This chapter offers an interesting take on projects you can do effectively OUTSIDE the classroom, that could benefit students who are also outside the classroom. For instance if you created a podcast students could listen to it outside of the classroom on their iPods or other MP3 players. Or perhaps there is a confusing webpage and you could create a screencast that helps clear up any questions and students could access this if they needed any extra clarification.
I think all of these ideas are good and so far this suggestion has been the most clear cut and least problematic of them all in my opinion. I also think they are one of the most relevant for the students, especially how often Youtube & iPods/podcasting is used these days. The other thing I noticed was that most of these ideas didn't put the student in any immediate dangers of the internet. Unless they are video streaming or creating a video, their physical features are not referenced, for the most part it's just their voices, which is perfectly safe.
I can see myself utilizing these tools, but probably more for my students sake. I think I could create references for my students to access in their time outside the classroom, or maybe as a way to introduce students to my outside hobbies or interests, to remind them that I am an actual person! I'm not sure the ease at which students could create these projects and the last thing I want for them is to get a head ache about the medium to create the project without even thinking about the content yet.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Growing Up Online
This was an extremely tough video to watch at times. It's often this side of the internet that is forgotten about or cast to the side. We as educators may often forget how tech-savvy our students are, but we need to remember that this savviness will allow them to do many different things, both positive and negative. We need to keep reminding students of the dangers and safety hazards this new technology poses.
For me, the biggest thing I want to work with my students on, is knowing how to effectively and safely use all the technologies I may be incorporating in the classroom. Knowing the possibilities of the internet and how quickly things can spread, I hope to empower my students to make good choices not only with class content online but with their personal lives as well. I think this attitude could lead to more fulfilling posts online and better use of technology for class work, something that can benefit all students.
For me, the biggest thing I want to work with my students on, is knowing how to effectively and safely use all the technologies I may be incorporating in the classroom. Knowing the possibilities of the internet and how quickly things can spread, I hope to empower my students to make good choices not only with class content online but with their personal lives as well. I think this attitude could lead to more fulfilling posts online and better use of technology for class work, something that can benefit all students.
Wiki's and RSS
It seems the more I learn, the more overwhelmed I become! Wiki's, RSS, Blogs, etc. The list seems to be never-ending. I think the difficult part is to wade through all this technology and decide what YOU want to use and how you want to use it. I think students can benefit greatly from some of these new technologies, but it's up to the teacher to decide which ones are going to be beneficial.
As I read about Wiki's and RSS Feeds, I began to think about all the ways they could help in my classroom, specifically in a science classroom. I think using Wiki's as a resource for research for projects on animals or plants or having an RSS Feed on science news could be really helpful for my students. But these resources could also be confusing and to large scale for some of my students. Finding that fine line is going to be key.
As I read about Wiki's and RSS Feeds, I began to think about all the ways they could help in my classroom, specifically in a science classroom. I think using Wiki's as a resource for research for projects on animals or plants or having an RSS Feed on science news could be really helpful for my students. But these resources could also be confusing and to large scale for some of my students. Finding that fine line is going to be key.
14 Steps to Meaningful Student Blogging
My favorite tip from the article was the "Teach them how to blog" tip, specifically the part about doing a paper blog beforehand. I think this is an excellent idea and a way to get the students excited and informed about using the blog.
I think many times we assume that all the kids are going to know what we're talking about and how to go about using the resource. I think many kids may not know what a blog is and by doing a paper blog you could get them feeling comfortable about the blogging experience in an environment where it would be ok to practice first. I think if you were just to put them out there without doing a practice paper blog, many students would feel nervous about having their thoughts displayed in such a public space like the internet.
Another unique aspect of the paper blog is getting them used to writing in a blogging style, which may be different than academic writing or essay writing. By having a hard copy of their first post you could mark down notes and suggestions for specific parts of their writing. This could come in handy if the students are feeling lost or in need of direction. While you could comment on their online posts and offer direction, the paper format is a much easier way to do this.
I think many times we assume that all the kids are going to know what we're talking about and how to go about using the resource. I think many kids may not know what a blog is and by doing a paper blog you could get them feeling comfortable about the blogging experience in an environment where it would be ok to practice first. I think if you were just to put them out there without doing a practice paper blog, many students would feel nervous about having their thoughts displayed in such a public space like the internet.
Another unique aspect of the paper blog is getting them used to writing in a blogging style, which may be different than academic writing or essay writing. By having a hard copy of their first post you could mark down notes and suggestions for specific parts of their writing. This could come in handy if the students are feeling lost or in need of direction. While you could comment on their online posts and offer direction, the paper format is a much easier way to do this.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Chapter 3-Enduring Understandings
Enduring Understanding:Weblogs
Setting up a secure, safe blog that is easy and accessible to students is key to using a blog effectively in the classroom.
2 Essential Questions:Weblogs
What is one thing you should do before you introduce blogging to students?
You should start small and create your own blog. Be sure you have a firm grasp on how to use it and post in it. Be sure to feel confident enough to teach your students how to use and navigate their blog. This is important because you don't know your students background in technology use.
Why is safety important to setting up a blog?
Because your blog will be online, it quickly becomes possible for many different people to gain access to it. This is especially important to students who must understand what they post can be readily accessible to the public. Remind your students to proofread their blogs and only post things they want the whole class and general public to read. Also, be sure to read their blogs on a daily basis and respond to them, this will be a good reminder that someone is reading the blogs. Lastly, be sure to notify the parents, faculty, and administration of your blogging project and the students who will be involved. This gives everyone a clear idea of what is happening.
Setting up a secure, safe blog that is easy and accessible to students is key to using a blog effectively in the classroom.
2 Essential Questions:Weblogs
What is one thing you should do before you introduce blogging to students?
You should start small and create your own blog. Be sure you have a firm grasp on how to use it and post in it. Be sure to feel confident enough to teach your students how to use and navigate their blog. This is important because you don't know your students background in technology use.
Why is safety important to setting up a blog?
Because your blog will be online, it quickly becomes possible for many different people to gain access to it. This is especially important to students who must understand what they post can be readily accessible to the public. Remind your students to proofread their blogs and only post things they want the whole class and general public to read. Also, be sure to read their blogs on a daily basis and respond to them, this will be a good reminder that someone is reading the blogs. Lastly, be sure to notify the parents, faculty, and administration of your blogging project and the students who will be involved. This gives everyone a clear idea of what is happening.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
A Snippet of My Life
Autobiography & Inspiration
Here is a short autobiography of the most recent part of my life including my inspiration for becoming a teacher.
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As I was completing this project it was very interesting and challenging to put my thoughts, feelings, inspirations, etc, into picture form and attempt to convey a succinct and complete overview of my journey towards becoming an educator. It did show me however, a more clear view of the steps I took in deciding upon this profession. I knew intuitively but had never expounded upon it. By putting it into pictures I was able to come to clear realization why I did what I did, which was a very cool thing!
Interestingly enough I spent the majority of the time rearranging the pictures and editing the text, rather than picking the specific pictures. It felt natural when picking the pictures but when it came time to put into words what the pictures meant, it was more difficult. I also spent time trying to look at the completed project from an outsiders perspective, in hope that I am presenting a clear and easy to follow story. I went back three times to review and make changes to my project. It's a revealing thing and something I want to get right, because it could be my first impression on someone.
I think it is always important to know why you do the things you do, even if it is after the fact. For that reason I think it is vital that I know why I followed this path and why I want to become a teacher. When I am in that position, I want to be able to tell my students WHY I am standing there in front of them. What situations or events propelled me in that direction, and what kinds of things did I do when I was a student that helped put me ahead of the pack when it came to my education and future.
Here is a short autobiography of the most recent part of my life including my inspiration for becoming a teacher.
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As I was completing this project it was very interesting and challenging to put my thoughts, feelings, inspirations, etc, into picture form and attempt to convey a succinct and complete overview of my journey towards becoming an educator. It did show me however, a more clear view of the steps I took in deciding upon this profession. I knew intuitively but had never expounded upon it. By putting it into pictures I was able to come to clear realization why I did what I did, which was a very cool thing!
Interestingly enough I spent the majority of the time rearranging the pictures and editing the text, rather than picking the specific pictures. It felt natural when picking the pictures but when it came time to put into words what the pictures meant, it was more difficult. I also spent time trying to look at the completed project from an outsiders perspective, in hope that I am presenting a clear and easy to follow story. I went back three times to review and make changes to my project. It's a revealing thing and something I want to get right, because it could be my first impression on someone.
I think it is always important to know why you do the things you do, even if it is after the fact. For that reason I think it is vital that I know why I followed this path and why I want to become a teacher. When I am in that position, I want to be able to tell my students WHY I am standing there in front of them. What situations or events propelled me in that direction, and what kinds of things did I do when I was a student that helped put me ahead of the pack when it came to my education and future.
Multi-Tasking:Technology and Teaching
The 21st century student is completely different than any other student in history. They are dynamic, information driven people, with the world at their fingertips, utilizing computers and other technology to do so. They are the definition of multi-taskers, able to take in and process loads of information and pretty effectively manage many tasks at once. This lifestyle carries over into the classroom. No longer can they sit in a room taking notes for the whole class period. They need to be challenged with many types of stimuli. For the reason alone, students today present us educators with a unique opportunity.
As a future teacher, I am at times overwhelmed by the amount of things that need to be remembered for this profession. Besides all the content you need to actually impart on your students, the methods in which to do this impose an even larger puzzle. At the heart of the 21st century is the emerging technology we have available to us. Blogs, wikis, doodles, Twitter, Facebook, etc., the list goes on and on. To be able to use these tools effectively is one thing, but to be able to appropriately integrate them into your classroom is no small feat.
As a future teacher, I am at times overwhelmed by the amount of things that need to be remembered for this profession. Besides all the content you need to actually impart on your students, the methods in which to do this impose an even larger puzzle. At the heart of the 21st century is the emerging technology we have available to us. Blogs, wikis, doodles, Twitter, Facebook, etc., the list goes on and on. To be able to use these tools effectively is one thing, but to be able to appropriately integrate them into your classroom is no small feat.
This is one of my biggest concerns while I make my way through the education field. How can you effectively use technology in your classroom without students becoming distracted or frustrated by it. Perhaps I am underestimating the average student these days, maybe they will pick up and connect with these techniques more than the old school white board. Time will only tell, but it's something I am keeping a close tab on as I learn and grasp more of these new tools.
Even as I sit here and type this, I have my email open in another tab and our Today'sMeet open in another. It is almost habit to have more than one thing going on at once while working on my computer. This is a little unnerving because if students are doing this in the classroom, what kinds of things are they going to be able to learn? Can they effectively multi-task? Personally I think that is a matter of how much they tell themselves they can. If I sit here and tell myself I can finish typing this blog while checking my email and TodaysMeet, then perhaps I can be successful in multi-tasking, however if I allow myself to completely engrossed in one of those things, than I am definitely not successful in quest to multi-task.
Because of all the things a computer and other technology allows us to do, teachers are going to have to find ways to convince students they are relevant and confident in their abilities with technology. Only then will they be successful in integrating technology and teaching together, with multi-tasking students who can succeed amidst the multitude of information they are receiving.
-joe
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