Not a final entry

It may be the end of the summer semester but I know this will not be my final blog entry. This semester has not been easy by any means. Like most Americans, I work full-time, commute into the city, raise 4 children and I made the choice to pursue a Masters degree all at the same time. Within this short 4 week span of the semester we had to put my cat to sleep and I ended up in the ER with my son (luckily he is ok), it has just been a whirlwind. But I have made it through.

And I have made it through with so much knowledge. The biggest thing I have received from this class is AWARENESS. I may have only briefly touched upon the programs and lingo, etc but now I know they exist. More importantly my eyes are WIDE open to the possibilities of incorporating technology into the curriculum. It is not only important but I feel it is a necessity. A necessity to prepare our students for their future and a necessity to be reach our students TODAY!

I could list everything that I have learned in these 4 weeks but it wouldn't do it justice and there isn't enough room. Just take a look at some of my blog entries and projects to get a small taste. I was very skeptical at the beginning of this class on how this whole on-line thing would work but in the end with the help of an amazing teacher and lots of man hours it did work. I find myself bragging to other people about how much I now know. They are amazed that I can do half of the stuff I can on the computer. Blogs, wikis, personal websites, videos, sound, that is just the beginning.

The only thing I would change about this class is adding a part 2. I think I would benefit me greatly if this class had a sequel.

Thank you for a great semester. Now I can breath again!

A picture is worth a thousand words...

"A picture is worth a thousand words is a proverb that refers to the idea that complex stories can be described with just a single still image, or that an image may be more influential than a substantial amount of text. It also aptly characterizes the goals of visualization where large amounts of data must be absorbed quickly."

For my final project I am presenting what is and how to use Flickr.com and Photobucket.com. Both are media-sharing and hosting sites that allows users to upload photos and videos. Among other things the users can create profiles and portfolios, edit photos, remix videos and blog about your creations.

After reviewing both sites I gathered my own list of some examples of how these sites can be incorporated into the curriculum:

• nArt/Photography: :Create a collage using only images no text to illustrate a self-reflection.

n

• nSocial Studies: : creating a slideshow on a recent trip. Use the map feature.Using pictures from around the world illustrate the day in-life of a kid your age from 3 other countries.

• nEnglish: : using the photo library or your own images pick a theme (ie- fishing) and create a story about what you see in the pictures individually and collectively.Using pictures illustrate your favorite book.

• nScience:: Using the photo library or your own images illustrate the 4 seasons, planets, 5 senses.

These are just the surface, I am sure there are so many more ways to use programs like these in a classroom. And I look forward to exploring other areas.

I think the biggest thing I have learned is that I have options. Programs and sources like Photobucket and Flickr exist. There are so many cool features to both programs that can be explored, like uploading and sending pictures from your camera phone. Most kids may not have a digital camera but I would bet the majority have a cell phone with a camera!

Next time around I would probably upgrade the service to get the full benefit of the programs.And I may explore what other programs are out there. While these programs were terrific, they were a little cumbersome when it came to downloading all the moving parts (too many). I think it has to be quicker and easier, particularly for an elementary student.

All in all, it was a great experience and in the end I am more aware today than I was yesterday.

"If you can't beat 'em, join em"..Todays learner

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF2LSjMlC4I

"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em"...wow, isn't that the truth! I just watched this video on How do your students learn? While they will they more than likely following one or more of Howard Gardner learning styles: musical, spatial, bodily-kinisthic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, naturalist - chances are if they were born in the past 10-15 years they will be a DIGITAL learner.

The video presents shocking facts like:

today's college students spend

• 10,000+ hours playing video games.
• 10,000+ hours talking on cellphones
• 20,000+ hours watching TV

today's children and teens

• spend 2.75 hours a week on home computers

The video asks the question, how much richness does your curriculum provide? Do your students remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create?

Today's teens were born into a digital world where they expect to be able to create, consume, remix and share material with each other. So why not use technology that our students love to CREATE, ENGAGE, and TEACH more effectively?

The video also points out that digital learners have sent and received over 200,000 emails or IM's by the time they graduate college.

It suggests to consider using the following for teaching:

• wiki's
• blog's
• podcasts
• online collaboration, testing, learning
• web-cams
• GPS
• geocaching games
• GIS
• google earth
• webquests
• e-folios
• virtual manipulatives, pen-pals, tours
• writing
• reading
• reflection

Here was the real question in the simplest terms: Since your students already know how to use this technology why aren't you using it to teach?

The video suggested using cellphones to teach: language, poetry, literature, public speaking, storytelling, math, geography and writing.

Text messaging to be used for pop quizzes, student polls, spelling bees, math experiments, science experiments, book reports, peer tutoring, class presentations.

It gave mind-blowing stats like:

• 28% of high school students believe that school work is meaningful.
• 21% said interesting.
• 39% believe it will help them to succeed.

Why aren't we using ipods to teach. Ipods can be used in conjunction with podcasts. Podcasts are available for every subject imaginable.

Ok, so while I agree with 98% of this video it made me ask a few of my own questions. Like, what do you do in the poorer districts where computers and ipods aren't the main objective for the day. The bare basics like eating and shelter seem to take priority.

I loved all of the examples the video gave on what the various sources, like texting, podcasts, computers can all be used for but it only gave one live example of how to use it. As a new teacher I wouldn't know how to implement using the cellphone in the classroom. I would have loved more "real" examples. Or places to find them, links to sites, other youtube videos, etc.,

One more thought, it is great that the video points out that students are reading or the 3r's - rigor, relevance and relationships. But it neglects to mention that kids are graduating college and writing cover letters to resumes using the same language they use when texting. It is embarrassing and they should be ashamed. I have received these letters and resumes and immediately throw them out. If I person can't take the time to proof read their own resume I will not take the time to interview them. So I agree with the video that students are reading but how deep are they going or is it surface?

In order to reach today's student we have to speak to them in their language - the DIGITAL language - I get that. But I also think there has to be a balance. If there is a power outage or if the ipod/cellphone die, they have know how to do some of the basics without the use of technology. They have to instinctively ask the question "why" or "how" and know how to figure out the answer on their own. Just my two cents.

Grade with Engrade.com

We learned about a new product called Engrade.com - which I love!
http://www.engrade.com

Engrade among other things allows for a much higher level of parent/teacher involvement and also parent/teacher/student involvement. Engrade is a online program that allows the teacher to post student grades from all assignments (tests, quizzes, homework, portfolios, etc) and to assign weighting to whatever assignments are entered. Meaning the teacher can make the tests worth 25% of the overall grade - quizzes 25%, portfolios 25% and homework 25% (this is how I allocated my grades).

By assigning each student a unique ID number the student/parent can create an account on Engrade to access their grades from this class plus any other classes that the teacher uses this product for.

The teacher can also use an attendance feature to keep track of daily attendance, tardiness and excused absences.

The overview feature allows for the teacher to posts comments/notes on how the student is doing in the class.

Oh, yeah and there is also a calendar feature that allows the teacher to post upcoming assignments, test, etc., So there are no surprises. The parent and the student at all times will know exactly what is upcoming.

The program automatically calculates the grade percentage from the maximum number of points the teacher enters per assignment. It also gives a class average for that assignment.

There are so many features for this very friendly to use program. I think this is brilliance at its best! Kudos to those who designed this program. Did I mention it is FREE!!! Major kudos for allowing access to everyone for free. Ultimately, I think this type of program would help the teacher not only organize their grade-books but also their time. The program is so easy to use it only takes a few minutes to figure it out. And the 10 minute video prior to even signing up allows that much more hands on help.

I also think this product would encourage kids to do better, hold them accountable and be organized. I know for myself that when I see my grades listed out in front of me I know what areas I have to concentrate on to improve. When the student knows the parent can keep track of the assignments (via the calendar) all through the semester they are now held accountable. The excuse "the dog ate my homework" would no longer be valid. This approach will encourage the parents to become more involved with the students assignments as well.

I used all the features on this program and really find it to be a helpful tool. The only downside that I can see is all students (and parents) in the class would have to have access to not only a computer but also the internet. In poorer districts this might not be the case for everyone. I think if a teacher is going to implement this type of program for one student he/she would have to make sure it was available to all. However, the program does allow the teacher to print everything out for an individual student. So I guess that would allow fairness if it was mailed home.

Another downside that maybe engrade could think about is that this does allow for Parent involvement. Not all parents speak English. I wonder if they would also have this product available so the teacher could enter everything in English but then have it automatically translated to other languages. Just a thought.

Class - July 23rd..Web 2.0, Digital Media, and more.

Tonights class was amazing. We started off watching a very inspiring video with an inventor, Johnny Lee, see my previous blog for more info inventions using the Nintendo Wii. The world needs more people like Johnny Lee.

Then we moved onto 3 groups presenting presentations from what we have leaned via an online book - Teachers Discovering Technology 5th Ed. The first presentation was from my group on chapter 5 - Digital Media and Multimedia and the differences between the two. Then we moved onto Communication Devices - chapter 3. We learned about Netiquette, IM, Email, the differences between web 2.0 and 1.0, Plurk.com, Ajax, RSS (real simple sindication), search engines, and much more. I really learned so much through this presentation. I have decided that I often take this for granted and going back to basics is a good thing. I never knew what have this stuff was until last night. In fact, just learning the difference between the internet and the world wide web (WWW) was HUGE.

We ended the night with our last group presenting chapter 6. The chapter covered foreign language and technology, sites for special ed and inexpensive or free tools online. I was impressed by the entire presentation but I will be honest I am itching to get my hands on the links to the special ed sites. I was absolutely amazed and excited at the same time.

Nice job to all the groups who presented. I truly learned so much in one night!

Ted Talks -,Nintendo WII

I had already watched a very inspiring video from TedTalks. A researcher named Johnny Lee, in a matter of six months developed very INEXPENSIVE ways the Nintendo WII can be used for education. Absolutely Amazing. Not only amazing that he developed this for educational purposes but he developed it without thinking of dollar signs for himself. In fact, he has his inventions on his website and they can be downloaded for FREE! He mentioned the short time they have been available half a million people have already downloaded them - students and teachers.

For an additional $50 in hardware the Nintendo Wii can be turned into a multi-touch screen, a headtracking device and 3D images can all be applied.

Johnny Lee also gave major props to YouTube. He pointed out the huge impact YouTube has had on teachers and students as a way to spread and share information.

I am giving major props to Johnny Lee for being sucn an inspiration to all.

Video using Animoto

I tried to create a similar video for the sense of Taste using an online program called Animoto. Check out my link to my video:

http://animoto.com/play/SBE0i0mxHnGs0qKfFIa8BA

I have to be honest. I had a harder time creating this than I did with Windows Movie Maker. Movie Maker to me was so much easier to use - user friendly. Using Animoto, I couldn't figure out how to add in text boards, or even upload my own song. So the theme of my project is left out A poem of the sense of Taste to the tune of "I'm a little teapot." If I couldn't figure this out I am not sure how an elementary student would be able to.

Another draw back to me was that I couldn't create the video it was created by Animoto. I would have preferred to be able to play around with it and manipulate it.

I am ok with the final product. I wish I had more time to play around with this more.

Video Project - Sense of TASTE

Wow, that was fun. We were asked to create a video using Windows Movie Maker OR Microsoft Photostory 3. To be quite honest, I tried downloading and using Photostory - I gave up trying to figure it out. To me is wasn't a drag and drop program. I then tried Movie Maker and had a much better experience. Very easy! In the past, I have used online programs like One True Media in the past and found Movie Maker to be comparable and simple to use.

I designed a movie around the sense of Taste. Using images, a storyline (a Taste poem) and a tune of "I'm a little teapot," I think it turned out GREAT. If you read the poem and sing the song together you will see they have the same tune.

This was a great experience for me but I also can see how it will be a great experience for kids and a great tool to be used by teachers for performance based assessment. Kids will be required to research the topic, analyze what needs to be done, they can collaborate with other students, and ultimately produce an authentic product by themselves that will be seen by others. All the while following a rubric that can be created with the students input. Creating a video is a terrific way to speak to the audio, visual, linguistic, and other elements that students can incorporate. What a great tool to use in the classroom!

To my video please click on this link: http://www.freewebs.com/hmidema/video.htm

Authentic Assessment - HAVE to watch video

You have to watch this video on You Tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW04F113nIY

Seattle public schools released a video on performance based assessment. It truly makes me want to move to Seattle! Rain and all. Seattle is shifting assessment to a performance base assessment requiring students demonstrate what they know, a mastery of skills in 5 areas:

1. Communication
2. Quantitative and scientific reasoning
3. Democracy, diversity and community stewardship
4. The arts
5. Career knowledge and life skills

With the understanding, that over there future career they will have to do a project, portfolio or demonstrate what they know.

Rubrics play an essential part in performance based assessment. It is critical for the teacher to be thorough with the criteria and deadlines of how the kids will be graded upfront. It also made sense to me to include the students in the creation process of the rubrics. They understand exactly what they need to get an A or a 4 and it keeps the kids engaged through the entire process.

Performance based instruction needs to start early in the early grades. It is a process and cannot start in 9th grade or after.

I really enjoyed this video, it made so much sense to me. In the real world I never take a paper and pencil test rather I am evaluated on my actions and what I contribute on a daily basis. Why wouldn't we do the same for our students?

1620 - teacher tube

I watched an interesting video from teacher tube called 1620. The video opened with the number stating it is not just the year the pilgrims came to N.America. It is also the average number of paper/pencil tests the average student will take from grade 1 thru 12. The video actually did the math and calculated how many tests a student will take in elementary, middle and high school. Astonishing to say the least.

It then posed a very good question: Are the tests true assessments of what students can do? Are these paper/pencil test the best way to assess what a student knows or is there a better way?

2008 - yes, it is the current year, but we know there is a better way to assess student's knowledge like authentic assessment and move beyond paper/pencil tests. We know we need to start testing them on ability versus wrote memory but yet we don't. Shame on us!

If you get a chance look up 1620 on teacher tube. Nothing we don't already know but nothing we are acting on.

Mid-semester feedback

We were asked to create a powerpoint presentation and include a reflection about what we have learned so far in the class, how we would explain this class to future students, what we would change about the class and what we liked about the class.

Here is an excerpt from my presentation:

§"So far I have had an amazing experience. My eyes are wide open to so many ways to incorporate technology into my future classroom. This class is a necessity for today’s teacher. I can’t imagine entering this profession without having learned all that I have. I know there is so much more to learn, this is just the beginning."

For the high-achiever level we had to add into the presentation audio, video or podcasts. I added in a audio from an I Love Lucy episode. Please take a moment and review my mid-semester feedback presentation. I think you might find the beginning somewhat amusing.

My webpage houses my presentation:

http://www.freewebs.com/hmidema/midsemesterfeedback.htm

Crazy for crossword puzzles

We were asked to create a crossword puzzle in two formats, one in excel and the other using a web based program. This was so much fun and made me realize how much I can see so many uses of using a stand alone program like excel in the classroom. It allows the student to focus on one format and become proficient in using that format. Sometimes less can be more. Excel is usually considered for organizing data and figuring out mathematical formulas. In lieu of a calculator students can use the auto sum features in excel. They can apply a stand-alone program like excel to their everyday lives. For instance, they can create weekly and monthly budgets using their allowance as a base, link pages and formulas together. A stand-alone program is a great hands-on tool that can be easily incorporated into the classroom curriculum.

Since excel is a hands-on and visual program it would allow kids to really see and interactive with the vocabulary words. By using excel it is no longer wrote memory but rather inspires kids to become involved.

The only thing that I would do differently is to make sure the program was free before I plugged in all of my information only to be told there was a cost. I really am glad that I was able to learn how to apply excel in a different fashion that what I am normally use to doing.

http://www.freewebs.com/hmidema/crosswordpuzzle.htm

Group 4 - Meeting 2.

Since I typed up this weeks summary of our meeting I think I can copy/paste what I summed up. We had a great meeting see below notes and comments. Looking forward to next week with the Literacy Learning Ladies.

Inquiry-based Learning.

Inquiry-based learning was our next topic of conversation. Some specific comments were:

• Keeps students engaged.
• Allows for students to discover answers themselves.
• Doesn’t give answers, it focused more on the process and creating a resolution.
• More avenues to ‘inquire’ about.
• Students have to explore outside of the given site.
• It isn’t about memorizing facts.
• Inquiry = Involvement.
• Allows students to work at a higher level of thinking.

We all agreed that humans start the inquiry process from birth and aren’t even aware they are carrying it through life.

ISD – Instructional Systems Design.

This topic started with ADDIE (analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation). It was noted that ISD is a step-by-stop evaluation of students needs.

The group noted evaluation the importance of evaluation. Evaluation at the end is critical just like when we self-evaluate our own work. It is important for students to make self-evaluations because it tells the teacher what needs to be re-focused/re-taught. It also gives the teacher clues to the students interests. Lastly, it is a great way for the student to reflect and use high-levels of thinking.

Software. the WINNER – INSPIRATION!

Software was next up. We discussed the ease and creativity of Inspiration and the lack of user-friendliness for Gliffy, Meister and others.

Constructivism.

Back to the group project. The after reviewing the assignment one more time we all came together in a collaborative effort and agreed on roles.

News on the Newsletter

I was taught another interactive way to communicate with parents (when I become a teacher). A great tool to communicate to parents with is an online newsletter. I used letterpop.com to create a mock newsletter of the five senses. I can see myself using this forum later on, lots of fun and an effective form of communication. Check out my newsletter at:

http://letterpop.com/newsletters/?id=92703-97fdc1

Wow, this YouTube Video - Connected Classroom

Connected Classroom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC928e629iM

Wow, I am blown away. I just watched this Youtube video on how the classroom has changed. It has evolved into a mutlimedia learning experience. It is no longer chalkboard/desks. The video demonstrated how the rest of the world is teaching their kids for tomorrow and not yesterday. They are teaching students to prepare for future jobs and we aren't.

I loved one of the last quotes, "Connect to your students, connect them to the world!" We have a choice, we can pretend that our students learn best by pen/paper or we can acknowledge their world has changed using multimedia and prepare them for their futures.

Instruction for Instructional Systems Design

ISD or Instructional Systems Design is the most widely used methodology for developing new training programs. It provides a step-by-step system for the evaluation of students needs, the design and development of training materials, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of the training intervention.

ISD = system + feedback.

A system is any set of components that work together to achieve a specified outcome or goal. Everything has to work together to ensure smooth developments.

ADDIE = Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation.

Analysis - the designer develops a clear understanding of the gaps between the desired outcomes or behaviors and the audience's exiting knowledge and skills.

Design phase - documents specific learning objectives, assessment instruments, exercises and contents.

Development - creation of materials.

Implementation - materials delivered or distributed to the student.

Evaluated - effectiveness of training materials.

There are several positives as well as negatives to ADDIE. But it seems like a great starting point to me and I like the Acronym. Can't wait to see how I will use this in a classroom.

AKA:
ISDD - Instructional Systems Design & Development
SAT - Systems Approach to Training
ID - Instructional Design

We inquire for inquiry.

Love this article on inquiry-based learning. The article starts off with a terrific quote,

"Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand."

Inquiry implies involvement that leads to understanding. Humans begin the inquiry process at birth and carry it through life. We are just not aware of the process.

The process of inquiring begins with gathering information information and data through applying the human senses - seeing, hearing, touching, tasting smelling.

The article states that the traditional educational system discourages kids from asking questions, instead to repeat the expected answer.

A crucial fact to inquiry is how get and make sense of data. Inquiry implies a need or what to know premise. It isn't based on seeking the right answer rather appropriate resolutions to questions and issues.

Inquiry learning can be applied to all disciplines - art, science, history, math, etc., An important outcome should be useful knowledge about the natural and human-designed worlds. How are they organized, how do they change, how do they interrelate, communicate?

Inquiry based learning is so important to students. It goes beyond wrote knowledge. It gives them the ability to think and create outside the box. To actually use the skills they just learned.

Another Mind Map - Gliffy

Oh dear lord that one was rough. I used an online service Gliffy.com and did not find it to be very user friendly. In fact, building this mind map wasn't even fun. I found Inspiration to be so helpful and just fun to work with. But here it is, very simple and very plain.

My topic was "Heather's typical Saturday". I hope you can follow the visuals and my story line. If I was using this in a classroom, I would have the kids write a story line to match the mind map.

http://www.gliffy.com/gliffy/#d=1459985&t=heather_idema_HA2

I think you have to sign onto the trial membership in Gliffy to view it. Or you can check out my web site and click on "Mind Map2".

http://www.freewebs.com/hmidema/mindmap2.htm

Mind Mapping

Using a software program called Inspiration 8 (see below link) I created a Mind Map.

http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/inspiration/index.cfm

Inspiration developed software to enhance visual learning among students. By using diagrams/outline views kids can brainstorm, create, organize and plan. They can create graphic organizers and expand topics into writing.

My Mind Map is 'all about me". My life journey, from birth until now. I couldn't figure out how to take a snapshot of it but if you click on my web site page you will see a tab called Mind Map. I hope you enjoy the visuals just as much as I enjoyed creating it!

http://www.freewebs.com/hmidema/mindmap.htm

Evaluating Websites

ok, I think I have a tendency to over complicate things. For my web site evaluation assignment I was getting too caught up in technicalities. But at the end of the day the most important thing I think I learned is to question web sites and not assume that a web site is accurate. I will now always consider the source - literally I will be checking for the sources, author, dates, validity, bias, oh so many things. My eyes are open and I will no longer assume a site is valid just because it is open in front of me.

We had to evaluate 3 sites based on a ton of criteria. I chose the following sites:

Folktales Writer’s Workshop

http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mff/folktalewshop_index.htm

Enter the world of folktales. The site displays detailed steps in the writing process of folktales to include: an explanation of a folktale and offers two to read and two to listen to, the six steps of the brainstorming process, writing and revising tips and an online publishing option. Students are also able to read other students’ (ages five to 15) published work for inspiration. Once students publish their work, there is a section entitled “Author’s Comments” in which students are given positive feedback on their work from Alma and Rafe. Alma Flor Ada and Rafe Martin are folktale writers who display their stories on this site for students to read prior to writing to gain an understanding of the folktale.

A Tale to Tell
http://schoolweb.missouri.edu/nixa.k12.mo.us/sullivan/tales/index.htm

A Tale to Tell by Marcia Sullivan is a webquest for grades 3-5. This WebQuest contains eight elements that include the Home, Introduction, Task, Process, Evaluation, Conclusion, Credits and Teacher Page. This webquest activity divides the class into groups of 4 students. The students are given a riddle to review. Then the students choose and read a Folk Tale from the numerous tales posted on four sites. Each of the folktales explores cultures from around the world. Students are then instructed to print out a chart for recording the similarities/differences and compare/contrast for each of the stories read. Using a similar style, students are asked to write a rough draft on the graphic organizer they print out and share with other group members for peer editing.

Natural Wonders of the World.
http://www.field-guides.com/sci/natwon/index.htm

A virtual field trip to the Natural Wonders of the World. Along the way, students learn about the natural formations referred to as the "Natural Wonders of the World", and how and where they formed, geography and geology and students are taken to some of the best resources available on the Web where they can research and retrieve all kinds of data about these naturally occurring wonders of nature. The home page of the virtual trip lists approximately 40 terms to learn a great way to encourage students to seek and explore new vocabulary.

Check them out when you have a moment!

Learn, unlearn, relearn tonights class

Tonights class was terrific. We started out with giving our opinion on a quote from Alvin Toffler,

The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.

My opinion went something like this,

I am on the fence. I believe it is referring to those who are unwilling to accept change- specifically with technology. If someone is not willing to learn this new media they will indeed become illiterate and will be passed over by the next and future generations. However, new medias will never negate what can be taught/learned from a book.

I enjoyed reading and listening to other's thoughts. For instance, one classmate had gave an analogy of learning and relearning to all of us learning WebCt and then having to learn Moodle. So true!

Next my group (#4) created a portrait on what we thought the 21st century student looked like. We used an acronym and pictures to reflect our image. Unfortunately I couldn't figure out how to take a snapshot of it. But our acronym was WHIZKID or

• W world wide web
• H hungry for info, hip on technology
• I Independent
• Z Zig zag through the internet
• K Knowledge
• I Info literate
• D Discovery

Great collaborative effort. We then reviewed all the groups work. Nice job done by all!

Lastly, group 1 and group 2 presented chapters 7&8. Computers and how to evaluate technology.

Great class - I am getting more and more use to this technology thing.

Discovering D.I.S.C.O.V.E.R

I found a small light at the end of the tunnel. While I have accepted the techno world. In my head I keep asking myself how the heck am I going to implement this in a classroom. After watching a video on information literacy and DISCOVER I am a little more confident in the implementation. https://campusweb.msmc.edu/moodle190/mod/resource/view.php?inpopup=true&id=3611

First, the video starts off with 'data smog' or the idea of information overkill. Information literacy is the solution to data smog. Basically it is the skills that will allow us to know what info to look for and how to organize the data efficiently and effectively. By the way, the official definition ...

Information Literacy is the ability to articulate a problem to be investigated, locate and assemble information, scrutinize gathered resources, process and apply information towards a solution, and contemplate the effectiveness of the entire process.

But wait, there is more. The technique used is DISCOVER.

• Define. What exactly are you looking for? Different search terms may turn up very different results. Try different strings.
  
• Inquire. use a variety of online resources, use journal, magazines, newspaper articles.
  
• Search. Use different search engines beyond google, like dogpile and metacrawler.
  
• Collect. Websites for further consideration - site sources (no stealing).
  
• Organize. Info based on what will help me most.
  
• Verify. Authors of websites and that the info is unbiased, reliable, truthful. Websites that end in .edu, .gov, might be more reliable than .com.
  
• Express. Publish info into a presentation or report- share my findings.
  
• Reflect. How well did the search string work? Was info current and up to date? Narrow search?

Ok, so that was very factual. Using an example of MT. Everest the video showed a hands on way to implement DISCOVER in the classroom, which was extremely beneficial!

Use the D in discover to dissect or ask the Who? What? When? Where? Why? questions. Next, define the possible search terms to the class prior to the search in a graphic organizer. Model the Inquiry process (look beyond traditional sources ie non-fiction, fiction, essays, interviews, photos, videos). Search beyond google (use dogpile and metacrawler). Collect sources. Verifying - look for contact info, home page link, date last modified, authors, advertising, extension .gov, .edu, etc). Express discovery - share. And reflect, did you find what you were looking for?

So I think what helped me most is that the video made me THINK. It made me QUESTION. Now I will go beyond google, question the validity of the information, discover new sites, source my information, check to see if material has been updated. And now I have a starting point to work with kids in the classroom.

Blog Ethics

In a blog on blog ethics the topic came up about context of linking and quoting from other sources - whether it was ethical or not? Apparently the Associated Press has attempted to get some bloggers to stop using quotes from stories. Several bloggers are upset because they feel the have a right to pull quotes from articles. On the flip side the question arises is it content used (quotes) being taken out of context and is it still journalism?

The upset bloggers feel that people who are blogging are fully aware of what they sign on to when they are on a blog site. It is not exactly factual but more opinion oriented. Any content taken from articles is used more as topic generators and allows bloggers to have their voices heard about the topic at hand. I would have to agree with the bloggers, no harm done. Journalism is always respected but so should a bloggers opinion.

Slide sharrrrrriiiinnnng

I joined slide share tonight. Pretty neat. i can upload presentations, through the presentations I can share ideas, and connect with others. I guess anyone can find presentations on topics that interest them. They can tag, download, or embed presentations into their own blogs & websites. I plan on spending a lot of time on this site, not just for this class but also professionally. Geeezzeee what will they think of next?

http://www.slideshare.net/

Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants - agree to disagree

I absolutely agree with Marc Prensky that the new generation has and are growing up with everything from computers, to video games, to video cams, cell phones, etc., In fact, they are submerged with everything technology. I also agree with him that we as Digital Immigrants need to change the way we teach in order to reach these Digital Natives aka - N- (for Net) or D - (for digital). But what saddens me is that the more we move into blogging, texting, playing video games, the further these students move away from simple, basic skills like reading a book. I know it is up to us as future educators to find that balance of the new digital world and kids learning basic skills.

The article asks a very good question: Should digital native students learn the old ways, or should digital immigrant educators learn the new? The answer is rather simplistic and is more common sense - digital natives will only move forwards and not backwards. So we better take a hands on approach and move forward with them.

The article makes a lot of sense when it refers to crossing "legacy" with "future". Meaning crossing the basics of reading, writing, math, etc with digital content. Where I do not agree 100% is that the only solution the article offers is creating games and using simulation. It suggests this approach to teach about the Holocuast. I am not so sure that this topic can be be taken so lightly and taught through a video game.

So my opinion is that I agree with the article to make a change to reach more kids but I am not so sure that the articles approach of using games is that answer. Just my two cents.

Uh-oh, we may be in trouble

Literacy Learning Ladies aka Group 4 had our first meeting tonight. We chose to stick with using Moodle for our group chat. That wasn't the problem. Once we all started talking about our group project, on chapter 5 from Teachers Discovering Technology we hit a brick wall! We are all at a loss to find the content from this chapter. Online content isn't the same as reading a hard-copy book. We aren't sure at all where it starts and where it ends. We hope after this week's Wednesday class discussion maybe we can make some headway and have so many questions answered.

On the flip side, as a group we had some really great discussions on the article Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants by Marc Prensky. I think as future educators we are all on the same page and pretty much agreed - if we are going to reach these so called digital natives then we as digital immigrants have to change. Technology is only going to move forward not backward so we really need to find innovative ways to make sure we reach all kids.

We also talked about LoTi and how other countries are so far ahead of us. Our country doesn't offer an equal balance of technology in every classroom, which is unfair and puts us behind in so many ways. But are all looking forward to the day when we can catch up to other countries and we are all looking forward to making that happen.

del.icio.us - yummy!

Ok, so I think I did this correctly. What seemed like something simple, I think I over complicated. I am not sure how I share my books marks. I believe by posting my link. I played around with some of the saved bookmarks and here is what I started with.....mostly NYS standards. I am sure as I go along with this class I will start organizing and discovering more and more web sites. It is amazing to me what people have created on the web. Del.icio.us is a great way to organize sites by content. I can see why this would be a very useful tool in the classroom. It gives kids the ability to share web sites they have researched. For instance, if a group were to research the solar system each student could be assigned a planet and then share the previously research sites by using del.icio.us. I am a crazy organizer in my personal life so anything that can help me organize on the computer is GREAT in my book!

http://del.icio.us/hmidema

LoTi Levels of Technology Implementation

When I first started to review this 55+ presentation I thought - Oh know, this is too intense. But then around board 8 something started to click. There are various levels of LoTi or Levels of Technology Implementation, levels range from 0-6. The ranges of LoTi describe how technology is implemented in the classroom crossed by Bloom's levels of Taxonomy. Meaning the higher the level of LoTi the higher the level of learning. For instance,

• Level 0: Non-Use (Implemented by 13% of NY classrooms), is the absolute lowest level or technology is non-existent in the classroom. At this level teachers often feel that they barely have time for the regular curriculum never mind trying to implement anything that is technology based.
  
• Level 1: Awareness (Implemented by 20% NY classrooms), technology is used more as a babysitter. Used more for classroom management by the teacher.
  
• Level 2: Exploration (40% of NY classrooms), at this level the kids are getting more of a hands on experience with technology. Level 2 crosses Bloom's knowledge, comprehension and application levels. The students are beginning to create powerpoint presentations, web pages and internet searches.
• Level 3: Infusion (11.3% of NY classrooms), is crossed with Bloom's analysis, synthesis and evaluation levels. Kids are now implementing the 'why's of life and finding answers.
  
• Level 4a: Integration Mechanical (7.7% of NY classrooms), emphasis is placed on student action, collaboration and issue resolution.
  
• Level 4b: Integration Routine (4.1% of NY classrooms), also focuses on student action, collaboration and issue resolution. Teachers identify and solve authentic problems, relate to an overall theme/concept use school's available technology.
  
• Level 5: Expansion (2.3%of NY classrooms), a classroom without walls. Also referred to as innovation approaching unchartered territories!
• Level 6: Refinement (1% of NY classrooms), or computer heaven! The promised land of technology in the classroom. Students and teachers have ready access to everything technology based.
  

I finally got the gist of this presentation. It all makes sense. But it saddens me that combined 3.3% of NY classrooms implement the expansion and refinement level. I wish it could be more!

I am including the link to this presentation:

http://www.learning-quest.com/LoTi/

Wiki does it!

Today has been a huge day! Not only have I created my first blog but my very first Wiki. So there isn't any content on my Wiki - yet. But there will be. More importantly I have learned what a Wiki is. Here is how I have summed it up on my website (efolio) - Simply put a Wiki is a common space or site that allows multiple users to edit, write and save without having to use email. All users has the ability to change the content on the site. A Wiki has also been described as a Pot Luck dinner, everyone has something unique and different to bring to the table.

My Wiki is a work in progress. I wanted my Wiki to be created based on something that I have a passion for - education. I have been inspired by so many educational stories I thought it would be neat to have a common spot to house the stories for others to read and share.

http://educationinspiration.wetpaint.com/

Created and Posted - blogging

Ok, so I may not be the most efficient blogger but so far I have created and now posted a few posts. Waaahhhooo - I am on my way. Pretty proud right about now. Ok, lots of reading and videos clips to catch up on.

Learning to Change and Changing to Learn

Just previewed the Learning to Change and Changing to Learn video clip on YouTube. I loved the overall message but felt like it lacked something. I am not quite sure what that something was but it didn't quite hit home for me. I understand the overall point the educators were trying to make - it is no longer a pen and pencil learning environment. The internet has so much more to offer kids nowadays in the way of education. Through social networking, cultural experiences, multi-disciplinary elements, the new classroom is online. As educators we have to not only accept these changes but also become involved. We need to offer hands on ways kids can learn through the use of technology. At the end of the day, kids aren't going to remember every fact or figure. Rather they can be better prepared for college and life in general if "WE" as educators give them the tools.

So I guess I learned more about this video than I thought and I agreed with the content. I guess I wish it had more images and not just snip-pits from various educators. Just my two cents.

First time for everything!

Well here I am. Never in a billion years did I ever think I would cross over to the tech world. Amazing and exciting at the same time. I was away this past week on vacation. So I have a lot of catching up to do for this first week. I think I will have several postings today.