3 THINGS I LEARNED ABOUT (OR HAD AN "AH-HA" MOMENT WITH)
I never knew that a student could create his/her own website, I always assumed that it was a huge, drawn-out process that took months and months which only "Computer Tech Savy People" knew how to do. When I heard that we were going to be creating our very own websites I was to say the least scared. I was astounded how easy the program eZedia actually was to use. I was also surprised to find out that to buy eZedia and put it on my own personal computer was only 25 bucks or so. I had heard that the program Dream Weaver was very expensive and automatically assumed that eZedia would be too, but its not! I'm going to buy it! I was also very surprised that my instructor had her very own published book, I think that's incredible! WOW!
I have never seen Portaportal or Del.ic.ious before and thought that these programs were really useful. I thought that you could only bookmark by using the bookmark tool on the tool bar.
Also, I have never podcasted before, and to tell you the truth have never even used a MacIntosh computer before this class ~ and look at me now! I didn't know that MacIntosh's had voice recorders built into them. I learned how to create a podcast! I also learned how to upload a movie and edit it in iMovie! I know that is way more than 3 things that I learned, but I REALLY benefitted from this class!
Reflecting over 6 Student Websites in Tecs 390
By looking over some of my fellow student's websites, I noticed that I forgot to include an All About Me Page. Many people wrote a brief description about them selves on the first page and I only had two pictures. I think this summer, once I get my apple pc, I will write a brief description about myself and put it on the first page. I think that would make my website more personal and not just a face. I generally am happy with my website though, I think that I included a lot of things that will help people gain an understanding of who I am.
Jolene Hubin's Website
- I liked the bright backgrounds, they really stood out!
- The buttons were very fun, different, and cute
-The ABC book didn't work, but mine didn't either completely on my PC at home
- Everything was very organized
Chelsea Hulett's Website
- Cute, fun backgrounds
- Lesson Plans page is blank!
- Assignments page is blank!
- Class Projects button links over to the blank assignments page!
Sheila Harvey's Website
-I was very impressed!!!!
-Everything was so neat and organized!
-Lots of pictures that helped me glimpse into her life
- Very personal
- Cute backgrounds, they all matched the same theme
Chris Schmidtberger's Website
-The home page is blank and is just a blue screen
- The buttons only take you back to the home page and do not link to what they say they should link to
- Very short and sweet, not much in it
Nicky Moody's Website
- Liked the All About Me Page, it gave good information about her (I should have done that!)
- Maybe have all of the buttons on the homepage so that if someone is looking for something in particular, they wouldn't have to navigate far
-Enjoyed the pictures
Kiley Old's Website
- Home page words are a little blurred by the background because the colors are similar
- VERY COLORFUL AND FUN!
-Loved the backgrounds
-Short and sweet, didn't have just a ton of stuff
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Friday, May 4, 2007
Week 17 Article Reflections
Article Title: Blogs Are Not the Enemy
Article Source: Tech Learning
Weblink: http://www.techlearning.com/showArticle.php?articleID=196604374
Reflection:
Many teachers oppose using blogging in the classroom. They do not understand why an educator would want to use blogging, how it benefits the students, or how it engages students in the learning process. However, there are many useful methods of incorporating blogging into the curriculum. Blogging can be very time consuming for the students and for teachers to grade, but the power of blogging comes through the conversation threads that it creates. Teachers can present a topic, a student writes to the topic, another student reads that comment and reflects on the topic and what the first student said about it, and so on. Many ideas can be generated by viewing what other people think about concepts. To ensure that students are using blogging in a useful manner the teacher should encourage the students to write meaningful comments that generate other ideas, include a hyperlink within the post, share information about yourself, to criticize kindly, and to remember the power of words. Teachers may also want to use a tracking service to keep the blogging clean and also to track the usage of the blogging site.
Article Title: The One-to-One Tsunami
Article Source: Tech Learning
Weblink: http://www.techlearning.com/showArticle.php?articleID=196604373
Reflection:
The education world as we know it is changing right before our eyes. Pioneers in the technology , Australia's Methodist Ladies' College in Melbourne, rolled out the first One-to-One program back in 1990. The world viewed this as a luxy for only the elite, but today, if educators are not moving to work towards this, than they will find themselves on the wrong side of the technology divide in the world. For educators to be successful with a One-to-One program, they must have a well-managed and thoughtfully approached classroom program in which each student has a "digital assistant". This One-to-One process helps students to acquire and manipulate more information quicker and more efficiently. This helps to stimulate higher-order thinking and creativity. Also, when each student has their own personal computer, the students have more time on task with research, writing, and presentating because they can take the computer to school, home, and where ever else they need to take it. Although many schools would love to adopt a program such as this, funding is not always available. Schools should explore funding options within their district as soon as possible because students and teachers will definitely benefit from a program such as One-to-One.
Article Source: Tech Learning
Weblink: http://www.techlearning.com/showArticle.php?articleID=196604374
Reflection:
Many teachers oppose using blogging in the classroom. They do not understand why an educator would want to use blogging, how it benefits the students, or how it engages students in the learning process. However, there are many useful methods of incorporating blogging into the curriculum. Blogging can be very time consuming for the students and for teachers to grade, but the power of blogging comes through the conversation threads that it creates. Teachers can present a topic, a student writes to the topic, another student reads that comment and reflects on the topic and what the first student said about it, and so on. Many ideas can be generated by viewing what other people think about concepts. To ensure that students are using blogging in a useful manner the teacher should encourage the students to write meaningful comments that generate other ideas, include a hyperlink within the post, share information about yourself, to criticize kindly, and to remember the power of words. Teachers may also want to use a tracking service to keep the blogging clean and also to track the usage of the blogging site.
Article Title: The One-to-One Tsunami
Article Source: Tech Learning
Weblink: http://www.techlearning.com/showArticle.php?articleID=196604373
Reflection:
The education world as we know it is changing right before our eyes. Pioneers in the technology , Australia's Methodist Ladies' College in Melbourne, rolled out the first One-to-One program back in 1990. The world viewed this as a luxy for only the elite, but today, if educators are not moving to work towards this, than they will find themselves on the wrong side of the technology divide in the world. For educators to be successful with a One-to-One program, they must have a well-managed and thoughtfully approached classroom program in which each student has a "digital assistant". This One-to-One process helps students to acquire and manipulate more information quicker and more efficiently. This helps to stimulate higher-order thinking and creativity. Also, when each student has their own personal computer, the students have more time on task with research, writing, and presentating because they can take the computer to school, home, and where ever else they need to take it. Although many schools would love to adopt a program such as this, funding is not always available. Schools should explore funding options within their district as soon as possible because students and teachers will definitely benefit from a program such as One-to-One.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Week 16 Article Reflection
Article Title: When digital kids rule the classroom
Article Source: By Stefanie OlsenStaff Writer, CNET News.comPublished: April 26, 2006 4:00 AM PST
Weblink: http://news.com.com/2009-1041-6065108.html?tag=tb
Reflection:
GenYes, which stands for Generation of Youth and Educators Succeeding, is a program in which students educate adult teachers about technology and how it can be used. I think that this program is extremely interesting. You don't find many workshops with young adults turning the tables and instructing teachers! I think that it is great though, kids now-a-days are great with computers, software, and many other different types of technology because they were exposed to it at a young age. This sort of workshop could be extremely beneficial to educators, especially older educators who have not been exposed to many of the technological advances or have not been instructed how to use them. I think that students would really get a kick out of teaching the adults, and it would be beneficial for the adults in many ways as well.
Article Source: By Stefanie OlsenStaff Writer, CNET News.comPublished: April 26, 2006 4:00 AM PST
Weblink: http://news.com.com/2009-1041-6065108.html?tag=tb
Reflection:
GenYes, which stands for Generation of Youth and Educators Succeeding, is a program in which students educate adult teachers about technology and how it can be used. I think that this program is extremely interesting. You don't find many workshops with young adults turning the tables and instructing teachers! I think that it is great though, kids now-a-days are great with computers, software, and many other different types of technology because they were exposed to it at a young age. This sort of workshop could be extremely beneficial to educators, especially older educators who have not been exposed to many of the technological advances or have not been instructed how to use them. I think that students would really get a kick out of teaching the adults, and it would be beneficial for the adults in many ways as well.
Article Reflections Continued from Week 15
Article Title: If wired right, computers do belong in classrooms
Article Source: latimes.com by Bob Sipchen
Weblink:http://www.latimes.com/news/education/la-me-schoolme16apr16,1,5262663.column?coll=la-news-learning&ctrack=1&cset=true
Reflection:
I haven't read many articles that have shown the perspective of technology NOT being effective in the classroom. I think that this article did a great job of showing both sides of the story. Just like every other product out there known to man, there are good ones and bad ones. Just because a software program claims to be educational, does not necessarily mean that the studetns will learn much from it or even use it to its fullest potential. Although there are many popular software programs out there that are not showing much educational value for students, there are also very beneficial ones if implimented into the classroom correctly. A good teacher and good technology usage can do wonders in a classroom.
Article Source: latimes.com by Bob Sipchen
Weblink:http://www.latimes.com/news/education/la-me-schoolme16apr16,1,5262663.column?coll=la-news-learning&ctrack=1&cset=true
Reflection:
I haven't read many articles that have shown the perspective of technology NOT being effective in the classroom. I think that this article did a great job of showing both sides of the story. Just like every other product out there known to man, there are good ones and bad ones. Just because a software program claims to be educational, does not necessarily mean that the studetns will learn much from it or even use it to its fullest potential. Although there are many popular software programs out there that are not showing much educational value for students, there are also very beneficial ones if implimented into the classroom correctly. A good teacher and good technology usage can do wonders in a classroom.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Article Reflections Continued From Week 15
Article Title:Video helps overhaul district's curriculum Baltimore County uses video streaming to enhance lessons and engage students
Article Source:By Laura Devaney, Associate Editor, eSchool News
Weblink:http://www.eschoolnews.org/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=7015
Reflection:
In an effort to revamp its curriculum, Baltimore County Public Schools,the nation's 25th largest school system, has installed video servers and a video-on-demand system in all of its 169 schools. Although the use of video on demand is nothing new for schools, what distinguishes Baltimore County's effort is that the district has formed teams of teachers in each school to brainstorm ways of using the videos to their fullest potential across each subject area. Video servers are nothing entirely new, but for such a large school district to adopt a brand new system, it is a huge leap for technology integration in schools. I especially like that Balitmore School System has formed teams of teachers to discuss the new technology and how it can be integrated into each subject area and the uses for it. I think that by holding meetings and discussing, teachers can not only learn more about the system in itself but how they might use it in other areas. I think that this is a huge step for converting schools into the 21st century.
Article Title:The Marshal Of MySpace How Hemanshu Nigam is trying to keep the site's 'friends' safe from predators and bullies
Article Source: Business Week Online
Weblink:http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_17/b4031092.htm
Reflection:
Hemanshu Nigam was a federal prosecuter who has been hired by MySpace to keep children safe from online pedophiles and reduce bullying. This is very important to MySpace not only to protect its users, but to boost profits by attracting advertising. When MySpace first began, predatory adults used it to lure young children for offline meetings. Now, there have been privacy policies put into motion and other protective measures have been taken to ensure adults are unable to talk to minors unless they have the full email address and name of the child. I think that this is a huge job for Hemanshu Nigam!!! Internet hackers are continually finding ways to disrupt programs, teenagers will always bully and be rude to people online, and there is no 100% fail proof way of blocking adult predators. I think that MySpace has done a great job so far to protect young children from predators by implementing restrictions that were not previously there. Hemanshu Nigam is also trying to educate users about online bullying. He says, "If you wouldn't say it in person, why say it online?" He also deletes profiles of known or reported bullies and even refers some to the police. I think that overall, MySpace is doing the best that they can do and will continue improving as needed.
Article Source:By Laura Devaney, Associate Editor, eSchool News
Weblink:http://www.eschoolnews.org/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=7015
Reflection:
In an effort to revamp its curriculum, Baltimore County Public Schools,the nation's 25th largest school system, has installed video servers and a video-on-demand system in all of its 169 schools. Although the use of video on demand is nothing new for schools, what distinguishes Baltimore County's effort is that the district has formed teams of teachers in each school to brainstorm ways of using the videos to their fullest potential across each subject area. Video servers are nothing entirely new, but for such a large school district to adopt a brand new system, it is a huge leap for technology integration in schools. I especially like that Balitmore School System has formed teams of teachers to discuss the new technology and how it can be integrated into each subject area and the uses for it. I think that by holding meetings and discussing, teachers can not only learn more about the system in itself but how they might use it in other areas. I think that this is a huge step for converting schools into the 21st century.
Article Title:The Marshal Of MySpace How Hemanshu Nigam is trying to keep the site's 'friends' safe from predators and bullies
Article Source: Business Week Online
Weblink:http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_17/b4031092.htm
Reflection:
Hemanshu Nigam was a federal prosecuter who has been hired by MySpace to keep children safe from online pedophiles and reduce bullying. This is very important to MySpace not only to protect its users, but to boost profits by attracting advertising. When MySpace first began, predatory adults used it to lure young children for offline meetings. Now, there have been privacy policies put into motion and other protective measures have been taken to ensure adults are unable to talk to minors unless they have the full email address and name of the child. I think that this is a huge job for Hemanshu Nigam!!! Internet hackers are continually finding ways to disrupt programs, teenagers will always bully and be rude to people online, and there is no 100% fail proof way of blocking adult predators. I think that MySpace has done a great job so far to protect young children from predators by implementing restrictions that were not previously there. Hemanshu Nigam is also trying to educate users about online bullying. He says, "If you wouldn't say it in person, why say it online?" He also deletes profiles of known or reported bullies and even refers some to the police. I think that overall, MySpace is doing the best that they can do and will continue improving as needed.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Week 17 Podcast Reflections
1.) Kidcast
Episode Title: Episode 1
Episode Number: 1
Date: 9/28/2005
Reflection:
This podcast was Dan Schmidt's very first broadcasting back in September of 2005. I wanted to listen to this particular podcast because I have found that you learn a little more about the person who creates all of the podcasts that you listen to. He comes from intelligenic.com and has a podcasting book that people can access. This book talks about how to podcast, how to connect podcasting to the curriculum, how podcasting can be used as a tool to reach out to parents and people in the education field, and how podcasting can help to meet curriculum goals. Podcasting is not only a great way to get students to tap into resources out there, but to get them to become a part of their project. As teachers, we should be looking for ways, such as podcasting, to make our classrooms into 21st Century Information Age Learning environments.
2.) Kidcast
Episode Title: Kidcast:Episode 4
Episode Number: 4
Date: 11/2/2005
Reflection:
In this podcasting episode, Dan Schmidt goes over a new report that has some really interesting information. According to the report in the podcast, 57 % percent of teenagers create content for the internet, 33% of teenagers share art work, photos, videos, and stories, 32% of teenagers have created websites or blogs in classrooms, and 19% have taken content from the internet and remixed it in their own creative way. I think that these numbers are pretty astounding. If we think about how often adults create content and publish it to the internet. Generally most adults use the internet to pay the bills, research topics, look things up, but they do not often create things and download them to share with other people on the internet. Adults tend to be internet consumers and teenagers are becoming more and more participants in the internet. I think that we should encourage teenagers to continue being active participants within the internet. Teenagers and young people alike are learning that the internet is an interactive place, not just a place to observe.
3.) Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: What We Love about Teaching
Episode Number: 121
Date: 1/29/07
Reflection:
In this podcasting episode, teachers and administrators talked about the things that they love about teaching. Some of the responses were, " I love the reward of helping a student and the appreciation they have when they finally (get it)", " I love watching students develop and grow and know that I am apart of that process", and "Kids can make you laugh at any given time, they can truly make your day memorable." As I was listening to this podcast, I had to ask my self what I love about teaching. My response is: I love being a positive role model in students' lives and knowing that what I do within my job impacts these students' entire lives and futures. I enjoy helping students become productive young adults, and the laughter and joy that they bring each day.
Episode Title: Episode 1
Episode Number: 1
Date: 9/28/2005
Reflection:
This podcast was Dan Schmidt's very first broadcasting back in September of 2005. I wanted to listen to this particular podcast because I have found that you learn a little more about the person who creates all of the podcasts that you listen to. He comes from intelligenic.com and has a podcasting book that people can access. This book talks about how to podcast, how to connect podcasting to the curriculum, how podcasting can be used as a tool to reach out to parents and people in the education field, and how podcasting can help to meet curriculum goals. Podcasting is not only a great way to get students to tap into resources out there, but to get them to become a part of their project. As teachers, we should be looking for ways, such as podcasting, to make our classrooms into 21st Century Information Age Learning environments.
2.) Kidcast
Episode Title: Kidcast:Episode 4
Episode Number: 4
Date: 11/2/2005
Reflection:
In this podcasting episode, Dan Schmidt goes over a new report that has some really interesting information. According to the report in the podcast, 57 % percent of teenagers create content for the internet, 33% of teenagers share art work, photos, videos, and stories, 32% of teenagers have created websites or blogs in classrooms, and 19% have taken content from the internet and remixed it in their own creative way. I think that these numbers are pretty astounding. If we think about how often adults create content and publish it to the internet. Generally most adults use the internet to pay the bills, research topics, look things up, but they do not often create things and download them to share with other people on the internet. Adults tend to be internet consumers and teenagers are becoming more and more participants in the internet. I think that we should encourage teenagers to continue being active participants within the internet. Teenagers and young people alike are learning that the internet is an interactive place, not just a place to observe.
3.) Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: What We Love about Teaching
Episode Number: 121
Date: 1/29/07
Reflection:
In this podcasting episode, teachers and administrators talked about the things that they love about teaching. Some of the responses were, " I love the reward of helping a student and the appreciation they have when they finally (get it)", " I love watching students develop and grow and know that I am apart of that process", and "Kids can make you laugh at any given time, they can truly make your day memorable." As I was listening to this podcast, I had to ask my self what I love about teaching. My response is: I love being a positive role model in students' lives and knowing that what I do within my job impacts these students' entire lives and futures. I enjoy helping students become productive young adults, and the laughter and joy that they bring each day.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Week 15 Podcast Reflections
1.) Kidcast
Episode Title: 2007 Kidcast Podcasting Awards
Episode Number: #40
Date: 3/29/07
Reflection:
In this podcast, Dan Schmidt went over the 2007 Podcasting Awards categories, rules, where the audience can go to submit a registration form, and encouraged listeners to submit podcasts. There are two main categories for the submitted podcasts: The Teachers and the Students. The teachers can enter podcasts under two sub-categories. Teachers can either create a Professional Development podcast (Ex: Tips and strategies for other teachers, or anything that would benefit other teachers) or Instructional Material podcasts (Ex: study or processing guides for their students, or anything that helps students to learn a particular concept). Students can create a podcast under any of the 5 categories for them. Students can either create a documentary, a talk show, drama, sound scene, or a Where in the World podcast. The restrictions for enteries are: all contestants must be within a K-12 school (either private, public, or home school), also classrooms can only submit one podcast for each category. The podcasts may be either video, audio, or enhance. I think that competing in a contest such as this could really engage students to work hard and get involved in their podcasting assignment. Students always love competion, and what better way to showcase the students' hard work?
2.) Tech Chick Tips
Episode Title: Tech Chick Tips
Episode Number: # 22.5
Date: 3/30/07
Reflection:
Within this podcast, the two broadcasters wanted to update their last broadcast and get people up to date regarding the 2007 Podcasting Awards that they discussed in the last episode. They believe that participating in this contest is a great opportunity for both teachers and students to get engage in a technology project. They outlined that the prizes had not yet been selected for the contest, but the project itself should be enough prize in itself. To see an example that Dan Schmidt, from Kidcast, had posted to help listeners, people should go to their website: techchicktips.net. Their suggestion is to create a "Where in the World" podcast becuase the project would be short and sweet and it would be easy to integrate many other subjects into the project. The deadline for submissions is April 30th and judging results will not come out until May. I found it ironic that I happend to listen to Dan Schidt's podcast regarding the 2007 Podcasting Rewards and then chose this podcast which also talked about the contest. This shows me how connected podcasting people must be. I bet that the Tech Chicks and Dan Schmidt probably work together on a few projects, or at least keep in touch and collaborate ideas.
3.) Tech Chick Tips
Episode Title: Tech Chick Tips
Episode Number: # 1
Date: 7/8/06
Reflection:
This podcast was the tech chick's very first premier episode. I learned that the two tech chick's names are Helen and Anna. Helen is a Professional Developmetn Consultant for a large school district, she began her career in education as a high school science teacher, and her passion is helping teachers use technology in a brand new way. Ana is a Instructional Technology teacher in an elementary school within the same district as Helen's, she is a wife and a mother of three, and her passion is teaching content to students while also showing them how to use technology. These two tech chicks are extreme advocates of MacIntosh computers. They believe that MacIntosh computers are highly superior to Windows in music, photos, and video software. They think that using MacIntoshs is much easier and better in using these programs. They are hoping to use their podcasts to teach teachers and students real world skills to help them think in deeper levels. I enjoyed putting a name to a voice from listening to one of their later episodes when I didn't know anything about them. I think that they are very involved educators who are pursuing a noble cause.
Episode Title: 2007 Kidcast Podcasting Awards
Episode Number: #40
Date: 3/29/07
Reflection:
In this podcast, Dan Schmidt went over the 2007 Podcasting Awards categories, rules, where the audience can go to submit a registration form, and encouraged listeners to submit podcasts. There are two main categories for the submitted podcasts: The Teachers and the Students. The teachers can enter podcasts under two sub-categories. Teachers can either create a Professional Development podcast (Ex: Tips and strategies for other teachers, or anything that would benefit other teachers) or Instructional Material podcasts (Ex: study or processing guides for their students, or anything that helps students to learn a particular concept). Students can create a podcast under any of the 5 categories for them. Students can either create a documentary, a talk show, drama, sound scene, or a Where in the World podcast. The restrictions for enteries are: all contestants must be within a K-12 school (either private, public, or home school), also classrooms can only submit one podcast for each category. The podcasts may be either video, audio, or enhance. I think that competing in a contest such as this could really engage students to work hard and get involved in their podcasting assignment. Students always love competion, and what better way to showcase the students' hard work?
2.) Tech Chick Tips
Episode Title: Tech Chick Tips
Episode Number: # 22.5
Date: 3/30/07
Reflection:
Within this podcast, the two broadcasters wanted to update their last broadcast and get people up to date regarding the 2007 Podcasting Awards that they discussed in the last episode. They believe that participating in this contest is a great opportunity for both teachers and students to get engage in a technology project. They outlined that the prizes had not yet been selected for the contest, but the project itself should be enough prize in itself. To see an example that Dan Schmidt, from Kidcast, had posted to help listeners, people should go to their website: techchicktips.net. Their suggestion is to create a "Where in the World" podcast becuase the project would be short and sweet and it would be easy to integrate many other subjects into the project. The deadline for submissions is April 30th and judging results will not come out until May. I found it ironic that I happend to listen to Dan Schidt's podcast regarding the 2007 Podcasting Rewards and then chose this podcast which also talked about the contest. This shows me how connected podcasting people must be. I bet that the Tech Chicks and Dan Schmidt probably work together on a few projects, or at least keep in touch and collaborate ideas.
3.) Tech Chick Tips
Episode Title: Tech Chick Tips
Episode Number: # 1
Date: 7/8/06
Reflection:
This podcast was the tech chick's very first premier episode. I learned that the two tech chick's names are Helen and Anna. Helen is a Professional Developmetn Consultant for a large school district, she began her career in education as a high school science teacher, and her passion is helping teachers use technology in a brand new way. Ana is a Instructional Technology teacher in an elementary school within the same district as Helen's, she is a wife and a mother of three, and her passion is teaching content to students while also showing them how to use technology. These two tech chicks are extreme advocates of MacIntosh computers. They believe that MacIntosh computers are highly superior to Windows in music, photos, and video software. They think that using MacIntoshs is much easier and better in using these programs. They are hoping to use their podcasts to teach teachers and students real world skills to help them think in deeper levels. I enjoyed putting a name to a voice from listening to one of their later episodes when I didn't know anything about them. I think that they are very involved educators who are pursuing a noble cause.
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