These classes have been the highlight of my year. I honestly think I have learned more about computers, technology and past, present and future education from these lessons than I have in 18 years in the high school. I now have a deeper understanding of how students are learning and communicate and I appreciate what advances have been made to improve schools, communities, education and society in general.
The most valuable lessons to me was how to find and use video resources. I have been using those to reinforce instruction and for general information. I loved being introduced to Wikis, de.licio.us and blogs and intend to perpetuate their use by my students and peers too. I hope that more teachers begin using this type of tool to instruct their students beacause of the wealth of information that is available to them when utilizing them. I can't say that many teachers I know of have much knowledge of how to implement these tools in their classrooms. Perhaps some one day lessons or some team planning would make a difference.
The 2.0 school was very exciting and I wonder how that is coming and where it is going. I will be anxiously be looking for news regarding that great undertaking. Hopefully I won't be retired before it comes to pass but at least I will know what everyone is talking about when it does.
I hope to go over all the lessons again over the summer, to get more practice so to speak, and I know that I will be able to pick up more tips when I get more time to review.
Thanks for all your hard work, everyone-I have learned form you all.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Lesson 12-Time For Reflection 3
I am already doing so many new things as a teacher assistant and personally because of my exposure to this class! The lessons have forced me to try many tools that are available on the computer which I was either afraid to use or didn't understand. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. Do you think the kids would feel this way about their classwork too, if we were using new technologies ? Wouldn't that be great?
Mostly I am investigating blogs, wikis, websites, webpods and people's bookmarks when I am looking for information to help the kids with papers, research, and math problems. I am passing this new information along to the students. I am also talking to everyone who wants to listen about this class, and the conversations have sparked interest in not only the class but have spurred an interest in adding technology to enhance their teaching. I have even been accused of being a computer "geek" by a friend who has known me for 15 years and knows how much I hate change.
Thank-you Lori for this new-found knowledge and for helping me get excited about my job again.
Mostly I am investigating blogs, wikis, websites, webpods and people's bookmarks when I am looking for information to help the kids with papers, research, and math problems. I am passing this new information along to the students. I am also talking to everyone who wants to listen about this class, and the conversations have sparked interest in not only the class but have spurred an interest in adding technology to enhance their teaching. I have even been accused of being a computer "geek" by a friend who has known me for 15 years and knows how much I hate change.
Thank-you Lori for this new-found knowledge and for helping me get excited about my job again.
Monday, December 17, 2007
School 2.0
I was at first struck by the actual "look" of the model of tomorrow's school. It is set up like a city, which I assume was the organizational plan to facilitate the whole system. This "city" depicts the whole community and the way they could interact to accomplish educational, business and social goals. It would take a tremendous amount of discussion and orchestration to make this operational, but on paper it sure makes a strong case for 2.0.
I love how everyone is working together, using their specific skills and technology to make it run as if it were a machine producing a product. I guess the 2.0 system could be a metaphor for a machine if it was working properly, efficiently and diligently. This would require a lot of maturity, passion and accountability on the parts of all of the group including students, parents, policy makers, teachers, administrators, community, and tech personnel. I really liked that it included mentors and co-op type settings, as I don't believe we are doing very well in that area right now and the kids (at least the ones I work with) don't seem to understand the expectations of the actual work-world that they will be entering. Most don't understand the amount of competition they will encounter for jobs. Many don't seem to know about meeting deadlines or the level of personal morality and responsibility necessary to be a good citizen and employee.
I wasn't thrilled with the idea of less money for books and more for technology because I am a book lover, and often books are the quickest way to get information for students who have a hard time ciphoring through a bunch of information on websites.
I love how everyone is working together, using their specific skills and technology to make it run as if it were a machine producing a product. I guess the 2.0 system could be a metaphor for a machine if it was working properly, efficiently and diligently. This would require a lot of maturity, passion and accountability on the parts of all of the group including students, parents, policy makers, teachers, administrators, community, and tech personnel. I really liked that it included mentors and co-op type settings, as I don't believe we are doing very well in that area right now and the kids (at least the ones I work with) don't seem to understand the expectations of the actual work-world that they will be entering. Most don't understand the amount of competition they will encounter for jobs. Many don't seem to know about meeting deadlines or the level of personal morality and responsibility necessary to be a good citizen and employee.
I wasn't thrilled with the idea of less money for books and more for technology because I am a book lover, and often books are the quickest way to get information for students who have a hard time ciphoring through a bunch of information on websites.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Reflection on Dr. Zhao
Dr.Zhao has exposed me to a new kind of educational thinking of which I was not aware. As much as I knew that technology was being used more and more, I had no idea to the degree that other school systems have implemented blogging, videos, and wiki and del.icio.us techniques to enhance learning.
I was uncomfortable with the idea that the whole system of education needs to be revised-it is obsolete- as that is a daunting challenge and very scary to me. I have to say that everything he said made perfect sense to me if we are going to keep up with our global neighbors and allow students to learn and teach in the style to which they have become accustomed.
I was uncomfortable with the idea that the whole system of education needs to be revised-it is obsolete- as that is a daunting challenge and very scary to me. I have to say that everything he said made perfect sense to me if we are going to keep up with our global neighbors and allow students to learn and teach in the style to which they have become accustomed.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Collaborative Project
The presentations by Kevin Honeycutt, his funny, entertaining stories and examples of how students learn were great illustrations of the differences in the old way of learning compared to the learning being done by modern students. I liked the idea of letting the kids lead the way, talk together, and create freely while the teacher acts as a guide or facilitater. He seems to "get it" when he says that kids want to be the hero in their own story and want to do and learn in ways that make sense to them and the technological world in which they live.
I don't know how I could use the virtual hands theory in my work as a TA, but perhaps some of you could assist me to develope the idea I DID have. One of our English classes is reading the book THE TIPPING POINT by Malcolm Gladwell. This is a non-fiction book explaining how we are all communicators and have different styles of communicating. One is either a Maven (idea personality), a Connector (one who has lots of social connections) or a Salesman (one who is good at promoting ideas or trends). Social behaviors, biases, trendy ideas or new popular products can be developed and spread when the right collection of personalities are working together as a unit and the timing is right.
After much examination of who they each are, as individuals, the students have formed groups of Mavens, Connectors and Salesmen. The kids have decided to target the "smoking corner" near the high school by starting a "virus" against smoking. I believe that technology could be very useful in supporting their pursuit.
I don't know how I could use the virtual hands theory in my work as a TA, but perhaps some of you could assist me to develope the idea I DID have. One of our English classes is reading the book THE TIPPING POINT by Malcolm Gladwell. This is a non-fiction book explaining how we are all communicators and have different styles of communicating. One is either a Maven (idea personality), a Connector (one who has lots of social connections) or a Salesman (one who is good at promoting ideas or trends). Social behaviors, biases, trendy ideas or new popular products can be developed and spread when the right collection of personalities are working together as a unit and the timing is right.
After much examination of who they each are, as individuals, the students have formed groups of Mavens, Connectors and Salesmen. The kids have decided to target the "smoking corner" near the high school by starting a "virus" against smoking. I believe that technology could be very useful in supporting their pursuit.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Choices, Choices, Choices-A Time for Reflections 2
Blogs, Wikis, and Bookmarking are tools each so powerful in their own way. Each discipline has a definite advantage over the others, depending on a user's goals. I have been considering which is right for me and for the students with whom I work. As a teaching assistant I would be most inclined to use the the lessons that Teacher Tube and other educational blogs provide. Many that I have explored allow students to review and relearn subject matter that they may have trouble learning.
I myself, have actually reviewed some Math concepts that I have trouble remembering by studying concepts, like decimals, that always escape me. These podcasts have also given me ideas, expressions, and words to explain a problem in an alternate manner.
On a more personal note, I have enjoyed the Collaborative Bookmarking. I have noted some great sites some of my co-workers have marked and I found some very entertaining and useable. One was a way of cooking with the ingredients that I had and came up with a great recipe (yet to be tried).
I myself, have actually reviewed some Math concepts that I have trouble remembering by studying concepts, like decimals, that always escape me. These podcasts have also given me ideas, expressions, and words to explain a problem in an alternate manner.
On a more personal note, I have enjoyed the Collaborative Bookmarking. I have noted some great sites some of my co-workers have marked and I found some very entertaining and useable. One was a way of cooking with the ingredients that I had and came up with a great recipe (yet to be tried).
Friday, November 9, 2007
wiki news
The wiki pages were befuddling to me at first as there were so many busy formats and I felt like many of the subjects and ideas were not as connected as those presented in websites or blogs. What was great was the ease of responding to or editing (once I figured out how to go about it on the HCSD Class Demo Wiki ). I couldn't get on The Village Elementary School Wiki or others that I tried, but I think I needed a special password.
I learned that one shouldn't use too many capital letters and have short wiki names, should have an easy and memorable password, that there are clocks which give one the real time/place of fellow wiki students, and a tab to convert and allow for language differences. I learned how to expand on classroom lessons, and got a glimpse at what a flat classroom is. This class has exposed me to new vocabulary words and their meanings. The Flat Classroom project page was illuminating and it was called Illuminate 2007.
I was especially impressed by the knowledge and computer skills of the children at grade levels as low as first grade. I got see what my grandchildren are doing at Village and I am so happy and impressed with them and all their wonderful teachers.
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I learned that one shouldn't use too many capital letters and have short wiki names, should have an easy and memorable password, that there are clocks which give one the real time/place of fellow wiki students, and a tab to convert and allow for language differences. I learned how to expand on classroom lessons, and got a glimpse at what a flat classroom is. This class has exposed me to new vocabulary words and their meanings. The Flat Classroom project page was illuminating and it was called Illuminate 2007.
I was especially impressed by the knowledge and computer skills of the children at grade levels as low as first grade. I got see what my grandchildren are doing at Village and I am so happy and impressed with them and all their wonderful teachers.
.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Comparison of video sites
I found this part of the course extremely enlightening because I have never really explored any of these sites. Even though I knew they were available I did not know how to get to them or see their purpose. "Seeing Service" was great for reminding students that they are valuable people and have a purpose. That is something I try to teach my students each day. I also believe what Wesley Fryer said, "personal stories can connect information better than reading information in a book."
I think I like NextVista.org the best, but that may be because it was a first and a new, fun experience for me. I questioned if some of these videos would be objectional and got my answer when listening to Teacher Tube. Teacher Tube emphasized being articulate, correct and of having quality content. I learned that there is a certain standard and four rules that apply when judging a video to be presented. That intimindated me until the speaker recognized that some videos would be mediocre, but that is ok because students could use the idea presented and improve on it in their own video.
The Math podcasts in Lightbulbs would have helped me a lot when I was a student because I needed to see and hear information to "get it". Also, listening to Robert Frost's poem "Traveling The Road Not Taken" was better understood when hearing and reading the poem at the same time. The following study session was full of great questions about life, philosophy, choices and significant decisions we are expected to make in life. We constantly have conversations about choices and consequences with our students, and it was heartening to hear and watch how other teachers explore these common and universal ideas.
Youtube and Clipblast were like pop culture to me. Many of the themes were less focused on education and more similar to those presented on T.V. They were entertaining and/or politically based. There were a few worthy Health and Education videos. One I did like was from NYC called 92nd Street. The people who made it interviewed visitors, made them feel welcome and were connecting to all sorts of individuals to enrich lives and embrace fellowship.
I think that in my Resource room many of these videos would be applicable because they are short and focused on subject matter/content that the kids are learning. Often a different teacher or style of teaching can get a point across to a student struggling with a concept. In the video "When Kids Don't Get It" the point was made that when they don't "get it" they feel dumb. I see this everyday. The result is avoiding or not questioning the teacher. A video that they could re-run and watch could help.
I think I like NextVista.org the best, but that may be because it was a first and a new, fun experience for me. I questioned if some of these videos would be objectional and got my answer when listening to Teacher Tube. Teacher Tube emphasized being articulate, correct and of having quality content. I learned that there is a certain standard and four rules that apply when judging a video to be presented. That intimindated me until the speaker recognized that some videos would be mediocre, but that is ok because students could use the idea presented and improve on it in their own video.
The Math podcasts in Lightbulbs would have helped me a lot when I was a student because I needed to see and hear information to "get it". Also, listening to Robert Frost's poem "Traveling The Road Not Taken" was better understood when hearing and reading the poem at the same time. The following study session was full of great questions about life, philosophy, choices and significant decisions we are expected to make in life. We constantly have conversations about choices and consequences with our students, and it was heartening to hear and watch how other teachers explore these common and universal ideas.
Youtube and Clipblast were like pop culture to me. Many of the themes were less focused on education and more similar to those presented on T.V. They were entertaining and/or politically based. There were a few worthy Health and Education videos. One I did like was from NYC called 92nd Street. The people who made it interviewed visitors, made them feel welcome and were connecting to all sorts of individuals to enrich lives and embrace fellowship.
I think that in my Resource room many of these videos would be applicable because they are short and focused on subject matter/content that the kids are learning. Often a different teacher or style of teaching can get a point across to a student struggling with a concept. In the video "When Kids Don't Get It" the point was made that when they don't "get it" they feel dumb. I see this everyday. The result is avoiding or not questioning the teacher. A video that they could re-run and watch could help.
Monday, October 29, 2007
What kind of flower are You?
This is for all my plant/flower loving friends. I found a fun site to figure out what kind of flower I am, according to the quick test questions provided. I am an Echinacea-health conscious and concerned with the health and well-being of others. http://www.thisgardenisillegal.com/cgi-bin/quiz.cgi Try it and see if there is a flower to fit your personality!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Benefits of Classroom Blogging
I believe that there are many benefits to blogging in the classroom. First of all, I believe most students prefer using computers for learning over the traditional method of learning from books and notes. Many seem to be more involved and engaged with lessons that are done at a computer. For example, when researching for anything, from Health class to Science to History, the response is always positive if students know they can use computers. I believe that they would seek excellence, perfect and edit their work more carefully if they were posting a blog for the "world" to see. Secondly, I think that kids would like to see and hear from other kids around the world. Blogging can help kids share information about what concerns they may have with education, culture, morality, values, and finances. Students can learn about the similarities and differences of real people, who are acting as primary sources to the reader of a blog.
I was hoping to use my blog as a way to promote Dave Heise's English class. They are starting a virus in the high school. (This is a good thing. ) The students decide whether they have the personality style of a Raven, Connector or Salesperson . This comes from the book they are reading together. Then they form groups with a sprinkling of each personality in each group. Each group comes up with an idea of what needs to be improved at our school. There will be a vote on the best idea and then, as a class, they will work at making the improvement they choose by using logos, slogans, posters and a variety of other communication methods.
I was hoping to use my blog as a way to promote Dave Heise's English class. They are starting a virus in the high school. (This is a good thing. ) The students decide whether they have the personality style of a Raven, Connector or Salesperson . This comes from the book they are reading together. Then they form groups with a sprinkling of each personality in each group. Each group comes up with an idea of what needs to be improved at our school. There will be a vote on the best idea and then, as a class, they will work at making the improvement they choose by using logos, slogans, posters and a variety of other communication methods.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Welcome to my Blog
Greetings and welcome to my blog. I have created this blog as a requirement for a technology class that I am participating in. I have already increased my technical skills immensely, with the assistance of my friends. I am nervous and excited about the new challenges and I am looking forward to learning more each day.
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