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.