Tuesday, November 30, 2010

iMovie PSA NETS-T 3

I am officially a filmaker!!! I created a video using iMovie Software.  I included at least 10 clips.  To make my video visually pleasing it did some editing, I included screen effects, attached music and did a voice over in my introduction.  I also was creative with adding test to my video.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Journal 10: “Teach Your Students to Share Using iCyte” NETS-T 3

Huston, D. (2010). Teach your students to share using iCyte. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(3), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-november.aspx

SUMMARY:
iCyte is a research bookmarking tool that is similar to Delicious, a social bookmarking tool. However, with iCyte it is easier to learn and use when doing research. There is already a team of students already with a common research task that allows them to rapidly share and collaborate information. The most crucial part of iCyte is using appropriate tags in order to get results rapidly and efficiently. By using common, multiple tags will allow students to sort out information more effectively and quickly. You must first register an account with iCyte in order to share a project and to develop that common tagging system.

QUESTION 1: What are the benefits for students using iCyte in schools?

ANSWER: iCyte is a great free technology tool that allows student to work in teams or groups to collaborate on a research project even if they are not together. With iCyte, each person can work on their own time or at the same time in different places at once. By tagging and annotating each site collectively, it will be so much easier to gather and sort out information. Also with this group collaboration, each person will effectively gain knowledge and understanding of a particular topic or issue more rapidly. Another great benefit of iCyte is that users can now embed all their research or results into their blogs and wikis to share with others that may be interested in their research topic.

QUESTION 2: How can educators help students be more successful in doing research effectively?

ANSWER: I myself am not a computer savvy person. However, after taking this Education Technology class I have learned so much about the different types of free online applications that has truly helped me in several school assignments. I am a very visual person. So seeing and being taught these types of digital tools has made me more comfortable in trying it out for myself. I believe educators should take the time to teach students how to use these digital tools such as iCyte. Educators and students should take advantage of these digital tools because they are very useful and above all, it’s all free. If educators took the time to illustrate how powerful iCyte can be, more students will not dredge doing any type of research project because they can easily obtain information more effectively and quickly with this digital tool.

Journal 9: “Scribble Maps Helps Students Visualize Their World” NETS-T 3

Hill, W. (2010). Scribble maps helps students visualize their world. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(3), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-november.aspx

SUMMARY:
The author describes how much she loves geography. When she went to school, she was given handouts to color maps. However, there are many web-based tools to make learning geography more fun and exciting. For example, Scribble Maps is a free online application that allows students to make and share their maps. Educators have used Scribble Maps for students to do a state geography project. For example, a fourth grade student used this application for her class where she was able to plot the climate, industry, population, landmarks and landforms on the city she researched. Also, in Scribble Maps you can embed or copy a URL to add photos to make your map more detailed and visually pleasing. In addition, Scribble Maps was used in a fifth grade biome project. In this project students researched four biomes connected to four U.S. national parks. They had to describe the plants, climate and types of animals in each biome.

QUESTION 1: Is Scribble Maps easily accessible for students?

ANSWER: The great thing about scribble maps is that you don’t need a login to create a map. Once you have created your map you just have to save it as a JPEG or Google Maps file to retrieve it. If students do not have computer access at home, they can use the schools computer lab or make arrangements with teacher to come in early or stay later to use classroom computer.

QUESTION 2: How can the use of Scribble Maps be beneficial for students in the future?

ANSWER: For educators to use Scribble Maps in their curriculum will teach students to research, analyze and compare data, create a very detailed map, present and share it with others. This type of free technology application will allow students to have in-depth knowledge about all aspects of geography. They will understand the different types of climates at certain locations, animals and plants in a particalur place, they will be able to answer why there are fewer cities and be able to locate a variety of landmarks. So Scribble Maps is a powerful learning tool to use outside of school and in our own communities.

Journal 8: “I Can See Me: Webcams in the Classroom” NETS-T 2

Frey, T.J., Houlton, A.L., & Gruis, E.D. (2010). I can see me: webcams in the classroom. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(3), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-november.aspx

SUMMARY:
This article was about how using webcams in the classroom has benefited students in improving in their speech, reading and being able to identify their own mistakes. Students would have to read aloud in front of the webcam. During this process they are being recording visually and audibly. After the recordings, educators would sit down with students to identify mistakes and to praise them for all the correct words read. Students really loved this method of teaching. It has proven to be very effective and encourages students to be more confident in reading and speaking in front of others. I found this article to be very interesting. As I was reading, I thought about how I can implement this type of program with my future speech therapist students.

QUESTION 1: Would using webcams in classrooms be financially burdening for schools?

ANSWER: Using webcams in classrooms as a teaching method to encourage and engage students to learn while enjoying themselves is a great and inexpensive tool. Webcams are very affordable and easy to install. The schools can purchase the Logitech Quickcam that cost no more than $80. This type of webcam works very well and will do its purpose for students to record themselves, talk to other from all over the world and can upload videos to share.

QUESTION 2: Do you think students will get tired of the webcam method in the long run?

ANSWER: I think the use of webcams in the classroom will be very effective and enjoyable in the long run for all students. I believe that students like watching themselves and want to improve in every aspect in their schooling to be successful. Also, the webcam in classroom can be used to do video conferencing with other students from another city, state, country or on the other side of the world. Students will love to see what others their age is learning and doing. So webcams as a teaching tool will be a great investment in the long run.

Journal 7: Personal Learning Network NETS-T 5


My personal learning network (PLN) is web based and a little small at the moment, but a working process.  I am creating my PLN to establish relationships with those I share a same interest with and it will be my resource and learning tool as a future educator.  My PLN consists of educators, speech pathologist, various websites and online social networking sites from my twitter and delicious account.  Having a variety of educational professionals and social networking sites as part of my PLN will give me a diverse outlook, many fresh ideas and resources to learn from.  As a future educator my PLN will help me gain better understanding, knowledge and great way for me to collaborate and communicate with fellow educators, peers, parents and students.  The great thing of having a web based PLN is that it is very accessible, I can communicate with others from all parts of the world, and is always have instant and up to date information.     

Twitter is the best way to communicate and get the latest information about anything you may find interesting or an answer to a question instantly.  Even though each tweet has a maximum of 140 characters, there is so much information you can obtain and learn from.  You can send out photos, videos and other media content.  My twitter network consists of 11 people.  Jheil65 and TeachaKidd are educators with the passion of incorporating technology in their curriculum.   Internet4classr is great site with information that teaches you use how to use the Internet effectively.  TammyOfsanik, Tbcccslp and speechbob are all speech language pathologist who work in the educational field.  HomeSpHome is great source for home speech therapy ideas, materials, activities and simplified information regarding speech therapy.   aba_behavior (Applied behavior Analysis) has many resources about speech therapy that I will definitely need when I get into the Communicative Disorder Program.    TTYSpeechNYCinformation is a great place to learn more about speech disorders.  In addition, I have USNewsEducation and educationweek in my network.  Both are very informative sites that give the latest news regarding anything in education.   

I chose to follow these people on Twitter because of all the great resources and information I can learn from.  Living in a global and digital society, I think it is very important to have people and sites that you can learn from regarding the latest technology.  Incorporating technology into my curriculum can help me provide innovative learning and success for my students.  Also, being connected to other speech pathologist will help me see what they are doing in their classroom.  They can offer me fresh ideas and help answer many of my questions.  Lastly, having the educational news as part of my network is very crucial.  I will always be updated with what is going on in education, such as budget, educational programs and great place to see what how and what other schools are doing to better serve their students.


Delicious is a very resourceful social bookmarking site to include in my PLN.  My delicious network includes educators that specialize in technology and speech pathologist.  Also, edtechtalk is part of my network that has so much information about technology and how to maximize it into classrooms as a learning tool.  On my delicious tag roll, you will see that I tagged several sites such as web2.0, educational wikis, cooltoolsforschools and education blogs as PLN.  Also included as my PLN tags are speech therapy and speech language pathologists.  The major reason why I tagged these sites and people as PLN is because they share the same interest as I do and will be very great to learn more from about technology and speech therapy.   
 

Journal 6: “Change Agent” NETS-T 5

Rebora, A. (2010, October 11). Change agent. Retrieved from http://www.edweek.org/tsb/articles/2010/10/12/01richardson.h04.html?cmp=clp-edweek&intc=bs&sms_ss=delicious&at_xt=4cb7dc75d0303b73,0

SUMMARY:

Will Richardson, a former high school English and journalism teacher, is now an educational-technology consultant and co-founder of Powerful Learning Practice. He strongly believes that technology is essential for student growth and effective learning. Richardson emphasizes the importance for schools and educators to integrate Web 2.0 technology in their curriculum. He argues that educators should engage more with all these digital tools available to expose their students to the variety of technology resources and opportunities in this digital era. Richardson is devoted in helping schools to revolutionize teaching and enhance learning in order to keep up with the constant societal changes.

QUESTION 1: Is it necessary to integrate technology into classrooms, when children already spend a lot of time on the web for various social networks, such as, Facebook and YouTube?

ANSWER: It’s great that children in the 21st century are not afraid to use technology on a daily basis. It just shows that children are capable, has the ability and knowledge to use technology. However, they are not using it as a social tool rather than a learning tool. So it is very important that teachers can educate them to fully maximize the potentials of these digital tools to enhance their technologic skills for professional and personal growth.

QUESTION 2: How can educators benefit from utilizing the web and participating in social networks within their communities?

ANSWER: Educators can obtain so much information and ideas from other educators from all parts of the world by utilizing the web. There are tons of resources for educators on the web to share and learn from these online communities and networks. There are forums, social network sites especially designed for educators to get refreshing and innovative ideas in order to enhance their teaching style and effective learning. This will provide students with endless opportunities regarding technology as learning tool.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Journal 5 "Twitter-A Teaching and Learning Tool" NETS-T 5

Barrett, T. (2008, March 29). Twitter-a teaching and learning tool. TES Resources because teachers know best, Retrieved from http://tbarrett.edublogs.org/2008/03/29/twitter-a-teaching-and-learning-tool/

SUMMARY:

This was a very informative article about how Twitter is such a resourceful teaching and learning tool. Unlike other social media tools, with Twitter you can communication with a larger network of people from all other the world at once. This is great for educators because if there is a particular questions they may have with a lesson plan or needing ideas on how to improve their lesson plan, you can send out a tweet and get responses immediately. So now problems can be solved and get suggestions in a timely manner. Secondly, the article discusses about managing and maintaining your network. You can chose how many and who you want to follow. The more people you follow the more information and resources you can attain. Also, participation is important in widening your network. If you want responses and feedback from your network you should also reciprocate back. Overall, Twitter is a great communication tool that will help enhance your teaching to better provide the best for your students.

QUESTION 1: How can Twitter be resourceful for educators?

ANSWER: Twitter is a powerful tool for educators. It is a great place to innovative and fresh ideas to incorporate in their curriculum. They can see what others have done for their classes from all parts of the world. This is great way to see other cultures. Also, if a educator needed to make last minute adjustment for some reason, they can send out a tweet and get a response back quickly. Also, Twitter is great for teachers to communicate or relay last minute changes for class to their students.


QUESTION 2: How can one expand their Personal Learning Network with Twitter?

ANSWER: First you can follow people that have the same interests as you. For example, an educator would most likely follow other educators. Also, your participation is crucial. The more involved you are by responding to others or tweeting out information yourself, the more you will be noticed by others. This way, more people would follow you. Also you will have access to so many resources and people to share their opinions with you.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Journal 4: “Computing in the Clouds” NETS-T 3

Doug, J. (2009). Computing in the clouds. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(4), Retrieved from http://iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-december-janruary-2009-2010.aspx

SUMMARY:

This was the most interesting and informative article I read of all the articles. Its main emphasis is about the advantages of cloud computing for schools and students. Cloud computing is based off the Internet on network diagrams. Students can practically do everything on cloud computing. The article gives examples of programs that are integrated with cloud computing. Some of the programs are Delicious.com, (web searching and bookmarking), Google docs (word processing, spreadsheets and presentations), and Flickr (photo storage and editing). I find this so amazing. I never realize all the free web based applications and programs out there. One advantage of cloud computing for students is that they can do an assignment from multiple computers from anywhere without the hassle of using a flash drive to save the file. Also, students can share their work without having to upload and attaching it through email by using Google docs. Lastly, cloud computing is very cost effective for both students and schools. Students don’t have to worry about purchasing the latest software. In addition, netbooks are much more cheaper than a computer and has all the same functions for schools and students to purchase. Cloud computing will allow schools to save money from these big file servers, expensive software and computer workstations and reallocate these funds to other students’ needs.

QUESTION 1: What are some concerns students may have about cloud computing?

ANSWER: One major concern for students is if their files are secure and kept private. First of all, students should still backup of all their documents for security and assurance purposes. They may also be concern with hackers hacking into their files. It’s really hard to say that people would respect one’s privacy but you just really don’t know. However, you can trust Google. Through Google Apps Education they claim not to share your data or information with anyone. Students own their on data and can decide when to remove it.


QUESTION 2: How can educators utilize cloud computing in their classrooms?

ANSWER: Educators can use Google docs for students to design surveys for one assignment for their peers to fill out. They can use Google docs to create spreadsheets and do presentations. Educators can also help students create their own personal bookmarking using Delicious.com. Lastly, they can design a collage about their most favorite vacation using Flickr.

Journal 3: “Bring the World into Your Classroom” NETS-T 5

McDermon, L. (2010). Bring the world into your classroom. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(2), Retrieved from http://iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october.aspx


SUMMARY:

Video conferencing is such a valuable experience for K-12 schooling. It teaches students to collaborate and communicate with other peers all other the world. Students can visit museums and other places without leaving the classroom. This article discusses two video conferencing programs. The first program is Read Around the Planet. Two classrooms are paired up to videoconference and share plays, readings and stories they have written. Students were very enthusiastic about this program. The second program is the Megaconference Jr. This is a 12-hour program that allows students to present anytime from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from around the world. According to the article, classes did skits, played a Jeopardy style game and had something called History Mystery. Incorporating video conferencing in your curriculum is an innovative way for students to learn. This will make lesson plans more fun and meaningful to students. Also video conferencing is a great tool to teach students how to effectively work collaboratively and to present information well.

QUESTION 1: Why is video conferencing so beneficial for educators and students?

ANSWER: Video conferencing is a great way for students to enjoy projects, share them with an audience and receive feedback. This will improve the interaction, communication and relationship between schools and students from all over the world. Students will be able to study and see first hand other cultures. When educators use video conferencing, they are implementing and supporting instructional projects or assignments using the Internet and video conferencing technology. This is a great digital tool to enhance teaching and for students to enjoy learning.

QUESTION 2: Would more schools be able to implement video conferencing as a teaching method?

ANSWER: Video conferencing is an innovative way to keep students excited about learning and doing projects. The great thing about video conferencing is that schools will save money. Especially during these times of budget cuts in education, this is a very cost effective way to learn from. The example used in the article, was that students had access to museums and can see places from all over the world without having to pay for traveling expenses. All schools would need is the technology for video conferencing.

Journal 2: Twitter. “Join the Flock! & Enhance Your Twitter Experience” NETS-T 1, 2

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2010.aspx

Miller, S.M. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(8). Retrieved from http://iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2010.aspx

SUMMARY:

Both articles emphasize the importance of being dedicated in building and enhancing your Professional Learning Network (PLN). One of the greatest tools in developing your PLN is Twitter. Twitter is social messaging tool where you can share your thoughts, ideas using up to 140 characters. It’s a great place to learn, keep people informed and communicate a message quickly. Also, both articles talked about hash tags. Basically you have a topic, put a # after topic and label it. This will give more exposure to your tweets and allows you to search all your tweets containing that hash tag. This is also great way in organizing your tweets. You can meet people with the same interest by looking at their hash tags. Overall, Twitter is a great educational tool. It helps people to come together by communication and collaboration. It’s a great place to get fresh ideas, look for inspiration and learn more information on a particular topic or issue.

QUESTION 1: How can person who is not that social or shy benefit from Twitter?

ANSWER: One great thing about Twitter is that you can follow people without talking to them in person. So even if you’re a shy person you can use Twitter to communicate with others without having that awkward or embarrassed feeling. You can keep reading other peoples’ tweets and keep following them for as long as you like. You decide when your ready to communicate or share ideas back. Also, the article mentioned that if you decide to tweet back, you could only use up to 140 characters. This is great because you are less likely to make a fool of yourself. And if you do, who cares, they are complete strangers.

QUESTION 2: How can an educator utilize Twitter in their classroom?

ANSWER: Now days, most children have cell phones, their own laptops and all the latest technology gadgets. In addition, most of them belong to a social network. So I thing Twitter will be such a great and fun tool for educators to relay important messages like homework assignments or what to bring for next class to their students. Likewise, students can ask questions to their teachers after school hours if they needed help with something. I think both educators and students will enjoy this type of communication.

Journal 1: “Taking Laptops Schoolwide: A Professional Learning Community Approach” NETS-T 5

Green, T., Donovan, L., & Bass, k. (2010). Taking laptops schoolwide: a professional learning community approach. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(1), Retrieved from http://iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-august-2010.aspx

SUMMARY:

This article's main focus is about how implementing the progression of laptop use across grade levels and with teachers' collaboration helped with the advancement of student skills. Researchers noticed a major difference between schools within the same district. They concluded that successful schools had integrated technology applications in their curriculum. To enforce this type of curriculum, teachers would have to work collaboratively, in order, for students to master each program/application and be prepared to learn a new application in the next grade level. For example, for the lower-grade levels, teachers taught students how to use programs such as AppleWorks and basic word processing. For the Higher-grade levels, students learned more advance features such as importing images and special effects. There are four factors to consider when starting this collaborative approach in schools. First factor is school climate. There should be teachers willing to participate in this program. In addition, school administrators, parents and the community should be more involved and supportive. Secondly, communication is critical so that everyone will be informed and can be more involved in reaching the primary goal of the needs of students. Third factor is collaboration. Sharing ideas is a great way to address how to reach these common goals. Lastly, schools will need a defined plan or outline on the progression of use of laptops throughout the school year and from grade to grade.

QUESTION 1: How can schools be able to afford laptops for their students given all the budget cuts in education?

ANSWER: According to the above article, not only is teachers’ collaboration key to the success of the progression use of laptops in schools, but the support and involvement of the community and parents are crucial. If the community, parents, faculty and school board want to implement such a program, it would be easy to raise money to purchase laptops for students.

QUESTION 2: If such a program is implemented, what about those students who doesn’t have access to laptop at home?

ANSWER: This laptop program is for students to benefit from. Educators understand the importance of mastering the lesson being taught. Those students who do not have access to laptop can make arrangements with the teacher to come in early or stay after class to do their assignment. Also, teachers can set aside about 15 minutes of class time for those students to finish their work.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Racquel's Introduction

Hello Everyone! My name is Racquel Blancaflor.  I was born in San Diego, California. I am the oldest of three sisters.  I have been married for 4 years and have two beautiful daughters. They constantly crack me up.  I pretty much spent my elementary years of school in Schweinfurt, Germany. My dad was in the Army and was stationed there.  I lived there for 10 years.  I totally regret not learning the language.  The only German I do know is how to count from 1 to 10.  However, my family and I was able to travel around Europe before we moved to the States.  I was able to see Rome, Holland, Belgium, Czechoslovakia and other smaller parts of Germany.  I do plan on going back for vacation with my own family in the near future.  I then spent my middle school years in Fort Hood, Texas.  I hated it there.  Especially the summers because of all the bugs and that terrible heat. I spent my entire high school years at Morse High in San Diego.  It was nice moving to San Diego.  Plus my dad's side of the family all live here.  I graduated high school in 1998 and went straight to San Diego State Univseristy.  I earned my BA in Public Administration in 2002.  Now I am back in school preparing to get my Masters in Communicative Disorders at San Marcos Univserity.  I am a little bit nervous because it has been 8 years since I had to do homework.  I am praying I will survive =).

When it comes to technology I am absolutely clueless.  With computers, I only know how to do the basics.  Surfing the net, emailing, printing, saving, etc.  My husband got me a Droid phone, the Evo, when it first came out.  I don't even know how to use all the features.  I just use it to talk, taking pictures and videos of the kids, texting, checking email and shopping online.  I don't even know how to download music.  My husband really wants a MAC.  I tried using it and it is so complicated.  If we do purchase one, I will definitely sign up for those tutorial classes.  I am a visual learner.  When it comes to those social network sites, I don't have a facebook account or twitter.  My friends and family keeps bugging me to make one.  They are all addicted to that Farmville game.  Even my husband.  I am really excited about this Education 422 class.  I have already learned so cool stuff on the MAC.  I hope by the end of this semester I would be more computer savvy.

The one part that speaks out to me in the College of Education Mission Statement is "life-long learning." It feels really good being back in school after all these years.  It is nice to know that the education I will be receiving is so diverse that when I graduate I can fully apply what I have learned in the real world and throughout my life.  I also love the fact that there is so many and new ongoing services for students to help prepare us to be more educated in our future aspirations.  It is nice to know that San Marcos University is very committed in providing students the very best.