Teaching in the Now

I was perusing the site, Slideshare.net, the other day and I came across this slideshow. I thought it was very well put together. The images that coincided with the teaching and technology quotes created a powerful message. Take a moment to watch this presentation. I don't think you'll regret it!

Education & Technology Quotes

View more presentations from Tony Vincent.

What Are They Good For?

Wikis are excellent tools to be integrated into a classroom and into a child’s daily life. As I worked on creating my own wiki (to be, hopefully, introduced into my classroom either next semester or next year), I have really come to understand just how useful and beneficial they can be for students. In order for children to develop a significant relationship with the information they are being presented during their regular school day, it is important that they are able to intimately interact with that information. A wiki is an excellent way to do that. Through the process of collaboration and communication, students can acquire the ability to participate meaningfully in an academic environment.

Perhaps you are unfamiliar with the concept of using a wiki…maybe you’re wondering “Why would I want to use a wiki for my classroom? Well, I have a few ideas for you:

1. Wikis are a GREAT way to assess student learning.
2. Wikis are a wonderful way for you to integrate writing into ANY subject.
3. Wikis are excellent resources for students to peruse when trying to study for a test.
4. Wikis are INSTANTLY collaborative…people are editing, commenting, etc. at all times, and everyone has a say.
5. Wikis can be accessed anywhere there is an internet connection!

In a previous post, I also mentioned some key reasons why Wikis are an awesome resource for students...you may want to take a look. The post was entitled: "Wikis and Blogs and Online Journals (Oh My!)"

Wikis allow students to take control of what they are leaning and to become empowered by it. A wiki can be used as an online journal and resource for a class as they make their way through their different school subjects. I think wikis could be a resource children can use to find information on the topics they are learning. Students can post audio files, images and videos; it could be kept up to date with the most recent information; ranging from PowerPoint slides, photos, educational links, games, assignments, and articles. Students could edit the pages themselves and add anything they find relevant and informational. They can also add photographs of themselves and information about who they are and why they are interested in science. That could even be a journal post they make.

There are hundreds of ways to utilize wikis in schools. I would suggest searching for educational wikis online as a way to form ideas as to how you want to utilize one in your class. Here is a link that offers TONS of educational wikis to view and analyze. Now go forth and create your wiki!

OH! And here is a funny picture for you. Whenever I discuss wikis, I ALWAYS think of wookies and ewoks...lol. Don't ask me why!

Image accessed from: online movie database

PREPARING our future LEADERS to NAVIGATE the world = PLN

So, I’ve gotten behind some in my blogging this past week, due to my week-long sojourn into South Carolina. But, here I am, once again. After a week long stint of turkey, mashed potatoes, leftovers and shopping, looks like its back to reality! I’d like to recommence by discussing my Personal Learning Network (PLN), or, as my title states, Preparing our future Leaders to Navigate the world (PLN). I like to look at Personal Learning Networks as a window into who we are as people, professionals and students. Our PLNs provide a look into who we are, what we enjoy, what are passions are, and what we care about. For me, my PLN would tell you that I care about my career as a teacher; that I care enough about my future students to work hard and diligently to provide them with the technological tools and resources necessary to succeed in an ever changing world.

Currently, my PLN is expanding at an astonishing rate. As I progress through my fall semester, I have had, and will continue to have, many opportunities to learn about different technologies (in my TE 401 class, CEP 416, conferences, etc.) and I have also had numerous opportunities to observe, experiment, and analyze the different resources I’ve come across; my PLN is beginning to reflect the wide array of experiences I have had. My delicious account is brimming with URLs to educational websites, teacher blogs, and an abundant amount of start-up tutorials, web application introductions, and many other resources to help teachers integrate technology into their daily lessons.

Obviously, my blog is up and running; allowing me the opportunity to openly discuss topics of interest to me and providing me with the opportunity to easily communicate with others in regards to the teaching profession. I have my online digital portfolio that is quickly (and amazingly) coming together. I’ve also gotten over my earlier Twitter aversion and can see the definite value in utilizing this tool in schools. I have to say, my Google Reader is, by far, the handiest application I’ve come across for organizing the massive amount of information I find on the web. This application makes it possible for me to sort through my delicious bookmarks, educational blogs, and technology resources, as well as other websites, that I want to keep track of.

All in all, my PLN is getting a pretty good work out. I believe it is helping me PREPARE the future LEADERS to NAVIGATE the world! :) As I said before…your PLN tells me a lot about you. What do you want yours to say?

Flickr Image Accessed from: caridgewell

Twitter in Education

First of all…I’d just like to say that I am having a change of heart, in regards to Twitter, that is. My change of heart officially began this past Saturday at the Technology Conference I attended at Erickson Hall. When the conference began, Twitter was quickly highlighted as a way for individuals to “backchannel” during the day. (In case you’re confused, the term “backchannel” refers to the practice of using networked computers to maintain a real-time online conversation alongside live spoken remarks.)

Anyway, I was immediately reminded that I do, in fact, have a Twitter account! This is something that I had completely forgotten about. Earlier in the year, when I first began using Twitter, I was not impressed and commenced to setting it aside for a long period of time. Well, to make a long story short…I realized, after spending time reconnecting with my Twitter account during the conference, that Twitter can be VERY beneficial when used in a way that promotes learning and education. So, I would like to discuss a few ways in which an educator can utilize Twitter in a valuable way.

Google Image accessed from: watblog.com

As a pre-service and future teacher, I want to engage my students. Twitter is a relatively new and highly proficient form of communication that can do just that. The use of Twitter in a classroom can increase the amount of chatter that occurs. This is a GOOD thing because, before long, the students will begin using Twitter to have conversations both inside and OUTSIDE of the class. I believe this can help develop a sense of "classroom community" as students begin to build an understanding of who their peers are in school and outside the classroom space. Twitter can also be used as a way for students to backchannel during class; that is, if your school has the resources to provided their students with laptops/computers. Talk about open communication! Obviously, there are things to consider when allowing students to Tweet during class. Twitter may enhance students’ abilities to talk to inappropriate people or to discuss inappropriate topics; but, sites such as Youth Twitter or Today’s Meet allow teachers to monitor who and what students are discussing. Opening your classroom to back-channeling can promote metacognitive thinking. (Metacognitive thinking refers to the practice of thinking about and reflecting on your learning.) What I mean is that Twitter, if used as a classroom tool, can enhance students’ abilities to think about HOW they are thinking and learning.

I think Twitter could also be used as a way to remind students about homework, trips and other classroom things, especially since they can enter their mobile phone number to be alerted when a peer or teacher “tweets” such information.

There are so many technological innovations popping up everywhere that, as educators, we have many opportunities to use sites, such as Twitter, and other social media tools in a way that can cater to 21st century students.

The Wonder of it All

This week, I’ve decided to focus on one specific educational technology resource that, I feel, could be found extremely beneficial to many. During the early weeks of this semester, my TE 401 class took a fieldtrip to the Michigan State Children’s Garden. While we were there, Dr. Norm, took time out of his day to walk us future teachers through the process of creating a meaningful field trip. It was an extraordinarily informational day and I greatly enjoyed the tie spent outdoors walking through the 4-H garden. However, what I found most enlightening, was the time we spent as a class inside, explicitly discussing the ways in which to prepare for and initiate an awesome learning experience for my future students.

During the class discussion we had with Dr. Norm, we were introduced to an interactive online tool that facilitated student participation, assisted students in the process of learning, and established a high level of motivation. This tool is called…Wonder Walls.

To put it simply, a Wonder Wall is a virtual bulletin board with a built in chat that kids can add questions (including images) to or chat with one another and/or an educator. A “Wonder Wall” is a way in which students, group members, faculty, peers, etc. can connect, with the help of a moderator (the teacher, perhaps?) and work together in a colorful, playful, exciting, visual, and stimulating way space. Wonder Walls promote synchronous and asynchronous communication…meaning; individuals can interact with one another simultaneously, or at separate times, at whatever times work best for them. When users (students) are logged on at the same time, they are aware of each other, see new posts as soon as they are posted, AND can live chat with each other. All posts are permanent unless the poster or moderator (teacher) deletes them, so users and moderators can log in later to read and add to the posts.

Dr. Norm is the original creator of the MSU Wonder Wall. The original was simply an 8 foot by 3 foot large piece of blank white paper and magic markers. Children, students, teachers…any visitor to the Children's Garden were encouraged to write anything they wondered about throughout the day.

The Original Wonder Wall accessed from wonderwall.msu.edu

The new and improved electronic Wonder Wall began with the same principle in mind. Digital, online Wonder Walls are specialized and stimulating environments that facilitate within students a sense of curiosity, fun, excitement, and importance…they also support inquiry, reflection, and cooperation; three very important elements of a child’s education.

The New and Improved Online Wonder Wall accessed from wonderwall.msu.edu

There are so many different things Wonder Walls can do and be used for…here are a few:

1. Connect museums, gardens, other educational locations with school children beyond the field trip.

2. Connect children and students with each other between class-times and meetings.

3. Connect entire classrooms with distant scientists, educators, and enthusiasts.

4. Engage learners with each other and encourage a sense of wonder.

5. Wonder Walls provide both synchronous and asynchronous connectivity.

During the time I spent with Dr. Norm, I was able to see how enthusiastic students are about the Wonder Wall, especially upper elementary students. It appeared that, the more comfortable students become using the online Wonder Wall, the more complex and thoughtful their questions and posts grew to be.

I would love to create one for my future classroom. It would be such a great tool that my students could use outside of the classroom. I would use it as a way to promote extended learning. I could have my class ask questions and I could facilitate discussions relating to topics being discussed that week. It would be very beneficial in a science unit, or ANY unit.

To learn more about using Wonder Walls and how to create your own Wonder Wall, follow this link!

Taking the Initiative

It is my belief that in order to improve education and bring it to the level it NEEDS to be at; technology is an essential element that should no longer be ignored. Schools are quickly taking the initiative to integrate technology into their daily habits. It is an initiative that I believe will make it possible for more students to excel in school and in the real world. It will prepare students with skills and knowledge that are essential foundations for life-long learning. It is important to remember that integrating technology into classroom instruction means MUCH more than teaching basic computer skills and software programs in a separate computer class. Effective technology integration must occur across the curriculum in numerous ways; ways that enhance rather than impede the learning process. Technology integration needs to support active engagement, participation, interaction, feedback, and real-world connections. This can be achieved when technology use is routine and coincides with our curricular goals.

It is important, that we, as teachers, support one another in this process; a process that can be intimidating to so many. In order to build a base…a foundation…that allows for the integration and application of high-quality, challenging, high-motivating, and effective technology resources, we need to become aware of what these tools and resources are…we need to learn how to use them (by attending workshops, professional development conferences, research, online tutorials, etc.) AND we need to take that scary step that propels us into a world where students are no longer passive receptors of information…a world where students can do so much more.

When students are using technology as a tool or a support system for learning and communicating with others, they are in an ACTIVE role rather than the passive role of recipient of information that has been traditionally transmitted by a teacher and/or textbook. Once we provide students with the opportunity to use technology they are able to actively make choices about how to generate, obtain, manipulate, or display information. Technology use allows students to be actively and critically thinking about information and about making choices, more so than in a typical teacher-led lesson.

But like I said previously, this can be a scary step. Why? Because it means that our roles as teachers must change. Rather than simply dispensing information, we fulfill the role of facilitator. We set project goals, provide guidelines and resources, and offer support and suggestions. But students are taking the driver’s seat.

The realm of teaching is changing and evolving at an extraordinary rate. Pretty crazy.

The following picture was taken in a classroom in Ethiopia. They have began an initiative called One Laptop Per Child (OLPC). Very cool.

Image from wiki.laptop.org

Digital Stories

Take a look! This is a digital story I created to coincide with a sixth grade language arts lesson plan entitled: This Is Me!

I've also published a previous post that discusses the use of digital storytelling in classrooms, entitled: "An Alternative to Traditional Storytelling". You may be interested in taking a look.

Also...If you take a look at my online portfolio, you can preview the lesson outline that coincides with this digital story. Enjoy!

Personal Learning Network (PLN)

So, my Personal Learning Network (PLN) is constantly being modified, added to, and adjusted to fit my needs as a future educator and current learner…well, really life-long learner is more accurate. For those of you who are unaware, a PLN is an acronym for Personal Learning Network. The acronym is moderately new; however, the idea is not. Teachers have always had learning networks—people we learn from and share with. We’re education and information junkies and we’re very social creatures. Put these together you have Personal Learning Networks!

Anyway, my PLN. For me, so far, my PLN provides access to information of interest to me as a pre-service teacher and future educator. I join the Nings they suggest (such as The Educators’ PLN), click on the links they recommend, read their blogs and wikis, checkout bookmarks suggested on Delicious, and I follow all of the above through the use of my RSS feed, Google Reader. I’ve recently added tools such as Google Docs, Slideshare.net, and Microsoft Photo Story to my repertoire.

Just last week, my experiences in relation to my PLN were particularly varied and rich. I collaborated on a group project with fellow peers using Google Docs, I created a slideshow on Slideshare.net to use in my field placement, I found some great ideas for my lesson plan by following bookmarks recommended on Delicious, AND I communicated with fellow educators through the use of Twitter on the pros and cons of PowerPoint presentations! Whew, talk about a busy week huh? Throughout all of these experiences, I sensed a feeling of camaraderie. How cool is that? Here we are, people separated by time and space and yet we are still able to make connections with individuals who share the same interests as we do. THAT is what I find so undeniably awesome about PLNs.

I believe that PLNs have unlimited potential. The amount of information, resources and technology available is rising exponentially and as educators we benefit from this, I think, more than anyone. Like I said above…my PLN allows me to make connections with fellow educators that I would not be able to make any other way.

BUT!

At least for me, I believe less is more. What I mean is, if I am keeping track of thousands of education resources to look through in Google Reader, do you think I’m really paying attention to any ONE in particular? That’s nearly impossible! I’ve realized this…I have to keep it short and sweet, just follow what I find necessary and if there is something in my RSS feed that I may not be paying as much attention to, I DELETE it!

Solar Dance PowerPoint

I added my voice audio....very cool :) Check out slideshare.net...they have a great tutorial that will walk you through the process. My next step? Adding Music :) Enjoy!

Solar Dance

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Beyond Bullet Points

It really is amazing how after all these years of creating PowerPoints, I’ve never realized that I was doing it incorrectly. After reading the article, “Beyond Bullet Points” by Cliff Atkinson, I have a fresh outlook on the process; an outlook that will greatly benefit my future students, peers, co-workers, etc. Atkinson emphasized a specific structure for creating PowerPoints and that structure should directly relate to the workings of your audiences’ memories. I have always been under the impression that a “good” PowerPoint has text, visuals, and charts (if applicable), etc. I’ve also always assumed that if you have a good PowerPoint, then you (the presenter) simply has to read the slides and present the information. Was I ever wrong! Atkinson referred to this viewpoint in a “pipeline” metaphor. This is an incorrect way to look at PowerPoint Presentations. If you want to present a powerful and meaningful presentation, than you must keep in mind that you’re not there to simply present information and if your audience doesn’t get it then too bad…you need to present information in a way that allows your audience the OPPORTUNITY to “get it”. This means, that the research done in regards to an audience member’s memory, must be taken into account. As a presenter, you cannot shovel loads and loads of information and text at the audience; they won’t have the chance to process anything! You have to present information in bits and pieces; there should be a beginning, middle and end like in a story, there should be a header and a visual on each slide; however, it is NOT necessary to fill the slide with text. You simply have to SAY what corresponds to the slide; you do not need to have written text as well. That was my biggest surprise when reading this article. No text is needed?? But, after I read that…it makes sense! Why would it be necessary to write AND say the text to the audience? They already read what was up there, don’t need to listen to you repeat yourself.

Basically, when creating a PowerPoint…Less is more! If you follow the link above, you should be able to read the article, “Beyond Bullet Points” by Cliff Atkinson, and I’d recommend everyone checking it out! I’m also embedding the PowerPoint I created after reading this article as a reference point to anyone that’s interested. It is a PowerPoint on the motion of the sun, moon, and earth; prepared for a fourth grade lesson in the earth science unit. Enjoy!

A Fading Generation

Many students are unaware of Google Docs' existence. I was one of those students just last week. For those of you located somewhere in left-field, Google Docs is a free, Web-based word processor, spreadsheet, presentation and form application offered by Google. Google Docs introduces a unique and new educational sphere for students. Thanks to Google Docs, students are now able to collaborated online, in REAL-TIME, with teachers, their peers, with friends, family, etc. Google Documents can be edited in REAL-TIME with a person thousands of miles away. Google Spreadsheets has a chat screen that opens whenever another collaborator logs in, so they can chat in real time while they edit! Cool, huh? The academic advantages of being able to collaborate on a document in real time with some one in a different building on campus, half way across the world are invaluable. Two people could co-author an article, or entire classes could brainstorm for an activity.


I have to say, some of the tools available through Google Docs may not be as refined as Microsoft Office's solutions (I have been getting frustrated with the formatting on a resume I'm working on); however, Google seems to do an excellent job implementing desired features and continually developing their products to exceed the highest of expectation. In the world of education, I wouldn't be surprised if Google Docs soon replaced pencil and paper in classrooms.


One thing is for sure, Microsoft Office is only one generation away from extinction if they don't create free collaboration tools of their own, SOON.

Personally, I think I was an easy win over. I love the ease with which Google Docs enables me to work on papers and documents, presentations, etc. at any time, in any plcae. I even converted my group members from my TE 401 class and we now have our group project online, enabling us to collaborate, work together, and get our project done on a time frame that works for us...without even having to meet at the library! That, in itself, is an amazing benefit. As a BUSY college student, I NEVER have the time to meet with a group for a project. Google Docs has the solution, I'm definitely going to do some more research on ways to utilize this app in the classroom. I'll update soon :)

Innovation

What’s all the buzz about iClickers? What ARE iClickers? There are those of you who are unfamiliar with this relatively new technology. Personally, I have had the opportunity to utilize this resource while enrolled in my Chemistry, Astronomy, and Biomedical Science courses at Michigan State University.

An iClicker is an Audience Response System (ARS), or sometimes called a Personal Response System (PRS). For the purpose of simplicity, I’m going to simply refer to it as an iClicker. An iClicker is a remote control that functions as a technological interaction tool. Individuals in a large group or audience have their own iClicker/remote control which communicates with a computer via receivers that are located around the room. What happens is this…a professor, teacher, speaker, etc. poses a mulitple-choice question/poll which is posted for the entire audience to view. The audience is then responsible for answering that question via their iClickers. The audience chooses their answer, either A, B, C, etc., points their iClicker at a receiver located at around the room, pushes a button (A, B, C, etc.), and their answer is then sent to a main computer. After a certain amount of time, the poll/question is closed and the computer then tabulates the audience members’ answers and displays the results, often, instantaneously via a bar graph or percentages. In many situations, a professor or teacher will utilize this technology as a means to track participation in their classroom. In settings such as those, each audience member should have submitted their iClicker’s serial number into the control computer’s database. This enables the individuals’ answers to be identified and evaluated at a later date. There are many different uses for iClickers; however, it typically appears to to be utilized as a way for students to instantaneously provide feedback, and answer questions posed by their instructors.

As I’ve said before, in a previous post, there are positives and negatives of virtually ALL aspects of innovative technologies, and iClickers have pros and cons too.

Pros:
1. Instant access to student knowledge
2. Provides immediate feedback to students
3. Encourages participation in ALL students, including the shy ones
4. Keeps students’ attention
5. Provides anonymity

Cons:
1. Students may forget to bring them to class
2. Costly
3. Not necessarily useful in small classes
4. May be difficult to grasp by the non-technological savvy individual

As a future teacher, I would unquestionably enjoy the opportunity to utilize iClickers in my classroom; however, I do believe the issue of cost would be a detriment. If there were a way to provide this technology to my class at a minimal cost, I would! Incorporating iClickers into a daily lesson plan could be very beneficial. For example, if I were teaching a social studies lesson on a controversial topic, the class would be more apt to participate in a discussion if their opinions remained anonymous.

I have one last comment to add. After reading the TPACK article for CEP 416, I realized how important it is to consider the fact that true technology integration requires the understanding and negotiating of the relationships between a teacher’s knowledge of teaching, of their lesson content, and of the advantages and disadvantes of technology in a classroom. When considering these three componants and iClickers, I realized how teaching a lesson would change with the addition of a new technology. iClickers would obviously cause a shift in your teaching methods as well as significantly alter the way in which you and your students interact. Just something to consider…

The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly...

As of October 2, 2009, Twitter is the end all, and be all of the twenty first century. Posting “Tweets” of 140 characters has enabled a world of “Tweeple” to stay connected. Individuals who utilize the world of tweets range from business men, students, stoners, pop stars, news anchors, cat-lovers, teachers, professional athletes…the list could go on forever! Imagine yourself sitting in class…the student next to you is Twittering; imagine yourself in a boardroom…the CEO is currently updating his Twitter profile; and finally, you’re visiting your grandmother, and what is she doing? She’s following up to the minute tweets on the new brand of cat food she’s interested in! What is the world coming to?? The next thing you know, the streets, schools, stores and office buildings will be empty and all you have to do is log onto Twitter, and there they are…giving you TMI on the minutiae of their lives.

Now don’t get me wrong. Unquestionably, I am a proponent, AND advocate for the integration of technology into our daily lives. However, I am having a difficult time understanding the extent to which Twitter can enrich and/or transform our lives for the better. Obviously, there are positives and negatives of virtually ALL aspects of innovative technologies, and Twitter is not exempt. As a prospective teacher, I am well aware of the long list of valuable resources Twitter offers, and I will do my best to employ those resources in a constructive and effective way in my future classroom. In the following list, I will record MY reasons for using Twitter as an educator.

1. Twitter can represent a virtual staffroom; a virtual world where teachers can access in seconds a stream of links, ideas, opinions, and resources from a hand-picked selection of global professionals.

2. By utilizing all that Twitter has to offer, educators are able to compare their ideas and classrooms with other educators located thousands of miles away.

3. As a mentor and educator, I want to be the BEST that I can be, and the only way I can do that is to reflect on the work that I am doing and maintain and develop it in order to make it better. Twitter would enable me to share my reflections, as well as offer support to other educators, and receive INSTANT feedback.

4. Twitter can also help you stay up-to-date on news and current affairs, and the latest developments in areas of school leadership and technology.

So, there are my reasons for wanting to use Twitter as an educator, mentor, and teacher. But, going back to what I said previously…I STILL am having difficulty in understanding ALL the positive ways in which one can utilize Twitter to its fullest potential. I keep getting bogged down by the mundane details of everyone’s daily (boring) lives. I have had one or two opportunities to follow educational “Tweets”; however, these occasions have been few and far between. I’m hoping these opportunities will rear their heads on a more daily basis. I guess, basically, I am having a hard time grasping how to go about FINDING these opportunities on my own. Adding on to the fact that I am a complete novice in terms of Twitter “lingo”…I have a really difficult time actually understanding what it is people are tweeting. All the abbreviations and what not just confuse me more!

Essentially, my view on Twitter is this: unless you are using Twitter in a PROFESSIONAL way…it is simply a way for individuals to make themselves feel better; it is a phony and bogus way to make yourself feel “popular”; like people actually CARE about what you are doing EVERY second of your life. Again, I can see the positive aspects of using Twitter as a professional, but I can’t seem to get past the surface level…

If anyone has any suggestions…PLEASE let me know…

Check it out :)

I got a Flickr account about a week ago, in order to help me find suitable pictures for my blog, website, classroom, etc. I don't have very many photos uploaded at this point due to the sad state of my digital camara. But, hopefully, she (my camara) will be in working order shortly and I can add to my photostream.

Take a look at my slide show!

Advocating Creativity!

Creativity is vitally important in the lives of children AND adults.

Creativity can improve a child's self-esteem, motivation and achievement...students who are encouraged to think creatively and independently become interested in discovering things for themselves, they are more open to new ideas, and are ready and willing to work with others and explore new ideas.

Creativity prepares our students for the future; for life.

Creativity enriches the lives of children.

Encouraging creativity in young children is a PROCESS. Teachers have to open their own minds and allow, accept, and turn over their control to the children themselves.

Once again, my TE 401 class has provided me with a wonderful example of a technique that fosters creativity through the use of digital images. Here it is...Digital Storytelling. Anyone heard of it? Has anyone created their own digital story? Well, the gist of it is this...

"Digital Storytelling is the practice of using computer-based tools to tell stories. As with traditional storytelling, most digital stories focus on a specific topic and contain a particular point of view. However, as the name implies, digital stories usually contain some mixture of computer-based images, text, recorded audio narration, video clips and/or music. Digital stories can vary in length, but most of the stories used in education typically last between two and ten minutes. And the topics that are used in Digital Storytelling range from personal tales to the recounting of historical events, from exploring life in one's own community to the search for life in other corners of the universe, and literally, everything in between." (http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/)

If you're interested...the following link will take you to a sample Digital Story :)

A second grader's autobiography

What do you think?

I've been working with a group of peers today, and we're preparing to present a technique for teaching social studies to my TE 401 class in the next few weeks. Our topic is whether or not our country should continue to celebrate Columbus Day...should it be called Native American Day? Personally, I believe the name should be changed and what we are celebrating needs to get a closer look. Genocide? Conquest? Are these concepts really what we are teaching our children to value???

Obviously, good ol' Columbus is no longer with us (although the mythological figure is...) but here is a photo of a Columbus memorial, located in downtown Baltimore...

Flickr Photo CC by Brent and MariLynn

Observe. Talk. Listen.

Today, I had a pretty cool encounter with a new way to utilize technology in a classroom. It's called Today's Meet. Today's Meet is a great resource for educators.

Imagine you are giving a presentation and you realize that your audience is no longer listening, in fact, they are passing notes, whispering, and falling asleep. Why are they tuning out your very interesting (that was sarcasm) lecture? Well, chances are, they either don't understand what you are talking about, they don't care where the lecture is headed, or they simply don't feel that their attention is needed.

Today's Meet is a resource that can prevent your audience from tuning you out. A lot like Twitter, Today's Meet is an instantaneous messaging online application; however, a social networking tool, such as Twitter isn't always appropriate. A few reasons being...your desired audience may not have Twitter accounts, or you simply do not want to have a public discussion forum. And that is where Today's Meet steps up to bat...

"Today's Meet gives you an isolated room where you can see only what you need to see, and your audience doesn't need to learn any new tools like hash tags to keep everything together"

So, rather than have your audience snooze and miss your awesome lecture due to boredom, you can now create an online classroom where students can post comments on your lecture and you can see these comments immediately, see participation, and tweak your lecture in whatever way necessary!

Wheeeww! Here's a link to the site so you can get a feel for it yourself...let me know if you have any questions :)

http://todaysmeet.com/

Michigan State University’s 4-H Children’s Garden

Just this past Thursday, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a class field trip to the 4-H Children’s Garden on the south end of Campus. My TE 401 course (concerning the methods of teaching Science to elementary students) is composed of seniors preparing for a career in elementary education. The objectives of the class field trip was to discuss the positive and negative aspects of school field trips, discuss how to create a memorable and educational field trip, and observe and experience the 4-H Children’s Garden programs and technology available to teachers.

First, I would like to say that having the opportunity to take a walk-through of the gardens from the perspective of a future teacher was really beneficial. I had never had an opportunity quite like that before. I believe the personnel and educators who make themselves available for children/classes, and who create these experiences for children that are not only educational, but fun and exciting, should be venerated! The fact that these people create such long-lasting memories for these kids is amazing. Science is a subject that completely surrounds us and by crafting such fun programs, programs that can last days or even weeks, MSU is instilling a life-long appreciation for science in our future leaders.

Secondly, I want to point out just how a-head of the game the curator of the 4-H Children’s Garden is. Dr. Norm Lownds was able to demonstrate just how technologically advanced their program is becoming. They have integrated a Smart Board into the “Curiosity Classroom” (the main classroom in which classes and children enter to do experiments, arts and crafts, discussions, lectures, etc.). The Smart Board they have installed enables instructors to fully integrate technology into their lesson introductions and follow-ups; in doing so, the hands-on experiences the children participated in in the gardens is enhanced and expanded on. Dr. Lownds and his colleagues also created a kids’ website/wiki page called “Seeds of Science”. This online application is an interactive arena where children can log-on and discuss what they experienced on their field-trips, they can ask questions and get immediate feed-back, and they can also take a virtual tour of the Gardens; the website also has photos, e-newsletters, videos, chat capabilities, web-cams, and so much more. The way in which Norm and his colleagues were able to arrange and establish their interactive online application, positively influences children’s excitement, involvement and motivation.

As a future teacher, I hope to follow their example of technology integration…I will use technology to enhance and expand, NOT impede.

Making Connections

I'm having a great time browsing through my fellow classmates' blogs! It really is comforting to realize that I am not alone in my journey towards becoming a technologically savvy professional :)

This class is already providing me with indispensible resources; the knowledge to create blogs, websites and RSS feeds...but more importantly, CEP 416 has enabled an entirely new community (filled with educators, fellow-students, and life-long learners) to be unveiled right before my eyes.

Hi-Tech Toddlers

The other morning, I randomly found a photograph online that I found both adorable, and slightly troubling.

After the initial response, “oh how cute!” I delved a little deeper. How old is this child? Two? Is that his personal laptop, or his parents’? Is he being supervised, looking at educational software, or merely surfing the net? I realize some individuals may look at this photograph and say how clever it is that that child’s parents decided to introduce him to technology so early. Personally, I’m torn. Do children, specifically children under the age of five, need to be on the computer? Anyone who has ever spent time with young children knows that they are incredibly active. They wriggle, bounce, run, roll, crawl, and climb, all in the time it takes us to take a deep breath! I find it difficult to imagine these jumping beans sitting in front of a computer screen. However, according to the small amount of research I’ve done, the number of very young children who are being introduced to computers is increasing at an outrageous rate. This trend is driven not only by eager parents who want their children on the cutting edge of technology but also by computer software and toy manufacturers; churning out products for younger and younger children.

Computer use by infants and toddlers is the subject of ongoing debate among child development specialists and educators, and I believe it should be. Advocates claim that introducing very young children to computers gives them an intellectual advantage. They believe computer programs designed for toddlers can strengthen problem-solving abilities, increase hand-eye coordination, and stimulate their developing minds. Other experts are more skeptical. Too-early exposure may have harmful consequences on a child’s development. In a Family and Child Ecology course, I took at a previous time, I had a professor whom believes the fast-paced visuals, startling noises, and silly scenarios, are stimuli that divert the brain away from its natural developmental tasks. For my part, I find that opinion rather extreme.

I believe the best choice for parents, at this point, is to proceed with caution. I think there are many advantages to providing technology to young children (as long as it is in some way educational) such as: helping toddlers learn shapes, colors, letters, and numbers. But by no means should it be used as a replacement to human interactions, or learning toys like blocks, sandboxes, or crayons. Yes, technology is an important aspect of our rapidly changing world, but lets keep things in perspective, okay?