Monday, November 8, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Learning Connections Telling Stories with Video
Carl Young and Sara Kajder, the authors of the article Learning Connections Telling Stories with Video want you to consider how technology can be applied to English language arts classrooms. They imply hat language arts classes are not always up to par with utilizing technology, and this is unfortunate because there are many tools that have the potential of creating meaningful learning opportunities to take the lessons beyond printed text.
The goal for any teacher is to find ways to engage students, in and outside of the classroom, so a tool that allows students to video-chat or blog about language arts topics could make a big difference for students and teachers. I am observing English/language arts courses for a full day tomorrow at a high school and I will be paying close attention to the use of technology in the classroom and in the assignments. I will report back what I find!
Until then, stay tuned and on-line!
The goal for any teacher is to find ways to engage students, in and outside of the classroom, so a tool that allows students to video-chat or blog about language arts topics could make a big difference for students and teachers. I am observing English/language arts courses for a full day tomorrow at a high school and I will be paying close attention to the use of technology in the classroom and in the assignments. I will report back what I find!
Until then, stay tuned and on-line!
COWs in the Classroom
Does you classroom have COWs?
If you are a student at the Floydada Independent School District (FISD), the answer would be yes. COWs (computers on wheels) are one component of the Texas Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP) and it is proving successful, as it has been meeting the goal of fully immersing students, teachers, and administrators in technology. Not to mention that standardized test scores are increasing...an imperative benefit.
As a student and worker in the digital age, I complete 80% of my work on a computer; it is the most convenient and efficient option - and it is expected of my from my teachers and supervisors. It is safe to surmise that the same (and more) will be expected of every student graduating high school from here on and this school is doing its part in preparing the next generation to succeed in the digital age.
Listen up future teachers.
As expectations of schools to be progressive and immersed in technology, so will the expectations increase for teacher candidates to be well versed and proficient with technology. And I believe principals of schools will not only hire teachers that can use the tools available right here and now; I surmise that the ideal teaching candidate will go beyond understanding and using the current technology; to have the advantage in getting a job, teachers will need to express a PASSION for the technology and prove that they can lead the way in making the use of technology stronger and more purposeful with each school year. Teachers need to not only understand a few select resources and use them in the classroom - teachers will need to constantly explore new tools, new methods, new technology.
So I say to my peers, let's be the class that sets the example in incorporating technology through our work, be it school-based, or in your out-of-class professional life. Your teachers and co-workers will thank you.
If you are a student at the Floydada Independent School District (FISD), the answer would be yes. COWs (computers on wheels) are one component of the Texas Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP) and it is proving successful, as it has been meeting the goal of fully immersing students, teachers, and administrators in technology. Not to mention that standardized test scores are increasing...an imperative benefit.
As a student and worker in the digital age, I complete 80% of my work on a computer; it is the most convenient and efficient option - and it is expected of my from my teachers and supervisors. It is safe to surmise that the same (and more) will be expected of every student graduating high school from here on and this school is doing its part in preparing the next generation to succeed in the digital age.
Listen up future teachers.
As expectations of schools to be progressive and immersed in technology, so will the expectations increase for teacher candidates to be well versed and proficient with technology. And I believe principals of schools will not only hire teachers that can use the tools available right here and now; I surmise that the ideal teaching candidate will go beyond understanding and using the current technology; to have the advantage in getting a job, teachers will need to express a PASSION for the technology and prove that they can lead the way in making the use of technology stronger and more purposeful with each school year. Teachers need to not only understand a few select resources and use them in the classroom - teachers will need to constantly explore new tools, new methods, new technology.
So I say to my peers, let's be the class that sets the example in incorporating technology through our work, be it school-based, or in your out-of-class professional life. Your teachers and co-workers will thank you.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
LISTEN TO MY VOICE
Bill Ferriter is not afraid of technology.
Benefits of utilizing Voice Thread:
Did you think I would give you the answers?
Now that you have formulated your thoughts, I here are a few more ideas (Weir, 2008):
So, can you hear me now?
References:
VoiceThread. (2007-2010). Retrieved October 10, 2010, from http://voicethread.com/#
Weir, L. (2008). VoiceThread Extends the Classroom with Interactive Multimedia Albums. Encourage student participation with accessible and engaging digital discussions. Retrieved from: http://www.edutopia.org/voicethread-interactive-multimedia-albums
He understands that he can make technology work for him.
And for his classroom.
Mr. Ferriter is a sixth-grade language arts and social studies teacher and his goal is to engage all the students in the course content. He understands that more and more students are spending a considerable amount of time online so he has discovered a tool that will allow him to connect with his students at their usual "hang-out" spot (Weir, 2008).
Mr. Farriter is one of the many teachers that utilize the Voice Thread Technology to further engage a broader group of students and to extend learning and collaboration opportunities outside of the classroom.
So what exactly is Voice Thread?
Watch this video (created through Voice Thread):
Benefits of utilizing Voice Thread:
Did you think I would give you the answers?
I want to know what YOU think the benefits are. How would YOU use this tool?
Now that you have formulated your thoughts, I here are a few more ideas (Weir, 2008):
- Voice Thread boosts participation, allowing students a safe environment in which they can contribute ideas
- Students who are timid or introverted in class may be more comfortable expressing themselves in the virtual classroom
- The learning opportunities do not stop when the end-of-the-day school bell rings
- And for the reluctant teachers, Voice Thread is created to be easy-to-use and teacher/student-friendly
- Best of all: the opportunities available through Voice Thread are only limited by the teacher's imagination - there is SO much you can you with this resource!
So, can you hear me now?
References:
VoiceThread. (2007-2010). Retrieved October 10, 2010, from http://voicethread.com/#
Weir, L. (2008). VoiceThread Extends the Classroom with Interactive Multimedia Albums. Encourage student participation with accessible and engaging digital discussions. Retrieved from: http://www.edutopia.org/voicethread-interactive-multimedia-albums
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
GOT SPREADSHEETS? ...for math
Technology is being integrated in all subjects taught in K-12 schools and math is no exception. According to Niess (2005), the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) would like for teachers to continue seeking out the most current technology for teaching mathematics and to allow meaningful opportunities for students to use the technology when learning math, and thus the ISTE NETS for students would be met at the same time (imagine achieving two objectives with one effort!)
Challenge.
Before teachers can integrate the technology into the classroom, they must not only plan for how the technology can increase the effectiveness of the lesson, but more importantly plan time to teach students the fundamentals of the technology that they will be asked to use, a task that may very well require teachers to re-structure their curriculum (Niess, 2005).
Let's talk spreadsheets.
The tool of choice discussed by Niess (2005) is the spreadsheet. Niess proceeds to give examples of how spreadsheets may be used to scaffold student learning and gives several examples of specific math problems that can be more effective through the use of spreadsheets. Unless you are planning on replicating these lessons, it may not be necessary for you to actually read each math problem and see how a spreadsheet can further the lesson. Just know that it can.
Challenge be gone.
That's right, we are going to address the challenge mentioned above, once and for all.
By know we all know that before a student can integrate technology into their learning process they will have to be taught how to use the technology. This is where careful lesson planning by the teacher comes into play: each of the math problems will build on each other in regards to the technology that needs to be learned, just like the content gets progressively more advanced as the lessons continue. Therefore the first set of problems will be most basic in difficulty and in the technology required to complete and comprehend the assignment (Niess, 2005).
Need a brain-break?
We are all working so hard to accumulate the skill sets and knowledge to be the best teachers of our generation. But remember that we need to have fun and enjoy the process. So relax, watch this video, and hopefully it will make you smile and remind you how far we have all come since "day 1" of learning math.
References:
Niess, M. (2005). Scaffolding Math Learning with Spreadsheet. Learning & Leading with Technology, 32, (5). Retrieved from http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:S1FPJi_aO_4J:eusesconsortium.org/docs/scaffolding_spreadsheet_math.pdf+Scaffolding+Math+Learning+with+Spreadsheet&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESil8UoU-mlU6hd7URy-dA-yyaYDA132e9_pekihS76BajhOBJZGp51zH9r-DTjU0pZYf6h5jQ2qM73-_XIDHn-3459FEEs6_7RvmYvmvzlivNk8qBiYQ618W8RfgtMSD8mAytHg&sig=AHIEtbQ1uT3OOvdc4eNU9iXTGvz-ngvReQ
Sesame Street. 2006. Light Bulb Math. Retrieved October 5, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfsSX1u8MUU&p=5F1CD550759CF03D&playnext=1&index=41
Sesame Street. 2006. Light Bulb Math. Retrieved October 5, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfsSX1u8MUU&p=5F1CD550759CF03D&playnext=1&index=41
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
S'Cool Tools
Maureen Brown Yoder is a tech geek, and proud of it. She has done her research and found five cool toys (I mean tools!) that will help re-engage student learning, not to mention make teaching a little more fun (Yoder).
Just in case you are doubting the credibility of these learning tools, Maureen made sure each of the tools:
- Have the potential to enhance teaching in a powerful way.
- Are easy to learn and well supported.
- Are innovative/new or a vast improvement on an earlier version.
Tool 1: Lego Education's WeDo Robotics Construction Set
This construction set includes:
- 160 Lego elements
- Motor
- Sensor
- Tilt sensor
- Icon-based software
- Instructions to build 12 models
- Curriculum objectives with teacher notes and discussion questions
- Suggestions on how to extend these activitie
NETS standards for students that may be met by WeDo Robotics Construction Set:
- Standard 1.c
- Standard 2.a
- Standard 6.a,c,d
Watch this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPAuyZZcNKU):
Tool 2: Smart table
 |
| A conventional table: |
A Smart Table is about one thousand times cooler than the tables you and I grew up with. See image above compared with video below. This tool has the following features (Yoder):
- Multitouch
- Multiuser
- Interactive learning center
- Customizable settings (you can substitute your own images and content)
NETS standards for students that may be met by Smart Table:
- Standard 6.a,b,c,d
Watch this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_FRmYXtneQ):
Tool 3: AVer Pen
Brace yourself. The AVer Pen has arrived. And I have no idea what it does! Aside from reading the article by Yoder, I also searched the Internet and I still can not grasp exactly what this tool is and how it may be best utilized in a classroom. If you, dear blog reader, can help me understand this tool I would appreciate your help.
NETS standards for students that may be met by AVer Pen:
- Standard 6.a,d
Tool 4: New Multiuser Virtual Environments (MUVEs)
There seems to be no limit to what can with done with MUVEs, as these virtual classrooms offer the students a chance to not just participate in the virtual world, filled with learning opportunities around every turn, but students are asked to help create this world (Yoder).
Take a tour with the following video to learn more (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r2sTKx7KvA)
And yes, the virtual characters can fly in the MUVE world!
NETS standards for students that may be met by MUVEs:
- Depending on how this tool is used, all NETS standards can be incorporated
- www.whyville.net (best for younger audiences)
- www.skoolaborate.com (this is a pretty "hip" site!)
Tool 5: Google Apps Education Community
Lastly, there can not be a blog with the tags "education" and "technology" and it not incorporate Google. Google has made a name for itself in education and provides teachers and students with unlimited tools for searching the Internet, collaborating, and performing any classroom activity you can think of (Yoder). And, since it is for teachers, the cost is $0.
Visit the following site to learn more about Google Apps. WARNING: YOU WILL SPEND A LOT OF TIME ON THIS SITE AND MAY ALSO HAVE TOO MUCH FUN CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITIES. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
http://edu.googleapps.com/
References:
techedimg. (2007). Brief Tour of Island on Teen Life. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r2sTKx7KvA
MYNXTMP. (2009). WeDo. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPAuyZZcNKU
SMARTClassrooms. (2008). SMARt Table - Touch. Learn. Togehter. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_FRmYXtneQ
Yoder, M. (2009-2010, November). S'Cool Tools: 5 Great Tools to Perk Up Your Classroom and Engage Your Students. Learning and Leading with Teachnology, 37 (3). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/NovemberNo3/L_L_November_2009.htm
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