Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Item #22
Wiki's in education seem like a great way of moving away from some of the older project ideas like posters, diaramas and other such antiquated project ideas. Students can easily work collaboratively on the computer to create the wiki and it cna be used for future students to learn and grow from that project. With an older type of project, students would post their poster, display it for a set amount of time, then bring it home. How many of us saved all of those fine pieces of work? How many of us took it home and threw it away? This is a project that can continue on...I like that.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Item 23
Wow, what a wealth of knowledge. Thank you Joan and Maureen for putting this project/class together. I think I'm going to miss the hand guy and his simple explainations for different ideas. I truly enjoyed learning about the variety of ideas you put on this class, and would love to have a day of inservice to sit, play, review with colleagues, and even put together projects to use this year using some of these topics. Students would truly enjoy making a wiki and it would teach the teachers that there are other methods out there.
The movie demonstrated how fast the world changes, and that couldn't be a more accurate depiction of the world. We are the editors of the future, we are the publishers of the future, we are the brain behind the chip. Staying stagnant is not an option, the second you stop, technology life will pass you by.
Thank you again for showing me all of these ideas...technology classes in the elementary level will not be the same as they have in the past.
The movie demonstrated how fast the world changes, and that couldn't be a more accurate depiction of the world. We are the editors of the future, we are the publishers of the future, we are the brain behind the chip. Staying stagnant is not an option, the second you stop, technology life will pass you by.
Thank you again for showing me all of these ideas...technology classes in the elementary level will not be the same as they have in the past.
Item 21
I like the idea of Wiki's as a collaborative project and would love to see them in place of PowerPoints, or posters (ahhhhh, no more poster projects!!!!) I like the idea of utilizing them across the curriculum with basic math concepts, and having students explain math concepts in terms other students might understand vs. a teacher trying to explain the same topic.
I like the idea of collaborative work in a space that can be shared and used for future students. When a student creates a PowerPoint or a poster, what happens to it when they are done showing off their work? It gets saved in their folder or probably thrown away, there is no use to future students, with a wiki, other students can move forward on that project or learn from previous students efforts.
I like the idea of collaborative work in a space that can be shared and used for future students. When a student creates a PowerPoint or a poster, what happens to it when they are done showing off their work? It gets saved in their folder or probably thrown away, there is no use to future students, with a wiki, other students can move forward on that project or learn from previous students efforts.
Item #20
I have often thought about the world of Ebooks and how they could change so much of what we do in the academic arena. I watch students walk into the building with these heavy backpacks that are half of their weight. Well, that problem could be solved if we either use an Ebook concept, or put the books on a jump drive and have the students read on the computer vs. a book.
Ebooks will not only be more environmentally friendly, as they would save millions of trees, they would allow students the ability to bring their homework or reading assignments wherever they go in a non bulky method.
I reviewed the Kindle site, and see the benefits of utilizing that system, but I have to say, I'm partial to the idea of an IPAD. If you just want a reader or Ibook system then the Kindle or a device similiar to a kindle would work fine, it enlarges the text, it's a nice size, text appears easy to read, but it's limited to what else it can do. The battery will last as long as a space shuttle mission....ummmm, ok, are we sending kids into space???? If so, can I volunteer a few choice students?
The Kindle is lighter and smaller than the IPOD, has free wireless and has no extra costs associated (monthly charges), so to a parent, having a child have a device ONLY for reading might be beneficial and doesn't tempt the child to download a game to play that instead of working, but I still like the multi-functional use of a IPAD. The downside to an IPAD is that it's heavier, has more items on it to distract from the learning process and requires a monthly service or a wireless connection of some sort.
The online system for downloading an ebook is fairly simple, the google ebook page is very well organized by topic, and I like that they have some of the more popular ebooks there for me to view. When you put your mouse on the book it gives you more information, which is nice.
Overall, I'm hoping that the world of ebooks and ebook readers moves into the academic world sometime in the VERY near future. Now we just need to create an elibrary where you can borrow a book, and when the specific time period is up to borrow a book, it is removed from the reader so that the borrowing system stays in place. Buying books will get costly, borrwing is a system that has worked for over a century since the first public library was established.
Ebooks will not only be more environmentally friendly, as they would save millions of trees, they would allow students the ability to bring their homework or reading assignments wherever they go in a non bulky method.
I reviewed the Kindle site, and see the benefits of utilizing that system, but I have to say, I'm partial to the idea of an IPAD. If you just want a reader or Ibook system then the Kindle or a device similiar to a kindle would work fine, it enlarges the text, it's a nice size, text appears easy to read, but it's limited to what else it can do. The battery will last as long as a space shuttle mission....ummmm, ok, are we sending kids into space???? If so, can I volunteer a few choice students?
The Kindle is lighter and smaller than the IPOD, has free wireless and has no extra costs associated (monthly charges), so to a parent, having a child have a device ONLY for reading might be beneficial and doesn't tempt the child to download a game to play that instead of working, but I still like the multi-functional use of a IPAD. The downside to an IPAD is that it's heavier, has more items on it to distract from the learning process and requires a monthly service or a wireless connection of some sort.
The online system for downloading an ebook is fairly simple, the google ebook page is very well organized by topic, and I like that they have some of the more popular ebooks there for me to view. When you put your mouse on the book it gives you more information, which is nice.
Overall, I'm hoping that the world of ebooks and ebook readers moves into the academic world sometime in the VERY near future. Now we just need to create an elibrary where you can borrow a book, and when the specific time period is up to borrow a book, it is removed from the reader so that the borrowing system stays in place. Buying books will get costly, borrwing is a system that has worked for over a century since the first public library was established.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Item #19
Hmmmm, I like this, I think I like this a lot. As a computer teacher, I'm often showing multiple steps in a slow motion so that my students can see the steps, hear me explain how to navigate to specific areas, and then have them do each step with me. This is a lot of work, and sometimes a lot for a young child to remember. What if I had a screen capture that somehow continued on a loop so they can see the steps over and over again, so if they get lost they can work through the issue themselves? I wonder if that would work. I'm just thinking out loud, but I think this is a good idea. I used screen castle and couldn't be happier. This is the easiest thing I've done all day. I attempted to add the video in here, but I'm thinking the file is too big, it's amazing how quickly a movie gobbles up memory. I am not converting the file, let's see if that works. I think that will be a huge issue if I choose to do this at work. Will Craig Holland have a heart attack if I use screen captures often? Hmmmmm...one to ponder on for the evening. OK, maybe this file is too big,I attempted to convert the file...that didn't work. I redid the screen capture, it's not quite as informative, but it may attach to this post.
Hmmm, this is what I'm getting...
Sorry, there was an error uploading your video. Please contact support and include the following information:
Blog Id:8432496921222682983
Video Id:
Hmmm, this is what I'm getting...
Sorry, there was an error uploading your video. Please contact support and include the following information:
Blog Id:8432496921222682983
Video Id:
Item #18-Podcasting
I have listened to Podcasts before, some more interesting than others. There have been times where I've downloaded a podcast to the IPOD, and taken the dog for a walk and worked and walked at the same time. Multitasking in both my personal life and my professional life makes me feel like I've spent that time well. Jack, my dog agrees with me
First I went to a Podcast on educational technology gaming and simulation. I was excited to hear what they had to say on this topic because I truly enjoy watching education come to life when I find a great online interactive activity or simulation. First, I will teach a topic then I love to incorporate some type of online interactive activity to see how many students I actually got through to. I also learn, who I didn't reach, who I need to sit with a little bit longer, and who is ready for the next step, and everyone seems to have fun when they learn with this style of teaching.
I listened to the podcast and was disappointed when they were very excited and spoke about second life, which is a world that my students are not only not ready for, but an online world that I don't believe is appropriate for elementary students.
My second podcast I went to was about Moodles. I like the name, never heard the term, so I listened in on that information. It's a way for teachers to create an online classroom with information, wiki's, activities, pretty much everything a teacher needs. It's an interesting system, and one that has been used quite a bit in England. I ventured to the site, and read more on there. It looks very user friendly, seems easy to understand and navitage so now my next step is go in and play and create an online classroom and put it to the test.
First I went to a Podcast on educational technology gaming and simulation. I was excited to hear what they had to say on this topic because I truly enjoy watching education come to life when I find a great online interactive activity or simulation. First, I will teach a topic then I love to incorporate some type of online interactive activity to see how many students I actually got through to. I also learn, who I didn't reach, who I need to sit with a little bit longer, and who is ready for the next step, and everyone seems to have fun when they learn with this style of teaching.
I listened to the podcast and was disappointed when they were very excited and spoke about second life, which is a world that my students are not only not ready for, but an online world that I don't believe is appropriate for elementary students.
My second podcast I went to was about Moodles. I like the name, never heard the term, so I listened in on that information. It's a way for teachers to create an online classroom with information, wiki's, activities, pretty much everything a teacher needs. It's an interesting system, and one that has been used quite a bit in England. I ventured to the site, and read more on there. It looks very user friendly, seems easy to understand and navitage so now my next step is go in and play and create an online classroom and put it to the test.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Item #17-Presentation Tools
I like the idea of being able to view and share presentations, but this topic hasn't wowed me like others. The main idea of this online class is to show us how to share ideas, present ideas to share, and this fits the topic, so I see the usefulness and benefit of adding it to the course.
I chose this presentation because it articulates my job in a unique way. I love the water, love the creatures in the water, and love learning about technology, thus this presentation was included.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
#16-Time to Explore
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Remember The Milk
As a single parent, busy teacher and one who likes to volunteer for more than she can usually handle, I'm always thinking of things I have to do and this is a great site for me. I can input this information and the reminders can be sent to my on PHONE...how great is that?!? I need this!
THANK YOU once again for showing me this idea.
Am I the only one that lays awake at night worried that she won't remember to do something, then you remember it at night, don't have anything to write the idea down with, so you worry that you'll forget what you didn't want to forget? This will alleviate that stress.
As a single parent, busy teacher and one who likes to volunteer for more than she can usually handle, I'm always thinking of things I have to do and this is a great site for me. I can input this information and the reminders can be sent to my on PHONE...how great is that?!? I need this!
THANK YOU once again for showing me this idea.
Am I the only one that lays awake at night worried that she won't remember to do something, then you remember it at night, don't have anything to write the idea down with, so you worry that you'll forget what you didn't want to forget? This will alleviate that stress.
Item 15-Google Doc's
I attempted to get to Google Doc's multiple ways, by clicking on the hyperlink, by typing in googledocs.com and by going to google and scrolling down the list to Documents, but I recevied an error message everytime. So, instead of editing the documents already there, I will tell you my opinion about this topic.
I can see the usefullness of this site for a variety of reasons, especially since I have a billion versions of my dissertation and would have really appreciated knowing about google docs when I was in the process of working towards my doctorate. After writing and reviewing that document sooooo many times, I couldn't see any mistakes evne if I left it alone for a day or two. Fortunately, I worked with a group of cohorts that had the same issue, so we worked together to edit each other's study. Since we had four of us working together, there were always four people editing and changing various aspects of the document. This created dissaray when it came time to combine all of the changes/ideas. Google would have alleviated that stress.
Within the world of teaching in Newington many of us have had to deal with the reaccreditation process and once again, there is a group of individuals assigned to review various areas of curriculum or parts of our educational arena. Yet again, Google docs would have been a signifant help to those working on the same topics.
I can see the usefullness of this site for a variety of reasons, especially since I have a billion versions of my dissertation and would have really appreciated knowing about google docs when I was in the process of working towards my doctorate. After writing and reviewing that document sooooo many times, I couldn't see any mistakes evne if I left it alone for a day or two. Fortunately, I worked with a group of cohorts that had the same issue, so we worked together to edit each other's study. Since we had four of us working together, there were always four people editing and changing various aspects of the document. This created dissaray when it came time to combine all of the changes/ideas. Google would have alleviated that stress.
Within the world of teaching in Newington many of us have had to deal with the reaccreditation process and once again, there is a group of individuals assigned to review various areas of curriculum or parts of our educational arena. Yet again, Google docs would have been a signifant help to those working on the same topics.
#14-Social Networking
Wow, this is a topic I could probably write a novel on, but will try and keep to the cliff note version of my thoughts.
Here are some reasons why I love Facebook and the social networking concept:
1. As a busy mom I can't connect with everyone I feel as though I should, but I can easily go onto Facebook and see who might need a cheer up call, or a random friend calling to say "I'm there if you need a shoulder".
2. I can post pictures of my children and I and don't have to stress about leaving someone out.
3. I can keep up with friends, relatives, and old classmates that I would have normally lost touch with.
Here are some tricky parts of Facebook:
1. An informed user needs to think about the target audience. If you don't know all of the friends you have and trust them completely, don't post that your leaving for a two week vacation tomorrow. Not smart! Don't post pictures of your children if you aren't 100% sure of the safety of those pictures.
2. There are parts to Facebook in the settings that allow a user to allow ONLY friends, or certain connections to see your posts, pictures and who else you have friended. Make sure you review that section carefully to ensure you're not giving out too much information. I really wish Facebook would err on the side of caution and just make the default settings set to the most private and let users maneuver from there, but they don't.
I love the idea of posting as little or as much as I want, some people go overboard, and some people I wish posted more. I guess it's like everything else in life, everything in moderation.
Here are some reasons why I love Facebook and the social networking concept:
1. As a busy mom I can't connect with everyone I feel as though I should, but I can easily go onto Facebook and see who might need a cheer up call, or a random friend calling to say "I'm there if you need a shoulder".
2. I can post pictures of my children and I and don't have to stress about leaving someone out.
3. I can keep up with friends, relatives, and old classmates that I would have normally lost touch with.
Here are some tricky parts of Facebook:
1. An informed user needs to think about the target audience. If you don't know all of the friends you have and trust them completely, don't post that your leaving for a two week vacation tomorrow. Not smart! Don't post pictures of your children if you aren't 100% sure of the safety of those pictures.
2. There are parts to Facebook in the settings that allow a user to allow ONLY friends, or certain connections to see your posts, pictures and who else you have friended. Make sure you review that section carefully to ensure you're not giving out too much information. I really wish Facebook would err on the side of caution and just make the default settings set to the most private and let users maneuver from there, but they don't.
I love the idea of posting as little or as much as I want, some people go overboard, and some people I wish posted more. I guess it's like everything else in life, everything in moderation.
Item #13
I chose Delicious for a few reasons, and they are very simple, not very intelligent reasons, but I'm going to share them anyway. First, I like the name, it's simple, cute and makes the site sound very user friendly. I buy many items because I like the color of the packaging (sad but true) and I chose this site over Dingo because I like the name.
I signed up and started tagging some sites, and at first, as with anything new, I wasn't sure where buttons were, or what to push, but the site pretty much does the work for you, it directs you to input information and by the second tag, I was feeling pretty comfortable. I'm not sure if I put newington23 on all the tags or if I just put that on one tag, so let me know if I did that part wrong.
I like this, but believe it will become really beneficial when other coworkers see the benefit and buy into the idea. Somehow I don't think this will be a hard sell. Thanks for putting this idea into the 23 topics in this class.
I signed up and started tagging some sites, and at first, as with anything new, I wasn't sure where buttons were, or what to push, but the site pretty much does the work for you, it directs you to input information and by the second tag, I was feeling pretty comfortable. I'm not sure if I put newington23 on all the tags or if I just put that on one tag, so let me know if I did that part wrong.
I like this, but believe it will become really beneficial when other coworkers see the benefit and buy into the idea. Somehow I don't think this will be a hard sell. Thanks for putting this idea into the 23 topics in this class.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Item #12-Social Tagging
I might offend a few people by saying this, but I get a very strong feeling that a busy mom (who was probably a teacher too) created this idea. This was created by a person that understands working with a group, time constraints, and someone with a passion for using the web effectively.
I very much like the idea of utilizing a system where I can find sites for classroom teachers and have them use them when it works best for them, either during instructional time or to plan more effective technology integrated instruction. GREAT idea!
This is a very useful way of not only organizing data, but working collaboratively when you have the time to do so. The advantanges are that everyone can work at their own pace, contribute what they can, when they can and not feel like another meeting must be planned to collaborate. I'm not sure what a disadvantage might be, maybe if people get overzealous and find too many sites that don't jive with the topic.
I believe it's important to consider how your tagging it and the purpose of the site. If it's a great site for review, for online interactive practice, or for instruction. The tag has to be clear enough for others in the group to understand the purpose of the site.
I very much like the idea of utilizing a system where I can find sites for classroom teachers and have them use them when it works best for them, either during instructional time or to plan more effective technology integrated instruction. GREAT idea!
This is a very useful way of not only organizing data, but working collaboratively when you have the time to do so. The advantanges are that everyone can work at their own pace, contribute what they can, when they can and not feel like another meeting must be planned to collaborate. I'm not sure what a disadvantage might be, maybe if people get overzealous and find too many sites that don't jive with the topic.
I believe it's important to consider how your tagging it and the purpose of the site. If it's a great site for review, for online interactive practice, or for instruction. The tag has to be clear enough for others in the group to understand the purpose of the site.
Item #10-Twitter
Hmmmmm, at first glance I have to say, I'm not a Twitter/Tweeting fan. 140 characters sounds like much more than it actually is. I worked diligently to get my thought out and modify as needed to try and get the full thought out, but that was frustrating to me. Am I really that wordy? Hmmm, introspection time. I think I will put that question out to my friends on Facebook, which is the social network I definitely prefer. Is it because I'm used to Facebook, is it because it affords more more space for my ideas? Hmmmmm, I'm not sure.
The best of the Web 2008 was a bit overwhelming. There were a lot of ideas I wanted to click on, I like the idea of the table format, so after reviewing the table I clicked on ThinkFree, which was a neat area to start with. Technology is as mobile as we are, documents are mobile and thus, sitting at a computer may soon become a thing of the past for future generations. I don't think we will ever full get rid of the desk job, but I see changes in the future for business individuals and the future generations and their workplace.
The best of the Web 2008 was a bit overwhelming. There were a lot of ideas I wanted to click on, I like the idea of the table format, so after reviewing the table I clicked on ThinkFree, which was a neat area to start with. Technology is as mobile as we are, documents are mobile and thus, sitting at a computer may soon become a thing of the past for future generations. I don't think we will ever full get rid of the desk job, but I see changes in the future for business individuals and the future generations and their workplace.
Item #9
I believe as a technology/computer teacher in the year 2010 it is my job, no my obligation to my students to not only teach them how to cite sources, and give people their proper due credit, but I have to also become a role model for that behavior. I need to show them that teachers/parents/professionals, whomever have to live by the same rules of conduct online and off. This topic is VERY interesting and one that I feel is overlooked for the reasons stated on the main page. Sometimes when you REALLY get excited to teach a topic and you find some document, song or video that fits well into your unit, it's easy to get sidetracked on what we want vs. what's the right thing to do. If children grow up seeing adults model the appropriate behavior on copyright materials, and the world of creative commons is carefully explained then they should be ready to be responsible users of information.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
#8 Video
There are many video's that I would LOVE to incorporate into the technology/classroom curriculum because I think they are worthy of our academic time. This video, while cute, is amazing in my opinion. It teaches, it entertains and it rhymes.
I have used the listed programs to insert this video into the blog and tried this over and over, but it's not embedding to this blog post so I'm going to insert the html instead.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNUDDaEOvuY
I have used the listed programs to insert this video into the blog and tried this over and over, but it's not embedding to this blog post so I'm going to insert the html instead.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNUDDaEOvuY
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Item #7-YouTube
I LOVE YOUTUBE! I love, love, love this site. I use it with my school family meetings, I use it for personal use (how to use the IPAD, show my children an episode of the Smurfs, etc). I love the ease of use, and how many amazing videos there are for not only curriculum topics, technology topics, but also for personal topics. My daughter is into gymnastics and they have floor routines for each level. I can see myself utilizing not only YouTube, but Teacher Tube as well. If you haven't seen that yet, please take a moment to check it out, it filters a bit of the inappropriate videos and allows students more freedom. It is not blocked in the district although YouTube is.
For all of the IPAD owners out there...
http://www.youtube.com/user/Apple?feature=pyv&ad=4586558836&kw=ipad#p/u/0/1-YAQ1wfNqc
For all of the IPAD owners out there...
http://www.youtube.com/user/Apple?feature=pyv&ad=4586558836&kw=ipad#p/u/0/1-YAQ1wfNqc
Item #6-Blog and Flickr comes together
Flickr Reflection
The one picture I chose to discuss that I posted on Flickr was one of my son at my daughter's
Girl Scout activity at Build a Bear. At first I was going to try and find a picture of both of my children, but this one caught my attention on a few levels. First of all, I think it's just a cute picture of Kyle, but it shows his silliness as well. He was two seconds away from making that silly face for the camera, and even though that drives me crazy at times, that's who Kyle is...and I love him for it. He makes me laugh and see life in a very simple way, a very real and loving way. He has a huge heart and the simplicity of this pictures makes me think of all those wonderful thoughts. It makes me smile and I hope you enjoy it too.
As far as Flickr in education, I definitely see a use for it as a computer teacher. I'm always trying to find pictures for students and this is a very easy way for me to find those pictures and organize them in an easy, consistent manner where students can navigate to one site and utilize the pictures I have for them. The only question in my mind, is how do students reference those pictures....it's not a Google Image anymore, so who gets the credit in the reference area? Hmmmmm....
Item #5-Flickr
Hmmmm, conflicted on this one a little bit. I really like the concept and the ease of use of this site. I like the fact that I can invite people into look at these pictures, but at the same time, once again, I already do this on Facebook. I do see the value of Flickr in the educational arena, with parents consent, but what happens when you have a parent who does not consent to their child's picture being posted online. Does that child just get excluded from that site? Will that child feel left out?
I like that the site seems to understand the needs of diverse learners. I can see students uploading pictures easily, as we as people who have not grown up with technology. It's easy to get to, in, and navigate, so I understand the popularity of the site. I like that you can make things with your pictures, but I can do with that with the Kodak software that came with my camera.
Here is a link to my Flickr pictures.... http://www.flickr.com/photos/52243046@N02/.
I like that the site seems to understand the needs of diverse learners. I can see students uploading pictures easily, as we as people who have not grown up with technology. It's easy to get to, in, and navigate, so I understand the popularity of the site. I like that you can make things with your pictures, but I can do with that with the Kodak software that came with my camera.
Here is a link to my Flickr pictures.... http://www.flickr.com/photos/52243046@N02/.
Item #4 Homepages
Well, I went to the link for Netvibes, and created my own homepage. It was fairly easy in terms of what I wanted to keep on there (there was a basic page created for you), and what links/items I wanted to delete or change. It was an interesting hour or so of playing with the page and I came out with a few thoughts on the matter.
1. The page is wayyy to busy, and I now respect Google for using so much white space on their homepage. I understand why I'm attracted to that search engine over Yahoo and other search engines. I also feel as though maintaining my own personal page would be a lot of work, when I post items on social networking sites like Facebook for myself and my family.
2. In terms of the educational system and using a personal homepage for my classroom, I can see the benefit of having everything in one place, all of the calendar information, homework information and other important notes that could be lost in transit. I do think, however, that the school has a great website for many of those items that have to do with the general population. I could see setting up a basic webpage, but not with any of those sites that have been listed below. They are a great starting place, and a great place to learn about the options you have, but I would not choose to do this type of webpage for my students or their parents/guardians.
1. The page is wayyy to busy, and I now respect Google for using so much white space on their homepage. I understand why I'm attracted to that search engine over Yahoo and other search engines. I also feel as though maintaining my own personal page would be a lot of work, when I post items on social networking sites like Facebook for myself and my family.
2. In terms of the educational system and using a personal homepage for my classroom, I can see the benefit of having everything in one place, all of the calendar information, homework information and other important notes that could be lost in transit. I do think, however, that the school has a great website for many of those items that have to do with the general population. I could see setting up a basic webpage, but not with any of those sites that have been listed below. They are a great starting place, and a great place to learn about the options you have, but I would not choose to do this type of webpage for my students or their parents/guardians.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Item #2 and 3-Blogs in Education
After reviewing other blogs, some in education and some on my own web search, I can see the benefit to utilizing them within the curriculum. The benefit I can see is within the language arts curriculum. I can see the benefit of having students read a chapter or an entire book, then post responses to certain questions. From there, other students can respond to those posts, with their thoughts or feelings in regards to the characters, setting, etc. You could get a lively discussion going on even the most difficult reading material such as Shakespeare or Socrates.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Item #1
After reading "A Day in the Life" and watching the video, I stopped and reflected on my own education. What about my learning experience did I enjoy, what did I gain the most learning from? What did I take away from my learning that I wanted to pass on to future students? The answers to those questions are probably the same answers that many other educators would say. I enjoyed the learning that was fun or interesting to me (of course). I enjoyed subjects that came easier to me versus math or other subjects I had to work harder in. Once again, a big "of course" there.
I would have to say my students are no different. We enjoy being entertained, and doing activities that we succeed in. We build self esteem, self confidence, and learn from that moment. For these reasons I can completely understand why students love using technology in the classroom. Technology is a hands on tool that enables a child to be creative, expand on classroom content, and give them a chance to learn and grow independently, as a group. What's not to love.
Our students are growing up with technology in almost every facet of their daily lives. We wake up to our favorite Itunes, coffee is set on a timer and there for us when we go downstairs, my car has a remote starter on those cold mornings so I can get my children to school in comfort, my cell phone gives me my updated emails and weather conditions, and that list goes on and on. Technology is a powerful entity in our lives. Not only is it not going away, that entity is getting stronger, smarter and faster, everyday...and I LOVE IT!
As an educator, a mom and a person, there is one main rule I live my life by. That rule is "everything in moderation". Too many apples will make you sick. Too much time in the sun will hurt you, but not enough time outside running around isn't good either. A little bit of everything makes life work. That is what I tell my children and that is the message I try to convey in my teaching. I believe that using technology is a must with our 21st century learners, but I also believe in the power of books, memorizing facts (math facts, grammar rules, spelling, etc) and that education today should be a mix of both styles.
In terms of learning, the same rules apply...a healthy amount of paper and pencil learning, rote memorization, and technology education will make a well rounded, articulate, intelligent person that is ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.
I would have to say my students are no different. We enjoy being entertained, and doing activities that we succeed in. We build self esteem, self confidence, and learn from that moment. For these reasons I can completely understand why students love using technology in the classroom. Technology is a hands on tool that enables a child to be creative, expand on classroom content, and give them a chance to learn and grow independently, as a group. What's not to love.
Our students are growing up with technology in almost every facet of their daily lives. We wake up to our favorite Itunes, coffee is set on a timer and there for us when we go downstairs, my car has a remote starter on those cold mornings so I can get my children to school in comfort, my cell phone gives me my updated emails and weather conditions, and that list goes on and on. Technology is a powerful entity in our lives. Not only is it not going away, that entity is getting stronger, smarter and faster, everyday...and I LOVE IT!
As an educator, a mom and a person, there is one main rule I live my life by. That rule is "everything in moderation". Too many apples will make you sick. Too much time in the sun will hurt you, but not enough time outside running around isn't good either. A little bit of everything makes life work. That is what I tell my children and that is the message I try to convey in my teaching. I believe that using technology is a must with our 21st century learners, but I also believe in the power of books, memorizing facts (math facts, grammar rules, spelling, etc) and that education today should be a mix of both styles.
In terms of learning, the same rules apply...a healthy amount of paper and pencil learning, rote memorization, and technology education will make a well rounded, articulate, intelligent person that is ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Item #1
OK, I made it through the Google setup system. It only took a few hours to get the right verification code to work. Phew, we're up and running. The kids are at camp, maybe I will venture on.
Happy summer everyone,
Rachel Pac
Happy summer everyone,
Rachel Pac
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