Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Google Earth (NETS I, II, III)
In this assignment, we were instructed to create an original pathway using the tools provided on Google earth by creating custom place marks and pathways with descriptions of where we went and what we did there. We reflected on either our daily routines, what we did on thanksgiving break, or some other sort of event in our lives.
Social Bookmarking (NETS IV)
1. I visited the National Archives bookmark and read the online exhibit about the Influenza virus of 1918. This exhibit had pictures of artifacts during the time of the influenza epidemic. It also mentioned the effects of the "flu" and how quickly it spread. Many people had not yet developed the immunity to withstand the flu virus at this time which lead to many deaths within the span of days. Many mail carriers and police officers could not go outside without having to put on face masks and others were encouraged to stay home away from crowded ares.
Online exhibits such as these are very important to use for primary sources in the classroom. They help students research information for assignments and projects. It also gives them credible sources to cite work and information.
2. As a teacher, I feel that I have more of a hands-on teaching style and in order to be able to implement this style of teaching, I would have to know my students and where they come from, assess the problem by figuring out what my staff needs to support these students, and conduct a hands on experience that both staff and students can learn from. I feel that issues such as achievement gaps will be better addressed if students and teachers work simultaneously and for this reason, I chose these three areas to become a competent educator:
-Determine the diverse groups served by your school. Consider cultural, linguistic, racial, and ethnic diversity. Find out the degree to which families and students in these groups are accessing available school services.
- Assess what your school staff perceive as their staff development needs related to providing services to each group.
-Engage school staff in discussions and activities that offer an opportunity to explore attitudes, beliefs, and values related to cultural diversity and cultural competence.
3. In the Stop cyber bullying section, I took a test and my result came out to be a cyber bully. It turns out that even the smallest of teases and jokes are considered some form of bullying on the net and without having taken this quiz, I would've never know this. I turns out that children are the Einsteins of today's digital age and use the internet like how we use our clothes. Most of the time parents have no clue what their children do on the net, and most times, children start abusing their privileges. I learned that using the web for communication has a new meaning for words and just words alone cannot describe actions anymore. Cyber bullying is an issue that flies just below the radar, an someone needs to give it that big discovery in order to treat this issue.
4. Under the "Subject Access" header, the link that most interested me was the link to the Bill Nye the Science Guy website. I found this website very innovative in creating science lesson plans for students. Because I am a Science field depth of study, this website looked very fun to incorporate into the classroom. Students can access this website to go over science experiments done in class and find other experiments they'd want to do outside of the classroom. On the "Teacher Helper's" header, I chose the Multi-user Virtual Environments. This tool reaches out to ANY subject you can think of and also provides a simulated reality experience that the students can enjoy. MUVEs are probably one of the best tools designed yet to cater to all subject areas presented in the classroom.
5. My top three Intelligences are:
1. Musical
2. Logical
3. Visual
Watching the video on smartville was very interesting and informative. In Smartville, students demonstrate their different "smarts" through different activities in a building created to represent a real-world. Students use their multiple intelligences, created by Howard Gardener, to do real world things such as cook, run a post office, or a store. Through multiple intelligences, students are encouraged to use their intelligence to their abilities to help them succeed in multiple subjects.
6. Caring For Hair
Grade: 3-5
Subject: Science and Health
Topic:Caring For Hair
This lesson plan is a research activity students do to explore different ways people care for their hair. They write a 1 paragraph story about hair then do some research through magazines, newspapers and first-person interviews to explore different ways people can care for their hair. After this research they gather their information and share it with the class and write a new 1 paragraph story about hair implementing the research they've done. This activity would be excellent for meeting cultural competence standards in the classroom. Students will be able to compare physical differences and discuss the positive things about cultural difference.
7. Question 2: Compared with White women, how likely are African American women in the U.S. to die during childbirth due to a lack of access to prenatal care, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality?
Answer: 4 times as likely
This question is ridiculous. Because some African American women lack access to prenatal care this makes them 4 times as likely to die during childbirth. I can't even begin to fathom that this is fact. I just can't believe that this would be so.
Question 13: Based on a 2007 report from the Economic Policy Institute, the annual earnings of the average full-time U.S. worker is roughly equal to:
Answer: the daily earnings of the average CEO in the U.S.
The margin between the middle class and upper class is large but I would have never thought it would be this huge. It seems that the average full time worker deserves more the daily pay of a C.E.O. if you consider physical work load alone. It's amazing at what this country has become.
8. My Netiquette score was: 80% (8 out of 10)
Netiquette is very important for students to know and also works hand in hand with cyberbullying. As teachers, we always want to promote a positive learning environment in the tech world and without the knowledge of netiquette, students will not be able to recognize communication lingo's and may become offended. Students always seem to be in the know about anything technology but one thing that may underlie this concept is netiquette. It's very important for students to learn manners in the classroom, why not the net either? ;p
Online exhibits such as these are very important to use for primary sources in the classroom. They help students research information for assignments and projects. It also gives them credible sources to cite work and information.
2. As a teacher, I feel that I have more of a hands-on teaching style and in order to be able to implement this style of teaching, I would have to know my students and where they come from, assess the problem by figuring out what my staff needs to support these students, and conduct a hands on experience that both staff and students can learn from. I feel that issues such as achievement gaps will be better addressed if students and teachers work simultaneously and for this reason, I chose these three areas to become a competent educator:
-Determine the diverse groups served by your school. Consider cultural, linguistic, racial, and ethnic diversity. Find out the degree to which families and students in these groups are accessing available school services.
- Assess what your school staff perceive as their staff development needs related to providing services to each group.
-Engage school staff in discussions and activities that offer an opportunity to explore attitudes, beliefs, and values related to cultural diversity and cultural competence.
3. In the Stop cyber bullying section, I took a test and my result came out to be a cyber bully. It turns out that even the smallest of teases and jokes are considered some form of bullying on the net and without having taken this quiz, I would've never know this. I turns out that children are the Einsteins of today's digital age and use the internet like how we use our clothes. Most of the time parents have no clue what their children do on the net, and most times, children start abusing their privileges. I learned that using the web for communication has a new meaning for words and just words alone cannot describe actions anymore. Cyber bullying is an issue that flies just below the radar, an someone needs to give it that big discovery in order to treat this issue.
4. Under the "Subject Access" header, the link that most interested me was the link to the Bill Nye the Science Guy website. I found this website very innovative in creating science lesson plans for students. Because I am a Science field depth of study, this website looked very fun to incorporate into the classroom. Students can access this website to go over science experiments done in class and find other experiments they'd want to do outside of the classroom. On the "Teacher Helper's" header, I chose the Multi-user Virtual Environments. This tool reaches out to ANY subject you can think of and also provides a simulated reality experience that the students can enjoy. MUVEs are probably one of the best tools designed yet to cater to all subject areas presented in the classroom.
5. My top three Intelligences are:
1. Musical
2. Logical
3. Visual
Watching the video on smartville was very interesting and informative. In Smartville, students demonstrate their different "smarts" through different activities in a building created to represent a real-world. Students use their multiple intelligences, created by Howard Gardener, to do real world things such as cook, run a post office, or a store. Through multiple intelligences, students are encouraged to use their intelligence to their abilities to help them succeed in multiple subjects.
6. Caring For Hair
Grade: 3-5
Subject: Science and Health
Topic:Caring For Hair
This lesson plan is a research activity students do to explore different ways people care for their hair. They write a 1 paragraph story about hair then do some research through magazines, newspapers and first-person interviews to explore different ways people can care for their hair. After this research they gather their information and share it with the class and write a new 1 paragraph story about hair implementing the research they've done. This activity would be excellent for meeting cultural competence standards in the classroom. Students will be able to compare physical differences and discuss the positive things about cultural difference.
7. Question 2: Compared with White women, how likely are African American women in the U.S. to die during childbirth due to a lack of access to prenatal care, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality?
Answer: 4 times as likely
This question is ridiculous. Because some African American women lack access to prenatal care this makes them 4 times as likely to die during childbirth. I can't even begin to fathom that this is fact. I just can't believe that this would be so.
Question 13: Based on a 2007 report from the Economic Policy Institute, the annual earnings of the average full-time U.S. worker is roughly equal to:
Answer: the daily earnings of the average CEO in the U.S.
The margin between the middle class and upper class is large but I would have never thought it would be this huge. It seems that the average full time worker deserves more the daily pay of a C.E.O. if you consider physical work load alone. It's amazing at what this country has become.
8. My Netiquette score was: 80% (8 out of 10)
Netiquette is very important for students to know and also works hand in hand with cyberbullying. As teachers, we always want to promote a positive learning environment in the tech world and without the knowledge of netiquette, students will not be able to recognize communication lingo's and may become offended. Students always seem to be in the know about anything technology but one thing that may underlie this concept is netiquette. It's very important for students to learn manners in the classroom, why not the net either? ;p
EXCEL Crossword Puzzle (NETS II, III)
For the EXCEL Crossword, we had to view a video tutorial on how to create a themed vocabulary crossword through the use of Microsoft EXCEL. After viewing the tutorial, were then had to create and design our own crossword puzzle with our own theme that described one of our interest.
Music Crossword
Music Crossword
Copyright Assignment (NETS IV, V)
For this assignment, our class was asked to split into groups of 2 and read through a website educating us about copyrights. In order to complete the assignment, we had to collaborate on writing a quick report on what we learned through the tutorials. We used google docs as our form of word processing collaboration and split up the tutorial in parts to complete the assignment.
Copyright Assignment
Copyright Assignment
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wiki Page: FontCapture (NETS I, II, III, IV)
In this assignment, our class was required to view some tech tools from the classroom wiki site. We were then instructed to choose a tool to create our very own wiki page which described our chosen tool and how it could be implemented into the classroom.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Journal 9: S'cool tools: 5 great tools to perk up your classroom and engage your students
Yoder, M.B. (2009, November). S'cool tools: 5 great tools to perk up your classroom and engage your students. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(3), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/NovemberNo3/L_L_November_2009.htm
In this article, Maureen Yoder goes over 5 very helpful tech tools for any type of classroom whether it be elementary, middle or high school. according to Yoder, these 5 tools she presented agree to these three major questions:
1. Does this tool have the potential to enhance teaching in some powerful way?
2. Is this tool easy to learn and well supported?
3. Is this an innovative new tool or a substantial improvement on an earlier version?
Based on this criteria, the following five tools have the potential to transform your lessons.
After reading this article, I was amazed at just how my technology is out there not just to supplement the classroom, but to make lessons fun! I would never have thought of using LEGO Blocks to enhance classroom activities, nor have I ever thought of SMART tables. here is a list of the 5 tools presented.
1. Lego Education's WeDo Robotics Construction Set
2. Smart Table
3. AVer Pen
4. New Multiuser Virtual Environments (MUVEs)
5. Google Apps Education Community
The Lego Wedo kit is a set of legos that come along with robotic pieces such as til and motion sensors all in the aim for kids to work with manipulatives and engineering skills. The kit comes with 12 different models that the kids can build such as a plane that makes sounds as it is flown through the air (tilt sensor), and an alligator that snaps it's mouth every time someone passes by (motion sensor). This would go really great with children developing motor and tinkering skills, and can also help with projects about physics, biology, or any type of science.
The SMART table is just like the SMART board but in this sense is for the students. It goes great with group activities and comes along with many different functions and touch options. Yoder says that even though using regular manipulatives is way easier to handle, learning how to move them through touch screen on a SMART table puts children in awe. In a sense, the SMART table creates enthusiasm in the classroom motivating the students to want to learn. Who said learning can't be fun?
The AVer pen is similar to the SMART table but with this tool, a student can write practically on any surface. It can also work as a polling device for warm-ups or quizzes in the classroom.
Just as I mentioned in one of my previous blogs, the MUVEs learning environment is a virtual environtment used as a tool in the classroom for students to get a very close idea on how the concepts they learn in class connect to the "real-world". With virtual worlds, students can learn hands on how to start and run a business, they can learn about wildlife, how to run politics, etc. This is a great tool especially for high school students.
The last tool is mainly a tool that teachers can use personally. According to Yoder, "Google is reaching out to educators to provide tools for Internet searching, collaboration, and classroom activities at its new site designed specifically for teachers." Google Apps includes forums for sharing and discussion, voting polls on on favorite education apps, and tutorials on how to use Google apps.
If there's still a modern age out there for us to discover, I wouldn't even know what to expect anymore. This digital age is seriously enhancing the classroom like never before, and that's a good thing.
Question:
With the budget cuts going on, wouldn't tech integration be a pricey option?
In my opinion, as long as it enhances the life of the student, anything you have to buy is worth it. Education has become so much about the money that it's original purpose, which is to inspire, educate, and teach students to be a better them has been tossed out the window. Tech integration is a great way to bring back original motives and push "BORING" in learning and teaching aside.
In this article, Maureen Yoder goes over 5 very helpful tech tools for any type of classroom whether it be elementary, middle or high school. according to Yoder, these 5 tools she presented agree to these three major questions:
1. Does this tool have the potential to enhance teaching in some powerful way?
2. Is this tool easy to learn and well supported?
3. Is this an innovative new tool or a substantial improvement on an earlier version?
Based on this criteria, the following five tools have the potential to transform your lessons.
After reading this article, I was amazed at just how my technology is out there not just to supplement the classroom, but to make lessons fun! I would never have thought of using LEGO Blocks to enhance classroom activities, nor have I ever thought of SMART tables. here is a list of the 5 tools presented.
1. Lego Education's WeDo Robotics Construction Set
2. Smart Table
3. AVer Pen
4. New Multiuser Virtual Environments (MUVEs)
5. Google Apps Education Community
The Lego Wedo kit is a set of legos that come along with robotic pieces such as til and motion sensors all in the aim for kids to work with manipulatives and engineering skills. The kit comes with 12 different models that the kids can build such as a plane that makes sounds as it is flown through the air (tilt sensor), and an alligator that snaps it's mouth every time someone passes by (motion sensor). This would go really great with children developing motor and tinkering skills, and can also help with projects about physics, biology, or any type of science.
The SMART table is just like the SMART board but in this sense is for the students. It goes great with group activities and comes along with many different functions and touch options. Yoder says that even though using regular manipulatives is way easier to handle, learning how to move them through touch screen on a SMART table puts children in awe. In a sense, the SMART table creates enthusiasm in the classroom motivating the students to want to learn. Who said learning can't be fun?
The AVer pen is similar to the SMART table but with this tool, a student can write practically on any surface. It can also work as a polling device for warm-ups or quizzes in the classroom.
Just as I mentioned in one of my previous blogs, the MUVEs learning environment is a virtual environtment used as a tool in the classroom for students to get a very close idea on how the concepts they learn in class connect to the "real-world". With virtual worlds, students can learn hands on how to start and run a business, they can learn about wildlife, how to run politics, etc. This is a great tool especially for high school students.
The last tool is mainly a tool that teachers can use personally. According to Yoder, "Google is reaching out to educators to provide tools for Internet searching, collaboration, and classroom activities at its new site designed specifically for teachers." Google Apps includes forums for sharing and discussion, voting polls on on favorite education apps, and tutorials on how to use Google apps.
If there's still a modern age out there for us to discover, I wouldn't even know what to expect anymore. This digital age is seriously enhancing the classroom like never before, and that's a good thing.
Question:
With the budget cuts going on, wouldn't tech integration be a pricey option?
In my opinion, as long as it enhances the life of the student, anything you have to buy is worth it. Education has become so much about the money that it's original purpose, which is to inspire, educate, and teach students to be a better them has been tossed out the window. Tech integration is a great way to bring back original motives and push "BORING" in learning and teaching aside.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Journal 8: "Have You Tweeted Today?"
Fingal, D. (2009). Have you tweeted today? Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(2). Retrieved on October 20, 2009 from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID=24192&DirectListComboInd=D
Diana Fingal poses a great argument towards John Ridley's article about the twitter fad. Although twitter has been quite mainstreamed and played out, if used the correct ways, it can be very beneficial to many, especially teachers. Diana mostly spoke about the bad rep that twitter has been given due to the fact that it has given "discretion" a new meaning in everyday life. Because of the prompt "What are you doing?" many twitter subscribers posts useless nonsense about their daily life and in a way, surrender personal discretion to the public. Twitter being used this way has caused some skepticism amongst current and future subscribers. a main concern is the broadband space being used up to post useless tweets for the public to view.
Fingal's point was that twitter has been scrutinized only because of the useless half of it's subscribers, which in turn has the majority thinking of it as useless rather than helpful. If used in a better light, such as following others with similar professions as yourself, or follow subscribers which posts tweets helpful to your profession, Twitter can actually be a great supplement to life. Not only would if be a great tech tool to use but it would be better for teachers to get in with their students and keep up with them technologically speaking. Her point across, twitter should be given a chance.
Ridley, J. NPR Morning Edition, "Keep Your Tweets to Yourself": www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104033836
According to John Ridely, Twitter is just another one of those tech fads such as myspace, or facebook. Just as I mentioned earlier, many people on twitter waste broadband spacce to post useless artifacts which are not at all helpful to the public. Ridley's perspective of twitter has solely been influenced by the many useless everyday tweets and has given him the idea that twitter is just a "waste of broadband space."
I'd have to agree with Fingal on this matter. Twitter can be used in great ways if used with constructive intentions. Not all of the world uses twitter for pointless chatter and I think that's something Ridley should understand.
Question:
In what ways can twitter be helpful to Teachers?
Twitter can be used to monitor student activities outside the classroom that may need to be brought to parents attentions. Twitter can also be used as a classroom discussion board in which students can comment about each others' ideas on certain classroom concepts or lessons. It can also be used as a resource tool for students to post helpful supplemental links to a class.
Diana Fingal poses a great argument towards John Ridley's article about the twitter fad. Although twitter has been quite mainstreamed and played out, if used the correct ways, it can be very beneficial to many, especially teachers. Diana mostly spoke about the bad rep that twitter has been given due to the fact that it has given "discretion" a new meaning in everyday life. Because of the prompt "What are you doing?" many twitter subscribers posts useless nonsense about their daily life and in a way, surrender personal discretion to the public. Twitter being used this way has caused some skepticism amongst current and future subscribers. a main concern is the broadband space being used up to post useless tweets for the public to view.
Fingal's point was that twitter has been scrutinized only because of the useless half of it's subscribers, which in turn has the majority thinking of it as useless rather than helpful. If used in a better light, such as following others with similar professions as yourself, or follow subscribers which posts tweets helpful to your profession, Twitter can actually be a great supplement to life. Not only would if be a great tech tool to use but it would be better for teachers to get in with their students and keep up with them technologically speaking. Her point across, twitter should be given a chance.
Ridley, J. NPR Morning Edition, "Keep Your Tweets to Yourself": www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104033836
According to John Ridely, Twitter is just another one of those tech fads such as myspace, or facebook. Just as I mentioned earlier, many people on twitter waste broadband spacce to post useless artifacts which are not at all helpful to the public. Ridley's perspective of twitter has solely been influenced by the many useless everyday tweets and has given him the idea that twitter is just a "waste of broadband space."
I'd have to agree with Fingal on this matter. Twitter can be used in great ways if used with constructive intentions. Not all of the world uses twitter for pointless chatter and I think that's something Ridley should understand.
Question:
In what ways can twitter be helpful to Teachers?
Twitter can be used to monitor student activities outside the classroom that may need to be brought to parents attentions. Twitter can also be used as a classroom discussion board in which students can comment about each others' ideas on certain classroom concepts or lessons. It can also be used as a resource tool for students to post helpful supplemental links to a class.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Journal 6: The Trouble With Rubrics
Kohn, Alfie. (2006). The trouble with rubrics. English Journal, 95(4). Retrieved on December 2, 2009 from http://www.alfiekohn.org/teaching/rubrics.htm
In this article, Alfie Khon discussed the multiple advantages and disadvantages of the "rubric" system and it's widespread use among teacher's to create a uniformed assessment of all students in a classroom. Khon used the advantages of the rubric to counteract his skepticism about it's relation to students' actual ideas and thoughts.
Apparently, using the rubric method of assessment does not in any way let a student challenge his own thinking about said subject matter, but instead challenges his efforts in attaining a satisfying grade. When using the rubric method, students tended to say what was right, in accordance with the guide, rather than discuss what they were truly feeling. It gave an actual counter effect to easier and standardize assessment; it took the life out of individual thinking.
Khon suggested that the rubric CAN, however, provide a positive effect if given as a supplement to an assigned project to keep students on track rather than to base an entire assignment on it. Having a rubric-based assignment gave teachers' an opportunity to show that you knew what you were supposed to do when you get something wrong, or a "gotcha" justification, says Khon.
I, however, never realized the big deal on rubrics until I read this article. The arguments khon presented were, in fact, pretty true. Looking back, I realized that the majority of my papers never reflected my own thoughts, but instead the "thoughts" of the rubric. I currently find my self with the disposition that rubrics really aren't effective as a basis of assessment, but only as a supplement.
Why Would teachers' use this type of assessment when it strays from the original reason why they became teachers?
I think teachers are tempted to use rubrics because it does take a load off of the grading and still provides a unified means of grading. But as a teacher, isn't the fulfillment of knowing your student's understand a concept rewarding enough to make you hand grade? I don't think rubrics can provide students with effective feedback.
In this article, Alfie Khon discussed the multiple advantages and disadvantages of the "rubric" system and it's widespread use among teacher's to create a uniformed assessment of all students in a classroom. Khon used the advantages of the rubric to counteract his skepticism about it's relation to students' actual ideas and thoughts.
Apparently, using the rubric method of assessment does not in any way let a student challenge his own thinking about said subject matter, but instead challenges his efforts in attaining a satisfying grade. When using the rubric method, students tended to say what was right, in accordance with the guide, rather than discuss what they were truly feeling. It gave an actual counter effect to easier and standardize assessment; it took the life out of individual thinking.
Khon suggested that the rubric CAN, however, provide a positive effect if given as a supplement to an assigned project to keep students on track rather than to base an entire assignment on it. Having a rubric-based assignment gave teachers' an opportunity to show that you knew what you were supposed to do when you get something wrong, or a "gotcha" justification, says Khon.
I, however, never realized the big deal on rubrics until I read this article. The arguments khon presented were, in fact, pretty true. Looking back, I realized that the majority of my papers never reflected my own thoughts, but instead the "thoughts" of the rubric. I currently find my self with the disposition that rubrics really aren't effective as a basis of assessment, but only as a supplement.
Why Would teachers' use this type of assessment when it strays from the original reason why they became teachers?
I think teachers are tempted to use rubrics because it does take a load off of the grading and still provides a unified means of grading. But as a teacher, isn't the fulfillment of knowing your student's understand a concept rewarding enough to make you hand grade? I don't think rubrics can provide students with effective feedback.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
CSUSM PSA iMovie Project (NETS III)
In this assignment, we were instructed to create a 1 minute video introducing the CSU San Marcos campus which included information and fun facts about our university with transitions and special effects.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
NETS-T Inspiration Assignment (NETS III)
This assignment was given in order to showcase certain ed tech assignments that fall under the different NETS for teachers. We were instructed to assign two different assignments per NET and describe specifically which aspect of the NET it satisfied.
NETS-S PowerPoint Presentation (NETS I, III)
This assignment helped us demonstrate our proficiency in creating and designing PowerPoint presentations to show our understanding of the NETS-S for students. We came up with suggestions for classroom activities to familiarize the students with the NETS-S and peer graded each others PowerPoint presentations.
NETS ppt
View more presentations from Gennaligeron.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Journal 7: PODCASTING (NETS IV)
In this assignment, I decided to follow podcasting. Previously, I had no clue what a podcast was and what it dealt with. According to wiki.com, podcasts are a series of audio or video digital media files which are released episodically, almost like a radio talk show being released on the web. Podcasts are fairly easy to create/record and most are audio recordings and tend to be reflections on certain ideas that the public normally respond to.
Podcasts are very helpful in the collection of responses on certain ideas and concepts. In the discussions I followed, many teachers mentioned the incorporation of podcasting in the classroom. A few teachers were using individualized podcasting learning plans for students having them post at least one podcast on their personal websites. I also found how convenient podcasts are and how they help in reflection and writing skills.
In another discussion I found, teachers explained how podcasts can be done through cell phones. Since this is the digital age for young students now, many of them possess phones with video and audio recordings. With the right software, they can upload recordings on their phones directly to the web for others to download. Podcasts can also go hand in hand with vodcasts, which is just another form digital media file in which the audio comes along with video. Students with video recording devices on their hand held computers can release similar vodcasts to the web for others to upload.
Podcasts are a great way for students to familiarize themselves with digital tools to expand the integration of technology into the classroom. Podcasts are also fairly accessible to young students and create a great community for students to discuss and feed off of each others responses and thoughts.
Podcasts are very helpful in the collection of responses on certain ideas and concepts. In the discussions I followed, many teachers mentioned the incorporation of podcasting in the classroom. A few teachers were using individualized podcasting learning plans for students having them post at least one podcast on their personal websites. I also found how convenient podcasts are and how they help in reflection and writing skills.
In another discussion I found, teachers explained how podcasts can be done through cell phones. Since this is the digital age for young students now, many of them possess phones with video and audio recordings. With the right software, they can upload recordings on their phones directly to the web for others to download. Podcasts can also go hand in hand with vodcasts, which is just another form digital media file in which the audio comes along with video. Students with video recording devices on their hand held computers can release similar vodcasts to the web for others to upload.
Podcasts are a great way for students to familiarize themselves with digital tools to expand the integration of technology into the classroom. Podcasts are also fairly accessible to young students and create a great community for students to discuss and feed off of each others responses and thoughts.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
ISTE NETS-S PowerPoint Rubric (NETS III)
Working with groups of three, we designed a rubric specifically for the NETS-S PowerPoint Assignment
Monday, October 12, 2009
Journal 4: "Learning Connections"
Mader, J., & Smith, B. (2009). Learning connections. Tracking Collaboration, 37(2), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID=24182&DirectListComboInd=D
This article basically discussed the different tech methods used in a classroom for students to incorporate effective communication skills for different assignments and projects. Smith and Mader introduced the different types of online sources their students used such as Google docs, discussion boards, chats, email, wiki pages, etc. The students were able to chose their own communication strategy to help them complete their task. Smith and Mader found that the most effective communication tool was the wiki pages which kept track of not just the assigment compleetion but the numerous times a document was saved. This was very helpful to the students and teachers enabling them to point out who was on task and who wasn't. The wiki also came along with a discussion app for groups to go over their plans on assignment completion. one thing I found interesting was the use of cellphones and texting within groups. They found that texting was a better communication strategy rather than email due to the speed and effectivness of receiving info. The only catch, not being able to communicate all intricates of the assignments.
What ways can cellphones surpass the texting limit of information?
Nowadays, students have the option of data plans on their cellphone which include email and internet. They can use their email option to receive emails from their groupmates on a regular rather than having to wait to arrive home before reading them.
What specific reasons cause hindrance to the communication between student assignment groups?
As already stated, the most common reason why students cannot communicate is due to different schedule conflictions. Many students don't drive or possess personal transportation. Other reasons include not being interested in the assignment, lack of technological communication (i.e. no computer or cellphone), or lack of tech knowledge.
This article basically discussed the different tech methods used in a classroom for students to incorporate effective communication skills for different assignments and projects. Smith and Mader introduced the different types of online sources their students used such as Google docs, discussion boards, chats, email, wiki pages, etc. The students were able to chose their own communication strategy to help them complete their task. Smith and Mader found that the most effective communication tool was the wiki pages which kept track of not just the assigment compleetion but the numerous times a document was saved. This was very helpful to the students and teachers enabling them to point out who was on task and who wasn't. The wiki also came along with a discussion app for groups to go over their plans on assignment completion. one thing I found interesting was the use of cellphones and texting within groups. They found that texting was a better communication strategy rather than email due to the speed and effectivness of receiving info. The only catch, not being able to communicate all intricates of the assignments.
What ways can cellphones surpass the texting limit of information?
Nowadays, students have the option of data plans on their cellphone which include email and internet. They can use their email option to receive emails from their groupmates on a regular rather than having to wait to arrive home before reading them.
What specific reasons cause hindrance to the communication between student assignment groups?
As already stated, the most common reason why students cannot communicate is due to different schedule conflictions. Many students don't drive or possess personal transportation. Other reasons include not being interested in the assignment, lack of technological communication (i.e. no computer or cellphone), or lack of tech knowledge.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Journal 3: "Walk, Fly, or Teleport to Learning"
Yoder, M.B. (2009). Walk, Fly, or Teleport to Learning. Virtual Worlds in the Classroom, 37(2), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID=24200&DirectListComboInd=D
In this article, Yoder talks about the implementation of "virtual worlds" into classrooms of all ages and backgrounds. She mainly suggested how it was a great tool for teaching and familiarizing students with world issues and how to better society. By engaging in virtual worlds, islands, cities, etc, the student gets to create a virtual representation of themselves and learn about economics, financial related issues, and establish knowledge through virtual interviews and explorations. Yoder claimed that through virtual worlds, or second life, students will be able to experience "first hand" how to encounter and solve certain issues brought about by today's society. Teachers and students alike will be able to learn and explore in protected virtual societies and learn about each other and other cultures and their situations. For elementary school students, there is a virtual world created in which they can learn about environmental factors shaping society today and how to make these things better. Interesting enough, it was reported that students actually love this concept and are found to be engaged until late hours in these virtual worlds.
What is one major concern that parents may have about this so called "second-life"?
I think one major concern would be addressing the mastery of basic skills. Yes students will have fun in the classroom learning about worldly issues and society to become powerful and efficient people, but in order to reach this step, basic skills must be taught and given more weight to rather than the possibilities these virtual worlds can offer. Yes the student will be able to foster new and useful knowledge at an early age, but we have to remember, they are still CHILDREN.
In what ways can virtual worlds be useful to "special" groups of students?
Just as Yoder mentioned, the virtual world's are also used for youth who have been in detention centers. The virtual world's were a tool used to have them focus on their interests and find ways to use it better society.
In this article, Yoder talks about the implementation of "virtual worlds" into classrooms of all ages and backgrounds. She mainly suggested how it was a great tool for teaching and familiarizing students with world issues and how to better society. By engaging in virtual worlds, islands, cities, etc, the student gets to create a virtual representation of themselves and learn about economics, financial related issues, and establish knowledge through virtual interviews and explorations. Yoder claimed that through virtual worlds, or second life, students will be able to experience "first hand" how to encounter and solve certain issues brought about by today's society. Teachers and students alike will be able to learn and explore in protected virtual societies and learn about each other and other cultures and their situations. For elementary school students, there is a virtual world created in which they can learn about environmental factors shaping society today and how to make these things better. Interesting enough, it was reported that students actually love this concept and are found to be engaged until late hours in these virtual worlds.
What is one major concern that parents may have about this so called "second-life"?
I think one major concern would be addressing the mastery of basic skills. Yes students will have fun in the classroom learning about worldly issues and society to become powerful and efficient people, but in order to reach this step, basic skills must be taught and given more weight to rather than the possibilities these virtual worlds can offer. Yes the student will be able to foster new and useful knowledge at an early age, but we have to remember, they are still CHILDREN.
In what ways can virtual worlds be useful to "special" groups of students?
Just as Yoder mentioned, the virtual world's are also used for youth who have been in detention centers. The virtual world's were a tool used to have them focus on their interests and find ways to use it better society.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Journal 2: "Grounded Tech Integration"
Harris, J., & Hofer M. (2009). Grounded Tech Integration. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(2), Retrieved September 15, 2009 from
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID=24179&DirectListComboInd=D
In this article, Harris and Hofer mainly focused on a better and more effective approach to pedagogy and technology integration with curriculum. The main concern was that technological integration wasn't providing the most effective learning outcome. According to Seymor Papert, tech integration was becoming "technocentric". The lesson became more about learning how to use the technology rather than using it to learn. The article also focused on the proper approach to teacher planning and how to organize activity types into lessons, projects, units, and other activities that would enable the children to optimize class time and effectively learn. Harris and Hofer introduced the "Eight corresponding continua" to enable teachers to best analyze their classrooms in a way to each and every students' advantage. The Grounded approach deviates from the linear views of instructional planning to make the best most effective curriculum-based plan.
Why are the "eight corresponding continua" important to consider in teacher planning?
It is very important to consider the eight corresponding continua in teacher planning and pedagogy because rather than just relying on linear planning, the eight corresponding continua helps the teacher analyze the classroom for the benefit of each individual student and optimizes the learning experience.
Is integrating technology really more effective towards the end rather than beginning?
I think integrating technology towards the end is a better idea rather than introducing it in the beginning. Papert had a point that the lessons became more "technocentric" rather than learning based. It is very important to make sure that integrating technology enhances the learning experience rather than make it more confusing or slow it down.
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID=24179&DirectListComboInd=D
In this article, Harris and Hofer mainly focused on a better and more effective approach to pedagogy and technology integration with curriculum. The main concern was that technological integration wasn't providing the most effective learning outcome. According to Seymor Papert, tech integration was becoming "technocentric". The lesson became more about learning how to use the technology rather than using it to learn. The article also focused on the proper approach to teacher planning and how to organize activity types into lessons, projects, units, and other activities that would enable the children to optimize class time and effectively learn. Harris and Hofer introduced the "Eight corresponding continua" to enable teachers to best analyze their classrooms in a way to each and every students' advantage. The Grounded approach deviates from the linear views of instructional planning to make the best most effective curriculum-based plan.
Why are the "eight corresponding continua" important to consider in teacher planning?
It is very important to consider the eight corresponding continua in teacher planning and pedagogy because rather than just relying on linear planning, the eight corresponding continua helps the teacher analyze the classroom for the benefit of each individual student and optimizes the learning experience.
Is integrating technology really more effective towards the end rather than beginning?
I think integrating technology towards the end is a better idea rather than introducing it in the beginning. Papert had a point that the lessons became more "technocentric" rather than learning based. It is very important to make sure that integrating technology enhances the learning experience rather than make it more confusing or slow it down.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Journal 1: " e-Learning Programs Come in All Shapes and Sizes"
Coyle, S., Jones, T., & Pickle, S.K. (2009). From Alaska to Arkansas, Districts are Experimenting with Online Learning to Solve Access Problems. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(2), Retrieved September 9, 2009 from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/SeptemberOctoberNo2/e_Learning_Programs_Come_in_All_Shapes_a.htm
This article was a very interesting article. It viewed the implementation of technology into the k-12 curriculum and all the improvements that different school districts encountered due to the integration of technology.
In article 1, Coyle spoke about the use of technology in the YKSD school district in Alaska. Due to the vast area covered by this small school district, teachers and students weren't able to meet par as far as performance on both ends. However, due to the implementation of virtual classrooms, the students were able to meet more frequently with their instructors, which in turn allowed them to develop their performance in school. Accessibility in rural areas were made possibile and within the span of 2 years, the YKSD showed significant progress.
Article 2 showed similar results, but the technology program was used and a slightly different approach. Instead of incorporating virtual classrooms to cover vasts distances, the BCPS used technological enhanced classrooms for the convenience of the students. according to Jones, classes were offered online in different availabilities for students who couldn't make class due to schedule conflicts, or disavailability of a course due to an inefficient number of students in the classroom. It also provided students inBCPS the experience of online learning and implementation of lifeling learning in the online community.
Article 3, I thought, was probably most effectively incorporated tech program for students. According to Pickle, Not only were the students in the Arkansas Department of Education Distance Learning Center able to learn the wasy of the web and technology, they were able to use their tech tools to meet up with their teachers and experience hands on learning within their specific courses. This program was well balanced with face-to face classroom contact and online/technology sources. They were able to delve into the field their course dealt with and establish knowledge and background they needed to develop for certain careers.
These three articles portrayed the possibilities of a technologically enhanced school district and its rewards to the students and faculty. Implementing technology powers over distance and intriduces solutions to various problems. Most of all it creates better opportunities for all students and prepares them for engagement in the techonological age.
What are some issues preventing the integration of technology in various school districts?
The number one issue preventing the integration of technology in the school systems, in californina, would be the budget cuts. Obviously no schoold district can provide the funds of a technologically enhanced classroom at this point. As far as other capable schoold districts, the neccessesity of technology in the classroom is a point that hasn't been very well lit and/or addressed.
Would technology integration also benefit the children in grammar school as well?
Although many may perceive younger students as children without the capacity of learning the ways of technology, this is contradicted otherwise. Students at the ages of 8 to 10 years of age are already capable of using the internet for non- school related items such as facebook, myspace, youtube, gaming, and various blogsites. If children this young are able to work their way through the web through non-related school sites, what more the technology pending to be integrated within the school system that is also student friendly?
This article was a very interesting article. It viewed the implementation of technology into the k-12 curriculum and all the improvements that different school districts encountered due to the integration of technology.
In article 1, Coyle spoke about the use of technology in the YKSD school district in Alaska. Due to the vast area covered by this small school district, teachers and students weren't able to meet par as far as performance on both ends. However, due to the implementation of virtual classrooms, the students were able to meet more frequently with their instructors, which in turn allowed them to develop their performance in school. Accessibility in rural areas were made possibile and within the span of 2 years, the YKSD showed significant progress.
Article 2 showed similar results, but the technology program was used and a slightly different approach. Instead of incorporating virtual classrooms to cover vasts distances, the BCPS used technological enhanced classrooms for the convenience of the students. according to Jones, classes were offered online in different availabilities for students who couldn't make class due to schedule conflicts, or disavailability of a course due to an inefficient number of students in the classroom. It also provided students inBCPS the experience of online learning and implementation of lifeling learning in the online community.
Article 3, I thought, was probably most effectively incorporated tech program for students. According to Pickle, Not only were the students in the Arkansas Department of Education Distance Learning Center able to learn the wasy of the web and technology, they were able to use their tech tools to meet up with their teachers and experience hands on learning within their specific courses. This program was well balanced with face-to face classroom contact and online/technology sources. They were able to delve into the field their course dealt with and establish knowledge and background they needed to develop for certain careers.
These three articles portrayed the possibilities of a technologically enhanced school district and its rewards to the students and faculty. Implementing technology powers over distance and intriduces solutions to various problems. Most of all it creates better opportunities for all students and prepares them for engagement in the techonological age.
What are some issues preventing the integration of technology in various school districts?
The number one issue preventing the integration of technology in the school systems, in californina, would be the budget cuts. Obviously no schoold district can provide the funds of a technologically enhanced classroom at this point. As far as other capable schoold districts, the neccessesity of technology in the classroom is a point that hasn't been very well lit and/or addressed.
Would technology integration also benefit the children in grammar school as well?
Although many may perceive younger students as children without the capacity of learning the ways of technology, this is contradicted otherwise. Students at the ages of 8 to 10 years of age are already capable of using the internet for non- school related items such as facebook, myspace, youtube, gaming, and various blogsites. If children this young are able to work their way through the web through non-related school sites, what more the technology pending to be integrated within the school system that is also student friendly?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Introductory Letter (NETS II)
HOLA CLASE! my name is Gennali Geron but you guys can call me Genna :). It was very good to meet you all last class! I am super excited to have fun on these MACs with you all EVERY Tuesday night. I am a native San Diegan, born and rasied around the southeast area of San Diego (national city/ spring valley area). Inititally, I went to Bethune elementary for kinder and 1st grade. I was then transfered to the new school that opened up in my neighborhood, Nye elementary. I finished elementery there and then was promoted to O'farrell Middle school, which became a charter school a couple of years before I went there. Then, for highschool, I went to the all famous MORSE High, which is notorious for it's ghetto nature. Great school however because it was a super diverse high school which taught us to mingle with many different cultures and backgrounds. Right after, I attended SDSU for about a year and after 3 years of being indecisive, I finally decided to become a teacher, which brings me here now to CSUSM! Out of all my school experiences, I would have to rate Highschool as the BEST 4 years of my life :)
I'd have to say that technology Is my life. Out of my daily schedule, I'd say that 8-10 hours of the day are devoted to technology in general. Whether it is my sidekick, which is probably 6 out of those 10, or my computer, which is probably the rest, or even my ipod, I'm always using technology almost every minute of my life. I'd also have to say that i'm a PC person only because I love gaming! GOOOOO Counter Strike Source! I have been using
microsoft office '07 for a while. It was tough to get used to but I've found my way around. I love Technology, life is not life anymore these days without it!I never read the mission statement before I decided to do education, but what really speaks to me is the teaching method, or the practices of the college of education. I love how teaching is VERY hands on and informational. It really helps future educators become profficient in the field of teaching.
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