The K12 Online Conference is a great way for teachers to learn about new ideas of how to incorporate technology into their classrooms. The Leading the Change Pushing the Limits: Web 2.0 and 21st Century Learning conference was about how two teachers have started a 21st Century Skills pilot class. The class is made up of seniors, who each receive their own Apple MacBook laptop computer. Through out the year, blogs, wikis, open source software, networking, iMovie, the flat classroom project, and much more is Incorporated into the curriculum.
To access this conference click here.
To see an example of a students work that was shown in the conference, click here.
I found this topic very interesting. When I was a senior in high school, the vocational school and three other local schools joined together to run a pilot teaching program. This is where we learned about teaching and what it is like to be a teacher. Much of the class was set up like a post secondary class, and we were able to receive college credit. With this class, we were given our own brand new IBM ThinkPad laptops. The teacher did have to go over rules with all of the students throughout the year to make sure no one was abusing their privileges, but it was a great experience. We had to write over forty papers for the class, so it made it nice to have my own computer. Also, once I graduated, I was able to buy the computer from the school for a very low price.
With more and more generations being brought up with technology, it does not surprise me that more and more personal computers are being used in the classrooms.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
K12 Online Conference 2008
Under the 2008 Kicking it up a Notch workshop, there is a session called Monsters Bloom in Our Wiki. I listened to this session because I have just learned what a wiki is and all of the ways that they can be integrated into teaching and learning in a classroom.
Monsters Bloom in Our Wiki is a project that is completed with two separate classes that integrate technology with the reading and writing standards. Also, this project included all the steps of Bloom's Taxonomy.
The students in the classes are introduced to adjectives and the importance of descriptive words. Then, by using a wiki, the students create a monster and then have to write out descriptive words so another student in another class can try to create the same monster. After both classes have recreated a monster, the original and the new ones are compared. The students then review how well they described their monster and what they could have done better. Both of the monsters and the descriptions of the monsters are then posted on a wiki so both of the students can compare their drawings.
The wiki is a great tool to use when collaborating with another class that may be across the state, country, or world. Three wikis that the workshop suggested using for this project are Wikispaces, PBWiki, and WetPaint. In my class, I have used the PBWiki and feel that it offers endless posibilities of how it can be used in a classroom. For example, I have used it to organize lessons, create a teacher web page, an online portfolio, and a webquest.
If you want to listen to the podcast you can click here
If you want to see the wiki site that the class created for their monster project, you can click here
Monsters Bloom in Our Wiki is a project that is completed with two separate classes that integrate technology with the reading and writing standards. Also, this project included all the steps of Bloom's Taxonomy.
The students in the classes are introduced to adjectives and the importance of descriptive words. Then, by using a wiki, the students create a monster and then have to write out descriptive words so another student in another class can try to create the same monster. After both classes have recreated a monster, the original and the new ones are compared. The students then review how well they described their monster and what they could have done better. Both of the monsters and the descriptions of the monsters are then posted on a wiki so both of the students can compare their drawings.
The wiki is a great tool to use when collaborating with another class that may be across the state, country, or world. Three wikis that the workshop suggested using for this project are Wikispaces, PBWiki, and WetPaint. In my class, I have used the PBWiki and feel that it offers endless posibilities of how it can be used in a classroom. For example, I have used it to organize lessons, create a teacher web page, an online portfolio, and a webquest.
If you want to listen to the podcast you can click here
If you want to see the wiki site that the class created for their monster project, you can click here
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
K12 Online Conference
"Getting Started:
Video Conferencing It's Easy, Free, and Powerful"
The K12 Online Conference is a great tool for teachers to use and become educated about new technology. The reason it is so great is because all of the sessions are podcast online. Therefore, anyone can listen to them at anytime.
The session I listened to was "Getting Started:Video Conferencing It's Easy, Free, and Powerful." I was able to learn a lot about video conferencing and the many different ways it can be used in a classroom.
One of the ways it can be used is by Inclusion. A student who is sick or cannot attend school can be included in the class by video conferencing. One program that can be used for inclusion is Skype. This is a program that is easy to use and does not require a lot of equipment.
Another way to use video conferences is by sharing an expert. A classroom who is able to book an expert can share their expert with another class. When it comes to video conferencing, students from both classes are able to ask the expert questions and have their questions answered right away.
One class uses video conferencing to share an experience. The class was working on oral language skills. So, the teacher was able to record his/her students and play it back to them. This allowed the students to be able to hear themselves. Then were able to hear how fluent they were and how many times they said "um."
Lastly, I learned that video conferences can be used for collaboration. A classroom of students are able to be matched up with another classroom of students, anywhere in the world, and create a story together. Both students are given the same picture, and then they are to write a story together. The students are able to use web cams so they can see the student they are working with. Also, with video conferencing they are able to talk to each other. This is a great way to get students to collaborate.
All in all, the K12 Online Conference is very helpful for teachers and the session on video conferencing shows how much can be learned from just one short 13 minuet session.
Video Conferencing It's Easy, Free, and Powerful"
The K12 Online Conference is a great tool for teachers to use and become educated about new technology. The reason it is so great is because all of the sessions are podcast online. Therefore, anyone can listen to them at anytime.
The session I listened to was "Getting Started:Video Conferencing It's Easy, Free, and Powerful." I was able to learn a lot about video conferencing and the many different ways it can be used in a classroom.
One of the ways it can be used is by Inclusion. A student who is sick or cannot attend school can be included in the class by video conferencing. One program that can be used for inclusion is Skype. This is a program that is easy to use and does not require a lot of equipment.
Another way to use video conferences is by sharing an expert. A classroom who is able to book an expert can share their expert with another class. When it comes to video conferencing, students from both classes are able to ask the expert questions and have their questions answered right away.
One class uses video conferencing to share an experience. The class was working on oral language skills. So, the teacher was able to record his/her students and play it back to them. This allowed the students to be able to hear themselves. Then were able to hear how fluent they were and how many times they said "um."
Lastly, I learned that video conferences can be used for collaboration. A classroom of students are able to be matched up with another classroom of students, anywhere in the world, and create a story together. Both students are given the same picture, and then they are to write a story together. The students are able to use web cams so they can see the student they are working with. Also, with video conferencing they are able to talk to each other. This is a great way to get students to collaborate.
All in all, the K12 Online Conference is very helpful for teachers and the session on video conferencing shows how much can be learned from just one short 13 minuet session.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Teachers Using Blogs for Professional Development
Blogs are great tools that teachers can use for their own professional development. When it comes to new teaching techniques, blogs are a great way to read about a technique and how it worked out in other teacher’s classes. Let’s say that a teacher just learned about a wiki and wants to find out how well it works in a classroom. Before teachers use it in their own room, they can go to different blogs and read about other teacher’s experiences using a wiki. So, blogs can be used as resources when it comes to debating whether or not to try something new in a classroom. Blogs are a great way for teachers to glean new ideas to use in their classrooms.
Teachers can also use blogs for support. A teacher is able to write about their feeling, frustrations, and joys that come with teaching. When blogs are used for this reason, many people can read about a teacher’s personal experience and respond to it. There are other teachers, professionals, or people who can give suggestions or just relate to that teacher.
Lastly, teachers can use blogs as a journal of what they are doing in the classroom. This can be a tool that they use for professional development because other people can respond to what they have written. They are able to get feedback and suggestions about teaching.
In conclusion, these are only three ways that blogs can be used for a teacher’s professional development. There are endless ways that teachers can use blogs. If anyone has any other ideas, I would love to hear them. One of the blogs that I read and find to be helpful is The Fischbowl and can be accessed at http://www.thefischbowl.blogspot.com/. Make sure to check it out. It is a great blog and I find many of the posts interesting.
Teachers can also use blogs for support. A teacher is able to write about their feeling, frustrations, and joys that come with teaching. When blogs are used for this reason, many people can read about a teacher’s personal experience and respond to it. There are other teachers, professionals, or people who can give suggestions or just relate to that teacher.
Lastly, teachers can use blogs as a journal of what they are doing in the classroom. This can be a tool that they use for professional development because other people can respond to what they have written. They are able to get feedback and suggestions about teaching.
In conclusion, these are only three ways that blogs can be used for a teacher’s professional development. There are endless ways that teachers can use blogs. If anyone has any other ideas, I would love to hear them. One of the blogs that I read and find to be helpful is The Fischbowl and can be accessed at http://www.thefischbowl.blogspot.com/. Make sure to check it out. It is a great blog and I find many of the posts interesting.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Technology as a Teaching Tool
There are many great ways to teach students today, and many of the ways incorporate technology. So, here are some ideas of how to incorporate technology into the learning environment.
First of all, power point and word are the most widely used. Power points are great tools that students can use at the end of a lesson or unit to present the information they have learned. Also, students can learn how to create a movie by using clip art, photos, or videos. They can use the movie they have made to show their parents or friends what they have been learning in class.
Blogs are one of the most common and easiest ways for people to put their ideas, feelings, or knowledge on the Internet to share with the world. When it comes to a teaching tool, blogs can be used for the same reasons. Students can keep an online journal for the class, which can be a nice change from using paper and pencil. Also, students can take turns posting updates on the activities they are doing in class. It is a great way for students to feel connected to people outside of the classroom.
Along with blogs, pod casting and gabcasts (verbal blogs) can be used to for the same reasons. It is good to use gabcasts in the classroom for students who might be better at verbalizing their ideas compared to writing them.
When teaching students about plagiarism, it is important to give them resources that they can use and teach them how to cite their information. Creative commons is an excellent site for students where they can get audio clips, photos, and much more. Also, it is clearly stated how the students need to cite the items they use. So, students can use the items on this website to create power points, videos, or pod casts.
A scavenger hunt is also a great tool that helps students work on their computer skills, learn information, and have fun at the same time. Scavenger hunts are where students look up information about a certain topic, that is chosen by the teacher before hand, and they have to go to certain websites to find the information.
These are only a few pieces of technology that can be used in the classroom to help enhance learning. Also, when using technology as a teaching tool, more than one learning style is usually used which in return is very beneficial to all students.
First of all, power point and word are the most widely used. Power points are great tools that students can use at the end of a lesson or unit to present the information they have learned. Also, students can learn how to create a movie by using clip art, photos, or videos. They can use the movie they have made to show their parents or friends what they have been learning in class.
Blogs are one of the most common and easiest ways for people to put their ideas, feelings, or knowledge on the Internet to share with the world. When it comes to a teaching tool, blogs can be used for the same reasons. Students can keep an online journal for the class, which can be a nice change from using paper and pencil. Also, students can take turns posting updates on the activities they are doing in class. It is a great way for students to feel connected to people outside of the classroom.
Along with blogs, pod casting and gabcasts (verbal blogs) can be used to for the same reasons. It is good to use gabcasts in the classroom for students who might be better at verbalizing their ideas compared to writing them.
When teaching students about plagiarism, it is important to give them resources that they can use and teach them how to cite their information. Creative commons is an excellent site for students where they can get audio clips, photos, and much more. Also, it is clearly stated how the students need to cite the items they use. So, students can use the items on this website to create power points, videos, or pod casts.
A scavenger hunt is also a great tool that helps students work on their computer skills, learn information, and have fun at the same time. Scavenger hunts are where students look up information about a certain topic, that is chosen by the teacher before hand, and they have to go to certain websites to find the information.
These are only a few pieces of technology that can be used in the classroom to help enhance learning. Also, when using technology as a teaching tool, more than one learning style is usually used which in return is very beneficial to all students.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
With the internet becoming used more in classrooms, it is important to educate students and parents about not just the good, but also the bad things that are out there. One of the bad things that was happening with children under the age of thirteen was they were giving out their personal information online. When children do this, it can lead to dangerous situations. Therefore, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) was passed in October 1998 to help protect children from giving out personal information to unknown sources online.
If I were to have my students make a website, create a wiki, or some other kind of online teaching tool, I would review with them the importance of not posting personal information. I would create a list for the students that would cover what personal information they are not allowed to post. The COPPA gives these guidelines that students are not to post online; a first and last name, a home or other physical address including street name and name of a city or town, an e-mail address, a telephone number, or a social security number to name a few. As a teacher, I would make sure my students understood all of the guidelines. We would go over what is appropriate and what is not.
I feel parents are also a key player in making sure their children do not post any personal information online. Teachers can only do so much from school. Home is where most of the students would be getting into chat rooms. I would raise awareness to parents about this topic. I would also give the parents a check list of what should not be posted online. This way they will be educated, as well as their children.
If I were to have my students make a website, create a wiki, or some other kind of online teaching tool, I would review with them the importance of not posting personal information. I would create a list for the students that would cover what personal information they are not allowed to post. The COPPA gives these guidelines that students are not to post online; a first and last name, a home or other physical address including street name and name of a city or town, an e-mail address, a telephone number, or a social security number to name a few. As a teacher, I would make sure my students understood all of the guidelines. We would go over what is appropriate and what is not.
I feel parents are also a key player in making sure their children do not post any personal information online. Teachers can only do so much from school. Home is where most of the students would be getting into chat rooms. I would raise awareness to parents about this topic. I would also give the parents a check list of what should not be posted online. This way they will be educated, as well as their children.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Preparing Our Students for the 21st Century
Preparing students for the 21st Century is going to look a little different for teacher then it has in the past. "Teachers must willingly embrace new teaching and learning opportunities" and technology plays a large role in that. With all of the new technology that is available to teachers and students, the classroom is going to change. Teachers must "provide students with the skills they will need to excel in a technology-rich society"(p.11). These skills include "creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, and communications and collaboration"(p.14).
Schools know how important it is to keep their students up to speed with new technology. This is shown through the addition of technology standards for students, teachers, and administrators. So, in order for students to stay on the cutting edge of technology, the teachers will have to as well.
Schools are seeing that students today are "digital students." Their brains have "become rewired to accommodate the thousands of hours they spend in front of computer screens..."(p.15). Therefore, the students of the 21st century will need to be prepared for a world of technological advances and learn how to use that to their advantages.
Shelly, G.B., Cashman, T.J., Gunter, R.E., & Gunter, G.A.(2008)Integrating technology and digital media in the classroom (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Thomson Course Technology.
If you would like to listen to this...here it is.
Gabcast! Tech class #2
Schools know how important it is to keep their students up to speed with new technology. This is shown through the addition of technology standards for students, teachers, and administrators. So, in order for students to stay on the cutting edge of technology, the teachers will have to as well.
Schools are seeing that students today are "digital students." Their brains have "become rewired to accommodate the thousands of hours they spend in front of computer screens..."(p.15). Therefore, the students of the 21st century will need to be prepared for a world of technological advances and learn how to use that to their advantages.
Shelly, G.B., Cashman, T.J., Gunter, R.E., & Gunter, G.A.(2008)Integrating technology and digital media in the classroom (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Thomson Course Technology.
If you would like to listen to this...here it is.
Gabcast! Tech class #2
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