witnessing the changes in the way we collect data; the different types of resources we use to collect the data. For example, we use to visit the Library to research or search for data but now we can utilize our computers. Most people in today's society rarely make trips to the library because they can research the information on the Internet; they can save that information on a hard drive or on a computer to preserve the data.

We have to aggressively defend the right for our children to learn in today's ever changing society. Dr. Miller posted a quota on his video " as if learning matters"; I think it is essential for each teacher and prospective teacher to become technology literate. The concept of the printed press, voice, and visual press collaborating to connect is really an eye-opener. For example, moving imagines placed in the background to support a voice or music prove that technology is full steam ahead.



Wendy Drexler - Network Student

After watching the video on network students I sudden thought that perhaps I'm not prepared to teach a network class. I feel that I am just really getting started as a technology literate student. Initially, the 21st century learning techniques appeared to be a lot of information to retain and a bit scary but after settling down I see how new students must feel on their first day of school. The network student really do need a teacher to connect them with a world of informational resources and guide their learning experience. Connectivism is proving to be the learning tool for the next generation and as an educator it is essential for me to learn. The utilizing of PLN's and Itune U are networks that connect the student to the world.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Assignments for February 21, 2010

iTunes University

The collection of data found on itunes university was nearly unbelievable. iTunes has become one of my favor sites for educational data, it contain information for teachers and administrators alike. In this age of advanced technology itunes university can be helpful tool for first year teacher as well as seasoned teachers who are willing to learn new teaching techniques.

I really took interest in Steve Wheeler's podcast from the University of Plymouth; Wheeler posted famous quota's that really captured my attention. After reading some of these quota I found myself even more eager to learn and willing to help others. For example, "Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school". (Einstein) Now, how or what do you teach a student? Wow, technology may be the answer. Another quota, "for the first time we are preparing students for a future we cannot clearly describe". (David Warlick) I will personally utilize itunes university to enhance my knowledge of podcast, as well as search for ways to create projects for my students.
Dr. Alice Christie's
I found Dr. Christie's research on technology in the classroom very useful and I plan to utilize some of the information discovered. Links to web designs and publication's can be use to enhance the learning of our students. In Ian Jukes podcast "Learning Environments for Digital Kids" I found useful information about children learning capabilities. For example, Jukes states "digital learners prefer receiving information from multiple multimedia sources".

The material provided on Dr. Christie's web page offers a teacher many different techniques to utilize in their classroom's. As I read the information posted on Dr. Christie's web page I found myself wondering why or how do we have unprepared teacher's; with the abundance of data available for teachers. I never really thought about a child playing video games, and computer games then returning to the classroom to a teacher at the chalkboard. Dr Tim Tyson, principal of Mabry Middle School is known as "the Pied Piper of Educational Technology" for his implementation of technological tools at his middle school. Dr. Tyson efforts proves that a change in the learning environment can directly affects the students learning ability.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Assignments for February 14, 2010

"What I've Learned This Year" by Mr.McClung

As Mr. McClung describes his first year of teaching it reenforce the need to know the students you are teaching. His post really point out the feelings of thousands of teacher, perhaps even millions on their first day of teaching. I believe every teacher should take a interest in the students. For example, what kind of home life they have and what kind of support system is in place to help foster a positive learning environment. The fact that my students will be the most important thing I must utilize every positive example and tips to capture their attention. Some students are often place in or labeled (LD) Learning Disable by teachers without knowing all of the particalurs.

Assignments for February 14, 2010

Wikipedia (Wired Story)

This article and podcast on wikipedia is alarming. The thought of major corporations, political organizations, and the federal government manipulating the data posted on wikipedia should raise the level of concerns. The data posted daily on wikipedia is trusted by millions of people and to suggest that some of the data hasn't properly researched for accuracy or changed is alarming. I really wonder what was in the 15 paragraphs deleted from wikipedia.

The bold reaction of Ms. Griffin should be appreciated for years to come. I think a disclaimer should be place on the home page of wikipedia stating that the information should be double checked for accuracy. It probably a good idea to always cross-reference posted data.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Assignments For February 7, 2010

The Benefits of Podcasting in Education

I am becoming more and more intrigued with podcasting. While listening to the different podcast I realize the possible benefit s to a student. It can help a student present presentations and build self confidence. Podcasting also invite parents to be apart of their child learning; for example, parents can listen to or view video's with the child in the comfort of their home. I think this would support the ongoing effort of getting parents involved with their class and also give parents an avenue to reach the teacher.

As I look back over some of our earlier assignment, I'm getting a better sense of the ever changing world of technology. This efforts will allow the student that feel uncomfortable presenting in front of a class a level of comfort. I believe the students will work on speaking skill at home and in everyday situations.

Eagle Nest Radio and Class Blog

This podcast introduced another learning tool which I think will reach children. I believe that most students must learn by application oppose to lecture; with that being said Trey, Jackson, and Mark appeared to really enjoy their role in the podcast. I think assigning a student a topic to research to participate in a podcast covers many areas of studying. For example, searching for the data, reading multiple sources to gather important information, and selecting the best data. These efforts help develope the students critical thinking skill; hence, a well rounded student.