Tuesday, April 8, 2008
What will the classroom look like in 5 years?
A lot of the change will depend on the budget of the individual schools. I think in some schools it will not change much, especially those with a small budget. Technology costs money, and some do not have enough in the budget to keep up with the latest. Some schools will be able to afford somewhat outdate technology, and some will be able to keep up with the latest. I definitely think that many, and hopefully most, schools will have a SmartBoard in the classrooms. It just seems like a smooth evolution from blackboards to whiteboards to projectors to SmartBoards. I know that with the way new technologies seem to become outdated so quickly, there will probably be new tools, that we have not even heard of, used in classrooms. I really cannot imagine how much the classroom will change in the next five years, but my guess is that there will be many changes, especially in the higher budget schools.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Internet Safety
Some of the Internet safety issues are, even though there are filters, X-Rated sites are still accessible. Students may also come into contact with Internet predators. Students can "bully" other students online (cyberbullying).
To help protect, schools can use filters, have students use safe search engines such as nettrekker. You can create a Database through google of the sites you want them to use. Have students work in pairs and reward them to keep each other accountable. Make sure they're supervised. There are programs where teachers can control the students Desktop and see what they are doing.
To help protect, schools can use filters, have students use safe search engines such as nettrekker. You can create a Database through google of the sites you want them to use. Have students work in pairs and reward them to keep each other accountable. Make sure they're supervised. There are programs where teachers can control the students Desktop and see what they are doing.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Inspiration Activity
I made a Last 5 Years Timeline using Inspiration software. This was perfect timing because, ironically, I have a mind map due in another class in two days and this program will work perfectly. This seems like it would be a great tool for students to learn and have fun while they're doing it. It's exciting, to me, to see all these programs that actually make learning fun.
K-12 Online Conference
I listened to the "Cell Phones as Classroom Learning Tools" presentation. While this assignment is suppossed to be a summary and what I learned, the summary and what I learned will be the same, because literally everything said in this presentation was all new to me. I don't even know how to text on my cell phone. This presentation gave specific examples of, as the title states, how to use cell phones as tools for learning and teaching.
The presenters first talked about four ways to use cell phones as tools and used free Web 2.0 resources to assist in the use of cell phones:
1. Podcasting
You can use a phone to record a podcast and download, as an MP3 file, to a website such as gadcast.com, which also allows you to automatically post the podcast to a blog.
2.Phone Conferencing
There are many free sites that allow for phone conferencing such as freeconferencepro.com, which allows you to talk to as many as two hundred people.
3.Private Voicemail
This is useful especially if you do not want to give out your personal phone number. Websites like privatephone.com allows you to set up free voicemail and gives you a local number. You can check your messages online or by phone.
4. Mobil Notetaking
There are many websites, such as jot.com tha allow you to send audio notes from your cell phone to an e-mail account.
They also gave some examples of podcasts from teachers and students.
They said that students can use phones for other things like interviews, soundclips, radio broadcasts, creating books on tape, and virtual conferencing or debates.
Cell phones can also be used as digital cameras and camcorders. Many websites such as blogger, flicker, and bubbleshare are set up for photoblogging. On bubbleshare you can even create a photo slideshow. There are also websites like ispot that allow for video posting and editing. Some ideas on how photos and video recordings would be useful is for data collection (science class), interviewing purposes, digital story books, enhanced podcasting, and public service announcements.
Teachers can also create fun project for cell phones. You can have the class make creative ring tones through phonezoo.com. They can create educational wallpaper or screensavers through picstophone.com. They can send free text messages through many online sites. They can also conduct surveys and polls with their phones through mobil.com. These options would be useful for texting unit reviews, creating fun ring tones and jingles for studying, mobil artwork, students can text current events back and forth to eachother, and also for texting school events and news.
Cell phones can also be a research tool. Most new phones come with the ability to access the internet. A phone can only access mobile ready pages, which are designated by a .mobi. One website called ready.mobi allows you to see if a website is available for a cell phone. Most search sites are mobile ready. Students can also text their librarian. A website called mobilquery.com offers free software for quick reference. Also homeworknow.com gives parents and students homework alerts.
Finally, new features are continually being updated and many are coming in the future. More software is being created for cell phones like software to turn your phone into a graphing calculator, or better access to navigation (GPS) software. They are working on cell phones having the ability to act as a all-in-one printer (scan, copy, fax). And there are some phones that can be used as a jump drive.
It is amazing how cell phone technology has increased and how useful a cell phone is now. I think some people often forget that it was originally made as a way to audiblly talk to other people, but now that is only a small feature. This presentation was very informative and gave many useful ideas for using cell phones for learning and teaching tools. The only thing I question is how practical is it to expect everyone in the class to have a phone, whether they can afford one, or even the fact that not all parents want their kids to have a phone. I think many of these ideas can apply to certain schools, but I believe that the use of phones in a class setting will increase in the future.
The presenters first talked about four ways to use cell phones as tools and used free Web 2.0 resources to assist in the use of cell phones:
1. Podcasting
You can use a phone to record a podcast and download, as an MP3 file, to a website such as gadcast.com, which also allows you to automatically post the podcast to a blog.
2.Phone Conferencing
There are many free sites that allow for phone conferencing such as freeconferencepro.com, which allows you to talk to as many as two hundred people.
3.Private Voicemail
This is useful especially if you do not want to give out your personal phone number. Websites like privatephone.com allows you to set up free voicemail and gives you a local number. You can check your messages online or by phone.
4. Mobil Notetaking
There are many websites, such as jot.com tha allow you to send audio notes from your cell phone to an e-mail account.
They also gave some examples of podcasts from teachers and students.
They said that students can use phones for other things like interviews, soundclips, radio broadcasts, creating books on tape, and virtual conferencing or debates.
Cell phones can also be used as digital cameras and camcorders. Many websites such as blogger, flicker, and bubbleshare are set up for photoblogging. On bubbleshare you can even create a photo slideshow. There are also websites like ispot that allow for video posting and editing. Some ideas on how photos and video recordings would be useful is for data collection (science class), interviewing purposes, digital story books, enhanced podcasting, and public service announcements.
Teachers can also create fun project for cell phones. You can have the class make creative ring tones through phonezoo.com. They can create educational wallpaper or screensavers through picstophone.com. They can send free text messages through many online sites. They can also conduct surveys and polls with their phones through mobil.com. These options would be useful for texting unit reviews, creating fun ring tones and jingles for studying, mobil artwork, students can text current events back and forth to eachother, and also for texting school events and news.
Cell phones can also be a research tool. Most new phones come with the ability to access the internet. A phone can only access mobile ready pages, which are designated by a .mobi. One website called ready.mobi allows you to see if a website is available for a cell phone. Most search sites are mobile ready. Students can also text their librarian. A website called mobilquery.com offers free software for quick reference. Also homeworknow.com gives parents and students homework alerts.
Finally, new features are continually being updated and many are coming in the future. More software is being created for cell phones like software to turn your phone into a graphing calculator, or better access to navigation (GPS) software. They are working on cell phones having the ability to act as a all-in-one printer (scan, copy, fax). And there are some phones that can be used as a jump drive.
It is amazing how cell phone technology has increased and how useful a cell phone is now. I think some people often forget that it was originally made as a way to audiblly talk to other people, but now that is only a small feature. This presentation was very informative and gave many useful ideas for using cell phones for learning and teaching tools. The only thing I question is how practical is it to expect everyone in the class to have a phone, whether they can afford one, or even the fact that not all parents want their kids to have a phone. I think many of these ideas can apply to certain schools, but I believe that the use of phones in a class setting will increase in the future.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Assignment #4
I found this fun and exciting lesson about the geographic spreading of the flu virus in the Flu Pandemic of 1918-1919. I have always been enamored with the movies that focus on the outbreak of a deadly airborne disease, and I'm sure many of my students will be also.
Technology has been integrated into this lesson by using the Internet for research, and using copies of blank maps found on the Internet.
One way I think technology could be strengthened would be to use a SmartBoard to help with the lesson. The lesson calls for the use of a large world map for students to locate areas that were hit by the flu. It would be great if I could put the blank map up on the SmartBoard and have the students plot the points that correspond to the different areas where the flu spread, during what times. This would allow them to watch and see where the disease spread to, while explaining how it spread at the same time. Plus it would be much more exciting then just pointing at a boring old map on the wall.
Another way technology could strengthen the lesson would be to actually incorporate clips from movies like Outbreak into the lesson to get the students a little more interested in the topic. This would help them to see how a disease spreads and also arouse their curiosity of an actual real life situation of a disease that spread very far and took many human lives.
The tools I would need to incorporate this particular lesson are computers with Internet access, books, and blank maps. I would also need to make sure Adobe Acrobat Reader was installed on the computers so that the particular blank map used could be printed out. I would also need a large map of the world. In using a SmartBoard, Obviously I would need access to a SmartBoard and all the software needed use it effectively.
Some challenges to adding this technology is the fact that every student would need a computer with Internet access. I am sure that most schools would at least have a computer lab that the class could use for this particular lesson and for researching the Flu Pandemic. But if there is not access then they would just be limited to using books and articles for research. A large map of the world should be available, but if one is not then I could draw my own map on a large paper. It would not have to be perfect, just something to get the idea across. But I don't think a scenario like that would occur.
The biggest challenge would be the use of a SmartBoard. Most schools probably will not have one, but there would probably be ways of getting one. Obviously, asking the school to supply one would be first, but would probably be rejected. Next I could look into grants in order to obtain a SmartBoard, but then it would probably take too long to actually get it if the school was approved. Another option would be to find out where a SmartBoard is located and ask to borrow it or rent it for a day.
The NETS for Students this lesson covers are:
1. Creativity and Innovation
Students would use the Internet to find information regarding the where and the how questions of the Flu Pandemic. They would then use there creativity along with the rest of their individual group's creativity to make their own map of where the Pandemic was located and where it spread. They will be creatively making there own map to illustrate the spread of the disease.
2. Communication and Collaboration
Since this is a small group activity each student will collaborate with the other students in their group in order to figure out where the Pandemic spread. They will need to work together to agree how their map will be constructed and where to plot their points.
3. Research and Information Fluency
Each student will research the Flu Pandemic with the help of the Internet, books, and articles.
4. Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving & Decision Making
The students in each group will be allowed to divide the workload evenly amongst one another. After each participant has found there research, then the group will decide how to put it all together in order to complete the project (the finished map).
5. Technology Operations and Concepts
Each student will need to understand how to access the Internet to find the research information and to go to the links for the blank maps. If available, they will also need to have a basic understanding of the SmartBoard and how to use all of the functions needed for the activity.
I think this is an exciting possibility for a lesson plan. It has me curious about doing something like this for my final presentation, using the SmartBoard. Not only does the lesson provide historical insight regarding the Flu Pandemic of 1918-1919, but it also allows the students the opportunity for a lesson on geography.
Technology has been integrated into this lesson by using the Internet for research, and using copies of blank maps found on the Internet.
One way I think technology could be strengthened would be to use a SmartBoard to help with the lesson. The lesson calls for the use of a large world map for students to locate areas that were hit by the flu. It would be great if I could put the blank map up on the SmartBoard and have the students plot the points that correspond to the different areas where the flu spread, during what times. This would allow them to watch and see where the disease spread to, while explaining how it spread at the same time. Plus it would be much more exciting then just pointing at a boring old map on the wall.
Another way technology could strengthen the lesson would be to actually incorporate clips from movies like Outbreak into the lesson to get the students a little more interested in the topic. This would help them to see how a disease spreads and also arouse their curiosity of an actual real life situation of a disease that spread very far and took many human lives.
The tools I would need to incorporate this particular lesson are computers with Internet access, books, and blank maps. I would also need to make sure Adobe Acrobat Reader was installed on the computers so that the particular blank map used could be printed out. I would also need a large map of the world. In using a SmartBoard, Obviously I would need access to a SmartBoard and all the software needed use it effectively.
Some challenges to adding this technology is the fact that every student would need a computer with Internet access. I am sure that most schools would at least have a computer lab that the class could use for this particular lesson and for researching the Flu Pandemic. But if there is not access then they would just be limited to using books and articles for research. A large map of the world should be available, but if one is not then I could draw my own map on a large paper. It would not have to be perfect, just something to get the idea across. But I don't think a scenario like that would occur.
The biggest challenge would be the use of a SmartBoard. Most schools probably will not have one, but there would probably be ways of getting one. Obviously, asking the school to supply one would be first, but would probably be rejected. Next I could look into grants in order to obtain a SmartBoard, but then it would probably take too long to actually get it if the school was approved. Another option would be to find out where a SmartBoard is located and ask to borrow it or rent it for a day.
The NETS for Students this lesson covers are:
1. Creativity and Innovation
Students would use the Internet to find information regarding the where and the how questions of the Flu Pandemic. They would then use there creativity along with the rest of their individual group's creativity to make their own map of where the Pandemic was located and where it spread. They will be creatively making there own map to illustrate the spread of the disease.
2. Communication and Collaboration
Since this is a small group activity each student will collaborate with the other students in their group in order to figure out where the Pandemic spread. They will need to work together to agree how their map will be constructed and where to plot their points.
3. Research and Information Fluency
Each student will research the Flu Pandemic with the help of the Internet, books, and articles.
4. Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving & Decision Making
The students in each group will be allowed to divide the workload evenly amongst one another. After each participant has found there research, then the group will decide how to put it all together in order to complete the project (the finished map).
5. Technology Operations and Concepts
Each student will need to understand how to access the Internet to find the research information and to go to the links for the blank maps. If available, they will also need to have a basic understanding of the SmartBoard and how to use all of the functions needed for the activity.
I think this is an exciting possibility for a lesson plan. It has me curious about doing something like this for my final presentation, using the SmartBoard. Not only does the lesson provide historical insight regarding the Flu Pandemic of 1918-1919, but it also allows the students the opportunity for a lesson on geography.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Assignment 3 preparation and thoughts (Smart Board)
Here is the link to the lesson plan I used.
This lesson will fulfil two of the NETS Standards for Students:
#4 Because it allows students to think about the answers to the questions and problems presented on the activity. They must remember specifici dates and events attatched to those dates.
#6 Because the students participate hands-on with the Smart Board. They must know how to navigate and use the various options on the Smart Board in order to access the answers to the questions.
This activity is a lesson on the League of Nations. It focuses on certain events, times, people, and places that were involved withe the L of N. In preparation I will familiarize myself with the lesson. Then I will right down each year and event linked to the date on the timeline in the lesson. The steps I will take during the presentation are: First I will explain the League of Nations. Then I will ask the students questions and they will pick a date on the timeline that answers the quetion. Next I will ask the students to put certain countries into one of two columns on the Smart Board that corresponds to whether or not the country was or was not a member of the L of N. They will then do the same activity but during a different year. Finally I will have a student place drag a magnifying glass ofer the place where the L of N was formed.
I loved this activity. Using the Smart Board is fun and I think it will be exciting for students. Not only is it a great teaching tool, but it is something that will keep the interest of the students. It provides a way to make learning fun for the students, and allows them to interact more in the classroom.
I did not make changes to the lesson plan because it had enough great information in it already. I tried to change one of the dates on the timeline because it was misprinted, but I could not figure out how to do it.
This lesson will fulfil two of the NETS Standards for Students:
#4 Because it allows students to think about the answers to the questions and problems presented on the activity. They must remember specifici dates and events attatched to those dates.
#6 Because the students participate hands-on with the Smart Board. They must know how to navigate and use the various options on the Smart Board in order to access the answers to the questions.
This activity is a lesson on the League of Nations. It focuses on certain events, times, people, and places that were involved withe the L of N. In preparation I will familiarize myself with the lesson. Then I will right down each year and event linked to the date on the timeline in the lesson. The steps I will take during the presentation are: First I will explain the League of Nations. Then I will ask the students questions and they will pick a date on the timeline that answers the quetion. Next I will ask the students to put certain countries into one of two columns on the Smart Board that corresponds to whether or not the country was or was not a member of the L of N. They will then do the same activity but during a different year. Finally I will have a student place drag a magnifying glass ofer the place where the L of N was formed.
I loved this activity. Using the Smart Board is fun and I think it will be exciting for students. Not only is it a great teaching tool, but it is something that will keep the interest of the students. It provides a way to make learning fun for the students, and allows them to interact more in the classroom.
I did not make changes to the lesson plan because it had enough great information in it already. I tried to change one of the dates on the timeline because it was misprinted, but I could not figure out how to do it.
Thoughts
It was neat to learn the different functions of using the Smart Board. I liked that you could drag the answers to their correct boxes. The timeline of events that I used was great because not only does it provide a way to quiz the students, but it adds a fun little twist of seeing the answer pop up when you touch the screen. The best part about the Smart Board is that you can do everything on it. You can set up a power point, have fun activities, and also wright anything you need to on it.
I hope in the future I will get to use the Smart Board in my classroom. Hopefully it will be a resource that most every school will be able to have, because it is such a great tool.
It was neat to learn the different functions of using the Smart Board. I liked that you could drag the answers to their correct boxes. The timeline of events that I used was great because not only does it provide a way to quiz the students, but it adds a fun little twist of seeing the answer pop up when you touch the screen. The best part about the Smart Board is that you can do everything on it. You can set up a power point, have fun activities, and also wright anything you need to on it.
I hope in the future I will get to use the Smart Board in my classroom. Hopefully it will be a resource that most every school will be able to have, because it is such a great tool.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Dr. Johnson
I can't help but to think about my favorite history prof. Dr. Johnson when I think about Technology in Education. He has the longest tenure of any prof. at NU and he still uses many of his old methods to teach. While I think technology is very important, Dr. Johnson is one example of an educator who can still affectively teach without the latest educational tools. I laugh inside when he rolls the overhead up and places his twenty-year-old clear outlines on the surface. While he does use power point in a coulpe of his classes, which he admitingly was not a fan of at first, his old methods of teaching still work. He loves his job and most students who take his courses learn a lot and enjoy the classes. For us new teachers, the use of technology is very important, but for some; you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
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