Week 12 Blog Summary/Presentation
By Heather Bennett
Thank you everyone for their great responses!
1. The “Illinois Online Network – Online Education Overview” lists many strengths and weaknesses about online learning. Keeping them in mind, how do you feel about online learning? If you have any experience with online learning, please explain the strengths and weaknesses you encountered.
Most people agreed that online classes are great depending on the type of learner. Lauren makes an excellent point when she states: “Online courses don't offer lectures to listen to so auditory learners will not benefit as much as if they were in a traditional classroom environment.” From the article and the posts, some strengths of online learning are the classes are student centered and it can be accessed anytime and anyplace. Some weaknesses are you must be computer literate and no teacher/student interaction in person.
2. In the “Illinois Online Network – Online Education Overview" find the link labeled Distance Learning Calculator. Complete the distant learning survey and calculate your results. Do you feel like you would have saved money if you completed classes online? Do you feel you would have benefited more from taking classes online or in the classroom bases on personal commitments?
This was an interesting website as it presented you with the amount of money you would save if you completed classes online. Gretchen and Theresa were the only two who answered this particular question and their results proved that they are not spending that much money to commute. However, I know there are students who travel over an hour to take classes at Cortland. In this case, it might be cheaper for them to be taking classes online but it also depends on the student and how they learn.
3. Teachers are considered lifelong learners. If online classes were FREE, do you think you would enroll in classes to further your education and learn new ideas you could incorporate into your classroom. What features/elements would you expect from the course to assist you as a learner?
Everyone agreed for the most part that they would participate in taking more classes online for FREE. Amy made a good point about when there is a free lecture on campus or in the community, how many times do we actually drop what we are doing and go? Most of the time, we don’t. I think this all depends on if you’re interested in the topic at hand or not. More than likely, if you are interested in the online class being offered and feel you can benefit from it, I think people would take it.
4. In the YouTube video titled "E-Teaching", how does the teacher connect with his students and allow them to express their ideas and thoughts using technology? He also states “the internet is used for a means to provide more opportunities for students”. Do you agree with this? Explain.
I think most thought this video was interesting. Cory and Jessica both commented on the quote Andrew Mercer uses, "give student the skills and the encouragement.” It is important to give student encouragement so they feel like they can accomplish a goal and feel good about it. Distant learning is definitely a new thing!
5. After watching the YouTube video titled “Voices from the New American Schoolhouse”, do you think this type of school would be for everyone? What did you like about it? What didn’t you like about it? Do you think they would benefit from more technology? How do you feel these students would do if the class was presented online?
This video was also very interesting and many of you agreed by the comments on your blogs. We all agreed that it takes a special student to benefit from this type of school. It definitely was an eye opener.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Week 11 Blog Summary: eLearning
By: Theresa Conklin
1. Based on the articles you read, what is your definition of eLearning? Have you seen
eLearning used in the educational setting and if so how?
After reading many definitions of eLearning there seemed to be a consensus that there is no SINGLE definition of eLearning. It means different things to different people. However, for the most part we agreed that eLearning involves learning through the computer and for the most part via the internet in many cases. Amy pointed out that she had not really seen eLearning in the classroom because many school districts are not able to afford eLearning programs and also that there is a lack of training available for teachers. However, eLearning programs are becoming increasingly more popular and available for free on the internet, which is HUGE for schools that would otherwise not be able to afford to purchase them!Many other people said that they had seen eLearning used in the classroom and had in fact had experience using it themselves. Amy also mentioned that she would love to see free online workshops to instruct teachers on how to use eLearning in the classroom. If it is not already available on line, I am sure it will be something to come in the future because it is becoming increasingly important for teachers to be able to engage with technology in the 21st century!
2. What are some benefits of eLearning? What are some disadvantages of eLearning?
It became clear from our class blog that there are obvious advantages and disadvantages of eLearning in the classroom and that teachers need to weigh these before integrating eLearning into the classroom. Some of the advantages mentioned are: flexibility, convenience and ability to work at any location where there is an internet connection and at one's own pace. eLearning allows the learner to control what, how, and how fast they learn about a topic. Many focused on the advantages and disadvantages of online courses, with the advantages being the ability to work at one's own pace and at a time when your schedule allows instead of having to attend class at a certain time and place. Also, Gretchen pointed out that eLearning allows you to communicate and collaborate online with your classmates and/or teachers from different locations and with the advent of the wiki and specifically web 2.0 actually be working simultaneously on a project when you are actually very far from each other! One disadvantage that was sited by Lauren and many others was the lack of interaction and the feeling of isolation that can result from online courses. Also, another disadvantage that Heather pointed out was the possiblilties of mis communication that can happen because you are not talking in person or when technology does not work as it should and you miss an email or recieve the wrong info.
3. what are some examples of eLearning and would you use eLearning in your classroom?
After reading the eLearning articles and exploring some show cases it became clear that most of us will be considering how to use eLearning in our classrooms to engage our students. However, many often expressed the very important fact that we as teachers need to carefully review the eLearning tools that we decide to use in our classrooms to make sure they are age appropriate and that they serve an educational purpose of either introducing a topic in an engaging way, scaffolding student learning, or reviewing concepts already taught! eLearning could best be used to either scaffold learning of a certain topic so that students could work at their own pace or to support classroom lessons that a teacher had taught as a way of reviewing and reinforcing concepts.
4. After exploring the eLearning for kids website under tidbits on our schedule do you think this
is a useful tool to use in the classroom? If so how would you use it and are they any specific
courses you viewed that you thought you might consider using?
This site would be useful to teachers as long as they reviewed the eLearning videos and/or activities well before they used them. After reviewing them it was obvious that some were poorly made and had little or no educational value. However there were many others that would be very useful in the classroom. Heather found a course involving calculating with fractions that she is considering useing... http://www.e-learningforkids.org/courses.html#math I too would consider using the eLearning in my classroom and actually I have had experience with an online program called Brain Pop http://www.brainpop.com/ which covers a wide range of topics by way of engaging video clips that kids love!
5. What do you think of the free education that is portrayed in the article "Get an MIT or Yail
Education Free" from under tidbits? Are there any benefits of this for professors and/or
students?
Lauren pointed out that one big advantage of lectures being available online is the flexibility that it offers students. For example, students can choose to review a lecture in a way that best suits their learning style. Meaning auditory learners could choose to listen to it and visual learners could choose to read it. However, it was also pointed out that eLearning might be a huge disadvantage for textile learners who learn best through hands on activities. I would like to point out that eLearning should NEVER replace actual hands on and interactive learning. It should be used to scaffold, support and review hands on learning! Neal pointed out that free online courses offer a huge advantage to high school students. They allow high school students to go online and get a glimpse of what a college course looks and feels like. They also offer the opportunity for students to get an idea of the kinds of topics that they will learn about in their college courses and how they will be presented. One final advantage is that free online courses could be used by high school teachers to encourage their advanced students to further their learning while they are still in high school either just for their own knowledge or to prepare them for up coming college!
6. After exploring the Adobe eLearning site with its tools and related video what do you think
the implications of eLearning are for higher education?
The Adobe eLearning site and related video showed just how flexible learning via the internet truly is. If you have a question with just a click of the mouse you can get an answer. This technology is a great asset in helping students and teachers collaborate and share information. It also showed how engaging and close to real life different kinds of eLearning can be, especially for the medical field. The medical field is evolving every second and eLearning is almost invaluable tool to help teachers, students and doctors cope with the quickly changing realm of medical knowledge. Medical eLearning programs even allow med students to simulate real operations online to master them before applying them in a real life setting!
7. After exploring the eLearning showcase under tidbits and looking at some examples of
eLearning do you think that these could be useful tools for higher education? Pick one and
explain how it could be used.
Heather pointed out that eLearning online lectures, such as the ones from Gresham College would be useful tools for higher education students who either missed class or who just wanted more detailed notes. She also pointed out that many lectures are now being put out in podcast form such as iTunes University so that students can listen to them on their ipods, which we all know is basically embedded in the ear of most college students! It was also pointed out that eLearning online lectures can be a great tool for professors because if they are teaching a topic to their students and their students just are not getting it, they might be able to find a lecture online that presents the topic in a different way which might be better tailored to their students learning styles. With eLearning the possibilities in the field of education are becoming increasingly endless! I believe that eLearning is going to play a big role in getting the students of the 21st century and beyond engaged in their own learning!
By: Theresa Conklin
1. Based on the articles you read, what is your definition of eLearning? Have you seen
eLearning used in the educational setting and if so how?
After reading many definitions of eLearning there seemed to be a consensus that there is no SINGLE definition of eLearning. It means different things to different people. However, for the most part we agreed that eLearning involves learning through the computer and for the most part via the internet in many cases. Amy pointed out that she had not really seen eLearning in the classroom because many school districts are not able to afford eLearning programs and also that there is a lack of training available for teachers. However, eLearning programs are becoming increasingly more popular and available for free on the internet, which is HUGE for schools that would otherwise not be able to afford to purchase them!Many other people said that they had seen eLearning used in the classroom and had in fact had experience using it themselves. Amy also mentioned that she would love to see free online workshops to instruct teachers on how to use eLearning in the classroom. If it is not already available on line, I am sure it will be something to come in the future because it is becoming increasingly important for teachers to be able to engage with technology in the 21st century!
2. What are some benefits of eLearning? What are some disadvantages of eLearning?
It became clear from our class blog that there are obvious advantages and disadvantages of eLearning in the classroom and that teachers need to weigh these before integrating eLearning into the classroom. Some of the advantages mentioned are: flexibility, convenience and ability to work at any location where there is an internet connection and at one's own pace. eLearning allows the learner to control what, how, and how fast they learn about a topic. Many focused on the advantages and disadvantages of online courses, with the advantages being the ability to work at one's own pace and at a time when your schedule allows instead of having to attend class at a certain time and place. Also, Gretchen pointed out that eLearning allows you to communicate and collaborate online with your classmates and/or teachers from different locations and with the advent of the wiki and specifically web 2.0 actually be working simultaneously on a project when you are actually very far from each other! One disadvantage that was sited by Lauren and many others was the lack of interaction and the feeling of isolation that can result from online courses. Also, another disadvantage that Heather pointed out was the possiblilties of mis communication that can happen because you are not talking in person or when technology does not work as it should and you miss an email or recieve the wrong info.
3. what are some examples of eLearning and would you use eLearning in your classroom?
After reading the eLearning articles and exploring some show cases it became clear that most of us will be considering how to use eLearning in our classrooms to engage our students. However, many often expressed the very important fact that we as teachers need to carefully review the eLearning tools that we decide to use in our classrooms to make sure they are age appropriate and that they serve an educational purpose of either introducing a topic in an engaging way, scaffolding student learning, or reviewing concepts already taught! eLearning could best be used to either scaffold learning of a certain topic so that students could work at their own pace or to support classroom lessons that a teacher had taught as a way of reviewing and reinforcing concepts.
4. After exploring the eLearning for kids website under tidbits on our schedule do you think this
is a useful tool to use in the classroom? If so how would you use it and are they any specific
courses you viewed that you thought you might consider using?
This site would be useful to teachers as long as they reviewed the eLearning videos and/or activities well before they used them. After reviewing them it was obvious that some were poorly made and had little or no educational value. However there were many others that would be very useful in the classroom. Heather found a course involving calculating with fractions that she is considering useing... http://www.e-learningforkids.org/courses.html#math I too would consider using the eLearning in my classroom and actually I have had experience with an online program called Brain Pop http://www.brainpop.com/ which covers a wide range of topics by way of engaging video clips that kids love!
5. What do you think of the free education that is portrayed in the article "Get an MIT or Yail
Education Free" from under tidbits? Are there any benefits of this for professors and/or
students?
Lauren pointed out that one big advantage of lectures being available online is the flexibility that it offers students. For example, students can choose to review a lecture in a way that best suits their learning style. Meaning auditory learners could choose to listen to it and visual learners could choose to read it. However, it was also pointed out that eLearning might be a huge disadvantage for textile learners who learn best through hands on activities. I would like to point out that eLearning should NEVER replace actual hands on and interactive learning. It should be used to scaffold, support and review hands on learning! Neal pointed out that free online courses offer a huge advantage to high school students. They allow high school students to go online and get a glimpse of what a college course looks and feels like. They also offer the opportunity for students to get an idea of the kinds of topics that they will learn about in their college courses and how they will be presented. One final advantage is that free online courses could be used by high school teachers to encourage their advanced students to further their learning while they are still in high school either just for their own knowledge or to prepare them for up coming college!
6. After exploring the Adobe eLearning site with its tools and related video what do you think
the implications of eLearning are for higher education?
The Adobe eLearning site and related video showed just how flexible learning via the internet truly is. If you have a question with just a click of the mouse you can get an answer. This technology is a great asset in helping students and teachers collaborate and share information. It also showed how engaging and close to real life different kinds of eLearning can be, especially for the medical field. The medical field is evolving every second and eLearning is almost invaluable tool to help teachers, students and doctors cope with the quickly changing realm of medical knowledge. Medical eLearning programs even allow med students to simulate real operations online to master them before applying them in a real life setting!
7. After exploring the eLearning showcase under tidbits and looking at some examples of
eLearning do you think that these could be useful tools for higher education? Pick one and
explain how it could be used.
Heather pointed out that eLearning online lectures, such as the ones from Gresham College would be useful tools for higher education students who either missed class or who just wanted more detailed notes. She also pointed out that many lectures are now being put out in podcast form such as iTunes University so that students can listen to them on their ipods, which we all know is basically embedded in the ear of most college students! It was also pointed out that eLearning online lectures can be a great tool for professors because if they are teaching a topic to their students and their students just are not getting it, they might be able to find a lecture online that presents the topic in a different way which might be better tailored to their students learning styles. With eLearning the possibilities in the field of education are becoming increasingly endless! I believe that eLearning is going to play a big role in getting the students of the 21st century and beyond engaged in their own learning!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Week 12 Explosion of Online Programs, Universities, Courses, Reports, Emergence of Blended learning
Here are the questions for this week. If you have any questions feel free to ask:
1. The “Illinois Online Network – Online Education Overview” lists many strengths and weaknesses about online learning. Keeping them in mind, how do you feel about online learning? If you have any experience with online learning, please explain the strengths and weaknesses you encountered.
2. In the “Illinois Online Network – Online Education Overview" find the link labeled Distance Learning Calculator. Complete the distant learning survey and calculate your results. Do you feel like you would have saved money if you completed classes online? Do you feel you would have benefited more from taking classes online or in the classroom bases on personal commitments?
3. Teachers are considered lifelong learners. If online classes were FREE, do you think you would enroll in classes to further your education and learn new ideas you could incorporate into your classroom. What features/elements would you expect from the course to assist you as a learner?
4. In the YouTube video titled "E-Teaching", how does the teacher connect with his students and allow them to express their ideas and thoughts using technology? He also states “the internet is used for a means to provide more opportunities for students”. Do you agree with this? Explain.
5. After watching the YouTube video titled “Voices from the New American Schoolhouse”, do you think this type of school would be for everyone? What did you like about it? What didn’t you like about it? Do you think they would benefit from more technology? How do you feel these students would do if the class was presented online?
1. The “Illinois Online Network – Online Education Overview” lists many strengths and weaknesses about online learning. Keeping them in mind, how do you feel about online learning? If you have any experience with online learning, please explain the strengths and weaknesses you encountered.
2. In the “Illinois Online Network – Online Education Overview" find the link labeled Distance Learning Calculator. Complete the distant learning survey and calculate your results. Do you feel like you would have saved money if you completed classes online? Do you feel you would have benefited more from taking classes online or in the classroom bases on personal commitments?
3. Teachers are considered lifelong learners. If online classes were FREE, do you think you would enroll in classes to further your education and learn new ideas you could incorporate into your classroom. What features/elements would you expect from the course to assist you as a learner?
4. In the YouTube video titled "E-Teaching", how does the teacher connect with his students and allow them to express their ideas and thoughts using technology? He also states “the internet is used for a means to provide more opportunities for students”. Do you agree with this? Explain.
5. After watching the YouTube video titled “Voices from the New American Schoolhouse”, do you think this type of school would be for everyone? What did you like about it? What didn’t you like about it? Do you think they would benefit from more technology? How do you feel these students would do if the class was presented online?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Summary of Week 10: Free and Open Resources
Thank you all for the thoughtful responses! :)
1. A definition of an open source can be found on the Open Source Initiative Homepage. What open resources (if any) have you used in your classroom? If you do not have your own classroom, have you witnessed open resources being used?
There were several examples of open resources being used: wikipedia, firefox, blog, Lesson Planz, and several lesson plan pages where teachers can share ideas and collaborate.
2. Under The Free Software Definition on the GNU Operating System website it says that “A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms. Thus, you [should] be free to redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to anyone anywhere. Being free to do these things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay for permission.” Thinking about the word [should], what types of problems do you think can occur when copying/redistributing information?
We had some thoughtful responses to this question. One of the topics that came up is who gets the "glory" for the end result? We agreed that with so many people working on the projects its hard to figure out where it originated. That is also where the idea that citing sources and awknowledging all participants comes along. I think we can all agree that although some open resources require no "citing" it is important to do so in all of your work.
3. The article written by Sally Johnstone, Open Educational Resources Serve the World, states that “A major reason for sharing resources created for local communities is individuals’ desire to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Other reasons relate to institutional goals and benefits.” In your own experience, what is the reasoning for using an open resource? Was it to help out those that are less fortunate within your school or community? Or was the source you used a great source that just happened to be an open resource?
A lot of people that responded to this stated that they have used open resources/saw open resources being used in the classroom. Some of you didn't even realize that some of the resources that you were using were considered an "open resource" but that you would continue to use them. Amy and a couple others said they used open resources for the basic fact that they were a great resource- like a great youtube clip, etc.
4. The same article written by S. Johnstone talks about the “Connexions” project, which was created by Richard Baraniuk and his colleagues at Rice University. Do you find any of the Connexion material modules for secondary-school teachers useful? Could you use these modules in your own teaching? Why or why not?
Most of the people responding to this question felt that the modules could be very useful. Theresa brought up the idea that they would be very beneficial for even elementary teachers as it would be great to have a place to share lessons and ideas. Most people agreed in that having a place for teachers to go and share information would be wonderul and they would use the modules if available. Most agreed that it is always great when teachers are sharing and collaborating.
5. The essay written by Nikola Bezroukov titled Open Source SoftwareDevelopment as a Special Type of Academic Research (Critique of VulgarRaymondism) was written to "...forewarn open source developers about theproblems of working on open source projects, and reduce some of thefrustrations." What problems did Bezroukov discuss? Do you agree with him,or do you feel that he was too critical about open sources?
Several of you agreed that there are "problems" with open resources that still need to be worked out, but that they should not be taken away because they are still very beneficial. Gretchan stated that just like any other internet source, free and open resources has glitches, but they can be worked out. We agree that there are glitches and problems that can occur- but like any internet source they can be worked out.
1. A definition of an open source can be found on the Open Source Initiative Homepage. What open resources (if any) have you used in your classroom? If you do not have your own classroom, have you witnessed open resources being used?
There were several examples of open resources being used: wikipedia, firefox, blog, Lesson Planz, and several lesson plan pages where teachers can share ideas and collaborate.
2. Under The Free Software Definition on the GNU Operating System website it says that “A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms. Thus, you [should] be free to redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to anyone anywhere. Being free to do these things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay for permission.” Thinking about the word [should], what types of problems do you think can occur when copying/redistributing information?
We had some thoughtful responses to this question. One of the topics that came up is who gets the "glory" for the end result? We agreed that with so many people working on the projects its hard to figure out where it originated. That is also where the idea that citing sources and awknowledging all participants comes along. I think we can all agree that although some open resources require no "citing" it is important to do so in all of your work.
3. The article written by Sally Johnstone, Open Educational Resources Serve the World, states that “A major reason for sharing resources created for local communities is individuals’ desire to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Other reasons relate to institutional goals and benefits.” In your own experience, what is the reasoning for using an open resource? Was it to help out those that are less fortunate within your school or community? Or was the source you used a great source that just happened to be an open resource?
A lot of people that responded to this stated that they have used open resources/saw open resources being used in the classroom. Some of you didn't even realize that some of the resources that you were using were considered an "open resource" but that you would continue to use them. Amy and a couple others said they used open resources for the basic fact that they were a great resource- like a great youtube clip, etc.
4. The same article written by S. Johnstone talks about the “Connexions” project, which was created by Richard Baraniuk and his colleagues at Rice University. Do you find any of the Connexion material modules for secondary-school teachers useful? Could you use these modules in your own teaching? Why or why not?
Most of the people responding to this question felt that the modules could be very useful. Theresa brought up the idea that they would be very beneficial for even elementary teachers as it would be great to have a place to share lessons and ideas. Most people agreed in that having a place for teachers to go and share information would be wonderul and they would use the modules if available. Most agreed that it is always great when teachers are sharing and collaborating.
5. The essay written by Nikola Bezroukov titled Open Source SoftwareDevelopment as a Special Type of Academic Research (Critique of VulgarRaymondism) was written to "...forewarn open source developers about theproblems of working on open source projects, and reduce some of thefrustrations." What problems did Bezroukov discuss? Do you agree with him,or do you feel that he was too critical about open sources?
Several of you agreed that there are "problems" with open resources that still need to be worked out, but that they should not be taken away because they are still very beneficial. Gretchan stated that just like any other internet source, free and open resources has glitches, but they can be worked out. We agree that there are glitches and problems that can occur- but like any internet source they can be worked out.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Week 11 What is eLearning?
Here are the questions for this week. Don't feel that you have to answer them all. If you have any questions feel free to ask:
1. Based on the articles you read, what is your definition of eLearning? Have you seen eLearning used in the educational setting and if so how?
2. What are some benefits of eLearning? What are some disadvantages of eLearning?
3. What are some examples of eLearning and would you use eLearning in your classroom?
4. After exploring the eLearning for kids website under tidbits on our schedule do you think this is a useful tool to use in the classroom? If so how would you use it and are there any specific courses your viewed that you thought you might consider using?
5. What do you think of the free education that is portrayed in the article "Get and MIT or Yail Education Free" from under tidbits? Are there any benefits of this for professors and/or students?
6. After exploring the Adobe eLearning site with its tools and related video what do you think the implications of eLearning are for higher education?
7. After exploring the eLearning showcase under tidbits and looking at some examples of eLearning do you think that these could be useful tools for higher education? Pick one and explain how it could be used?
1. Based on the articles you read, what is your definition of eLearning? Have you seen eLearning used in the educational setting and if so how?
2. What are some benefits of eLearning? What are some disadvantages of eLearning?
3. What are some examples of eLearning and would you use eLearning in your classroom?
4. After exploring the eLearning for kids website under tidbits on our schedule do you think this is a useful tool to use in the classroom? If so how would you use it and are there any specific courses your viewed that you thought you might consider using?
5. What do you think of the free education that is portrayed in the article "Get and MIT or Yail Education Free" from under tidbits? Are there any benefits of this for professors and/or students?
6. After exploring the Adobe eLearning site with its tools and related video what do you think the implications of eLearning are for higher education?
7. After exploring the eLearning showcase under tidbits and looking at some examples of eLearning do you think that these could be useful tools for higher education? Pick one and explain how it could be used?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Free and Open Educational Resources
Here are the questions for this weeks discussions! Hopefully we all have a better idea now what exactly a "free/open resource is."
1. A definition of an open source can be found on the Open Source Initiative Homepage. What open resources (if any) have you used in your classroom? If you do not have your own classroom, have you witnessed open resources being used?
2. Under The Free Software Definition on the GNU Operating System website it says that “A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms. Thus, you [should] be free to redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to anyone anywhere. Being free to do these things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay for permission.” Thinking about the word [should], what types of problems do you think can occur when copying/redistributing information?
3. The article written by Sally Johnstone, Open Educational Resources Serve the World, states that “A major reason for sharing resources created for local communities is individuals’ desire to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Other reasons relate to institutional goals and benefits.” In your own experience, what is the reasoning for using an open resource? Was it to help out those that are less fortunate within your school or community? Or was the source you used a great source that just happened to be an open resource?
4. The same article written by S. Johnstone talks about the “Connexions” project, which was created by Richard Baraniuk and his colleagues at Rice University. Do you find any of the Connexion material modules for secondary-school teachers useful? Could you use these modules in your own teaching? Why or why not?
5. The essay written by Nikola Bezroukov titled Open Source SoftwareDevelopment as a Special Type of Academic Research (Critique of VulgarRaymondism) was written to "...forewarn open source developers about theproblems of working on open source projects, and reduce some of thefrustrations." What problems did Bezroukov discuss? Do you agree with him,or do you feel that he was too critical about open sources?
1. A definition of an open source can be found on the Open Source Initiative Homepage. What open resources (if any) have you used in your classroom? If you do not have your own classroom, have you witnessed open resources being used?
2. Under The Free Software Definition on the GNU Operating System website it says that “A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms. Thus, you [should] be free to redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to anyone anywhere. Being free to do these things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay for permission.” Thinking about the word [should], what types of problems do you think can occur when copying/redistributing information?
3. The article written by Sally Johnstone, Open Educational Resources Serve the World, states that “A major reason for sharing resources created for local communities is individuals’ desire to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Other reasons relate to institutional goals and benefits.” In your own experience, what is the reasoning for using an open resource? Was it to help out those that are less fortunate within your school or community? Or was the source you used a great source that just happened to be an open resource?
4. The same article written by S. Johnstone talks about the “Connexions” project, which was created by Richard Baraniuk and his colleagues at Rice University. Do you find any of the Connexion material modules for secondary-school teachers useful? Could you use these modules in your own teaching? Why or why not?
5. The essay written by Nikola Bezroukov titled Open Source SoftwareDevelopment as a Special Type of Academic Research (Critique of VulgarRaymondism) was written to "...forewarn open source developers about theproblems of working on open source projects, and reduce some of thefrustrations." What problems did Bezroukov discuss? Do you agree with him,or do you feel that he was too critical about open sources?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday October 21, 2008 Week 8 By neal Prince
Week 8 Summary by Neal Prince
Thank You everyone for this weeks postings. This weeks readings were difficult in terms of the topic "open sources". It is a term that is new to me as well as everyone that read the assignment and has blogged. It seems to me that everyone agrees that open sources is not applicable to work with in a K-12 setting. I agree with Lori and Theresa in saying that as educators using open sources even as as project can be quite difficult. If open sources are to be used to create software, a teacher that is up-to-date on his/her technology would seem lost. As Lori, Cori, Theresa and others have pointed out, open sources seem to be for computer engineers and whiz kids. as far as public edu K-12 we are not there yet. Speaking of public education(K-12), is a district going to invest in open software with so much uncertainty? Have the bugs and kinks been hammered out to prevent crashing and constant failing? Almost all of you saw more negatives than positives when dealing with open software. I agree with the majority in saying there is just too many negatives when it comes to open software. One of the negatives as Kathryn has pointed out is that in an open source everyone gets to contribute to the project or the creation of software. The"Community infrastructure is the particular licensing strategy for the Project" as Kapor cites. This is very uneasy for me because I feel that anyone that would like to contribute to the project has to be trained which takes time, effort and patients on both sides of the party. Open sources is a totally new concept to me as well as others. I don't see open sources being talked about and practiced on a wide scale for a long time. There are just too many uncertainty's that comes with this concept.
Here are the questions for this weeks blog. Remember you don't have to answer all questions.
Thank You everyone for this weeks postings. This weeks readings were difficult in terms of the topic "open sources". It is a term that is new to me as well as everyone that read the assignment and has blogged. It seems to me that everyone agrees that open sources is not applicable to work with in a K-12 setting. I agree with Lori and Theresa in saying that as educators using open sources even as as project can be quite difficult. If open sources are to be used to create software, a teacher that is up-to-date on his/her technology would seem lost. As Lori, Cori, Theresa and others have pointed out, open sources seem to be for computer engineers and whiz kids. as far as public edu K-12 we are not there yet. Speaking of public education(K-12), is a district going to invest in open software with so much uncertainty? Have the bugs and kinks been hammered out to prevent crashing and constant failing? Almost all of you saw more negatives than positives when dealing with open software. I agree with the majority in saying there is just too many negatives when it comes to open software. One of the negatives as Kathryn has pointed out is that in an open source everyone gets to contribute to the project or the creation of software. The"Community infrastructure is the particular licensing strategy for the Project" as Kapor cites. This is very uneasy for me because I feel that anyone that would like to contribute to the project has to be trained which takes time, effort and patients on both sides of the party. Open sources is a totally new concept to me as well as others. I don't see open sources being talked about and practiced on a wide scale for a long time. There are just too many uncertainty's that comes with this concept.
Here are the questions for this weeks blog. Remember you don't have to answer all questions.
- According to Mitchell Kapor, what is open source software? Give some examples that Kapor describes in his article.
- What are some positives and negatives of an open source project?
- If you were to consider an open source project what will be some important questions you would like to know? Do you find your questions similar to Kapor’s? How?
- In Brad Wheeler’s article Open Source 2007, he states that they are two scenarios: #1 Open source becomes mainstream and #2 few open source application matter. After reading both scenarios which view do you agree with? Why?
- After reading Kapor’s and Wheelers articles, do you see open source in public schools in the near future? What are the negatives? What are the positives, if any?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Week 7 Summary/ Presentation By: Corey Hayden and Cristine Cowan
1.)Think about what you are doing in the classroom with your students: What projects are they working on? What resources are they using? What tools are being used? Is technology use transparent and varied?
-very few people responded to this question, actually only one of you did. Audrey said that in her school and in her class (1st grade) very little if any technology is being integrated. Her room looks more like an art room than anything else.
2.) Many teachers have started to experiment with blogs. How could you use blogs in your classroom?
- 5 people touched on this question in their posts. Most people feel that incorporating a blog into the classroom could be very beneficial for teachers, parents and students. Lori said that having a blog could eliminate possible excuses such as "my dog ate it". Also many of you feel that a possible "online journal" could be an effective use of the blog. Overall, we feel that blogging could be a positive thing.
3/4.) In the articles A ”Fantastic Super” Use of Technology: Closing the Digital Divide, and Sherman Oaks School: Seamless Integration of Technology examples are given on how to integrate technology into the curriculum. How could you use these ideas to integrate technology into the classroom?
Do you agree or disagree with the statement, technology integration is important? Provide examples why you agree or disagree.
- About 5 people commented on these two questions, however, most of the questions deal with technology in one way or another, so these questions are quite broad. There is pretty much a consensus that integrating technology into classrooms is very important. our world is changing, and in order for teachers and students to "keep up" we need to stay current and learn the new technologies of the day such as blogging and emailing... Gretchen says that the more technology that is used, the more fun is had by all
5.) There are plenty of examples of how various electronic media can help students achieve more. This can be seen most dramatically in the ways that assistive technologies empower students with disabilities, allowing them to contribute in ways never before possible. What technological opportunities can you provide students with disabilities?
- No one posted on this particular question, so maybe next time we could tak more about ways to incorporate technology into teaching our learning disabled students...
6.) At Mary Scroggs Elementary and Sherman Oaks, the “teachers are treated like professionals”. Explain the importance of teacher morale in the education process. Also explain the benefits/downfalls of teacher collaboration within a school/community.
- Four of you posted on teacher morale/collaboration. The consensus seems to be that a happy, much appreciated teacher is going to be an effective teacher. And an unhappy, underappreciated teacher is going to be much less effective. Those of you who posted feel as though teacher collaboration is also very important. Letting each other know what is going on in class or with a particular student can be very helpful for teachers throughout the day. Collaborating with other teachers is also important so that students do not get overloaded. many of you said that teacher collaboration in your own personal experiences has benn nothing but helpful..
7.) When integrating technology into the classroom, is there a grade level/age at which time the use of computers is too advanced? Why might other methods be appropriate?
- Heather and Theresa agree that technology integration has no bounds. They feel as though using computers at a very young age is appropriate even as young as 2-3 yrs old. Building for the future is one of the primary justifications for incorporating technology into younger childrens lives. Lauren, however, feels as though computers should be introduced around second or third grade. Before then, she thinks that students should be learning the "basics" so that when it is time to use more technology, they will be that much more prepared. So there is mixed feelings about this question. It could certainly be seen both ways, some want to use the technology at a young age, others feel it is best to wait...
8.) At Sherman Oaks School, Email has been one of the aspects that has changed the way the school functions. In your experience in the classroom, how has the use of email made life easier on educators? Explain your answer.
-Just about everyone had something to say about the use of e-mail within schools, and just about everyone was all for it. The use of email makes things easier on parents, teachers and students alike. Teachers can email home without having to worry about sending a note with the student, teachers can email amongst each other to plan projects or give updats on students or meetings. Using email also eliminates a lot or paper usage, and wasted time trying to hook up with a parent or administrator over the phone. Amy does raise a good point on the possible downfalss of using email. Teachers could be irresponsilbe and waste class time emailing friends. Therefore, the consensus seems to be that if used appropriately by teachers and students alike, Email is a very benficial and useful tool to implement into schools and classrooms...
-very few people responded to this question, actually only one of you did. Audrey said that in her school and in her class (1st grade) very little if any technology is being integrated. Her room looks more like an art room than anything else.
2.) Many teachers have started to experiment with blogs. How could you use blogs in your classroom?
- 5 people touched on this question in their posts. Most people feel that incorporating a blog into the classroom could be very beneficial for teachers, parents and students. Lori said that having a blog could eliminate possible excuses such as "my dog ate it". Also many of you feel that a possible "online journal" could be an effective use of the blog. Overall, we feel that blogging could be a positive thing.
3/4.) In the articles A ”Fantastic Super” Use of Technology: Closing the Digital Divide, and Sherman Oaks School: Seamless Integration of Technology examples are given on how to integrate technology into the curriculum. How could you use these ideas to integrate technology into the classroom?
Do you agree or disagree with the statement, technology integration is important? Provide examples why you agree or disagree.
- About 5 people commented on these two questions, however, most of the questions deal with technology in one way or another, so these questions are quite broad. There is pretty much a consensus that integrating technology into classrooms is very important. our world is changing, and in order for teachers and students to "keep up" we need to stay current and learn the new technologies of the day such as blogging and emailing... Gretchen says that the more technology that is used, the more fun is had by all
5.) There are plenty of examples of how various electronic media can help students achieve more. This can be seen most dramatically in the ways that assistive technologies empower students with disabilities, allowing them to contribute in ways never before possible. What technological opportunities can you provide students with disabilities?
- No one posted on this particular question, so maybe next time we could tak more about ways to incorporate technology into teaching our learning disabled students...
6.) At Mary Scroggs Elementary and Sherman Oaks, the “teachers are treated like professionals”. Explain the importance of teacher morale in the education process. Also explain the benefits/downfalls of teacher collaboration within a school/community.
- Four of you posted on teacher morale/collaboration. The consensus seems to be that a happy, much appreciated teacher is going to be an effective teacher. And an unhappy, underappreciated teacher is going to be much less effective. Those of you who posted feel as though teacher collaboration is also very important. Letting each other know what is going on in class or with a particular student can be very helpful for teachers throughout the day. Collaborating with other teachers is also important so that students do not get overloaded. many of you said that teacher collaboration in your own personal experiences has benn nothing but helpful..
7.) When integrating technology into the classroom, is there a grade level/age at which time the use of computers is too advanced? Why might other methods be appropriate?
- Heather and Theresa agree that technology integration has no bounds. They feel as though using computers at a very young age is appropriate even as young as 2-3 yrs old. Building for the future is one of the primary justifications for incorporating technology into younger childrens lives. Lauren, however, feels as though computers should be introduced around second or third grade. Before then, she thinks that students should be learning the "basics" so that when it is time to use more technology, they will be that much more prepared. So there is mixed feelings about this question. It could certainly be seen both ways, some want to use the technology at a young age, others feel it is best to wait...
8.) At Sherman Oaks School, Email has been one of the aspects that has changed the way the school functions. In your experience in the classroom, how has the use of email made life easier on educators? Explain your answer.
-Just about everyone had something to say about the use of e-mail within schools, and just about everyone was all for it. The use of email makes things easier on parents, teachers and students alike. Teachers can email home without having to worry about sending a note with the student, teachers can email amongst each other to plan projects or give updats on students or meetings. Using email also eliminates a lot or paper usage, and wasted time trying to hook up with a parent or administrator over the phone. Amy does raise a good point on the possible downfalss of using email. Teachers could be irresponsilbe and waste class time emailing friends. Therefore, the consensus seems to be that if used appropriately by teachers and students alike, Email is a very benficial and useful tool to implement into schools and classrooms...
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Week 7
Here are this week’s blog questions. Please let us know if you have any problems. Have a good week.
- Think about what you are doing in the classroom with your students: What projects are they working on? What resources are they using? What tools are being used? Is technology use transparent and varied?
- Many teachers have started to experiment with blogs. How could you use blogs in your classroom?
- In the articles A ”Fantastic Super” Use of Technology: Closing the Digital Divide, and Sherman Oaks School: Seamless Integration of Technology examples are given on how to integrate technology into the curriculum. How could you use these ideas to integrate technology into the classroom?
- Do you agree or disagree with the statement, technology integration is important? Provide examples why you agree or disagree.
- There are plenty of examples of how various electronic media can help students achieve more. This can be seen most dramatically in the ways that assistive technologies empower students with disabilities, allowing them to contribute in ways never before possible. What technological opportunities can you provide students with disabilities?
- At Mary Scroggs Elementary and Sherman Oaks, the “teachers are treated like professionals”. Explain the importance of teacher morale in the education process. Also explain the benefits/downfalls of teacher collaboration within a school/community.
- When integrating technology into the classroom, is there a grade level/age at which time the use of computers is too advanced? Why might other methods be appropriate?
- At Sherman Oaks School, Email has been one of the aspects that has changed the way the school functions. In your experience in the classroom, how has the use of email made life easier on educators? Explain your answer.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Week 6 Summary
I would like to first thank everyone for their wonderful posts! Everyone had some really interesting and important information to share, it was nice to read!
Here are the questions, and some key points that were brought up for each of the questions.
1. Describe ways in which you can become "digitally literate." Describe ways your classroom can become "digitally literate."
Everyone believes that their students should become digital literate because that is the direction that the world as a whole, and the world of education is headed.
Being digital literate also allows the teacher to reach more students because they can now access multiple learning styles to help the students be more successful.
There are many teachers who do not know how to use the technology that is available and thus, they are not educating their students.
Another factor is that technology is always evolving, and it is difficult to stay current.
2. According to the video: "Web 2.0...The Machine is Us/ing Us Part 2," virtual reality is a likely outcome of the participatory Internet. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Is the virtual world something that we really want, how is it possible?
This is about people sharing, trading, and collaborating (Google search) and helping each other progress in a forward direction
3. Do you think it is important for students to be assessed on their "technological literacy?" What about students that are "being left behind?" Do you think it is fair to assess students on their technological skills when some can't even read at grade level?
Problems with assessing technological literacy are the money to get the technology and the education of the technology to use it in the classroom.
Everyone agrees that it is important to become technological literate.
Those who are in the lower income are in a rut because they don't have the money to move forward, and they don't have the resources to progress forward.
Should be taught, but should not be part of assessment because it adds one more to an extensive list that students are struggling with in order to be successful.
The older generation of teachers are left behind because they don't have the training of the technology.
Not everyone has access to the Internet or to other technology while at home, which puts them behind other students who have the money to have the technology and be successful.
4. According to the summary of findings of "Teens and Technology," teens seem to use the Internet for personal reasons such as talking with friends, playing games, but they are not using the computer for educational purposes. Will incorporating computers into lessons really keep students engaged? Do you think they will be engaged in the lesson simply because it is different from using the textbook and worksheets? Or do you think they will eventually become less engaged in the lesson because they are using the computer for "school work" not for playing games and talking with friends?
Teachers should know and monitor what their students are doing so that they stay on task and do not go to places on the Internet that are inappropriate.
Using the Internet takes away from the stigma of learning through books/worksheets.
Using technology also incorporates different learning styles and thus reaching more students than one teaching style.
5. How has technology in the classroom changed since you have graduated from high school? What are the positive and negative effects of these changes on education and learning?
Did not use to have computers and photocopiers; but did have ditto machines, and electric typewriters.
Technology has benefited students because it opens the world up and all the possibilities for students.
Over the years, technology has improved significantly. We now have smart carts (DVD, VHS, voice recording, etc.); ELMO; Smart Boards; computer labs; Blackboard
Technology is always evolving, even in the past four years.
Teachers are relying on home usage of technology more and more.
Technology is appealing to visual learners.
Again, I would like to thank everyone for contributing to the discussions! Everyone did a great job!!!
Here are the questions, and some key points that were brought up for each of the questions.
1. Describe ways in which you can become "digitally literate." Describe ways your classroom can become "digitally literate."
Everyone believes that their students should become digital literate because that is the direction that the world as a whole, and the world of education is headed.
Being digital literate also allows the teacher to reach more students because they can now access multiple learning styles to help the students be more successful.
There are many teachers who do not know how to use the technology that is available and thus, they are not educating their students.
Another factor is that technology is always evolving, and it is difficult to stay current.
2. According to the video: "Web 2.0...The Machine is Us/ing Us Part 2," virtual reality is a likely outcome of the participatory Internet. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Is the virtual world something that we really want, how is it possible?
This is about people sharing, trading, and collaborating (Google search) and helping each other progress in a forward direction
3. Do you think it is important for students to be assessed on their "technological literacy?" What about students that are "being left behind?" Do you think it is fair to assess students on their technological skills when some can't even read at grade level?
Problems with assessing technological literacy are the money to get the technology and the education of the technology to use it in the classroom.
Everyone agrees that it is important to become technological literate.
Those who are in the lower income are in a rut because they don't have the money to move forward, and they don't have the resources to progress forward.
Should be taught, but should not be part of assessment because it adds one more to an extensive list that students are struggling with in order to be successful.
The older generation of teachers are left behind because they don't have the training of the technology.
Not everyone has access to the Internet or to other technology while at home, which puts them behind other students who have the money to have the technology and be successful.
4. According to the summary of findings of "Teens and Technology," teens seem to use the Internet for personal reasons such as talking with friends, playing games, but they are not using the computer for educational purposes. Will incorporating computers into lessons really keep students engaged? Do you think they will be engaged in the lesson simply because it is different from using the textbook and worksheets? Or do you think they will eventually become less engaged in the lesson because they are using the computer for "school work" not for playing games and talking with friends?
Teachers should know and monitor what their students are doing so that they stay on task and do not go to places on the Internet that are inappropriate.
Using the Internet takes away from the stigma of learning through books/worksheets.
Using technology also incorporates different learning styles and thus reaching more students than one teaching style.
5. How has technology in the classroom changed since you have graduated from high school? What are the positive and negative effects of these changes on education and learning?
Did not use to have computers and photocopiers; but did have ditto machines, and electric typewriters.
Technology has benefited students because it opens the world up and all the possibilities for students.
Over the years, technology has improved significantly. We now have smart carts (DVD, VHS, voice recording, etc.); ELMO; Smart Boards; computer labs; Blackboard
Technology is always evolving, even in the past four years.
Teachers are relying on home usage of technology more and more.
Technology is appealing to visual learners.
Again, I would like to thank everyone for contributing to the discussions! Everyone did a great job!!!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Week 7 Questions
Hey everyone! Here are five questions, feel free to answer as many as you want! Remember, you do NOT have to answer ALL of them. Have a wonderful week! :)
1. Do you think there are negative aspects to having technology in the classroom? What are those aspects? What part of a child's education are suffering? (For example, handwriting, social skills, interpersonal skills, etc.)
2. Give three detailed examples of how technology can be used in the classroom to help students with special needs. (For example, how students have speech needs, physical disabilities, learning a new language, etc.).
3. How do you think that technology is now assisting teachers or helping us do our job more fully? Think in such ways of incorporating Smart Boards into lessons, using Word templates for lesson plan organization, and Grade Machine or Excel for grading purposes.
4. In the article, "Technology Integrations" there is an activity, please do the activity and answer the questions and post. The questions are 1) Do you think these sites would engage your students? Why? 2) Which site(s) could you use with your students? How? 3) Did these sites make you want to find more like them? Why?
5. How much of a student's day at school should include the use of technology? Please justify your answer. Think about your classroom and how you will teach your students, how often and for how long will you use Smart Boards, computers, videos, etc. within lessons.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Week 6
Sorry for the delay everyone, we were having technical difficulties which I'm sure you can all relate to. So, anywho...here are the discussion questions Lori and I have for you to answer. Just a reminder you don't have to answer all of the questions.
1. Describe ways in which you can become "digitally literate." Describe ways your classroom can become "digitally literate."
2. According to the video: "Web 2.0...The Machine is Us/ing Us Part 2," virtual reality is a likely outcome of the participatory internet. Do you agree? Why or why not?
3. Do you think it is important for students to be assessed on their "technological literacy?" What about students that are "being left behind?" Do you think it is fair to assess students on their technological skills when some can't even read at grade level?
4. According to the summary of findings of "Teens and Technology," teens seem to use the internet for personal reasons such as talking with friends, playing games, but they are not using the computer for educational purposes. Will incorporating computers into lessons really keep students engaged? Do you think they will be engaged in the lesson simply because it is different from using the textbook and worksheets? Or do you think they will eventually become less engaged in the lesson because they are using the computer for "school work" not for playing games and talking with friends?
5. How has technology in the classroom changed since you have graduated from high school? What are the positive and negative effects of these changes on education and learning?
1. Describe ways in which you can become "digitally literate." Describe ways your classroom can become "digitally literate."
2. According to the video: "Web 2.0...The Machine is Us/ing Us Part 2," virtual reality is a likely outcome of the participatory internet. Do you agree? Why or why not?
3. Do you think it is important for students to be assessed on their "technological literacy?" What about students that are "being left behind?" Do you think it is fair to assess students on their technological skills when some can't even read at grade level?
4. According to the summary of findings of "Teens and Technology," teens seem to use the internet for personal reasons such as talking with friends, playing games, but they are not using the computer for educational purposes. Will incorporating computers into lessons really keep students engaged? Do you think they will be engaged in the lesson simply because it is different from using the textbook and worksheets? Or do you think they will eventually become less engaged in the lesson because they are using the computer for "school work" not for playing games and talking with friends?
5. How has technology in the classroom changed since you have graduated from high school? What are the positive and negative effects of these changes on education and learning?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Week 5 Blog Summary/Presentation
Okay I'm really bad at this. Sorry about those two previous blogs that had nothing written in them! I can't figure out how to delete them. Anyways... the posts all look great! Thank you all for your contributions and your insights to this weeks questions. It seems as though the majority of us realize that Wikipedia is not an accurate website for information (~ 9 posts). Although there are benefits to using Wikipedia in the classroom, teachers need to inform their students that there are also faulty pieces of information out there. A few of us posted on question #2 ("Today's students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach."), and made some excellent points. I would like to point out a piece of Theresa's (goaliegurl21) response to this question. Theresa stated that, "Students should be encouraged to express their learning in ways that best suit them . . ." This pretty much sums up the quote in #2. Our students are much different learners today, than they were years ago. They need to be allowed to express their learning in a way that they can show what they truly do know. Now on another note, try to respond to other people's posts throughout the week -- not just one section of the week. However, I like how the class is supporting each other's opinions, and bringing in their own experiences. Nice job this week!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Week 5 Wikis, Wikipedia, Wikibooks, and Collaborative Writing
Hi Everyone! Here are the questions for week 5. We are looking forward to a great discussion. If you have any questions please let us know. Kathryn and Gretchen.
#1
In the article "7 Things You Should Know About Wikipedia", what are the implications for teaching and learning? How could this be used in the classroom? Do you think it it is age appropriate for elementary students? Why or why not?
#2
The article "Uses & Potentials of Wikis in the Classroom" states, "Today's students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach". What does this mean to you as a teacher? Give one or two ideas on how we can adapt our classrooms to the needs of today's students. Also, do you completely agree with this statement ,or is it meant to primarily focus on the lack of technology in most schools?
#3
As a teacher allowing students to use wikipedia, how would you raise awareness about using only factual information and avoiding "wikiality"?
****wikiality- Stephen Colbert's term. Stating that on wikipedia any user can change an entry and if enough other users agree with them it becomes true.
#4
Online researching has enabled students to access an unlimited amount of information. How important is teaching them to use printed material in this technologically advancing world? Explain.
#5
Do you agree with Ferris and Wilder's argument that wikis "help bridge the gap between teachers and students?" Explain your answer and provide examples.
#1
In the article "7 Things You Should Know About Wikipedia", what are the implications for teaching and learning? How could this be used in the classroom? Do you think it it is age appropriate for elementary students? Why or why not?
#2
The article "Uses & Potentials of Wikis in the Classroom" states, "Today's students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach". What does this mean to you as a teacher? Give one or two ideas on how we can adapt our classrooms to the needs of today's students. Also, do you completely agree with this statement ,or is it meant to primarily focus on the lack of technology in most schools?
#3
As a teacher allowing students to use wikipedia, how would you raise awareness about using only factual information and avoiding "wikiality"?
****wikiality- Stephen Colbert's term. Stating that on wikipedia any user can change an entry and if enough other users agree with them it becomes true.
#4
Online researching has enabled students to access an unlimited amount of information. How important is teaching them to use printed material in this technologically advancing world? Explain.
#5
Do you agree with Ferris and Wilder's argument that wikis "help bridge the gap between teachers and students?" Explain your answer and provide examples.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Week 3 Blog Summary/Presentation
By Dr. Shi PrettyWinter
Ok, here is a summary/presentation of this week's blog discussion.Thank Lauren, Theresa and Alison for taking leadership in coming up with questions for the discussion. The questions are open-ended and make good coverage of the readings of the week. It seems many had deep feelings about children conditioned by the biases of television (9 posted on this topic). We might all have inspired by jlatta’s s applauds of Postman’s book THE END OF EDUCATION and go to read it . One good point is that the posts/comments come from your own life/teaching experiences. Another good point is that in your post you refer to what others said about a point as what Christine did “to add to Lauren said earlier about…” Other good points include relating the issue to our teaching, like audreyd516 went further to relate the readings/perspectives to our own teaching, talk about teachers responsibilities to help students. It is always easy to talk about what we see and what we experience. But we might need to go deeper into the message the piece of reading (or writing, if you want) tries to convey. Deeper reflections on the reading – what Postman really tried to say about the invasion, dominance or control (Postman would not say any of these terms are too strong), of technology, to what we do and what we think (Postman…). His point is that we human beings let tools rule over our mind. Going from there, perhaps we can reflect more on good use/integration of technology with the purpose of advancing understanding and learning? There are two comments (by Lori and Lauren) on backward design. Lauren put forward her understanding from the reading and referred to what others (Lori) had said about this issue and then related to self experience. That is an exemplar post – relate to the readings (better yet, quotes from the readings), refer to what other said, and relate to experiences. Only one post was made (by Kathryn) on the quote "learning in almost any subject today means not only learning the concepts, but also how to use technologies in that endeavor." Here are some suggestions to the class for making more effective blog posts. Perhaps follow Blog Moderating and Presentation Project guidelines more closely – tie our posts closely to the readings themselves instead of merely putting forward opinions/feelings/experiences, ask hard/provocative questions to elicit/motivate more comments/answers to these questions?
Ok, here is a summary/presentation of this week's blog discussion.Thank Lauren, Theresa and Alison for taking leadership in coming up with questions for the discussion. The questions are open-ended and make good coverage of the readings of the week. It seems many had deep feelings about children conditioned by the biases of television (9 posted on this topic). We might all have inspired by jlatta’s s applauds of Postman’s book THE END OF EDUCATION and go to read it . One good point is that the posts/comments come from your own life/teaching experiences. Another good point is that in your post you refer to what others said about a point as what Christine did “to add to Lauren said earlier about…” Other good points include relating the issue to our teaching, like audreyd516 went further to relate the readings/perspectives to our own teaching, talk about teachers responsibilities to help students. It is always easy to talk about what we see and what we experience. But we might need to go deeper into the message the piece of reading (or writing, if you want) tries to convey. Deeper reflections on the reading – what Postman really tried to say about the invasion, dominance or control (Postman would not say any of these terms are too strong), of technology, to what we do and what we think (Postman…). His point is that we human beings let tools rule over our mind. Going from there, perhaps we can reflect more on good use/integration of technology with the purpose of advancing understanding and learning? There are two comments (by Lori and Lauren) on backward design. Lauren put forward her understanding from the reading and referred to what others (Lori) had said about this issue and then related to self experience. That is an exemplar post – relate to the readings (better yet, quotes from the readings), refer to what other said, and relate to experiences. Only one post was made (by Kathryn) on the quote "learning in almost any subject today means not only learning the concepts, but also how to use technologies in that endeavor." Here are some suggestions to the class for making more effective blog posts. Perhaps follow Blog Moderating and Presentation Project guidelines more closely – tie our posts closely to the readings themselves instead of merely putting forward opinions/feelings/experiences, ask hard/provocative questions to elicit/motivate more comments/answers to these questions?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Week 4 Web 2.0: Blogging, YouTube, Podcasting, Wiki and Other Participatory Learning in Education
Here are some of this weeks discussion questions. Do not feel obligated to answer all questions. Feel free to ask any questions you have along the way! Looking forward to the discussion!
#1: As a teacher trying to raise awareness in schools about computer technology where would you go for assistance? Would you start with administration,the school board , or perhaps local, state, or the federal level? What would be a good argument to convince them to spend monies on computer updates instead of something like sports?
#2: When discussing social networking what responsiblities do teacher's have to discuss internet preditors?
#3: What is the difference between the way news has been viewed in the 20th and is being viewed in the 21st century? What would be a good 21st news assignment for your class?
#4: Do you agree with the reasons given in the additional you-tube presentation as to why we should let our students blog? Pick a couple of reasons and elaborate. If you do not agree, give supporting details why you do not.
#5: In referring to Tim O'Reilly's article, did it help you to better understand Web 2.0? What did you find were the greatest contrasting changes from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0? What do you see as advantages/disadvantages that do/do not support you in your teaching?
#1: As a teacher trying to raise awareness in schools about computer technology where would you go for assistance? Would you start with administration,the school board , or perhaps local, state, or the federal level? What would be a good argument to convince them to spend monies on computer updates instead of something like sports?
#2: When discussing social networking what responsiblities do teacher's have to discuss internet preditors?
#3: What is the difference between the way news has been viewed in the 20th and is being viewed in the 21st century? What would be a good 21st news assignment for your class?
#4: Do you agree with the reasons given in the additional you-tube presentation as to why we should let our students blog? Pick a couple of reasons and elaborate. If you do not agree, give supporting details why you do not.
#5: In referring to Tim O'Reilly's article, did it help you to better understand Web 2.0? What did you find were the greatest contrasting changes from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0? What do you see as advantages/disadvantages that do/do not support you in your teaching?
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
one sentence definition of WEB 2.0: Web 2.0 is basically a tem that describes a new way of information sharing, and collaboratning between individuals that includes using new forms of technology such as wikis, blogs, and other collaboration based programs to "stay current" and up-to-date in the everchanging technological world.
My vision of k-12 students today would be that they are much more exposed to technology (computers, ipods, cell phones,etc...) than most of the people teaching them and because of this factor, they may be ahead of most educators in that regard. Personally I would have to guess that most of the kids that I am bound to teach are going to have much more knowledge of computers than i will. However, by taking this class i am hoping to change that. Having said that most students are ahead of their techers technologically, it is the responsibility of educators today to try and learn how to use and implement new technologies in their classrooms. The internet and other new technologies are everywhere in everyday life. The real world is a technological world and it is ever changing. In order for the U.S. to catch back up to the rest of the world academically and technologically our educators are going to have to step up. I hope that this post workss...
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Week 3 Keep it up!!!
This week's reading is perhaps the heaviest compared to other weeks. But each of the 5 readings (http://edu551.wikispaces.com/Schedule) is important - and each is fantastic!!! These 5 readings will provide the basic understanding of what we are doing for the whole semester. Please keep it up and finish all the readings #1 to #4. You can skim #5 - just do tidbits.
Thank Lauren, Alison and Teresa for taking the leadership. They are working hard on the readings and will collaboratively post leading discussion question by the end of Thursday. The class can go there after that and everyone will make at least one post to the our class blogger - please make your post under "Tuesday, September 2, 2008 Week 3 Mind Vs. Tool Posted by Alison12 at 6:23 PM" - the post just below.
Thank Lauren, Alison and Teresa for taking the leadership. They are working hard on the readings and will collaboratively post leading discussion question by the end of Thursday. The class can go there after that and everyone will make at least one post to the our class blogger - please make your post under "Tuesday, September 2, 2008 Week 3 Mind Vs. Tool Posted by Alison12 at 6:23 PM" - the post just below.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Week 3- The Mind Vs. the tool (Lauren, Alison, and Teresa)
Hello, here are some of this weeks discussion/blogging cues:-feel free to ask if you don't understand a question!
1. Explain your understanding of the Backward Design of Understanding?
2. Pick one of the 6 Key Emerging Technologies from the Horizon report and give a brief description of it. Also include an example of how it is being used in academics today or how it might be in the future. This can either be an example from the text or a creative way that you think it might be used in the future!
3. Do you agree with the quote, "Learning in almost any subject today means not only learning the concepts, but also how to use technologies in that endeavor"? Why or why not and explain your reasoning. (refer to Educational Technology: Media for...)
4. According to Neil Postman, what is a technopoly? Do you believe that the United States is a technopoly, why or why not? If so, how do you a technopoly manifesting itself in today's society?
5. According to the article: "What Neal Postman Has to Say..." there are two different worlds: the world of the printed word and the world of television. The article claims children live in a world of television and come to school conditioned by the biases of television. Do you agree with this statement? What does this mean to us as teachers?
*You do not have to post a responce to all of these topic questions!
1. Explain your understanding of the Backward Design of Understanding?
2. Pick one of the 6 Key Emerging Technologies from the Horizon report and give a brief description of it. Also include an example of how it is being used in academics today or how it might be in the future. This can either be an example from the text or a creative way that you think it might be used in the future!
3. Do you agree with the quote, "Learning in almost any subject today means not only learning the concepts, but also how to use technologies in that endeavor"? Why or why not and explain your reasoning. (refer to Educational Technology: Media for...)
4. According to Neil Postman, what is a technopoly? Do you believe that the United States is a technopoly, why or why not? If so, how do you a technopoly manifesting itself in today's society?
5. According to the article: "What Neal Postman Has to Say..." there are two different worlds: the world of the printed word and the world of television. The article claims children live in a world of television and come to school conditioned by the biases of television. Do you agree with this statement? What does this mean to us as teachers?
*You do not have to post a responce to all of these topic questions!
Week 2 Blog Follow-up
Group work
1. What are the biiiiiiiiiig ideas (suggest a list of 5) in Siemen's 2006 "Connectivism..." arguments? Provide your comments to each idea.
2. YOUR visions of today's k-12 students?
3. Design one class activity integrating blog to ENGAGE a class of 20 4th graders (content, activity, length, etc.)
1. What are the biiiiiiiiiig ideas (suggest a list of 5) in Siemen's 2006 "Connectivism..." arguments? Provide your comments to each idea.
2. YOUR visions of today's k-12 students?
3. Design one class activity integrating blog to ENGAGE a class of 20 4th graders (content, activity, length, etc.)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Week 2 Blog
Hi Class, here are some of this week's discussion/blogging cues:
1. In your understanding, what does it mean when Dr. Siemens said “The pipe is more important than the content within the pipe…?” (refer to Siemens’ “Connectivism: learning theory…”)
2. What are Siemens’ major arguments in “Connectivism: Learning Theory or Pastime for the Self-Amused?” Can you pick one argument and give your own comments on that?
3. Is network learning? In what sense?
4. What are social software, do you believe they impact learning? In what ways?
5. What is web 2.0 – in YOUR understanding? Give a one-sentence definition – YOUR definition…
6. What is YOUR vision of today’s k-12 students – how much do you believe what was shown in “A Vision of k-12 Students Today? Is teaching in K-12 settings different today?
7. What are some of the ways could YOU use to engage kids in learning?
You can respond to one - or two - or a couple of these topics. Please refer to Blog Discussion/Moderation/Presentation Assignment (http://edu551.wikispaces.com/Blog+Project) when blogging.
1. In your understanding, what does it mean when Dr. Siemens said “The pipe is more important than the content within the pipe…?” (refer to Siemens’ “Connectivism: learning theory…”)
2. What are Siemens’ major arguments in “Connectivism: Learning Theory or Pastime for the Self-Amused?” Can you pick one argument and give your own comments on that?
3. Is network learning? In what sense?
4. What are social software, do you believe they impact learning? In what ways?
5. What is web 2.0 – in YOUR understanding? Give a one-sentence definition – YOUR definition…
6. What is YOUR vision of today’s k-12 students – how much do you believe what was shown in “A Vision of k-12 Students Today? Is teaching in K-12 settings different today?
7. What are some of the ways could YOU use to engage kids in learning?
You can respond to one - or two - or a couple of these topics. Please refer to Blog Discussion/Moderation/Presentation Assignment (http://edu551.wikispaces.com/Blog+Project) when blogging.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Week 2 Blog Self Intro...
This is perhaps your first time to use blog, or this blog... So post a message to test if it works for ya and learn how it works. The message can be an intro message about yourself - who you are, where you are from, what you do for living, for fun... etc. why you take this EDU551 course ect....
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