Thursday, March 18, 2010

NETS Powerpoint (NETS I and III)

Netscp
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For this assignment we used Microsoft PowerPoint and created a PowerPoint showing our proficiency in the program. We created a PowerPoint that focused on the NETS for Students Standards and created activities and ideas of how we would meet that standard in our own classrooms. We then showed them to a couple peers and graded each others PowerPoints.

Journal 6: Podcasting (NETS III and IV)

A podcast is a series of digital media files that are either audio or video. They are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication. Which means that these web feeds are available from a site in order to provide other people with a summary of the websites recently added content. The mode of delivery differentiates podcasting from other means of accessing media files over the Internet, such as direct download, or streamed webcasting. A list of all the audio or video files currently associated with a given series is maintained centrally on the distributor's server as a web feed,

In the discussion on classroom 2.0, one teacher used podcasts to create video lectures that students can use to review past lessons or as a replacement for in-class lecture, allowing the teacher more time for labs (I teach science). Lecture replacements are accompanied by short online assessments created using Google Forms. This way the teacher can see what they got and what they missed from the lectures and know better what they need to re-cover during class. The idea is to make the limited amount of face-to-face time more efficient.

Another teacher, discussed a website called K12. She said it is a wonderful source for Professional Development - all teacher-created podcasts online and free. She uses a Gabcast channel for Spanish homework and asks learners to listen to a 15min podcast called Coffeebreak Spanish. Then learners call in answers to a prompt using any phone to Gabcast. She has subscribed to the Gabcast channel and collects homework in her RSS reader. Learners enjoy using iPods and cellphones in the classroom, especially since other teachers do not allow these devices at all.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Collaborative PowerPoint Rubric (NETS III)

For this assignment we worked together to create a rubric for the PowerPoints we would be making in class. We created a point system and gave them new titles such as "rad" to make it more fun for students.

Classroom Newsletter (NETS I and III)

newsletterCP For this assignment we were asked to make a newsletter as if we were currently teachers. I used Microsoft Word, which is a word processing tool, to create the newsletter. I integrated clip art and multiple graphics tools. I also included a scanned image of a picture I drew of myself. Using borders, text wrapping, and drop caps in the page layout of the newsletter, I created a unique and visually appealing letter. I adjusted the formatting and wrote three articles. This assignment demonstrated my fluency in technology systems and my ability to communicate information with a variety of people.

Journal 1 Computing in the Clouds (NETS III and V)

Johnson, D. (December/January 2009-2010). Computing in the clouds.Learning and Leading with Technology37(4), Retrieved fromhttp://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/DecemberJanuaryNo4/Computing_in_the_Clouds.htm

This article was extremely interesting to me. Computing in the clouds is the term used to describe working on documents and e-mails and other projects by relying on applications and file storage that reside on a network-either a local-area network, a district intranet or the Internet itself. This type of work never requires a flash drive and you can work on any project, anywhere, no matter what computer you are using. It is really convenient because you can work without worrying about transporting files on flash drives, keeping track of the latest version of a document or having the right software to open a document. Cloud computing makes it easy to collaborate with others and work to create or edit a document. Some of the web-based applications perform a wide array of productivity tasks for free! These applications have full feature sets and are compatible with standard programs. Another benefit of cloud computing is it makes it possible to use less-powerful computers such as a netbook.

What kind of benefits does cloud computing have for schools? A school district can lower its computing costs by using inexpensive computers like netbooks to access clouds. Cloud file storage and basic applications are free, so schools could save thousands if not millions by purchasing netbooks and using clouds to do work.

What kinds of projects can be done in clouds? Clouds can be used for basic documents, power points, e-mail, bookmarking, access to music, and even photo storage and editing.

Journal 5 Playing With Skpye (NETS II and V)

Weller, Travis. (2010). Playing with skype. Leanring and Leading with Technology, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25508&DirectListComboInd=

This was a very interesting article of a school band teacher that used Skype to allow the composers of the music listen to the school bands bring it to life.  The teacher attended many performances where the composer, as a guest or guest conductor, shared personal insights on the piece during the show. Since it is so expensive to fly the composers out to listen to a school play one song, Travis Weller wanted to find a better way. Skpye is a telecommunication device that is free to everyone online. Using Skpye at a live concert to connect with the composers was exactly what he needed. To make this happen he needed minimal hardware that was already available at the school. He has one steadfast rule about technology in his classroom: if it makes for a richer educational experience, then it’s worth it! Some of the composers had never used Skpye before and successfully used it for the concert. I think it was an excellent idea to take the children’s experience with music and the songs to a new level.  Getting to meet and interact with the composer of the music children are performing has to be an enriching experience.

How else can Skpye be used in the classroom?
Skpye makes it possible for educators to seek out experts in their subject areas and invite them to share in the classroom. It would be neat to use Skpye to connect with a classroom in another country and learn things from one another. It is a great way to communicate for free!

Would I use Skpye in my classroom?
Yes, if the resources were available I would love to use Skpye for educational activities in the classroom. It would be a great way to communicate with people and share experiences with students. 

Journal 4 Finding Students Who Learn With Media (NETS I, III, and V)

Bull, G., Alexander, C., & Ferster, B. (2010). Finding students who learn with media. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25255&DirectListComboInd=D

The article was about students using technology to make media. Student disengagement is an immediate and persistent issue for many students and teachers. Schools need to address this by identifying what students find engaging and of real world importance. By incorporating student-authored media into a formal classroom setting student interest can be increased. Students that were engaged by content and media demonstrated greater higher-order thinking and creativity in their work. An application like PrimaryAccess can collect information about a child’s performance. This site is to help with social studies. By doing these activities students can better retain the information they are learning. Teachers are using this website because it is the easiest for the students to pick up on. Now they even have it to where it barely adds any additional class time to any topic they are studying at that time. This program can provide information for a teacher to help differentiate lessons. This helps teachers meet students individual needs. The ability to analyze student activity through online tools can provide teachers with feedback about students’ time management and use of media.

What other subjects could a teacher use student-created media work?
Student-created media can be used in every subject. Teachers could assign projects with vocabulary words and books read in class. Student media could be used to review for exams and help other students grasp concepts.

How would student-created media engage students?
Student-created media would engage students because for starters everyone is eager to learn about different forms of technology. By learning how to use the media programs students could use it in school and out of school. It would also engage students because they would take pride in their media if it had to be shown to other students and the teacher.