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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Blog about Blogging
I think that the blogging activity was pretty cool. Sometimes its easier to share thoughts by writing and I think the kids enjoy the online time. Some of my concerns would be what they are doing with their time online, I think it would have to be closely modified. I beleive I would use something like this in my classroom. Children not only love attention but love getting mail. While this isn't a mailbox, they can receive comments which can be checked daily, Im sure they get so excited when they see that "new comments!" button.
Games for Learning?
Gee thinks that gameing is an advancement to learning and techniques. By interaction through gameing, he believes children will learn more, experience different identities or roles, which can eventually become motivators for new learning lessons in classrooms and workplaces.
I think that if you allowed children to participate in gameing as a useful learning technique you would have to take a few different factors into place. Not only observe each individual student, but make sure they are following the lesson beyond "beating the game". I loved computer games as a kid, but I think it also takes away from the teacher. Rather than staring at a computer screen, we played games like jeopardy. that was interactive and made us think we were really on a game show. Not just a new character on a game.
I really think it all depends on how it is used in the classroom.
I think that if you allowed children to participate in gameing as a useful learning technique you would have to take a few different factors into place. Not only observe each individual student, but make sure they are following the lesson beyond "beating the game". I loved computer games as a kid, but I think it also takes away from the teacher. Rather than staring at a computer screen, we played games like jeopardy. that was interactive and made us think we were really on a game show. Not just a new character on a game.
I really think it all depends on how it is used in the classroom.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Ideas for Presentations
I am going to do a presentation on exercising. I found a few resources on Slide Share and on YouTube.
A few of those links...
A few of those links...
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Scratch Modifications
My new Scratch project can be found here.
I picked a complex Scratch Game, so I had trouble changing some of the technical stuff, however I was able to change background colors, some text, and I changed the end background screen.
I picked a complex Scratch Game, so I had trouble changing some of the technical stuff, however I was able to change background colors, some text, and I changed the end background screen.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Jenkins
From the video, I understand that convergence culture is described as the kinds of technological and economic changes which influence the media content in different technologies. It describes the new ways that audiences are engaging with and making sense of the new forms.
He explains how an implication of YouTube can be misleading, no one knew that YouTube would have this effect on the community through social networks. However, he says that you can view videos on several things, including videos teaching sign language. Jenkins quotes, "I explore how the knowledge culture of fandom is transformed throught the use of networked communications and how the new media alter reader's relations to texts, to media producers, and to each other. I trace various ways that the media industries are responding to the challenges of a more participatory culture."
I think schools are limiting kids' access by blocking a lot of what could be useful websites. I mostly agree because kids' do abuse the privledge of the internet. But on the other hand, it limits them to finding much more interesting sites and introducing them to new ideas.
He explains how an implication of YouTube can be misleading, no one knew that YouTube would have this effect on the community through social networks. However, he says that you can view videos on several things, including videos teaching sign language. Jenkins quotes, "I explore how the knowledge culture of fandom is transformed throught the use of networked communications and how the new media alter reader's relations to texts, to media producers, and to each other. I trace various ways that the media industries are responding to the challenges of a more participatory culture."
I think schools are limiting kids' access by blocking a lot of what could be useful websites. I mostly agree because kids' do abuse the privledge of the internet. But on the other hand, it limits them to finding much more interesting sites and introducing them to new ideas.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Scratch
Here is the link I found the site to "Learn to draw a Goldfish" and this is the actual video scratch showing how to "Draw a Goldfish".
I picked this Scratch project because not only is it teaching you to do something, it actually involves user activity. It asks your name, you have to click on the cat to continue, you can pause, start over, and continue; the option is yours. Even with the final version of the fish, you can change colors to make it your own goldfish. Really neat and artistic.
Here is another that I found really interesting, Quiz on Continents.
This is also a active Scratch video, you have to participate!
I picked this Scratch project because not only is it teaching you to do something, it actually involves user activity. It asks your name, you have to click on the cat to continue, you can pause, start over, and continue; the option is yours. Even with the final version of the fish, you can change colors to make it your own goldfish. Really neat and artistic.
Here is another that I found really interesting, Quiz on Continents.
This is also a active Scratch video, you have to participate!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Think Aloud
Check out this SlideShare Presentation:
Think Aloud
View more presentations from guest4a8c70a.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Website Validation
All About Explorers is a site created by teachers to develop a series of lessons for elementary students. It is a very reliable site, the teachers have briefly noted: "There are many less benign examples of site names that do not relate to the topic they appear to be about. While we could use many of the existing sites that make this point for us, we did not want to run the risk of finding out in a year or two that the site had new, undesirable content. The only way we could guarantee this would be to create our own site in which we could control the content ourselves. The result is what you are exploring right now."
They also explain the risks of browsing online and finding useless websites. Example, while searching for Christopher Columbus, they found that it takes you to Columbus, OH, Chamber of Commerce.
They created a web quest and added several links to take children to very knowledgeable sites.
They teachers of this website have gave clear instructions and throughout the entire page have made clear how to determine fact or fiction. i think that this site is a definite authentic, creditable, and reliable source.
They also explain the risks of browsing online and finding useless websites. Example, while searching for Christopher Columbus, they found that it takes you to Columbus, OH, Chamber of Commerce.
They created a web quest and added several links to take children to very knowledgeable sites.
They teachers of this website have gave clear instructions and throughout the entire page have made clear how to determine fact or fiction. i think that this site is a definite authentic, creditable, and reliable source.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The results are in!
Christmas was the most popular. Only three of the six choices were even selected.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Delicious!
I bookmarked a site called Learning 2.0 (the 23 things). This site explains 23 simple steps in learning and teaching with Web 2.0. It helps learning through new technology and references good resourses and sites.
It is a similar walk through of what I have learned in EDUC-2201 Instrunctional Technology, which has been very helpful so far. I believe by following these steps one could become more familiar of the internet, social networking, blogging, and web 2.0.
It is a similar walk through of what I have learned in EDUC-2201 Instrunctional Technology, which has been very helpful so far. I believe by following these steps one could become more familiar of the internet, social networking, blogging, and web 2.0.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Would Socrates approve of WebQuests?
I want to start by identifying my WebQuest. I believe that my WebQuest could fall under both Retelling Tasks and Design Tasks. I think that since I am having the students become actual Endangered Animal Specialists and designing a PowerPoint to influence donations, this would fall under Design Tasks. While Retelling Tasks can also be described in a PowerPoint, but most of all, give feedback on what the students were able to carry over from the WebQuest. I think by all the research they would be able to take something from the WebQuest, skills of summarizing, distilling, and elaborating. Also, influencing others that we all can make a difference if we chose too.
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I believe that Socrates would approve under certain circumstances. It was said that "...advocates believe we can Google, blog, Skype, and Twitter our way to enlightenment. They assume that disorganized, radically democratized data lead to useful information..." If all information is clearly laid out on a WebQuest; it is organized, links lead to useful information, and applys working together, then it is essential to Socrates standards.
"Google has given use the world at our fingertips", the 21st century calls for electronic learning, so if people can learn to distinguish the difference between bogus and genuine knowledge, it would enable students of all ages to interact with one another in knowledge. It would allow them to work in groups and apply moral and ethical opinions.
I think that actually knowing something, is knowing that you don't. So ignorance, to me, is knowing that I want to know.
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I believe that Socrates would approve under certain circumstances. It was said that "...advocates believe we can Google, blog, Skype, and Twitter our way to enlightenment. They assume that disorganized, radically democratized data lead to useful information..." If all information is clearly laid out on a WebQuest; it is organized, links lead to useful information, and applys working together, then it is essential to Socrates standards.
"Google has given use the world at our fingertips", the 21st century calls for electronic learning, so if people can learn to distinguish the difference between bogus and genuine knowledge, it would enable students of all ages to interact with one another in knowledge. It would allow them to work in groups and apply moral and ethical opinions.
I think that actually knowing something, is knowing that you don't. So ignorance, to me, is knowing that I want to know.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Endangered Species WebQuest
To view my updated WebQuest, please click the picture of the Endangered Tiger.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
WebQuest
I chose a WebQuest that was entitled "Endangered Species". It was designed for fourth grade students. I think the WebQuest needs a lot of work, but has a lot of useful information. The link to the original WebQuest is :
http://warrensburg.k12.mo.us/webquest/endangered/index.htm
I believe just by reviewing the WebQuest, I will need to fix broken links, create new links, and add more pictures to make it look intriging. After a little research myself, I will need to re-write the introduction, some facts have changed, and need updating. I also want to change the original task. I think this WebQuest has a lot of potential. I'm looking foward to getting started on it.
http://warrensburg.k12.mo.us/webquest/endangered/index.htm
I believe just by reviewing the WebQuest, I will need to fix broken links, create new links, and add more pictures to make it look intriging. After a little research myself, I will need to re-write the introduction, some facts have changed, and need updating. I also want to change the original task. I think this WebQuest has a lot of potential. I'm looking foward to getting started on it.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Orchestrating the Media Collage
In reading “Orchestrating the Media Collage”, by Jason Ohler, I believe students should be allowed to create multimedia projects rather than writing papers, at least some of the time, if not ALL of the time.
Ohler states that just being able to read is not sufficient enough anymore. Fast changes in technology require us to enable ourselves to new media collages. If students aren’t being taught this now, when it may or may not be needed, where will they be left standing in their graduating years? “The fluent will lead, the literate will follow, and the rest will get left behind”, Ohler proposes.
In order to promote digital literacy, he suggests experimenting with PowerPoint presentations, web pages, Google Docs, and blogs. And according to NETS-T, we should be advancing students by creativity and innovation; both face-to-face and virtual environments. We need to be taught the knowledge and skills to be able to design and also develop digital-age learning assessments.
Students should be able to use online resources and have access to the fundamentals of media collages. I consider the interests created online, or by the collages are more appealing and motivating than sitting, starring at worksheets. It teaches kids to use this both successfully and artistically. Kids like to put together little videos and blogs; researching online, it’s not typical “schoolwork” to them.
So while reading and writing will always be a necessity, the need to understand media literate is also extremely important.
Ohler states that just being able to read is not sufficient enough anymore. Fast changes in technology require us to enable ourselves to new media collages. If students aren’t being taught this now, when it may or may not be needed, where will they be left standing in their graduating years? “The fluent will lead, the literate will follow, and the rest will get left behind”, Ohler proposes.
In order to promote digital literacy, he suggests experimenting with PowerPoint presentations, web pages, Google Docs, and blogs. And according to NETS-T, we should be advancing students by creativity and innovation; both face-to-face and virtual environments. We need to be taught the knowledge and skills to be able to design and also develop digital-age learning assessments.
Students should be able to use online resources and have access to the fundamentals of media collages. I consider the interests created online, or by the collages are more appealing and motivating than sitting, starring at worksheets. It teaches kids to use this both successfully and artistically. Kids like to put together little videos and blogs; researching online, it’s not typical “schoolwork” to them.
So while reading and writing will always be a necessity, the need to understand media literate is also extremely important.
Webquest
Two best Webquests: John Wilkes Booth & Creative Encounters
Overall, we came to the conclusion that John Wilkes Booth and Creative Encounters encorporated most of the ideals that all four roles were looking for. They were both technologically helpful and included links and resources. Both required a higher-level thinking and collaboration/teamwork. Also, both were time efficient and gave a deep understanding of the topic at hand.
Two worst Webquests: Landfills & Poetry of WarThese two webquests lacked web use and researching. They also did not have much collaboration. They were very time consuming. While they are good assignments that could be used in the classroom, using webquest doesn't offer much of an advantage over a worksheet in a classroom.
Best, to us, means that the webquest met most of the criteria described in each of the 4 roles we took while reading. Worst, though they were not bad assignments, means that they did not reflect the ideals represented as a whole for the learner.
Overall, we came to the conclusion that John Wilkes Booth and Creative Encounters encorporated most of the ideals that all four roles were looking for. They were both technologically helpful and included links and resources. Both required a higher-level thinking and collaboration/teamwork. Also, both were time efficient and gave a deep understanding of the topic at hand.
Two worst Webquests: Landfills & Poetry of WarThese two webquests lacked web use and researching. They also did not have much collaboration. They were very time consuming. While they are good assignments that could be used in the classroom, using webquest doesn't offer much of an advantage over a worksheet in a classroom.
Best, to us, means that the webquest met most of the criteria described in each of the 4 roles we took while reading. Worst, though they were not bad assignments, means that they did not reflect the ideals represented as a whole for the learner.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Blogs helpful?
While I was reading "The Joy of Blogging", I remembered how I felt when I would get out of classes in high school and the first thing I would do is turn on my phone and check for new text messages. If blogging can make a kid want to do that same thing, for his/her blog, I would say its definitely a productive way of learning. Anne and Ewa have noted strategies for successful blogging, where students can improve their reading, writing, and communication skills.
I believe if I learned how to blog correctly, I would use it in my classroom. I would try to create learning experiences that use online tools, (as I am being taught also), and use many references that link to creativity and thinking. I think blogging would make students eager to learn. Children love the web and browsing, they can be learning without realizing it.
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After class correction..
I misunderstood the assisgnment. After reading a new blog, I found this instructional site let parents access and see what their children have been doing. She published dates and events that parents could always access. Kids tend to leave behind, or lose papers, this way is very neat in the fact that children not only can say "hey, I did such and such today", but actually show them online. Click here to view Mrs. Bradley's Class blog.
I believe if I learned how to blog correctly, I would use it in my classroom. I would try to create learning experiences that use online tools, (as I am being taught also), and use many references that link to creativity and thinking. I think blogging would make students eager to learn. Children love the web and browsing, they can be learning without realizing it.
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After class correction..
I misunderstood the assisgnment. After reading a new blog, I found this instructional site let parents access and see what their children have been doing. She published dates and events that parents could always access. Kids tend to leave behind, or lose papers, this way is very neat in the fact that children not only can say "hey, I did such and such today", but actually show them online. Click here to view Mrs. Bradley's Class blog.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
You should know..
I am a spontaneous 21 year old who decided to go back to school after a rough year off. I am very excited to open a new door in my life. I am from a very small town in West Virginia, called Elk Garden. I attended Potomac State College for a year before deciding to take a semester off. Coming to Fairmont was a big step for me and I am very excited to get my education here. I am studying elementary education, because I remember how much I appreciated and learned from my middle school teachers. I believe that they have made the biggest impact on my life and I hope to create that same outlook for my own students someday.
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